Show Notes
Katie Lefkowitz is a neuroscience-trained entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Harken Foods who's reinventing candy with gut health at its core. In this episode, Katie reveals how her neuroscience background taught her to demand feedback systematically and observe behavior over words—skills that proved universal across consulting, scaling, and founding companies. She shares why she chose measured growth at Harken after experiencing Caulipower's explosive trajectory. Katie explains how the "seven questions framework" helps teams navigate the market's rapid shifts by keeping core values fixed while pivoting operational tactics. Discover practical approaches to data-driven decision-making, building authentic workplace culture, and leading through uncertainty without losing sight of core values. Find The Leadership Podcast episode 490 on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube | Katie Lefkowitz on Reinventing Candy and Culture https://bit.ly/TLP-490 Key Takeaways [03:03] Katie explains her neuroscience background taught her the scientific method, helping evaluate questions less emotionally and with reduced bias. [04:05] Katie describes how all decisions need to be based in data, seeking feedback from every person on the Harken team. [05:44] Katie shares Harken was created after a health scare related to colon cancer introduced her to food as medicine. [07:25] Katie explains Caulipower grew as the fastest growing brand in all of CPG, but for Harken she wants to be more measured. [09:03] Katie confirms the Caulipower success gave her confidence to go at it alone with Harken. [09:48] Katie reflects on trying to be what she thought a leader looked like, being insecure about her age and gender. [11:45] Katie explains there will always be some imposter syndrome, but having Harken within her control has helped relieve that feeling. [13:20] Katie recalls a pitch where the first person said her product doesn't taste good, leaving her crying in the cab to the airport. [15:25] Katie describes watching if people take a second bite during tastings because behavior tells more than words. [16:36] Katie emphasizes listening more than talking as the key leadership lesson. [17:29] Katie explains the company uses Southwest Airlines' seven questions framework where core values don't change but goals and focus do. [19:05] Katie notes that running decisions through core values becomes second nature and prevents losing time on wrong priorities. [20:18] Katie states at their early stage it's about hiring people who believe in what they're doing because culture is what happens when she's not in the room. [21:44] Katie explains parents understand prioritization better because anything to get more time with their kid is of high value. [23:40] Katie reflects that taking pauses to pick up her kid allows her to process things better and make better decisions. [24:46] Katie advises knowing what motivates you—autonomy, mastery, purpose or status, wealth, power—and making decisions based on who you actually are. [27:41] And remember... "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." – Frederick Douglass Quotable Quotes "If you're not telling me I'm doing something wrong or questioning what I'm doing, very frequently, I'm gonna have a problem with that because there's no way that I'm doing everything right." "Listen more than you talk. You will always get a lot more from really hearing people than you're ever going to get from talking at them." "When you're just yourself, it actually comes off much more authentic. And it's those relationships that you're holding yourself back from if you're not able to be your full self." "Have confidence in yourself, own who you are. And it'll actually take you much further than trying to fit into some old mold." "All decisions just need to be based in data and not necessarily, you know, stories." "It's about keeping your core values and making sure that runs through every decision that you'r
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George Couros, author of "The Innovator's Mindset," and "Forward, Together," is an internationally recognized speaker on innovation and leadership. George explores why lasting change depends less on persuasion and more on participation. He discusses the importance of listening to skeptics, encouraging disagreement, and building trust so people feel comfortable challenging ideas. At its core, the conversation asks a simple question: Is leadership about getting people to follow your vision, or creating the conditions for them to shape it and take ownership? Key Moments -Adapting innovation to the realities and resources of an organization. -Giving students the freedom to pursue their own ideas and take an active role in learning. -The distinction between buy-in and ownership, and the value of involving people in shaping a shared vision. -Inviting skeptical families into the process and incorporating their feedback into educational change. -The limits of data and evidence when people lack an emotional connection to change. -Building trust that allows people to challenge ideas and try unfamiliar approaches. -The difference between debate, which focuses on winning, and discussion, which seeks the best solution, including George's experience publicly criticizing Dave Burgess. -Measuring leadership success by how much better others become, while allowing people to contribute their strengths to a shared direction. The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company. Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country's warfighters and firefighters. Learn more at darley.com and darleydefense.com Memorable Quotes "It's not about your idea or my idea. It's about the best idea. It doesn't matter where it comes from." "Debate is focused on winners and losers. Discussion is focused on finding the best solutions." "If people do not feel an emotional connection to it, that's when you lose them." "When I make everyone else better because of my leadership, I win." "Leadership is not something you bestow upon yourself. It's something that others bestow upon you." "People love it when their fingerprints are on the solution." "There's nothing I've ever asked anybody to do, ever, that you don't see me doing." Explore the full archive at www.theleadershippodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts! These are the books mentioned in this episode The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros Forward, Together by George Couros How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | www.theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | www.selfreliantleadership.com Website | www.georgecouros.com LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/georgecourosim
