There is no such thing as a perfect leader.
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How our institute helps future leaders reach their full potential:
01
Imperfect Leaders Podcast.
We interview remarkable leaders who embrace an ‘imperfect’ leader mindset — who continuously improve their entire careers — and who inspire others to reach their full potential.
Recent guests include World Series and NBA champions, CEOs, entrepreneurs, top scientists, and thought leaders from Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Oxford, Cambridge, and the World Economic Forum.
02
The NeuroDistinct 50
We showcase fifty of the most accomplished leaders from across the country, who create organizational cultures that support cognitive differences. These remarkable leaders 'think different' — they 'lead different' — and they inspire others to get out of their comfort zone.
The Top 50 List
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The 'Lead Different' Mindset Challenge.
We offer an invite-only program to help high potential talent 'lead different' and mentally prepare for increasing responsibility in their organization.
Learn More
Adrian Jones
Featured Podcast Guest
Chair, Goldman Sachs Global Equity
Adrian is one of the classiest leaders you will ever meet. His son – Liam – received a profound autism diagnosis when he was two years old. As you can imagine this crucible experience forever changed the lives of Adrian, and his lovely wife Tina. Less well know, but equally profound, Liam has helped Adrian evolve into a more resilient leader. Adrian talks openly with me about his journey.
The Imperfect Leaders Institute invites experts from top organizations to share insight.
A few more invited guests .
01
Guest: Dr. Rakesh Suri
Dr. Rakesh Suri knows about chronic stress. He is one of the top heart transplant surgeons in the world – having held high level positions at both the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, and showcased by Harvard Business School.
02
Guest: Professor Amy Edmondson
Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmonsdson is ranked the #1 Thought Leader in the world and coined the term, "psychological safety." She shared with our community the importance of learning from intelligent failure.
03
Guest: John Tyson
John Tyson is the billionaire Chairman of the Board of Tyson Foods, but he's made some bad choices in his life. Some, like denying his alcohol addiction, almost ruined his career. But John eventually realized the ramifications of his choices – poor health, poor decision making, inauthentic relationships, and low self-esteem. John talked openly about his journey and offered practical advice to those considering alcohol or drugs.
04
Guest: Dansby Swanson
Dansby is a World Series champion baseball player, who now starts for the Chicago Cubs. Less known, he also suffers from severe anxiety, which can be debilitating as a professional athlete who works in the public spotlight under extreme pressure. Dansby explained how it feels when he is in a slump or overcome with self-doubt – and how keeping a journal helps relieve stress.
​Why Embrace an Imperfect Leader Mindset?
Because that’s what top companies crave:
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“If some of the worlds best CEOs have discovered the importance of the human side of leadership and have taken the time to go deep within themselves to build that capability, then surely this approach will be valuable to many others in all types of organizations.” McKinsey, 2024
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“When CEOs can admit their flaws and mistakes, they create a sense of trust and authenticity with all stakeholders." Russell Reynolds, 2024​
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"Imperfect leaders are more innovative and open to new ideas than leaders who focus on maintaining a perfect image." Spencer Stuart, 2024​
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“Adding vulnerability to personal growth journeys heightens leadership potential.” McKinsey, 2024
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“Millennials, in particular, want their leaders to share their human side, including their vulnerabilities. What they are seeking, in short, is authenticity.“ Russell Reynolds, 2024​
