"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." Mark Twain
Our Institute:
We showcase the remarkable career journeys of working parents who have emerged as leadership legends in business, sports, science, or the arts. We believe the most inspirational leaders have a clear sense of purpose, gleaned from intense crucible experiences in life — like the inimitable challenge of parenting a child with autism, a near death experiences, or defeating alcoholism.
How we bring our mission to life:
01
Imperfect Leaders Podcast.
We interview bold, authentic, and by their own admission — imperfect leaders — they embrace humility and a learn-it-all mindset instead of pretending to be know-it-alls. Recent guests include World Series and NBA champions, university presidents, chief executives, and thought leaders from Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Oxford, Cambridge, Milken Institute, and the World Economic Forum.
Learn More
02
True North — Business Leaders with Autistic Children
Very few people understand the pressure on executives and rising leaders with autistic children — except of course others in the same situation.
Without a doubt this searing crucible experience will add stress, anxiety, fear, and time pressure on an already busy schedule at work.
To provide support during this challenging time, we are assembling an invite-only club of business leaders — all of whom have autistic children and are willing to share valuable lessons. Parents facing this challenge may feel helpless and alone. But they are not.
Learn More about True North
03
The Leadership Mindset Challenge.
We offer emerging leaders a unique executive education program — access to a team of advisors – executive coaches, educators, and psychologists — a personal board of advisors — to help these rising stars mentally prepare for increasing leadership responsibility in their organization.
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04
Harvard Breakfast Series.
We partner with the country's top university club focused at the intersection of leadership and athletics – at Harvard University. Founded by basketball coach, Tommy Amaker – The Breakfast Club invites the most iconic leaders in the nation to Harvard's campus in Cambridge, to educate and inspire future leaders.
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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.
Jason Karp – An Imperfect Leader
Co-founder of Hu and HumanCo
Jason is a former elite college athlete, Wharton grad (summa cum laude), and hedge fund star who has helped launch several food and health companies, including Hu, True Foods, and Oura. Less well known about Jason, he has suffered from panic attacks, ADHD, insomnia, depression, and hair loss. Jason reflected on his imperfections, and was completely vulnerable with our community.
Dr. Trenna Sutcliffe
Co-founder of Sutcliffe Clinic
Modeled after the Mayo Clinic, the Sutcliffe Clinic takes a 'whole child approach' to helping families with autistic children. In this episode – Think Different – Trenna talks about the leadership potential of both autistic children and their parents.
Brian Harper
Founder of 11 North Ventures
Brian is one of the top real estate investors in the country, focusing on open air projects across the United States and Canada. Brian successfully drives results through his compassion, empathy, and soft leadership skills – which he learned from his profoundly autistic son. Brian's new venture 11 North partners with Bain Capital in the highly competitive real estate sector.
The Imperfect Leaders Institute regularly invites experts from top organizations.
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.
Our Mission:
Our Institute's mission is to inspire exceptional talent to become more reflective and resilient leaders, and to prepare them mentally for increasing leadership responsibility within their organization.
This is what organizations crave – according to global talent advisors McKinsey, Russell Reynolds, and Spencer Stuart.
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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
Why Embrace an Imperfect Leader Mindset?
Because that’s what top companies crave:
“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
“When CEOs can admit their flaws and mistakes, they create a sense of trust and authenticity with all stakeholders." Russell Reynolds, 2024
"Imperfect leaders are more innovative and open to new ideas than leaders who focus on maintaining a perfect image." Spencer Stuart, 2024
“Adding vulnerability to personal growth journeys heightens leadership potential.” McKinsey, 2024
“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
