FranklinCovey On Leadership with Scott Miller

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Molly Bice Jackson, performer, speaker, and author of The Commodity of Connection, shares the unimaginable story of losing her two-year-old daughter in a tragic accident—and the extraordinary healing that followed. Blending humor, heartbreak, and hope, Molly reflects on how authentic relationships, grief literacy, and emotional courage not only helped her survive but also transformed her purpose. She explains why connection is more than a soft skill—it’s a critical leadership competency. With wisdom forged in unimaginable pain, Molly offers a deeply moving case for bringing empathy, presence, and real humanity into our workplaces and lives.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

Chad Sanschagrin, author of Keep Telling Yourself: Shift Your Story and Create a Life of Abundance, shares how we can break free from self-limiting beliefs, rewrite our internal narratives, and take ownership of our future. Drawing from his own transformation—from struggling with self-doubt to building a successful career—Chad reveals how ”shift moments” can help us see the truth behind our stories and change our perspectives for the better. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we are the authors of our own lives, capable of rewriting our paths at any moment.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Katty Kay, journalist, author, and BBC correspondent, shares insights from her latest book, The Power Code: More Joy, Less Ego, Maximum Impact for Women and Everyone. Drawing on global research and decades in the media, Katty explores why women are often reluctant to pursue power—and how reframing it as a force for positive change can unlock leadership for all. She discusses the difference between “power over” and “power to,” how organizations can reduce barriers to the top, and why men must be partners in reshaping leadership.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Martha Beck, renowned life coach and bestselling author of Beyond Anxiety, shares a powerful reframe for managing fear and overwhelm in today’s chaotic world. Drawing on neuroscience and decades of coaching, she explains how anxiety and creativity are mirror systems in the brain—and how shifting into curiosity can stop anxiety spirals in their tracks. Martha offers gentle, science-backed strategies to decode your triggers, rewire your thinking, and lead with calm, compassion, and purpose. Whether you’re facing personal stress or global uncertainty, this conversation offers a hopeful path forward.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Bill George, Harvard faculty member, former CEO of Medtronic, and author of True North: Emerging Leader Edition, shares decades of hard-earned wisdom on what it means to lead with purpose and integrity. He breaks down five common leadership derailers—including imposters, rationalizers, and glory seekers—and offers a compelling roadmap for staying grounded in your values. Through stories, candor, and practical advice, Bill emphasizes why self-awareness, feedback, and continuous learning are essential for navigating today’s complex leadership landscape. This is a masterclass in authentic leadership for every generation.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of Insight, returns to discuss her latest book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos and Why Resilience Alone Isn’t Enough. She challenges common myths about resilience, explains the ”resilience ceiling,” and introduces a new roadmap for navigating adversity without burnout. Through powerful storytelling and science-backed strategies, Tasha shares how leaders and individuals can stop pretending, embrace vulnerability, and build true strength in uncertain times.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Saad Mohseni, media entrepreneur and author of Radio Free Afghanistan: A 20-Year Odyssey for an Independent Voice in Kabul, shares his firsthand account of building a free and independent press in Afghanistan amid war, political upheaval, and Taliban rule. He reflects on the role of media in shaping democracy, the challenges of running a news organization under extreme conditions, and what the future holds for Afghanistan’s people and press. With deep insights into leadership, resilience, and the power of information, this conversation sheds light on the struggle for truth, accountability, and freedom of expression.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, authors of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee, reveal how leaders can foster engagement, purpose, and fulfillment in the workplace. They introduce the three Cs—Community, Contribution, and Challenge—as key drivers of workplace meaning and share practical strategies for leaders to create an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and inspired. From onboarding to feedback, they explore the small but powerful moments that make work meaningful.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

