The Dr. John Bedker Leadership Podcast

#084: The Case for Unifying Leadership

James Carville makes the case for unifying leadership in a New York Times guest essay. It is a simple argument with a simple message. Repeal President Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill.” This simple messaging from an iconic political strategist is a messaging lesson for all leaders. Keep it clear, keep it simple, have it have meaning and actual impact on voters. And, conclude with hope.

#083: Catastrophic Events

In our turbulent world catastrophe is all around. Do catastrophic events change us, or not? This is the leadership question for today. We all know what is right and what is not, but will we change course after a catastrophe, or will we persist on abdicating our role and our responsibility as leaders. We put our country and or world in peril when we do.

#082: Trump and Leadership on Iran and Israel

Did President Trump succeed in spite of himself or because of himself in the current Iran, and Israel conflict? Time will tell. This episode make the case for leaders to be process driven rather than outcome based. The reliability, sustainability and efficiency of a process driven approach are clear. An outcome based approach may provide short term gains, but is susceptible to long term risks.

#081: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Harvard Speech

I love listening each year to the commencement speakers at universities around our world. Great thoughts, great ideas. Often funny, but routinely from the heart. This year, at Class Day for the Harvard Class of 2025, the speaker was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His thoughts were an exemplar for each of us in our leadership journeys. He drew upon history, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., he gave a call to action, and challenged each in the audience to be doers of “the right thing” for life. An exemplary leader, speaking to tomorrow's leaders.

#080: Understanding Who You are Leading

As Bob Dylan said, “The Times They are a Changing.”  Our world is definitely changing.  It is more turbulent, more chaotic, more unstable, and more uncertain. The clinging to rigid ideologies, and the fealty to leaders that espouse these ideologies are a source of concern for our turbulent world. Dr. Leor Zmigrod and her book, “The Ideological Brain” inform this episode.

#079: Pope Leo XIV

The Catholic Church has a new leader, Pope Leo XIV. An American citizen and Peruvian citizen. He has training, knowledge, and experience that prepares him well for this new position of leadership. Time will tell his capacity to navigate our troubled and turbulent world. Time will also tell his capacity to navigate a divided Catholic Church. Doing the right thing, the ultimate call to leadership, will be ever-present in his papacy.

 

#078: Empathy - A Critical Leadership Core Competency

Empathy is a critical leadership core competency. Empathy enhances trust, improves your communication, and aids in optimising the performance of those you serve. Skills such as active listening and displays of compassion and vulnerability contribute to the effectiveness of the empathetic leader.  Where is President Trump in his first 100 days as an empathetic leader? This podcast addresses his actions and performance.

#077: Decoupling - Implications for Leaders

Decoupling is the elimination, alteration, or removal of a long-standing practice or arrangement. Trade and tariffs are sparking this debate about whether to decouple from China and/or other countries that have been trading partners for the United States. But decoupling is pervasive. It impacts not only business but also politics, personal relations, academia, and even institutions as deeply rooted as religion. The courses chosen will significantly impact our world going forward. Decoupling awareness, understanding, and management are essential for leaders.

#076: Speak Up and Speak Out

Senator Cory Booker spoke for over 25 consecutive hours on the floor of the United States Senate this week. He Spoke Up and he Spoke Out. It was not a partisan speech.  It was a speech about right and wrong. As leaders, we are all called to do the right thing. This is our call to action.  Speaking Up and Speaking Out is a leader's call to action. We do this with our voice and with our vote. Speak Up and Speak Out.

#075: Exemplary Public Servant

Michael Lewis’s new book Who is Government, The Untold Story of Public Service, is highlighted in this episode. One essay from Casey Cep called The Sentinel is focused on and read from. The essay highlights the good of public survival and public servants. Ronald E. Walters, the leader of the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is highlighted. Ron Walters is an exemplary public servant. Ron Walters is an exemplary leader.