FranklinCovey On Leadership

Why do so many smart organizations still feel slow, rigid, and stuck in the past? In this episode, Phil Le-Brun—former McDonald’s executive who helped modernize operations across 38,000 restaurants, and now an executive in residence at Amazon Web Services—joins Jennifer Colosimo to introduce ideas from his new book, The Octopus Organization. Phil explains why the “silent killer” of performance isn’t bad people, but good people trapped in bad rules, outdated structures, and 19th-century management thinking. Using the octopus as a metaphor, he explores what it really means to build a learning, adaptive organization where decision-making lives closer to the work, not just at the top. Phil shares practical ways leaders can move beyond soul-crushing, one-time transformations and instead create continuous, humane change that unlocks potential, accelerates decisions, and helps teams thrive in a world of constant complexity.
 
As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale.
 
To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

What if the biggest barrier to your goals lives inside your own head? In this episode, Dr. Henry Cloud—renowned clinical psychologist, executive coach, bestselling author, and co-founder of a large healthcare organization—joins Jennifer Colosimo to unpack the ideas behind his new book, Your Desired Future: The 5 Essential Steps That Take You Where You Want to Go. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and years working in the “war rooms” with CEOs and executive teams, Henry explains why effort alone rarely closes the gap between vision and execution. He introduces a simple but powerful model, inspired by how the human body moves from “here” to “there,” to help leaders clarify the future they want, recruit the right talent, and design strategies that actually work. Along the way, he explores how self-doubt, unexamined assumptions, and missing structural elements quietly stall progress—and what you can do to consistently create the results you intend.
 
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, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

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.

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, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

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.
 
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, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

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.
 
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, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776