David Graff, leadership consultant, military veteran, and author of Four Lenses Parenting, shares practical insights on how understanding temperament can transform the way we parent and lead. He breaks down the four personality types—Blue, Gold, Green, and Orange— and explains how they shape our parenting approach, impact our children, and influence family dynamics. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, this conversation provides powerful tools for becoming a more self-aware and effective parent.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Olivia Gambelin, AI ethicist and author of Responsible AI: Implement an Ethical Approach in Your Organization, shares how businesses can integrate AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively. She explains why AI is not just a technical challenge but a human story, how companies can define values that align AI with their mission, and the biggest pitfalls organizations face in AI adoption. Whether your company is just starting its AI journey or scaling its strategy, Olivia provides a practical framework to ensure AI enhances both business success and ethical responsibility.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Jennifer Cohen, entrepreneur, podcast host, and bestselling author of Bigger, Better, Bolder: Live the Life You Want, Not the Life You Get, shares how boldness is a learnable skill that can transform your success. She explains why too many people settle for what’s available instead of chasing what they truly want—and how to change that. Whether you struggle with confidence or just need a push to go after your goals, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, act bolder, and create the life you deserve.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Melinda French Gates, philanthropist, investor, and advocate for women’s empowerment, shares insights from her new book, The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward. She reflects on the lessons learned from parenting, leadership, and navigating personal and professional change, including her experiences with divorce, finding her inner voice, and redefining her mission.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Mel Robbins shares insights from her latest book, The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About. She explains how this simple yet powerful mindset shift can help you release control, stop worrying about others’ opinions, and refocus on what truly matters. Mel dives into how letting go of expectations and embracing personal responsibility can transform your relationships, career, and confidence.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of WD-40, shares insights from his new book, Any Dumb Ass Can Do It: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion Dollar Company. He reflects on his 25-year journey leading WD-40, the lessons learned from failure, resilience, and culture-building, and why psychological safety and coaching—not managing—create thriving organizations.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Dr. Beth Kaplan joins On Leadership to explore the power of belonging in the workplace and how it impacts engagement, retention, and overall well-being. She shares insights from her new book, Braving the Workplace, discussing the difference between fitting in and true belonging, the cost of workplace-inflicted trauma, and practical ways leaders can create a culture where employees feel valued and supported.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Neuroscientist and author Anne-Laure Le Cunff shares how small, intentional experiments can help us embrace uncertainty, foster adaptability, and redefine success. Drawing from her book, Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, she challenges the conventional pursuit of purpose and highlights the power of curiosity, flexibility, and social flow in leadership and life. Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom and take a fresh, experimental approach to personal and professional growth.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

A leader’s energy, presence, and impact on those around them matters. That’s the key takeaway offered by Kristin Mackey, who joins On Leadership to discuss her book Frequency Matters®: Be a Contributor, Not an Employee! Kristin emphasizes how a leader’s frequency can profoundly influence the engagement and culture of their team, making self-awareness and solicitation of honest feedback crucial to bridge the gap.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

When your body makes decisions before your mind does, how you intentionally use that science to your benefit can make all the difference. Biohacking expert and New York Times bestselling author Dave Asprey join On Leadership with Scott Miller to share his personal story of overcoming health issues like obesity and brain fog through biohacking, and provide practical tips listeners can implement like improving sleep, reducing stress triggers, and focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods. Dave argues that humans are inherently lazy from an evolutionary perspective, as our bodies are wired to conserve energy, so he suggests hacking this tendency through tools and techniques like breath work, fasting, optimizing nutrition, and improving sleep.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Loss changes the lens through which we see the world, and that’s not always a bad thing. For Tom Turcich, the tragic passing of a close friend he had in high school served as a spark that ignited in his heart which ultimately led to him walking around the world. Tom meticulously planned and prepared for this epic journey, which took him seven years to complete, spanning 38 countries on six continents. Along the way, Tom faced numerous challenges, but his commitment to his values and goals allowed him to persevere in spite of it all. He emphasizes the importance of defining one's core values and then structuring one's life accordingly, even if it means accepting certain constraints. Through his transformative experience, Tom says he gained a deeper understanding of humanity, recognizing both the kindness and challenges he encountered across various cultures. He also learned to embrace failure as a path to growth, encouraging others to be more "reckless" in pursuing their dreams.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Discover the power within you and learn to lead yourself with some of the techniques and practices outlined by bestselling author Heather Younger. Heather shares how challenging experiences like a corporate merger and layoff led her to focus on the importance of self-leadership and owning one's mindset, a practice that has helped her transform her own life. She emphasizes that leaders must prioritize their own well-being and not be afraid to acknowledge their progress, even in seemingly small ways.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