Bouchra Danwra, CEO of DHOW Marcom Agency and global communication strategist, believes meaningful progress begins when we look beyond titles, achievements, and generational differences. Through her You Are What's Next initiative, Bouchra brings young graduates and CEOs together to challenge conventional definitions of success, share perspectives, and discover common ground. In this conversation, she explores the power of curiosity, honest dialogue, and questioning traditional career paths. She reminds leaders that wisdom flows both ways between generations—and that while we cannot always choose where we begin, we can take ownership of what comes next. Key Moments -How a question from her graduating children inspired Bouchra to create You Are What's Next -Why there is no universal answer to what comes next, and why honest conversations can help people find their own way -How removing titles and achievements from introductions helps leaders connect with young graduates as people -Why meaningful communication depends on genuine curiosity and the flow of conversation, not simply cultural differences -The hopes, fears, worries, and dreams that connect people across generations and backgrounds -Why real human stories offer something that polished content and online interactions cannot replace -Why slowing down creates space for creativity, reflection, and new ideas -How Bouchra turned the challenges of her upbringing into motivation to shape her own life -The "standalone kingdom" idea: accepting that you cannot choose where you start, but you can choose where you go -The butterfly theory: why following the same path as everyone else can make it harder to stand out, and why choosing a different direction matters
Carlos Gutierrez, the 35th U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former chairman and CEO of Kellogg, discusses his career spanning global business, public policy, international trade, and leadership in both the private and public sectors. In his book, "Sheer Will: Learning to Lead When There Is No Path," he reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. His path to the CEO's office and eventually to government was not planned as a straight line. It was shaped by a simple principle he learned from his father: there is no substitute for results. In this conversation, we explore the less visible work of leadership: building trust, developing relationships, making difficult decisions, and understanding that leadership is shaped by every person a leader encounters. His experience in business and government reinforced the importance of humility, adaptability, and understanding the environment in which leadership takes place. For Carlos, ambition is most useful when it is connected to something larger than the individual. The conversation ultimately returns to a fundamental question: what is the real work of a leader? Carlos's answer is not simply delivering results. It is earning the trust of people, making the difficult decisions when necessary, and creating an environment where others can succeed. Key Moments Why Carlos focused on doing the job in front of him well rather than planning for the CEO's office The leadership lessons Carlos learned from his father: results, tough decisions, and accountability How becoming a refugee shaped Carlos's view of failure, opportunity, and perspective What Carlos learned from watching his father handle failure with grace and honor Why trust does not mean leaders always make decisions people will like Why humanity and courage are essential to leadership Everyone you touch in a company is a potential advocate How Carlos experienced the difference between business and government leadership The "warehouse of trust" leaders build over time Why ambition works best when it serves something bigger than yourself What failure taught Carlos about opportunity, risk, and recognizing luck Why developing talent remains essential in an age of AI The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company. Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country's warfighters and firefighters. Learn more at darley.com and darleydefense.com Memorable Quotes "There's no substitute for results." "In order to be a good business person, you have to be an honorable person." "People see in leaders things that leaders don't see in themselves." "We don't understand how transparent we are to others that see us." "Leadership is about trust. People have to trust the leader." "Everybody is involved in politics." "Everyone you touch in a company is a potential advocate." "People are going to talk about you. What do you want them to say about you?" "Build up a warehouse of trust." "Believing in something bigger than yourself is essential for any leader." Explore the full archive at www.theleadershippodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts! These are the books mentioned in this episode Sheer Will: Learning to Lead When There Is No Path by Carlos Gutierrez Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-gutierrez/
