"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 support and showcase the remarkable career journeys of working parents who have a clear sense of purpose — crystallized from intense crucible experiences in life — like the inimitable challenge of parenting a child with autism, a near death experience, or defeating alcoholism. ​​
How we bring our mission to life:
01
Imperfect Leaders Podcast.
We interview bold leaders who embrace humility. Recent guests include World Series and NBA champions, university presidents, chief executives, startup entrepreneurs, top scientists, and thought leaders from Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Oxford, Cambridge, Milken Institute, and the World Economic Forum.
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02
True North Club — Working Parents with Neurodiverse Children
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The True North Club helps working parents with autistic children learn from educators, scientists, peers, executive coaches, and a personal board of advisors. Parents facing a 'crucible' challenge may feel helpless and alone. But they are not.
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03
The Leadership Mindset Challenge.
We offer emerging leaders an experiential leadership development program to help them mentally prepare for increasing leadership responsibility in their organization.
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04
Harvard Breakfast Series — for Leaders Under the Age of 20.
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.
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:
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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.
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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
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​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​
