This conversation explores the themes of leadership during times of disruption, examining both the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and the leadership of Nelson Mandela. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions, values, and communication in navigating crises. It highlights the need for servant leadership, cultural resilience, and the ability to find common ground amidst chaos. Ken, Larry, and Dan reflect on the lessons learned from Mandela’s journey and how they can be applied to current events, particularly in the context of youth and societal challenges.

This episode examines the leadership journey of Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, emphasizing his resilience through various challenges, including legal battles, financial crises, and cultural criticisms. The discussion highlights the importance of self-awareness, values, and the ability to adapt in leadership roles. Through Knight’s story, the hosts demonstrate key principles of leadership during difficult times, such as the importance of building a strong organizational culture and how personal experiences influence leadership style.

In this episode, Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan Terry explore the vital role of organizational culture in crisis management. They discuss how identity influences strategy, using case studies from Kodak, Fujifilm, Netflix, and Wells Fargo to show the importance of adaptability and proactive leadership. The conversation highlights the need for a culture that promotes open communication, continuous learning, and the ability to pivot quickly in response to market shifts.

In this conversation, Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan Terry discuss the critical role of purpose in leadership, especially during tough times. They explore how purpose can enhance resilience and performance, using Toyota’s recent crisis as a case study to illustrate the consequences of straying from core values. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embedding purpose into organizational culture, ensuring quality control, and aligning business operations with a clear mission. Real-world examples, including Adidas’ decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the impact of purpose-driven leadership on both employees and stakeholders. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the critical role of purpose in organizational decision-making, especially during crises. They discuss real-life examples of companies facing backlash due to misalignment between their stated values and actions. The importance of empathy in business, particularly in how companies treat their employees and customers, is emphasized. The discussion also touches on the legacy that purpose-driven organizations can create and the challenges of maintaining integrity in tough times.

In this episode of the Leadership in Tough Times podcast, hosts Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan Terry explore the concept of being grounded during challenging times. Through personal stories and examples, they discuss the importance of communication, resilience, and the ability to maintain clarity in crisis situations. The conversation highlights the experiences of individuals who faced tough leadership challenges and draws parallels to notable cases such as the Miracle on the Hudson and the life of Victor Frankl, emphasizing the significance of purpose and meaning in overcoming adversity. This conversation explores the themes of resilience and grounded leadership during extended disruptions. The speakers discuss the importance of maintaining hope and patience, the different mentalities that contribute to survival, and the significance of effective communication in crisis situations. They analyze Elon Musk’s leadership style, contrasting task-focused approaches with the need for empathy and stakeholder engagement. The discussion also highlights indicators of grounded leadership and the consequences of being ungrounded, emphasizing the necessity of self-awareness and ownership in leadership roles.

In this episode, Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan Terry discuss the challenges leaders face in navigating disruption and unstable environments. They explore the impact of cultural changes, the importance of values in leadership, and the effects of business model changes on organizations. Through various examples, they highlight how effective communication and alignment between actions and words are crucial for maintaining trust and stability during times of change. In this conversation, Larry Briggs and Ken Leatherman explore the complexities of leadership during times of change and disruption. They discuss the importance of adaptability, the role of empathy, and the necessity of clear communication in guiding teams through transitions. The dialogue highlights real-world examples of successful leadership strategies, particularly in family businesses and large corporations, emphasizing the need for leaders to remain connected and relevant to their teams.

In this conversation, the hosts explore the concept of resilience in leadership, discussing its definition, importance, and practical applications in corporate settings. They analyze real-world examples, such as the leadership responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced by companies like Starbucks. The discussion emphasizes the need for clear communication, empathy, and vulnerability in leadership, as well as the significance of self-care for leaders to maintain their effectiveness during tough times. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the critical themes of self-care, resilience, and effective leadership during challenging times. They discuss the importance of immersing oneself in family and personal life as a coping mechanism, the necessity of activating support networks, and the courage required to lead effectively. The dialogue emphasizes the need for keen observation and communication in leadership, especially when managing team dynamics and addressing disruptive behaviors. Ultimately, the speakers highlight that true leadership is about serving others and maintaining a focus on collective goals rather than individual concerns.

n this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, hosts Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan Terry explore the concept of resilience in leadership. They discuss the importance of personal experiences in building resilience, the critical decision-making process leaders face during tough times, and the necessity of adaptability and courageous pivoting. The conversation emphasizes the role of trust and connection within teams, as well as strategies for cultivating resilience in established organizational cultures. In this conversation, the speakers explore the essential qualities of effective leadership, particularly in challenging times. They discuss the importance of reading the room, establishing a clear purpose, and the power of storytelling as tools for building resilience within teams. Historical examples, such as Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, are highlighted to illustrate the significance of purpose and adaptability. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to prepare their teams for change and to cultivate resilience through practice and experience.

In this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan discuss the critical phases of disruption and direction in leadership. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, decisive action, and building trust during crises. The conversation explores different leadership styles, the necessity of rapid assessment and fact-finding, and the role of vision and values in guiding teams through challenging times. The hosts share insights on learning from past disruptions and preparing for future challenges, highlighting the need for ongoing training and investment in leadership development.

In this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan discuss the emotional responses leaders face during crises and how to effectively manage their teams. They explore the 108010 rule, which categorizes people into three groups based on their reactions to tough situations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding team dynamics, collaboration, and the need for leaders to possess integrity and emotional intelligence. They also draw lessons from historical leaders and discuss the significance of preparing for future challenges.

Leadership isn’t easy—even in calm waters. But what happens when the storm hits? In this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, we explore what it truly means to lead when circumstances are uncertain, volatile, or overwhelming. What exactly is a “Tough Time”? How can you recognize the stages of disruption before they overtake your organization or team? Join us as we unpack the definition of a Tough Time, explore its key attributes, and lay the foundation for navigating adversity with resilience, clarity, and purpose.