There is something pretty powerful about choosing to follow your dreams in spite of others thinking you’re crazy. Author Loren Ridinger joins On Leadership to share her story of doing just that as an entrepreneur who defied conventional expectations and built an empire from scratch. Loren’s story isn’t just about entrepreneurship; it’s about the courage to reject someone else’s identity and embrace your own. She reveals how staying true to her vision, even when others doubted her, changed the course of her life.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

Known to many as America’s Nicest Judge, Judge Frank Caprio joins On Leadership to share his inspiring life story and his approach to compassionate justice in the courtroom. Raised by working-class immigrant parents, Judge Frank credits his upbringing for instilling him with the values of honesty, integrity, decency, and compassion. He proudly brings these values to life in the courtroom as he works to truly understand the circumstances and life experiences of those who come before him. Judge Frank’s TV show has made him an internet sensation, but he maintains a humble, authentic demeanor and views his legacy as being kind, understanding, and compassionate with all he comes in contact with.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

On Leadership is joined by an American icon: Al Roker, a longtime broadcaster and journalist who has worked at NBC for over 45 years, including nearly 30 years as a co-anchor on the TODAY Show, joins the podcast for a reflective discussion on his legacy. Al walks us through his career journey, including how he got his start in television and became a weather forecaster on the TODAY Show, and offers advice for aspiring leaders and professionals, emphasizing the importance of a strong work ethic and being prepared for opportunities when they arise. Al also shares how he navigates balancing his successful career in the spotlight with raising a family and what he’s learned from the challenges he’s faced as a working parent.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

A lot could possibly go right with our AI future according to venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, Reid Hoffman. The LinkedIn co-founder joins On Leadership to discuss his new book, Superagency, emphasizing the importance of embracing a “technohumanist compass” as we all aim to more effectively leverage technology in business. Reid argues that AI is not here to replace people, but to augment and empower them. He encourages people to proactively learn how to integrate AI tools into their work to stay adaptive and competitive. As a leader, Reid suggests that key competencies for the future will include nimbleness, continuous learning, and the ability to effectively integrate AI tools and technologies into individual, team, and organizational workflows. He believes this mindset shift is critical for companies and leaders to thrive amidst the coming technological changes.

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

Learning how to thrive in an age of conflict is a superpower, and its one very close to William Ury’s heart. William joins On Leadership to share stories that illustrate key principles he has learned about negotiation that works. Setting aside your own agenda to truly listen and connect with the other person and focusing on finding creative solutions that satisfy the interests of all sides are among the principles William brings to life with his stories. He also emphasizes the importance of becoming someone who is curious, creative, and collaborative in approaching conflicts and challenges, a powerful combination he attributes to “Possibilists.”

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

Build stronger connections and make more effective decisions tapping into an elevated understanding of facial expressions with Annie Sarnblad. Annie shares how to better detect people's true emotions and intentions, even if they are trying to hide them. She discusses how, as a leader, it is important to be able to read the facial expressions and body language of your team members to understand what they are really thinking and feeling. This can help you build trust, get honest feedback, and make better decisions.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

Performance expert and bestselling author Alan Fine has dedicated his career to helping people improve their performance and reach their full potential, starting from his early days as a tennis coach. To him, the biggest obstacle to high performance is not a lack of knowledge, but mental interference and distractions that prevent us from applying what we know. The key ingredients for high performance are faith (belief in yourself), fire (motivation and energy), and focus (controlling your attention on what's most important). Learn how successful people control their focus and attention, believe in their ability to learn and improve, and have the energy to persevere through challenges.

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

Learn how to protect your peace with renowned author, coach, and speaker, Trent Shelton. Trent shares his personal story of rejection when an NFL team revoked his contract offer, highlighting the importance of emotional resilience and not letting setbacks define you. He emphasizes the principles of trusting your own vision, being selective about what you say "yes" to, and prioritizing your own peace and fulfillment over pleasing others. Trent’s vulnerable and authentic approach to personal growth serves as an inspiring example of how you can take ownership of your life and focus on the things that truly matter to you.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

Curiosity, enlightenment, and commitment are three phases of relationships that help build the foundation for Donald Miller’s StoryBrand concept. The New York Times bestselling author joins On Leadership for a second time to discuss the updated and revised Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen. Donald shares insights on the importance of clear and concise communication, using the "StoryBrand" framework to position your brand as a guide rather than the hero, and the new StoryBrand.ai tool that can help generate powerful taglines and other marketing collateral.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

