Podcast
Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership
Hosted by Bruce Temkin · EN
Welcome to Humanity at Scale: Redefining Leadership Podcast! Join Bruce Temkin, a trailblazer in human experience management, as he reimagines leadership for today’s dynamic world—proving that true success begins with prioritizing people, including employees, customers, and the communities you serve.
In each episode, Bruce dives into the practices, mindsets, and stories that help leaders drive exceptional success—while creating a more humane and impactful world. How can neuroscience and behavioral economics shape better decisions? How are successful leaders balancing organizational goals with positive human impact? And how can we lead in ways that truly inspire humanity?
From candid conversations with executives to breakthrough insights from experts, Humanity at Scale is your ultimate guide to leading with purpose and empathy. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, it will equip you with the tools and inspiration to redefine success—for yourself, your organization, and humanity.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Redefining Leadership for Gen Z: Coaching, Connection, and Trust with Tim Elmore
Dec 1800:49:27Tap to summarizeWhat if the leadership approach that built your success is exactly what's holding your organization back from the future?In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin speaks with leadership expert and author of The Future Begins with Z, Tim Elmore, about why the leadership styles that once worked may now be slowing organisations down. Together, they explore how Gen Z is reshaping workplace expectations, why leaders must shift from gatekeeping to guiding, and how connection, coaching, and clarity can bridge generational gaps. Tim shares practical frameworks, from the PERKS hiring model to the ALEG feedback approach and reverse mentoring, that help leaders build resilience, emotional intelligence, and trust across teams. This conversation reveals how Gen Z isn’t resisting leadership; they’re signalling how it must evolve for the future.Here are some of the topics that Bruce and Tim explore:How to shift from "gatekeeper" to "guide" leadership to align with Gen Z values The Peter Pan Paradox framework: Why Gen Z has high "authority" but low "maturity." How to use the PERKS hiring framework to close expectation gapsWhy "work-life blending" beats "work-life balance."The ALEG model for building resilience through accountability How to implement reverse mentoring for mutual growthTim Elmore is the founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta-based nonprofit equipping schools, universities, and corporations to develop the next generation. After working for 20 years alongside leadership expert John Maxwell, Tim has trained over 500,000 leaders across the U.S. and in 50+ countries, partnering with brands like Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, and Ford. Author of 40 books—including The Future Begins with Z. Tim helps organisations attract, engage, and grow Gen Z talent through practical, energising, and research-backed leadership strategies.Episode Resources:Tim Elmore on LinkedInTim Elmore Inc. Website Bruce Temkin on LinkedInHumanity at Scale on Apple PodcastsHumanity at Scale on SpotifyHumanity at Scale on YouTubeHumanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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Leading Under Fire: Ethical Clarity in Chaos with John Katsos
Dec 400:41:37Tap to summarizeWhat happens to your leadership when the pressure hits hard, and the stakes couldn’t be higher?In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin speaks with researcher and professor John Katsos about what truly defines ethical leadership in moments of crisis. Drawing on lessons from conflict zones like Ukraine, Iraq, and Sri Lanka, Katsos reveals why deep self-awareness, not expertise, is a leader’s greatest stabiliser under extreme stress. Together, they explore how values-driven decision-making builds cultures grounded in humanity rather than fear, and why clarity, empathy, and courage become strategic advantages when uncertainty reigns. This conversation offers practical frameworks and powerful stories that show ethical leadership isn’t just viable, it’s vital.Here are some of the topics that Bruce and John explore:How to ground yourself before grounding othersWhy picking a side is better than false neutrality in polarized environmentsThe framework for ethical decision-making when lawyers and compliance teams fail How to build organizational resilience through competitor collaborationThe three forces driving persistent global conflictWhy "giving voice to values" training transforms leaders into culture-shiftersJohn Katsos is a Lecturer at the Cork University Business School. John specializes in ethical leadership within conflict and crisis environments. With a background in law and a track record of on-the-ground research across Iraq, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Sri Lanka, Katzors has become a leading expert in understanding how business leaders maintain ethical standards under extreme pressure. As Editor-in-Chief of Society and Business Review and co-author of *Ethical Leadership in Conflict and Crisis*, he has been nominated for the 2024 and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his work demonstrating how organizations can rebuild trust and promote peace in fragile systems.Episode Resources:John Katsos on LinkedInCork University Business School Website Bruce Temkin on LinkedInHumanity at Scale on Apple PodcastsHumanity at Scale on SpotifyHumanity at Scale on YouTubeHumanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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The Ethics of Empowerment: How AI Can Make Us Stronger with Vivienne Ming
