FranklinCovey On Leadership

When teams fail to innovate, leaders often blame execution, alignment, or talent. Eric Ries argues the real issue is leadership itself. Drawing on ideas from The Lean Startup and his latest work on building “incorruptible” organizations, Ries explains why companies unintentionally suppress creativity through rigid systems, misaligned incentives, and a fear of failure. He outlines a practical path forward: start with small, leader-led experiments, challenge legacy planning assumptions, and redesign systems that reward learning—not just outcomes. Ries also introduces the concept of the “culture bank,” where trust is built through consistent decisions that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains. For leaders navigating uncertainty, the message is clear: sustainable innovation requires changing how you lead, not just what your teams do. Listen to explore how to build organizations that adapt, innovate, and earn trust at scale.

AI transformation is moving faster than any prior technology shift, but Joe Atkinson argues the real challenge isn’t technical—it’s human. Drawing on his experience leading AI strategy at PwC, Atkinson explains why empathy, listening, and clarity are now core leadership capabilities, not soft skills. He outlines how leaders must balance speed with trust, avoid over-reliance on consensus, and invest in continuous learning to keep pace with change. The conversation also explores why most organizations struggle to capture ROI from AI—and what top performers do differently. Ultimately, leadership determines whether AI becomes a productivity tool or a true driver of transformation. Listen to explore how to lead through disruption while building capability, confidence, and performance.

Most change efforts fail not because people resist change, but because leaders misunderstand how change actually works. Julia Dhar, behavioral scientist and BCG managing director, explains why 75% of transformations fall short—and what leaders can do differently. She introduces the concept of “change distance,” the gap between executive optimism and employee reality, and outlines practical ways to close it. Dhar challenges leaders to move beyond false alignment to real agreement, use storytelling that is honest and specific, and design change with real human behavior in mind. She also highlights the importance of incentives, emotional awareness, and “take-up”—making change easier to adopt in daily work. The result is a more grounded, human-centered approach to transformation. Listen to learn how to turn strategy into sustained behavior change.

UPS CEO Carol Tomé believes leadership comes down to three things: head, heart, and hands. In this On Leadership conversation with Jennifer Colosimo, Tomé shares how she guided UPS through the disruption of 2020 while transforming the company into a customer-first, innovation-driven logistics leader. She explains the strategic shift toward “better, not bigger,” the expansion into complex healthcare logistics, and how AI and automation are reshaping supply chains without losing the human connection customers value most. Tomé also discusses the leadership traits she looks for in senior executives—including curiosity, empathy, and future-focused thinking—and why developing talent is one of a leader’s most important responsibilities. From operational excellence to culture and purpose, this episode offers a practical look at leading large-scale transformation while keeping people at the center.

Most organizations are approaching AI the wrong way. Conor Grennan, founder and CEO of AI Mindset, argues that AI adoption is not primarily a technology challenge—it’s a behavioral and leadership challenge. Drawing on his work with organizations like Google, Walmart, and Microsoft, Grennan explains why employees instinctively treat AI like a search engine instead of a collaborative teammate, limiting both adoption and impact. He outlines practical frameworks leaders can use to reduce fear, encourage experimentation, and shift teams from incremental productivity gains to real reinvention. Grennan also explores the role of vulnerability in leading AI transformation, emphasizing that trust, curiosity, and clear expectations matter more than technical expertise. Listen to explore how leaders can help people adapt to AI in more human, effective ways.

Today’s CEOs face constant distractions that consume time and attention. Dan Bigman, editor-in-chief and chief content officer of Chief Executive Group, shares what he’s hearing from top executives about the realities of modern leadership. He explains why clarity becomes a leader’s most important responsibility during uncertainty and why many organizations are approaching AI the wrong way. Bigman also explores the habits shared by effective CEOs, including disciplined focus, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt as conditions change. Drawing on conversations with some of the world’s most influential business leaders, he offers a grounded perspective on what leadership looks like when complexity and change are accelerating simultaneously. Listen to explore the practices helping leaders stay effective amid constant disruption.

In a world flooded with information, the greatest leadership challenge may be managing how we respond to ideas that challenge our assumptions. Philosopher and cognitive immunology researcher Andy Norman introduces the concept of “mental immunity”—the mind’s ability to resist misinformation, rigid thinking, and reactive decision-making. Drawing parallels to the body’s immune system, he explains why leaders must learn to pause before reacting, listen deeply to dissenting perspectives, and treat objections as opportunities for learning rather than threats. Norman also explores how organizations can strengthen collective decision-making through collaborative inquiry, intellectual humility, and a culture that welcomes thoughtful questioning. For leaders navigating change, conflict, and uncertainty, the ability to remain curious and persuadable may be one of the most important leadership skills of all. Listen to explore how stronger mental immunity can improve leadership effectiveness.