How does it get better? That is one of many questions posed by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis as she returns to the On Leadership podcast. Rachel joins the podcast to discuss her new book, What if YOU Are the Answer, which poses thoughtful questions to get readers thinking intentionally about what’s next in their lives. She emphasizes the importance of falling in love with the creative process, encouraging people to focus on what they are passionate about even if it doesn’t lead to immediate results. Rachel opens up about personal challenges she has faced in recent years, including divorce, the death of her ex-husband, and a miscarriage, offering encouragement to others to give themselves grace and time to grieve during difficult times.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

Three-time New York Times bestselling author, renowned behavioral economist, and Duke professor Dan Ariely joins On Leadership for a thoughtful discussion on the business case for building cultures of trust inside organizations. Dan shares insights from his extensive research, which shows that factors like employee appreciation, fairness, and psychological safety have a strong correlation with a company's stock market performance. He also discusses the phenomenon of "misbelief,” digging into what makes rational people believe irrational things. Dan delves into the psychology behind the spread of misinformation and offers thoughts on how individuals and businesses can work to combat this troubling trend and restore trust in institutions and basic facts.

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

Learn how to turn anxiety into a force for good with Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and professor at NYU. Dr. Suzuki joins On Leadership to share insights from her book Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion, discussing how anxiety is a normal human emotion that exists on a spectrum, and how we can harness the "good" aspects of anxiety to become more productive and empathetic. She shares practical tips like turning anxious "what-if" thoughts into a to-do list, as well as the benefits of physical activity in managing anxiety.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

Thriving in spite of setbacks changes the second you wake up in the morning. That’s the take bestselling author Hal Elrod has in his renowned book The Miracle Morning, which details his own major life challenges and setbacks, including the death of his sister, a near-fatal car accident, and a cancer diagnosis. Hal was able to turn these adversities into opportunities for growth and transformation and shares how he did that through the development of a consistent morning routine built around his SAVERS acronym for Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing.

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

If you have young people in your life, you need to take 42 minutes to listen to this episode. Join Dr. Leonard Sax, renowned physician, bestselling author, and psychologist, for a crucial conversation on modern-day parenting and the challenges facing young people today. Dr. Sax discusses the importance of parents establishing a culture of respect in the home, the risks of prioritizing a child's popularity and social status over their relationship with their parents, and the negative impact of a "culture of disrespect" in media and popular culture.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Join New York Times bestselling author, speaker, world record holder, and founder of the fastest-growing whiskey company in the U.S., Fawn Weaver, for a masterclass in business, leadership, and communication. Fawn shares her remarkable story, including how she became interested in the whiskey business, the challenges she faced as a woman of color entering a historically white-male-dominated industry, and the principles and strategies that have driven her company's success.

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2024

A parable for our times shines light on important personal and professional life lessons we could all benefit from refocusing on. Bestselling author James Rhee joins On Leadership to discuss his book, Red Helicopter, which thoughtfully blends personal memoir, business lessons, and a philosophy for navigating life's complexities with kindness, wisdom, and a systems-based perspective. James shares his unconventional background, from teaching high school to working in private equity, and how those experiences shaped his approach to leading the once-struggling retailer Ashley Stewart. He emphasizes the value of pattern recognition, the need to question conventional systems and assumptions, and the importance of leading with both kindness and a mathematical, systems-based mindset.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

Learn your “money type” and how it’s helping or hurting your relationship with bestselling author and personal finance expert, Ramit Sethi. Ramit joins On Leadership to discuss the importance of couples having open and positive conversations about money, and shares insights on the four main "money types" that people tend to fall into - the avoider, the optimizer, the worrier, and the dreamer. He provides practical advice for how partners with different money types can better communicate and work together to achieve their shared financial and life goals.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

This episode features an interview with Dr. Ruth Gotian, an expert in mentorship and author of the book "Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring". Dr. Gotian discuss the importance of mentorship, how to effectively find and cultivate mentor-mentee relationships, and the common pitfalls to avoid. She also shares her personal experience as both a mentor and mentee, and provides practical advice on how to make the most of mentoring relationships, both formal and informal.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

