Franklincovey On Leadership With Scott Miller

Leadership is not about rank or title—it’s a skill that must be learned and continually developed. In this conversation, Will Houghteling is joined by Simon Sinek, renowned leadership expert, bestselling author of Start With Why, and founder of The Optimism Company. Known for his influential TED Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” Sinek shares insights on what he’s learned since the publication of Start With Why, and explores the deeper qualities that make someone a leader others genuinely want to follow. What mindsets, habits, and actions distinguish truly effective leaders in today’s world? For more information, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

How many times have we been juggling a thousand projects, and responsibilities just keep coming? And we say yes to everything! Today's guest, Dr. Sunita Sah, has spent her career studying the power of "no." Dr. Sah is a Professor at Cornell University's Graduate School of Management and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes.   In today’s conversation, we discuss her personal journey of defiance, research-backed and pragmatic defiance practices, and advice for business leaders building independent and innovative cultures.   For more information, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

As a leader, you're always striving to improve—but how do you change what you can't see? In today’s conversation, Marty Dubin—a psychologist turned serial entrepreneur, business coach, and adviser to C-suite executives—discusses insights from his upcoming book, Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader, soon to be published by Harvard Business Review. Dubin shares how his background in therapy shaped his approach to business, the most common (and dangerous) blindspots leaders face, his personal and professional experiences uncovering them, the critical role of self-awareness in leadership, and much more.   If your leaders’ approaches toward work haven’t changed significantly in recent months or even years, it’s likely they’re not actually leading. Leaders need more than a retroactive managerial playbook, causing resistance to change. Leaders need to shift how they think and what they do to succeed in the new world—and it requires a new mindset. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-6-s

Being blunt with a coworker or direct report will only hurt your reputation and relationship unless you care personally first. Join Will Houghteling and Kim Scott, bestselling author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect, as they discuss how the best leaders approach communication with transparency and respect.   For more information on FranklinCovey, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

Is happiness a choice? Today's guest is Tal Ben-Shahar, best-selling author of Happiness Studies and Happier, No Matter What. He also taught two of Harvard's most popular classes, "Positive Psychology" and "The Psychology of Leadership." He consults and lectures to executives in multinational corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations, and is the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Happiness Studies Academy. Tal and our new host, Will Houghteling, discuss whether happiness is truly a choice in the midst of so much turbulence and how we should give ourselves permission to be human through it all.

Tim Ferris, author of 5 #1 NYT/WSJ bestsellers, early-stage investor, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast, shares how one snarky comment from a college student and a night of insomnia set him down a path to be a New York Times bestselling author and a 4-hour thought leader.

Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize–winning chemist and author of Why We Die, shares a fascinating look into the biology of aging and the scientific breakthroughs that could extend not just our lifespan, but our healthspan. He explains how the body breaks down over time, what evolution teaches us about longevity, and why community, purpose, and sleep may matter more than we think. Venki also weighs in on vaccines, genetic engineering, and the emerging frontier of age-reversing technologies—offering both clarity and hope in the quest to live better, longer.

Dr. Gregory Walton, Stanford professor and co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab, shares insights from his new book Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Drawing from decades of social psychology research, he explains how simple, intentional gestures—like wise feedback, affirming someone’s strengths, or showing belief in their potential—can transform lives and unlock performance. Whether you’re a leader, educator, parent, or friend, this conversation will inspire you to recognize the extraordinary power you hold in everyday moments to help others feel seen, valued, and capable.

John Tregoning, immunologist and author of Live Forever: A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Aging, and Death, shares science-backed insights into how we can live longer—and better. With clarity and candor, he walks through the top causes of death from heart disease to dementia, explaining what really drives them and how simple, everyday habits—like movement, food, connection, and curiosity—can improve both lifespan and quality of life. From the dangers of sugar and stress to the surprising benefits of social ties, this fast-paced conversation will change the way you think about health, aging, and the future of your body.

Dawn Dahlby, wealth advisor and author of Live Wealthy: Own Your Worth, Grow Your Wealth, shares a powerful framework for transforming your financial life—starting with how you see yourself. With insights from 10,000 client conversations, Dawn explains why money stress is often rooted in self-worth, and how aligning your income and spending with your core values and strengths can lead to more peace, purpose, and prosperity. She also breaks down her 10-20-30-40 spending plan, offers advice for any career stage, and shows why earning from your strengths and spending from your values is the new path to living wealthy.

Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, shares research-backed insights on how to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Drawing from decades of data on real conversations, she introduces the TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—and explains why even high-achieving leaders often miss the mark when it comes to listening and giving space. From social anxiety to overtalking, Alison offers practical strategies to help anyone—from CEOs to teenagers—navigate the art and science of talking well in a world full of noise.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder of Care.com and Ohai.ai, shares her remarkable journey from young immigrant mother to tech founder and CEO. She opens up about the sacrifices behind entrepreneurship, the hidden costs of unpaid labor, and the systems she’s building to support families and restore connection. Sheila reflects on raising capital, staying data-driven while leading with heart, and the dualities of bold, authentic leadership. With wisdom forged in both business and life, she offers a compelling vision for how technology—and self-awareness—can help us lead better, live more fully, and love deeper.

Frank Lorenzo, legendary airline executive and author of Flying for Peanuts, reflects on the high-stakes world of aviation, business transformation, and leadership under fire. From pioneering low-cost fares and managing massive union battles to negotiating with Donald Trump and leading through tragedy, Frank shares lessons learned from decades in the cockpit of industry change. He also opens up about reputation, resilience, and the human cost of leadership, offering hard-earned wisdom for anyone navigating complexity, criticism, or crisis. This candid conversation sets the record straight—and shows what it really takes to lead during turbulent times.

Dana Maor, McKinsey senior partner and lead author of The Journey of Leadership, shares insights from her work advising global CEOs on how to lead from the inside out. Drawing on 26 years at McKinsey, Dana unpacks the new rules of leadership in an age of complexity, from embracing humility and inner agility to learning how to be vulnerable without losing authority. She also explores the powerful dynamics of team psychology—why everyone keeps things from the boss, how leaders can uncover their own triggers, and how to build trust across top teams. Packed with research, real stories, and actionable tools, this episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to lead with greater self-awareness, impact, and clarity.

Debra Whitman, economist and AARP executive, shares research and wisdom from her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. From longevity and brain health to working longer, affording retirement, and redefining purpose, Debra offers a clear-eyed yet hopeful look at what it takes to age well in America today. She also breaks down the biggest myths around memory loss, long-term care, and how your zip code affects your lifespan—and provides actionable advice for individuals, families, and employers alike.

Kristen Welch, author and founder of Mercy House Global, shares the lessons she’s learned about parenting, contentment, and living with purpose. After a life-changing trip to Kenya, Kristin shifted how she raised her three kids—choosing gratitude, service, and intentional boundaries over comfort and entitlement. She explains how small, everyday practices—like family dinners, gratitude jars, and thoughtful giving—can help families counter cultural pressure and raise kids who are both joyful and grounded.

Michael Chad Hoeppner, communication expert and author of Don’t Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life, shares practical tools for becoming a more confident, intentional speaker. Drawing from years of coaching C-suite executives and presidential candidates, he explains why delivery—not content—is what makes or breaks communication. From filler words and mumbling to posture, breath, and pausing, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you ditch self-consciousness, speak with precision, and connect more powerfully in every conversation. Whether you're giving a speech or ordering salad dressing, this episode will help you show up—and speak up—better.

Sara Jane Ho, global etiquette expert, Netflix host, and author of Mind Your Manners, shares practical, empowering advice for navigating today’s social and professional world with confidence and kindness. From setting boundaries and making introductions to handling awkward dinner party moments and thank-you notes, Sara explains how etiquette isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, thoughtful, and adaptable. With charm, candor, and wisdom, she shows how small acts of grace can help you stand out, connect meaningfully, and become your best self in any situation.

Tom Rosshirt, former White House speechwriter and author of Chasing Peace: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience, shares his deeply personal journey through depression, anxiety, and a total breakdown—and how neuroscience, grace, and emotional honesty helped him rebuild. He explores how fear and self-image silently drive our choices, why setting boundaries is an act of strength, and how true peace comes not from controlling life, but from retraining our minds to face what we fear most. This is a powerful conversation for anyone seeking healing, perspective, and lasting transformation.

James Longman, ABC News foreign correspondent and author of The Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental Illness, shares his deeply personal and scientific exploration of mental health. Drawing on his family's experience with schizophrenia and depression, James unpacks the difference between genetics and epigenetics—and how we can shape our mental health and our future. He reflects on the emotional cost of secrecy, the need for honest conversations, and the power of community and connection in healing. This conversation offers a rare mix of vulnerability and science, with practical hope for anyone navigating mental illness—either personally or alongside someone they love.