The Global Leadership Podcast

Whether it's ideating from nothing, feeling pressure to be original or wondering if creativity is something you either have or you don't, most of us struggle with creativity at some level. However, for today's guest, to be creative is to be human. Author, speaker and "Creativity Explorer" Fredrik Heron has spent decades helping leaders understand that creativity isn't about talent or personality: it's about practice, environment and perspective. GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft sat down with Fredrik to talk about his new book The World of Creativity and together they unpack what it really means to lead creatively—even when the ideas don't come easily.

When the word, "innovation" gets mentioned, there tends to be two broad reactions: some people love pioneering and creating new things. However, a lot of people immediately think, "I am not creative; innovation is something that comes easily to other people and not me." If you find yourself in that latter group, today's interview with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft will hopefully dispel those thoughts and show how innovation doesn't mean creating something out of nothing. If you're ready to discover how to give yourself space for innovation, give this episode a listen.

Have you ever wished you could sit down with someone who has truly mastered their craft? Michael Jordan on winning; Mozart on music; Leonardo Da Vinci on creativity. Not just to review their highlight reels but to unpack all the lessons they learned across their lives? Well, that's what today's conversation feels like because today we get to listen to John C Maxwell talk about leadership.  
John Maxwell is a world-renowned leadership expert and best-selling author who has trained countless leaders across industries and across the globe. It's no exaggeration to say that he has helped define the shape of modern leadership. John's life is an example of what can happen when someone stays curious, humble and committed to growth for decades, and there also something truly about getting to learn from someone who has run their race well and stayed faithful to growth over the long haul.
John was honored as a GLN Legacy Leader at the 2025 global leadership Summit, and he sat down with our president and CEO, David Ashcraft for a conversation in front of a live studio audience about what a lifetime of leadership looks like.

Today's episode is all about purpose and calling. As a leader who is rolling into a new year, you might be thinking about what's next. This conversation with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft will encourage you with the unique ways you've been called to lead and center you by reminding you what it's all about.

As 2025 wraps up and 2026 gets started, we thought we'd take a look back on all the great conversations we've had over the past year and pick a few of our favorites to share with you. Whitney and Content Producer Eric Case talk through their reactions to episodes with guests Marcus Buckingham, Joni Eareckson Tada, David Ashcraft and Gabe Salguero.