In this episode of @TheScienceofLeadership , host Tom Collins explores the profound connection between sleep and leadership with eminent sleep researcher Dr. Phil Gehrman. The conversation delves into how proper rest influences decision-making, innovation, and the overall well-being of leaders. With fascinating anecdotes and empirical studies, this episode reveals what most leaders overlook — the critical role sleep plays in sustaining effective leadership.

Dr. Phil Gehrman unpacks the science of sleep and its underestimated importance in cognitive function, emotional regulation, and leadership skills. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Gehrman challenges the misconception that sleep is a passive state, emphasizing instead that it is a highly active process crucial for mental health and performance.

The episode highlights topics such as the ideal amount of sleep, the distinction between sleep quantity and quality, and the vital importance of rest periods for leaders. By leveraging groundbreaking studies and personal experiences, listeners gain valuable insights into the practical steps necessary for maximizing sleep quality.

Key Takeaways:

🔸Active Sleep Process: Sleep is an active, restorative process, not a passive one — essential for cognitive recovery and long-term memory consolidation.

🔸Individual Sleep Needs: The average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep, but individual needs may vary; quality of sleep is as crucial as quantity.

🔸Impact on Leadership: Insufficient sleep adversely affects executive functions crucial for leadership, like decision-making and impulse control.

🔸Importance of Consistency: Routine sleep schedules, coupled with intentional rest periods during the day, significantly enhance sleep quality and leadership efficacy.

🔸Sleep Deprivation Study: Lack of sleep contributes to impaired performance over time and hinders an individual's ability to assess their own cognitive degeneration.

Key References:

Bian, W., Biswas, R. K., Ahmadi, M. N., et al. (2025). Dose-response associations of device-measured sleep regularity and duration with incident dementia in 82391 UK adults. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 516.

Carney, C. E., Manber, R., & Bootzin, R. (2009). Quiet your mind and get to sleep: Solutions to insomnia for those with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. New Harbinger.

Gottesman, R. F., Lutsey, P. L., Benveniste, H., et al. (2024). Impact of sleep disorders and disturbed sleep on brain health: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Stroke, 55(3), e61-e76.

Howard, C., Mukadam, N., Hui, E. K., & Livingston, G. (2024). The effects of sleep duration on the risk of dementia incidence in short and long follow-up studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine, 124, 522-530.

Mayer, G., Frohnhofen, H., Jokisch, M., Hermann, D. M., & Gronewold, J. (2024). Associations of sleep disorders with all-cause McI/dementia and different types of dementia: Clinical evidence, potential pathomechanisms, and treatment options: A narrative review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, 1372326.

Olsen, O. K., Pallesen, S., Torsheim, T. & Espevik, R. (2016). The effect of sleep deprivation on leadership behaviour in military officers: an experimental study. Journal of Sleep Research, 25(6), 683–689.

Palpatzis, E., Bass, N., Jones, R., & Mukadam, N. (2022). Longitudinal association of apolipoprotein E and sleep with incident dementia. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 18(5), 888-898.

Sen, A., & Tai, X. Y. (2023). Sleep duration and executive function in adults. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 23(11), 801-813.

In this enlightening episode of @TheScienceofLeadership , host Tom Collins delves into the nuanced world of leadership coaching alongside seasoned expert David Parks.

Collins, drawing from his experience as both a beneficiary and provider of leadership coaching, guides the conversation to explore the profound impact that executive coaching can have on leadership development. Whether it is overcoming obstacles or crafting strategies for success, this episode emphasizes how leadership coaches, like David Parks, act as mirrors, offering leaders an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

The discussion moves into the transformative power of coaching in organizations, as highlighted by David Parks' exemplary work. From practical insights into the coaching process to anecdotes about reducing physician burnout and enhancing team performance, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for aspiring and seasoned leaders alike. Parks adeptly outlines the characteristics of a successful coaching relationship, contrasting it with mentorship and consultancy, and shares the importance of building trust and creating a space for authentic transformation. These themes are crucial for understanding how a strategic approach to coaching can result in robust leadership and organizational success.

Key Takeaways:

🔸The Value of Coaching: Leadership coaching provides a behavioral mirror that enhances self-awareness, helps leaders identify blind spots, and encourages effective action to achieve organizational goals.

🔸Transformative Impact: Successful coaching requires a shift from purely corrective (remedial) coaching to developmental coaching, focusing on drawing out the inherent potential in leaders.

🔸Practical Application: David Parks highlights the necessity for coaching models that are customized and practical, eschewing overly formulaic approaches in favor of addressing the unique needs of each leader.

🔸Real-Life Success Stories: Implementing coaching strategies led to significant outcomes, such as reducing symptoms of physician burnout at Mayo Clinic by 23% and increasing quality of life scores, demonstrating measurable business impact.

🔸Authenticity and Communication: Great leadership derives from authenticity, honesty, and the ability to inspire through effective communication—a recurring theme underscored by Parks.

🌐More information about David Parks | Circle Up Coaching | http://www.circleupcoaching.com

References

International Coaching Federation. (2024). Global coaching study. https://coachingfederation.org/research/global-coaching-study

Jones, R. J., Woods, S. A., & Guillaume, Y. R. F. (2016). The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta‐analysis of learning and performance outcomes from coaching. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 89(2), 249–277.

Montgomery, B. L. (1961). The Path to Leadership. G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Parker‐Wilkins, V. (2006). Business impact of executive coaching: demonstrating monetary value. Industrial and Commercial Training, 38(3), 122–127.

Schlosser, B., Steinbrenner, D., Kumata, E. & Hunt, J. (2007). The Value of Executive Coaching. The International Journal of Coaching in Organizations, 1, 140–157.

Thompson, G. (2020). The Master Coach. Select Books.

Waterman, R. H., & Peters, T. J. (2006). In Search of Excellence. Harper Business.

The journey to becoming an effective leader is underpinned by preparation, anticipation, and attention to the legacy of impact. Admiral Michael Rogers' conversation with Tom Collins on the @TheScienceofLeadership podcast reveals profound lessons rooted in military leadership that resonate beyond the battlefield and into the fabric of organizational success.

Rogers brings to light his approach to leadership honed over decades, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation in achieving strategic objectives and ensuring mission completion.

Rogers discusses the nuances of effective preparation, highlighting how the anticipation of uncertainties plays a crucial role in mission success. He shares powerful stories from his military past, particularly an experience that shaped his understanding of leadership and preparation in high-pressure environments. The episode delves into the mindset required for leading teams to success, exploring how preparation translates into performance and touches on Rogers' belief in the power of confidence, humility, and truthfulness in transformative leadership. Utilizing lessons from extensive military service, Rogers provides actionable insights into inspiring team readiness and implementing strategic foresight, applicable across various fields beyond the military.

Key Takeaways:

🔸Preparation is integral to leadership, acting as a predictor and enabler of success.

🔸 Rogers emphasizes learning from past failures to drive future readiness and mission efficacy.

🔸Team trust and confidence are built through honest communication and preparedness.

🔸The anticipation of adversarial actions can make strategic operations more effective.

🔸Humility and confidence are critical traits of successful leaders, ensuring adaptability in crises.

References

• Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t.
• Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-analysis of Effects and Processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology.
• Klein, G. (2007). Performing a Project Pre-mortem. Harvard Business Review.
• Phillips, D. T., & Loy, J. M. (2008). The Architecture of Leadership: Preparation Equals Performance. Naval Institute Press.