Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary: Episode #387 with Todd Davis
Title: 30 Years at FranklinCovey—7 Habits They Don’t Teach in Business School — Part One
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Todd Davis, Former Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey
Introduction
In Episode #387 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Todd Davis, a veteran at FranklinCovey with three decades of experience. The discussion centers on leadership, trust, the enduring relevance of Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and the irreplaceable value of human intelligence in an AI-dominated world.
Todd Davis’s Career Journey
Vince begins by delving into Todd’s extensive tenure at FranklinCovey, highlighting his evolution from a recruiter in the medical industry to the Chief People Officer over 18 years.
“Prior to that, I worked in the medical industry for about 10 years…I was the chief people officer for 18 years.” — Todd Davis [03:52]
Todd recounts how his passion for the 7 Habits led him to FranklinCovey, ultimately shaping his career path and enabling him to mentor countless leaders and managers.
The Enduring Relevance of the 7 Habits
When addressing current workplace challenges—such as downsizing, burnout, and cultural shifts—Todd emphasizes the timelessness of the 7 Habits due to their foundation in unchanging principles of effectiveness.
“The principles themselves don't ever change…they're based on principles, principles of effectiveness.” — Todd Davis [09:28]
He explains that effectiveness is not merely about accomplishing tasks but ensuring that the right tasks are done consistently to foster ongoing improvement.
Updates in the Latest Edition of the 7 Habits
Vince inquires about the latest revised edition of the 7 Habits. Todd clarifies that while the core habits remain unchanged, the recent updates focus on enhancing practicality and applicability in today's dynamic environment.
“We've made it very… practical so that I can go through the course and I can start applying these principles tomorrow or tonight in my personal relationships and certainly in my professional relationships.” — Todd Davis [13:17]
The latest version includes more actionable strategies, ensuring that individuals can implement the habits effectively in both personal and professional settings.
Deep Dive into Habit 1: Be Proactive
Habit 1: Be Proactive serves as the cornerstone of the 7 Habits, emphasizing the principle of choice and personal responsibility.
“We can choose our response… that's the principle in Habit 1.” — Todd Davis [13:19]
Todd outlines the three key practices of this habit:
- Pause Before Responding: Separating stimulus from response to ensure thoughtful reactions.
- Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern: Focusing on what one can control to expand influence.
- Proactive Language: Using language that fosters creativity and problem-solving.
He shares an activity encouraging individuals to reframe their statements from reactive to proactive, fostering a mindset shift towards personal accountability.
Transformative Stories: Habit 5 and Active Listening
When Vince suggests dedicating episodes to each habit, Todd shares a compelling story illustrating the power of Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.
“The deepest need of the human heart is to feel understood.” — Todd Davis [23:18]
One notable example involves a man in prison whose life was transformed by reading the 7 Habits. This individual applied the principles to improve his interactions, demonstrating profound personal growth despite challenging circumstances.
Todd further elaborates on Habit 5 by discussing the importance of active listening—truly understanding others without the immediate urge to respond or solve.
“Suspend… to not give up on, but to put aside for a minute my thoughts, my feelings, my response, and truly hear the other person.” — Todd Davis [21:14]
He shares an example of coaching an employee to understand their leader’s perspective, which led to enhanced communication and a stronger working relationship.
Human Intelligence in the Age of AI
Vince raises concerns about the decline in human intelligence skills due to the proliferation of AI, questioning whether essential human skills like empathy and active listening are at risk.
“I worry that if we continue down this path, we'll start losing the art of being human.” — Vince Chan [26:44]
Todd concurs, highlighting a study where leaders identified creativity and interpersonal skills as top priorities that AI cannot replace.
“AI cannot replace these interpersonal skills…human connection, it's a principle. It's not. It's always going to be needed.” — Todd Davis [28:20]
He underscores the irreplaceable nature of human connection, emphasizing that while AI can assist, the essence of genuine human interaction remains vital.
Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
As the episode wraps up, Vince hints at the deeper exploration of trust and leadership in the upcoming second part.
“Next we are diving into the real human side, why trust works like a bank account, the biggest leadership blind spots and why most people don't really listen.” — Vince Chan [30:17]
Todd’s insights lay the groundwork for understanding the profound impact of the 7 Habits on personal and organizational transformation, setting the stage for further discussions on trust and effective leadership.
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