Podcast — 12 Geniuses

Doug Lennick | Developing Financial and Emotional Competence

Doug Lennick is a legendary leader in the financial services industry who has mentored hundreds of people over his career and coached thousands of people to be more effective leaders and make better financial decisions. In this interview, Doug shares his insights on:

Personal Financial Decision Making: Good debt vs. bad debt, the concentration of private debt, Millennial debt, benchmarks for responsible borrowing, financial education, delaying gratification, financial “slavery,” debt stress and how it impacts performance at work, financial intelligence, preparing for financial uncertainty, behavioral change, Stanford Marshmallow Experiment, impulse control

Effective Leadership: senior leadership trust, compassion, integrity, self-awareness, personal and organizational values, transparency, Baby Boomer retirement, advice for first-time managers, leaders vs. managers, the importance of self-management, alignment of thoughts, actions, emotions to values and goals, moral intelligence vs. moral competence, employee engagement and high performance, advice for first-time CEOs, leadership in a world of artificial intelligence and other major technology transformation, the diminishing importance of cognitive ability in leadership, neuroscience, the adult brain, changing adult behaviors, The Four Rs (Recognize, Reflect, Reframe, Respond), happiness

Organizations, people, and resources mentioned: Arun Abey, How Much Is Enough? Making Financial Decisions That Create Wealth and Well-Being, Ray Dalio, Ken Chenault, American Express, Walter Mischel, 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer, Stephen Covey, Stephen M. R. Covey, The SPEED of Trust, Moral Intelligence, Think2Perform, Spock, The Simple Genius (You)

“Our culture is this…I want anybody to be able to talk to anybody, about any thing, at any time.”

Doug Lennick, CEO of Think2Perform, commenting on one of the ways he built trust, transparency, and empowerment while leading a 17,000 person organization at American Express

Ryan Estis | Fighting the Fear of Failure

Fear of failure holds many leaders back from embracing change and driving transformation. In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson speaks with Ryan Estis, a leadership expert and keynote speaker, about how to overcome fear, take bold action, and thrive in disruptive times. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, courage is essential for navigating uncertainty, seizing opportunities, and fostering innovation. Ryan shares personal stories and research-backed strategies to help leaders reframe failure, build resilience, and lead with confidence.

Ryan breaks down the psychology of fear and failure, offering practical strategies for leaders to navigate change and disruption with confidence. He discusses why embracing failure is key to growth, how to lead with courage in uncertain times, and what it takes to build a resilient, high-performing organization. This conversation equips global business leaders with the mindset and tools needed to turn challenges into opportunities and drive meaningful transformation.

Key Lessons for Leaders:

Reframing Failure as Growth – Learn how to shift your mindset to see failure as a stepping stone to success.
Leading with Courage in Times of Change – Discover how bold leadership can drive transformation and innovation.
Embracing Disruption – Understand how top leaders turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Developing a Resilient Mindset – Gain strategies for overcoming setbacks and staying focused on long-term success.
Building a Culture of Risk-Taking – Learn how to create an environment where employees feel empowered to innovate.

Dr. Robert Eichinger | Leadership, the Brain, & Managing Lasting Change

How can leaders leverage neuroscience to drive lasting change and transformation? In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson speaks with Dr. Robert Eichinger, a leading expert in leadership development, to explore the connection between leadership, change management, and cognitive function. In a world of constant disruption, leaders must understand how the brain processes uncertainty, adapts to new trends, and embraces transformation.

In this interview, Dr. Robert Eichinger breaks down the science behind leadership and transformation, offering practical advice on how business leaders can use brain-based insights to guide their teams through uncertainty. He explains why change is often met with resistance, how leaders can help employees reframe disruption as an opportunity, and what steps organizations can take to build resilience. The conversation also covers the increasing importance of emotional intelligence, strategies for fostering continuous learning, and key trends shaping the future of leadership development. Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode equips global business leaders with the tools they need to navigate an era of rapid change with confidence and clarity.

Key Lessons for Leaders:

How the Brain Responds to Change – Understand the neurological processes that drive resistance or acceptance of transformation.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership – Learn why self-awareness, empathy, and social intelligence are critical for managing disruption.
Building a Culture of Adaptability – Discover strategies for creating an organization that embraces change and innovation.
Leadership Strategies for Lasting Change – Gain insights into effective change management techniques based on cognitive science.
The Future of Leadership Development – Explore emerging trends in leadership training and how neuroscience is shaping the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Robert Eichinger has authored more than 100 articles and books on leadership, while coaching thousands of leaders from first-time managers to Fortune 500 CEOs. He was co-founder and CEO of Lominger International, which was sold to Korn Ferry, and started TalenTelligent in 2018.

“You cannot manage change cognitively. It has to be managed from an EQ standpoint. People get promoted based on smarts and fail based on people skills.”

Dr. Robert Eichinger

12 Geniuses Podcast

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