FranklinCovey On Leadership

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...

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 approac...

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.

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 engineeri...

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...

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 qualit...

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 als...

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 come...

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...

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...

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 ever...

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 yo...

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 c...

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 conversati...