Franklincovey On Leadership With Scott Miller

A compelling idea means little if it fails to move people. Chris Anderson, head of TED, explains what separates ideas that spread from those that stall—and how leaders can communicate in ways that drive real impact. Drawing on years of curating and coaching some of the world’s most influential talks, Anderson breaks down the structure of persuasive communication, the importance of clarity over complexity, and why storytelling is a leadership skill—not a performance skill. He also addresses common pitfalls, including overloading audiences with information and failing to connect ideas to human meaning. For leaders responsible for influence, alignment, and change, the ability to communicate ideas effectively is a force multiplier. Listen to explore how to turn insight into action through better communication. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organiza

Playing it safe is often the riskiest career move. Sukhinder Singh Cassidy—current CEO of Xero, former president of StubHub, and founder of theBoardlist—shares why growth comes from taking calculated risks and building a personal “risk muscle” over time. Drawing on her leadership across Google, Amazon, and multiple startups, she explains how to evaluate opportunities not just by stability, but by learning velocity, scope, and long-term upside. Cassidy also challenges leaders to rethink how they hire and develop talent, emphasizing potential over pedigree and encouraging teams to step outside rigid career paths. For organizations facing constant change, her perspective reframes risk-taking as a discipline—not a gamble. Listen to explore how intentional risk can accelerate both individual careers and organizational performance.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every

AI is reshaping organizations faster than most leaders expect. Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, explains why the future will favor companies—and professionals—who become dexterous with AI tools. He shares how Cisco transformed from a collection of acquired product “fiefdoms” into an integrated platform company, opened its ecosystem to partners, and embedded an AI-first mindset across a 30,000-person organization. Patel also explores how AI agents will change the nature of work, why leaders must distinguish megatrends from hype cycles, and how culture shifts require both top-down clarity and bottom-up participation. For leaders navigating technological disruption, the message is direct: embrace the tools, focus on meaningful problems, and build teams capable of adapting at scale.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organiza

Loneliness is more than a personal struggle—it’s a measurable threat to creativity, productivity, and health. Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, explains why disconnection erodes workplace performance and why leaders must treat social connection as a strategic priority. Drawing on research and his own experience in public service, Murthy outlines practical ways organizations can foster belonging—from modeling relationship-first leadership to simple, structured storytelling rituals that humanize teams. He also addresses AI companions, youth mental health, and the unintended consequences of social media, challenging leaders to ensure technology augments—not replaces—human relationships. At a time when engagement and retention are at risk, this conversation reframes connection as a leadership imperative. Listen to explore how building community drives both well-being and results. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build e

Kara Nortman built her career in traditional venture capital—then stepped away from the classic Silicon Valley model to co-found Angel City FC and later launch Monarch Collective, a $250 million fund investing in women’s sports. Her journey reveals what happens when curiosity, conviction, and community intersect. Nortman explains how applying a venture mindset to sports unlocked overlooked demand, why founder-market fit matters beyond tech, and how getting the right two or three people on a team can change everything. She also reflects on identity, risk, and the courage to leave a prestigious role to pursue deeper purpose. For leaders navigating reinvention, her message is clear: be intentional, build exceptional teams, and align impact with returns. Listen to learn how founder thinking can transform industries—and careers.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every le

As AI drives the cost of cognition toward zero, competing on intelligence alone will no longer be enough. Former OpenAI go-to-market leader Zack Kass argues we are entering a “next Renaissance,” where intelligence becomes abundant and leaders must rethink strategy, talent, and purpose. He distinguishes between incremental AI gains and exponential reinvention, challenges organizations to clarify mission over legacy methods, and warns against confusing hype with real transformation. Kass also explores the cultural barriers to adoption, the myth of AI-driven decline in critical thinking, and why human qualities—agency, empathy, courage, and creativity—will define leadership in a post-AI world. Listen to this episode of FranklinCovey On Leadership with Will Houghteling to explore how to lead when intelligence is no longer scarce.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every

Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder System, explains how a 90-year-old company stays relevant by deliberately embracing disruption. He walks through Ryder’s shift from a truck rental brand to a diversified transportation and logistics partner, detailing the strategic choices behind narrowing geographic focus, expanding asset-light services, and investing in technology. Sanchez also shares how leadership mindset shapes culture—especially the importance of giving people permission to try, fail, and learn without fear. From building trust across a 50,000-employee workforce to institutionalizing “important but not urgent” strategy work, this conversation offers practical lessons for leaders managing complexity, legacy businesses, and constant change. Listen now to explore how disciplined strategy, innovation, and a tolerance for failure can drive long-term performance.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leade