This episode features an illuminating conversation with Hala Gorani, the renowned and beloved international journalist and anchor who has covered some of the most significant news events of our time. Hala shares insights into her diverse background and the journalistic principles that guide her work, emphasizing the importance of objectivity, fact-checking, and listening to her interview subjects. She provides valuable communication advice for leaders, stressing the need to connect authentically with audiences rather than lecturing them. Gorani also recounts harrowing personal experiences, such as being caught in the Arab Spring uprisings in Egypt, underscoring the risks and challenges faced by foreign correspondents. Throughout the interview, Gorani demonstrates her deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and the challenges facing journalism in the digital age.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

In this episode, host Scott Miller interviews author and former business executive Bill Bennett about his impressive work in fiction writing and the creative process behind his latest book, Jacob T. Marley. Bill shares how he discovered his passion for storytelling, the strategies he uses to develop engaging backstories and characters, and the discipline and rituals he follows as a writer. Throughout the discussion, Bill provides advice and encouragement for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of finding your creative voice and being willing to experiment outside your comfort zone.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

Paying the price and planting metaphorical acorns might not make you remarkable, but New York Times bestselling author Guy Kawasaki offers lessons in these areas that sure will get you on the right path. Guy shares thoughtful, pragmatic wisdom on how to build a remarkable life of impact, all grounded in his diverse experiences as an entrepreneur, author, and technology evangelist.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

Matthew Frederick, the acclaimed author of the 101 Things I Learned series, brings his unique perspective on blending creativity, practical wisdom, and personal growth. In this episode, he delves into the origins of his popular books, the key lessons they've uncovered across disciplines, and how these principles can be applied to leadership and everyday challenges. Whether you're looking to spark creativity, solve problems more effectively, or find inspiration in unexpected places, this episode offers valuable takeaways to enhance your thinking and impact.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone, returns to discuss his latest book, Never Lead Alone. Keith explores the concept of transitioning from traditional leadership to a more collaborative approach—what he calls "teamship." This conversation offers insights into building stronger, more effective teams and fostering a leadership style that prioritizes collective success over individual achievement.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

Reimagining how to leverage AI effectively and responsibly is at the forefront of a lot of leader’s minds right now, including Sal Khan, Founder of the Khan Academy. Sal returns to On Leadership to discuss how AI-powered tools can provide personalized tutoring to students, assist teachers with administrative tasks, and transform assessment and credentialing. He advocates for embracing AI’s potential and argues that while there are valid concerns about AI, the technology also presents immense opportunities to improve education and support learners if implemented thoughtfully and ethically.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

Marketing and branding in the digital age is a constantly evolving realm to manage, but it’s one that Marcus Collins has mastered. Marcus joins On Leadership to share the importance of understanding culture and how it shapes human behavior and brand perceptions. He discusses the concept of finding your congregation, or your community of people who share a brand’s beliefs and values, and use the brand to communicate their own worldviews. Marcus offers practical advice for executives and leaders on how to build a strong social media presence by focusing on communicating their beliefs and values rather than just promoting their products.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

Take an inspiring journey into the life and wisdom of Lisa Nichols, a renowned speaker, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author of the recent book Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life and Achieve Prosperity. Lisa shares how she rose above adversity and intentionally shaped the life she wants to be remembered for, offering listeners a roadmap to do the same. Through her diverse career—from co-authoring Chicken Soup for the Soul books and appearing in The Secret, to coaching others on public speaking and goal-setting—Lisa shows how each experience has been driven by her passion for empowering people.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

Something changes in your mindset when you bounce back from something you had a five percent chance of bouncing back from. In fact, Roy Reid would argue that his story of surviving a life-threatening aortic dissection actually bounced him forward, not back. Roy shares his story of how his experience transformed his perspective, discussing the foundational role of trust in health, wellbeing, and performance in your personal and professional life.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

Stay more focused in an age where there is more demand on our attention than ever before. Dr. Gloria Mark is a leading expert on human attention and the impacts of technology. Dr. Mark shares her research on the different "attentional states" people experience - focused attention, rote attention, boredom, and frustration - and the importance of balancing these states throughout the day to maintain productivity and well-being. Manage Your Energy to Do Your Job Well: To identify areas where you're putting yourself at risk of burnout, answer the questions in our guide, then choose one good self-care habit you can start practicing this week.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024