May 8, 202500:55:13Tap to summarizeIn an era of rapid workplace transformation, human connection remains the cornerstone of effective leadership and organizational success.In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Dr. Vivienne Ming, a visionary neuroscientist and AI pioneer, to explore how technology can elevate, not replace, human potential. Sharing her inspiring journey from homelessness to innovation leadership, Ming unpacks how purpose, ethical design, and a deep understanding of human complexity should shape AI development. From the “Better After Use” principle to rethinking leadership and productivity, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone aiming to build more human-centric organizations and unlock AI’s role as a catalyst for creativity, compassion, and real-world impact.What you will learn:How to transform personal struggles into purpose-driven innovation The "Better After Use" principle to evaluate how technology enhances human capabilityWhy designing AI systems requires understanding the full human ecology How to approach AI implementation for cost-cutting and enhancing human creativityThe power of imperfect leadership and why self-awareness matters Why purpose is the single biggest predictor of productivity in large organizationsHow to develop compensatory strategies for personal weaknesses The importance of asking whether we're solving the right problems Why understanding human complexity should drive technology development How to ensure AI amplifies human potential instead of replacing human capabilitiesDr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author, frequently featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Financial Times. She co-founded Socos Labs, an independent institute exploring human potential through science and technology. A former UC Berkeley visiting scholar, Vivienne invented AI systems for healthcare, mental health, and refugee support. She serves on multiple boards and speaks globally on inclusive innovation while enjoying life as a wife and mother of two.Episode Resources:Dr. Vivienne Ming on LinkedInDionysus Digital Health Website Talent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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Empathy, AI, and the New Rules of the Human Workplace with Erica Keswin
May 1, 202500:39:41Tap to summarizeIn an era of rapid workplace transformation, human connection remains the cornerstone of effective leadership and organizational success.In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with WSJ bestselling author, human workplace expert, and keynote speaker, Erica Keswin. Together, they explore the future of human-centric leadership in a tech-driven world. They discuss how leaders can create thriving and connected workplaces by striking a balance between innovation and empathy, while fostering positive cultures through intentional rituals and practices. Keswin also challenges outdated retention strategies and emphasizes the need for deeper workplace relationships, especially in hybrid settings. With insights on preparing for AI, empowering middle managers, and leading with vulnerability, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone looking to build resilient, people-first organizations. What you will learn:How to find the "sweet spot" between technology and human connection The three essential components of effective workplace rituals that build lasting cultureWhy traditional employee retention models are outdated How to create workplace cultures that honor both productivity and human connectionThe power of vulnerability in leadership How to prepare for AI integration while strengthening essential human skillsWhy middle managers are crucial for organizational success The importance of active listening as a cornerstone leadership skill How to develop meaningful rituals that enhance workplace culture Why workplace culture should be viewed as a strategic priority Erica Keswin is a bestselling author, renowned workplace strategist, and internationally sought-after speaker who helps companies build human-centric cultures that drive organizational success. Through her Human Workplace Trilogy—Bring Your Human to Work, Rituals Roadmap, and The Retention Revolution—Erica has redefined what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. Rica is a highly sought-after coach and is recognized by Marshall Goldsmith and Business Insider. She also advises leading companies on creating connection-rich, high-performing workplaces. Erica lives in New York City with her family and beloved labradoodle, Cruiser.Episode Resources:Erica Keswin on LinkedInErica Keswin Website Talent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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Innovate or Stagnate: Mastering Leadership in a Dynamic World with Charlene Li
Apr 24, 202500:35:37Tap to summarizeWhat if disruption could be your greatest ally in creating positive change?In this episode of Humanity at Scale: Redefining Leadership, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Charlene Li, Strategic Advisor and Keynote Speaker, Founder and CEO of Quantum Networks Group, and New York Times bestselling author, to explore how leaders can harness disruption as a catalyst for innovation. Charlene shares insights on creating psychological safety while pushing boundaries, building cultures where failure fuels growth, and leading through uncertainty with bold vision and empathy. From AI-driven shifts to lasting organizational transformation, this conversation offers actionable strategies for thriving in times of change.Join them as they discuss:A Career Built on Disruption: "I Came, I Saw, I Disrupted"The Power of Embracing Discomfort in LeadershipStretching vs. Stressing: Finding the Right Balance in ChangeBurning the Boats: Committing Fully to TransformationThree Questions That Drive Successful Disruptive OrganizationsBuilding Trust and Belonging in Times of ChangeNavigating AI Disruption: Strategies for SuccessLeadership Skills for the FutureAftershow: Key Insights on Leading Through DisruptionCharlene Li is a globally recognized thought leader on disruptive transformation strategy and leadership. A New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, she has helped organizations navigate seismic shifts in business and society. Charlene has worked with 14 of the Dow Jones 30 companies, advising leaders on innovation, culture change, and the impact of generative AI. Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top 10 Voices on Company Culture, she shares her insights through books, articles, and weekly live streams. She also speaks at major conferences and provides executive coaching, empowering leaders to drive meaningful, people-centric transformation in their organizations.Episode Resources:Charlene Li on LinkedInQuantum Networks Group WebsiteTalent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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Beyond Right and Wrong: Rethinking Moral Disagreements with Kurt Gray
Apr 17, 202500:42:24Tap to summarizeHow can leaders create a culture where people with different perspectives collaborate and thrive?In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin speaks with psychologist and neuroscientist Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC, Chapel Hill, to explore how leaders can navigate moral complexity and foster empathy in organizations. They discuss how perceptions of harm shape moral divides, why storytelling builds understanding better than facts, and how power impacts empathy. Listen in as Kurt shares actionable insights into making ethical decisions transparent, designing inclusive systems, and using emotional intelligence to lead with both clarity and compassion in these morally challenging times.What you will learn:How moral disagreements stem from different perceptions, not differences in valuesWhy personal stories and vulnerability are more effective than facts in bridging dividesThe "Charitable Pause" principle for preventing knee-jerk reactions How excess power can erode empathy Why organizations need to promote collaboration over competition How to make ethical decisions transparent Recognizing that opposing viewpoints often come from a shared desire for protectionWhy AI must be aligned with human moral psychology The critical role of emotional intelligence in leading through moral complexityKurt Gray is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. He also teaches organizational ethics at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. A leading voice on the psychology of morality, politics, and AI, his work appears in The New York Times, HBR, and Nature. He is the author of The Mind Club and the forthcoming book Outraged, exploring how to bridge moral and political divides.Episode Resources:Kurt Gray on LinkedInUNC WebsiteTalent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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Scaling with Heart: How Safelite Balances Growth, People, and Purpose with Renee Cacchillo
Apr 10, 202500:44:55Tap to summarizeCan extraordinary business results and genuine human connection coexist at scale?In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin speaks with Renee Cacchillo, President and CEO of Safelite AutoGlass, about leading with a people-first mindset while scaling a major business. They explore how vulnerability builds trust, why simplifying complexity enhances human connection, and how technology can support—not replace—customer relationships. Renee shares insights on fostering employee engagement, driving performance through purpose, and creating moments of unexpected joy for customers. Tune in for leadership strategies that balance growth, profit, and humanity.What you will learn:How vulnerability as a leader builds trust and unlocks team potential The "People Powered, Customer Driven" framework Why standardizing and simplifying enable better human connections with customersHow to implement technological changes while maintaining focus on human needsHow to create unexpected happiness for customers in service-based businessesWhy investing in frontline workers' success drives organizational performanceHow to sustain genuine care and empathy while leading a large-scale organizationRenee Cocillo is the President and CEO of Safelite, the largest auto glass replacement company in the United States, with over $3-4 billion in sales and 14,000 associates across 50 states. With a background in operations, consulting, and customer experience, she has transformed Safelite into a people-powered, customer-driven organization that delivers unexpected happiness to people's everyday lives. Under her leadership, Safelite has pioneered innovative digital solutions and standardized service excellence while maintaining a genuine human connection at scale.Episode Resources:Renee Cacchillo on LinkedInSafelite AutoGlass WebsiteTalent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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Why Smart Leaders Ask More and Tell Less with Liz Wiseman
