I’ve spent years researching and speaking with HR leaders, and one thing is clear—employee experience is the game-changer. Companies have historically focused on "utility" and "productivity," but now we're shifting towards experience—creating environments where employees want to show up, not just need to. In today's Leadership Spark, I dive deep into how companies can move beyond superficial perks and create a workplace where employees feel like they’ve bought into an experience, not just a job.

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How do you keep your team engaged, motivated, and prepared for the future while managing day-to-day demands? In this episode, Amy Gilliland, President of General Dynamics Information Technology, shares practical strategies for building strong, future-ready teams in today’s fast-paced environment. She talks about why on-the-job training is crucial for leadership development, how regular career conversations help boost engagement and retention, and why creating a company with a soul is essential to sustaining long-term success. Amy also dives into how GDIT balances tradition while pushing for innovation, ensuring that leaders are prepared to meet both immediate and future challenges, all while fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven culture.

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Many companies seem perfect on paper, only to find yourself discouraged, disengaged, and ready to leave once you work. Culture and experience shape our work more than job titles or company names ever could. In today’s Leadership Spark, we’ll look into what truly makes or breaks the employee experience. I break down the Employee Experience Equation: culture, technology, and physical space—three elements any organization can control to build an environment where employees thrive. We’ll cover how these elements impact your work and personal growth. Listen in to learn how to identify (and create!) a workplace where you want to be, not just where you have to be.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Every leader faces moments of high pressure and uncertainty—but how you lead your team through those moments is what sets the great apart from the good. In today’s episode, Rich Diviney, Retired Navy SEAL and Founder of “The Attributes,” reveals the hidden attributes that drive high performance and why they’re more important than skills when it comes to leadership. We’ll explore why 90% of people fail SEAL training and what that teaches us about thriving under pressure, the role of adaptability in uncertain times and unpredictable environments, and how leaders can use “healthy imposter syndrome” to stay sharp and keep improving. Rich also shares how understanding your team’s natural attributes—not just their skills—can radically change how you lead and create high-performing, resilient teams.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Many companies seem perfect on paper, only to find yourself discouraged, disengaged, and ready to leave once you work. Culture and experience shape our work more than job titles or company names ever could. In today’s Leadership Spark, we’ll look into what truly makes or breaks the employee experience. I break down the Employee Experience Equation: culture, technology, and physical space—three elements any organization can control to build an environment where employees thrive. We’ll cover how these elements impact your work and personal growth. Listen in to learn how to identify (and create!) a workplace where you want to be, not just where you have to be.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Every business leader is faced with the challenge of adapting to change in today’s fast-moving world, but creating a solid, long-term strategy is often easier said than done. In today’s episode, Seth Godin, an influential entrepreneur, author of 22 books, and one of the world’s most popular bloggers, breaks down what most leaders get wrong about strategy—confusing it with tactics. He explains why strategy is a long-term philosophy, not a step-by-step plan, and how major change agents like AI, the fading influence of Boomers, are reshaping the business landscape. Seth shares why these shifts are inevitable and how leaders need to respond if they want to stay relevant. We also tackle deep insights on how companies like Netflix successfully disrupted themselves to stay ahead and emphasizes the importance of foresight in navigating these changes.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What’s the ROI of vulnerability at work? It’s big—personally and professionally. In today’s Leadership Spark, I explore why being a vulnerable leader pays off. We’ll break down the concept of Mismatch Theory—why the “tough boss” style of the past doesn’t cut it today and why leaders who don’t evolve may get left behind. Vulnerability—when done right—not only boosts your team’s trust and engagement but also directly contributes to business success. Yet, less than 11% of employees view vulnerability as a strength in their leaders, which leaves a lot of untapped potential.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

During times of rapid growth and disruption, aligning teams and sustaining a strong culture can be daunting, but Diego Barreto, CEO of iFood, has successfully led his company to unicorn status by focusing on these essentials. In this episode, we dive into his leadership strategies, exploring why team mobilization is central to a CEO’s role and how effective communication fosters alignment. Diego reveals how iFood’s non-negotiable culture supports an entrepreneurial mindset, values radical candor, and encourages big thinking. He shares insights into how iFood adapted during the pandemic, balancing employee comfort with high performance by instilling grit. We also discuss how iFood’s six-month cultural sprints inspire innovation and resilience and examine the role of the “pendulum effect” in guiding flexible leadership strategies.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/