Serial airline founder David Neeleman shares what it really takes to build—and rebuild—extraordinary companies as they scale. From being fired at Southwest to founding JetBlue, Azul, and Breeze, Neeleman reflects on the crucible moments that shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why culture decays without relentless communication, how servant leadership shows up in high-stakes, operationally complex environments, and what leaders must do to keep teams aligned as organizations grow from dozens to thousands. The conversation also explores ownership-first cultures, customer obsession, crisis leadership during JetBlue’s Valentine’s Day meltdown, and why clarity, discipline, and checklists matter when safety and trust are non-negotiable. Listen now to learn how leaders can grow fast without sacrificing purpose, people, or performance.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your cultu

Julie Zhuo, former VP of Product Design at Facebook and author of The Making of a Manager, reflects on the leadership lessons she learned while scaling with one of the world’s fastest-growing companies. She explains why great managers must hold high standards without becoming taskmasters—and how trust, feedback, and clarity determine whether teams merely comply or truly commit. Zhuo shares a defining moment of feedback that reshaped her approach to management, unpacks the shift from individual contributor to leader, and outlines the levers managers use to multiply impact through people, process, and purpose. The conversation also explores why leaders confuse niceness with kindness, how to create real clarity on teams, and what thoughtful experimentation looks like in the age of AI. Listen now to explore what it really means to expect a lot and care a lot.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and

Bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and Trust & Inspire, Stephen M. R. Covey, joins us to share lessons from growing up with Stephen R. Covey as a father, the early career experiences that taught him to trust himself, and the origins of his groundbreaking work on trust. He explains how trust transforms organizations, backed by research showing employees are 14x more engaged when they trust their leaders, and why leadership today requires not just building trust but also inspiring others. From the painful process of earning credibility to the neuroscience of trust, Stephen reveals why trust is the new currency of our time, how to move beyond command-and-control leadership, and what practical behaviors can help leaders scale influence, inspire their teams, and sustain results.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization.   To learn more

Real behavior change rarely comes from willpower, motivation, or sudden insight. According to behavioral scientist BJ Fogg, it comes from design. In this conversation, Fogg explains why habits form when behaviors are made easy, anchored to existing routines, and reinforced through emotion—not repetition alone. Drawing on the Fogg Behavior Model (B=MAP), he challenges common leadership assumptions about motivation, consistency, and culture change. The discussion moves from personal habit formation to organizational behavior, showing how leaders can redesign environments to drive faster, more durable change at scale—from AI adoption to product design. Fogg also critiques popular habit frameworks and clarifies what actually wires habits into the brain. Listen now to learn how leaders can stop trying to motivate people and start designing for success.   Climbing the leadership ladder isn’t just about strategy—it’s about connection. Strengthen your communication skills with our latest guide: From Misunderstood to

As leaders reset priorities for a new year, Todd Davis argues that progress doesn’t come from chasing trends—it comes from applying timeless principles with discipline. Drawing on three decades at FranklinCovey, Davis explains why Begin with the End in Mind and Put First Things First remain foundational for leaders navigating silos, hybrid work, and rising employee expectations. He challenges the idea that generational differences fundamentally change leadership, making the case that people still want the same things: trust, meaning, growth, and recognition. The conversation also explores why private victory must precede public victory, how weekly planning builds credibility, and why feedback only works when leaders make it safe to tell the truth. Listen now to revisit the leadership fundamentals that still drive results.   Level up your leadership and make every message count with proven communication strategies. Download our guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. htt

Conflict is unavoidable at work—but avoiding it is often the bigger risk. Amy Gallo, bestselling author and Harvard Business Review expert, reframes conflict as a leadership advantage rather than a failure. She explains why resolving tension at the lowest level builds trust, how leaders accidentally undermine team culture by stepping in too soon, and why “feeling good” is the wrong metric for a successful difficult conversation. Drawing on research, real workplace scenarios, and her book Getting Along, Gallo offers practical guidance for navigating passive-aggressive behavior, insecure managers, and high-stakes disagreements. The conversation challenges the instinct to prioritize harmony over honesty and makes a clear case: teams that handle conflict well are stronger, more resilient, and more effective. Listen now to learn how to turn workplace tension into progress.   Gain insight into your conversation style and learn how to navigate conversations authentically and effectively with our Difficult Conversati

Trust is not a soft value—it’s a force multiplier. Drawing on decades leading elite military units and advising global organizations, Gen. Stanley McChrystal argues that excessive controls, approvals, and safeguards are often signs of distrust—and they quietly cripple performance. In this conversation with Will Houghteling, McChrystal unpacks how trust is built through repeated interaction, proven competence, and shared context, not slogans or policies. He explains why modern organizations must replace rigid hierarchies with shared consciousness, how leaders can empower faster decision-making without losing accountability, and why underinvesting in leadership development carries long-term costs. From battlefield lessons to boardroom realities, this episode challenges leaders to rethink how trust, communication, and character drive execution at scale. Listen now to explore what it really takes to lead effectively in complexity and uncertainty.   Climbing the leadership ladder isn’t just about strategy—it’s abo