Apr 3, 202500:46:34Tap to summarizeGreat leaders don’t just direct—they empower others to excel.In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin speaks with Liz Wiseman, CEO of The Wiseman Group and bestselling author, about the difference between "multiplier" and "diminisher" leadership. They explore how leaders can create high-performance, human-centric workplaces by fostering "intense" rather than "tense" environments, embracing "rookie smarts," and avoiding common habits that unintentionally stifle their teams. Whether you're an executive or an aspiring leader, this conversation offers actionable insights on unlocking potential, driving innovation, and leading with impact in today’s dynamic workplace.What You will learn:How to distinguish between "multiplier" and "diminisher" leadership styles and their impact on team performanceThe critical difference between creating "tense" versus "intense" work environmentsWhy being "nice" isn't the same as being an effective multiplier leaderHow to recognize and stop being an "accidental diminisher" through nine common behavior patternsThe power of "rookie smarts" and why learning beats knowing in today's rapidly changing workplaceThe "extreme question challenge" technique to shift from telling to asking and unlock team potentialHow to create high-performance environments that remain deeply human-centricThe importance of moving beyond job descriptions to unleash people's full potentialWhy truth-telling and incremental challenge are essential for developing team membersLiz Wiseman is a renowned leadership researcher, executive advisor, and bestselling author. As CEO of The Wiseman Group, a Silicon Valley-based leadership research and development firm, she has worked with top organizations like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Tesla. She authored Multipliers, Rookie Smarts, and Impact Players, offering insights on how great leaders amplify the intelligence of those around them. A Thinkers50 honoree from 2013 to 2023, she also writes for Harvard Business Review and lectures at Stanford and BYU. Previously, she was Vice President of Oracle University, leading global talent development initiatives.Episode Resources:Liz Wiseman on LinkedInWiseman Group WebsiteTalent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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From Conflict To Connection: Harnessing Curiosity, Empathy, and Dialogue with Dr. Tania Israel
Mar 27, 202500:39:50Tap to summarizeHow can leaders foster meaningful connections in an increasingly divided world?In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin welcomes Dr. Tania Israel, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UC Santa Barbara and award-winning author, to explore how leaders can bridge divides and foster human-centered workplaces. They discuss how curiosity transforms conflict, the impact of cognitive biases, and practical strategies for authentic dialogue. From managing workplace tribalism to overcoming unconscious bias, this conversation offers actionable insights for leaders navigating today’s divided world. Discover how assuming good intent and embracing open conversations can create more collaborative, resilient teams.What you will learn:How to embrace genuine curiosity in difficult conversationsWhy understanding cognitive biases is crucial for bridging dividesThe critical difference between feeling unsafe and being unsafe How to regulate emotional responses when triggered by differing viewpointsThe practical framework for promoting understanding over winning arguments How leaders can address workplace tribalism without banning political discussion How to help teams recognize and overcome unconscious biases that drive workplace divisionDr. Tania Israel is a Professor of Counseling Psychology and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UC Santa Barbara and an award-winning author, researcher, and expert in navigating political and social divides. With over 25 years of experience in psychology, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations bridge differences and foster meaningful connections. Israel is the author of two influential books, "Facing the Fracture" and "Beyond Your Bubble," which provide practical frameworks for handling difficult conversations and building understanding across divides. Her groundbreaking work, sparked by facilitating dialogues between pro-choice and pro-life groups in the 1990s, has evolved to address contemporary challenges in political and social polarization. Episode Resources:Dr. Tania Israel on LinkedInUC Santa Barbara WebsiteTalent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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Beyond Profits: The Power of Customer Loyalty with Fred Reichheld
Mar 20, 202500:39:53Tap to summarizeWhat if the key to business success isn't just about profits, but about truly enriching customers' lives?In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Fred Reichheld, Bain Fellow, NYT best selling author, Keynote Speaker, and creator of the Net Promoter System, to uncover the true power of customer loyalty. They explore why traditional satisfaction metrics often fall short while measuring loyalty, how NPS is misinterpreted and misused, and the importance of focusing on the "earned growth rate" when measuring real advocacy. Fred shares why referrals are the ultimate proof of loyalty and warns against AI’s misuse in customer experience. With insights on leadership, customer-centric growth, and sustainable success, this episode is a must-listen for business leaders seeking to build lasting customer relationships.Join them as they discuss:Origins of NPS: Why Customer Satisfaction Scores Weren't EnoughCommon Mistakes: How Companies Misuse NPS TodayWinning on Purpose: Getting the NPS Movement Back on TrackEarned Growth Rate: The True Measure of Customer LoyaltyAI and Customer Loyalty: Opportunities and Current PitfallsLeadership Wisdom: Why Loving Your Teams Drives SuccessFred Reichheld is a world-renowned expert on customer and employee loyalty, best known as the creator of the Net Promoter System℠ (NPS®). A fellow at Bain & Company, he founded Bain’s Loyalty practice, helping companies drive profitable growth through customer-centric strategies. Named the “high priest” of loyalty by The Economist, he has authored five best-selling books, including Winning on Purpose (2021). His groundbreaking work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Harvard Business Review. A sought-after speaker, Fred earned his MBA and AB with honors from Harvard University.Episode Resources:Fred Reichheld on LinkedInBain & Company WebsiteTalent Harbour WebsiteBruce Temkin on LinkedIn
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