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This month’s theme at the Global Leadership Network is “leading with heart,” and in this episode of the Global Leadership Podcast, Whitney Putnam sits down with GLN president and CEO David Ashcraft. Together, they explore what it means to lead with heart and examine practical ways that leaders can begin to lead with openness and authenticity. David and Whitney also discuss how to avoid some potential pitfalls that can occur as leaders begin to open up to those around them.
SUMMARY
This month’s theme at the Global Leadership Network is “leading with heart,” and in this episode of the Global Leadership Podcast, Whitney Putnam sits down with GLN president and CEO David Ashcraft. Together, they explore what it means to lead with heart and examine practical ways that leaders can begin to lead with openness and authenticity. David and Whitney also discuss how to avoid some potential pitfalls that can occur as leaders begin to open up to those around them.
IN THIS EPISODE
0:00 Intro
2:55 For David, what does it mean to lead with heart?
4:25 Has leading with vulnerability and authenticity always come naturally to David?
5:48 Has David had a situation when he felt like he could not show up as himself?
11:25 How time is a good guardrail when choosing stories to share.
12:50 How David connects country music to leading with heart.
15:53 Outro
LISTEN
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
STANDOUTS AND TAKEAWAYS
- Leading with heart means being real and being honest.
- There’s a balance between being too open about flaws and brokenness, and not being open at all.
- People want to follow a real person. They want to hear stories that show that we are not perfect.
- When possible, communicators should choose stories that aren’t too fresh, and that have some resolution.
LINKS MENTIONED
- Website: Team365
- Website: Global Leadership Summit 2025
- Website: Global Leadership Network
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