Former Procter & Gamble CEO AG Lafley explains why enduring performance depends on treating even the most established business as an “eternal restart”—constantly innovating, pruning distractions, and staying grounded in real customer behavior rather than stated preference. Drawing on decades leading one of the world’s largest consumer companies, he outlines how organizations can sharpen strategic choices, build ambidextrous cultures, and simplify management systems to execute with consistency. Lafley also details P&G’s shift toward open innovation, its rigorous process for exiting underperforming categories, and the leadership behaviors required to create competitive advantage at scale. Listen now to explore how leaders can refocus resources, empower teams closest to the customer, and cultivate innovation that actually reaches the market.   Everyone agrees that leadership matters. But in the rush of competing priorities—in the whirlwind of data, deadlines, and deliverables—it’s easy to lose sight of

Bestselling author and workplace equity expert Minda Harts outlines the seven trust languages from her book Talk to Me Nice and explains why trust must be treated as a daily leadership practice—not a corporate initiative. She shares how transparency, acknowledgment, security, and follow-through shape whether teams feel respected and safe enough to contribute their best work. Harts also challenges leaders to examine power dynamics, close expectation gaps, and recognize the influence middle managers hold in shaping culture. Minda shares data connecting trust to productivity, retention, and reduced anxiety, and offers practical ways to rebuild trust even in organizations facing uncertainty. This conversation will teach you how to build trust through clearer expectations, better communication, and consistent follow-through.   Across industries and institutions, leadership is being hollowed out by scandal, short-termism, and a dangerous obsession with optics over integrity. Download our latest insights report, Whe

Bestselling author and longtime Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman brings decades of research into time, focus, and the psychology of meaning to challenge the belief that control and optimization lead to fulfillment. Drawing on ideas from Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, he explores why accepting our finite time, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and turning toward discomfort can create deeper focus and purpose. Burkeman contrasts the fantasy of “superyacht control” with the reality of navigating life in a “kayak,” where uncertainty is constant but agency remains. He offers practical ways leaders can prioritize what matters, make peace with tradeoffs, and cultivate a more grounded presence amid overwhelm. Listen now to explore how acknowledging limits can become a powerful source of clarity and effectiveness.   Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources

Stanford lecturer in Organizational Behavior and communication expert Matt Abrahams explains why strong leadership depends on clarity, intention, and genuine connection. He breaks down practical tools—like his “What? So What? Now What?” structure—that help people speak effectively under pressure and avoid the traps of over-preparation, memorization, and audience neglect. Abrahams also offers concrete methods to manage speaking anxiety, craft messages that resonate, and become more “audience-obsessed” in everyday conversations. The discussion goes beyond presentations, covering small talk, one-on-ones, and how leaders can create trust through presence and active listening. Listen now to learn communication habits you can put to work immediately.   Discover how to replace confusion with clarity and turn every message you deliver into aligned, confident action across your team. Download our guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-m

In this FranklinCovey Impact Conference panel, host Will Houghteling explores how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership and work with Henry Deng of Google, Sumeet Chabria of ThoughtLinks, and Kathi Enderes of the Josh Bersin Company. The discussion tackles how leaders can harness AI to amplify human potential, not replace it—focusing on trust, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. From McDonald’s reimagining hiring to Google’s use of generative AI for workflow design, the panel highlights the skills leaders need to thrive: curiosity, communication, and courage to rethink the role of technology. Press play to learn how to balance efficiency with humanity and lead teams confidently through AI-driven change.   Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class lea

Former Home Depot CEO Frank Blake shares how an “inverted pyramid” mindset reshaped one of America’s largest retailers. In this candid conversation, Blake explains why true leadership begins by serving those closest to the customer—and how listening deeply, celebrating frontline excellence, and simplifying communication drive lasting results. He reflects on lessons from Ronald Reagan and Jack Welch, explores the balance between humility and accountability, and offers practical guidance for managers stepping into leadership for the first time. From navigating crises to shaping culture through recognition, Blake reveals how leaders can align purpose, people, and performance. Watch or listen to this conversation to learn how to build teams that thrive from the ground up.   Across industries and institutions, leadership is being hollowed out by scandal, short-termism, and a dangerous obsession with optics over integrity. Download our latest insights report, Where are all the great leaders?, and seize opportunity