Humans have always formed tribes. At work, those tribes emerge around far more than shared goals. They form around who we trust, where we feel we belong, what we believe, and what we stand to gain or lose. Those workplace tribes can strengthen an organization or quietly work against it. Jim Vaselopulos and Jan Rutherford examine what leaders can do to shape the conditions that influence behavior, looking beyond individual performance to the environment, incentives, and norms people respond to. They also explore four ways leaders affect the people and systems around them: subtraction, division, addition, and multiplication. That same environment determines whether people speak up, take risks, and challenge one another, or stay quiet out of fear. Jim and Jan explore psychological safety, the tension between developing people and getting mission-critical work done, and why leadership requires continually balancing priorities that are often in conflict. Ultimately, much of it comes back to belonging. Where people feel they belong shapes whom they trust, what they are willing to say, how they behave, and what they are willing to do for the group. Find episode 531 on The Leadership Podcast, on YouTube @theleadershippodcast, or wherever you get your podcasts! Key Moments - Why tribalism hasn't disappeared, even as the reasons for belonging have changed - How culture and incentives shape the behavior leaders see - Creating a tribe without creating an "us vs. them" culture - What high school can teach us about tribalism - The four approaches to leadership: subtraction, division, addition, and multiplication - What Morgan Housel's Same as Ever says about human behavior - Why fear is such a powerful force in organizations - What psychological safety looks like in practice - The tension between developing people and doing the work that matters most - Why leadership is a continuing journey of balance - The value of having someone who can challenge your thinking - Why belonging can be more powerful than truth The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company. Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country's warfighters and firefighters. Learn more at darley.com and darleydefense.com Memorable Quotes "Leadership by subtraction is, in a sense, bullying." "Leadership by division is, for us to thrive, you have to lose." "Leadership by addition is, how do we bring everybody together?" "Leadership by multiplication is, how do I create the next set of leaders?" "Fear is probably the biggest emotion that we have to deal with in the work world." "People don't want the truth, they want to belong." "The art of leadership, not just the science." "Leadership is the constant ability to balance competing priorities, competing needs, competing interests." Explore the full archive at www.theleadershippodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts! These are the books mentioned in this episode Same as Ever by Morgan Housel Influenced from Above by Brian Ahern Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com
Ron Johnson is the creator of the Apple Store, a sought-after speaker, board member, and the author of Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius. He spent much of his career in retail, including leadership roles at Target, Apple, and J.C. Penney. Ron discusses the thinking behind the Apple Store and what he learned working alongside Steve Jobs. One of the most revealing moments came when the team was six months into designing the first store and realized the concept was all wrong. Jobs agreed to start over, even though it meant delaying the launch. The conversation explores what that experience taught Ron about vision, intuition, and the willingness to rethink an idea when circumstances change. He also reflects on his experience at J.C. Penney, where he moved too quickly, relied too heavily on his own conviction, and did not bring the team along. Throughout the conversation, Ron returns to a theme that runs through his career: bold leadership requires conviction, but it also requires the humility to listen, adapt, and recognize when a better path has appeared. Key Moments The three-hour conversation with Steve Jobs that defined the Apple Store vision How Ron learned to lead through big ideas instead of constant direction Why the first Apple Store had to be completely rethought The courage to hit rewind after six months of work Why Apple designed its stores like a five-star hotel What J.C. Penney taught Ron about compromising on a vision Why intuition matters, and why sometimes you need to count to ten What happens when nobody pushes back on the leader Why kindness is different from being nice How kindness creates an environment where people can do their best Bringing your best and most authentic self to work The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company. Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country's warfighters and firefighters. Learn more at darley.com and darleydefense.com Memorable Quotes "You gotta bring people along, listen really attentively to other people's ideas." "The highest form of kindness is telling the truth." "Kindness is a choice you make at work." "Kindness enables people to be their best because they're working in an environment of love and not fear." "If you get one chance in life, bring your best self to work every day." "Don't just do things because you think that's what people would expect you to do." "I've always done well by pursuing what I intuitively believe is the right way to solve a problem and not relying on what others do." Explore the full archive at www.theleadershippodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts! These are the books mentioned in this episode Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius by Ron Johnson Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Website | www.ronjohnsonshopsdifferent.com LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/shopdifferent