EPISODE · Aug 3, 2023 · 56 MIN
#146: Alan Mulally, Former CEO of Ford Motor Company – How to work together
from How Leaders Lead with David Novak · host David Novak
Today’s guest is Alan Mulally, who served as the CEO of Ford during their incredible turnaround. And when we say served as the CEO, we mean it! That’s because, in Alan’s words, to serve is to live. And it’s not just a warm-fuzzy philosophy. His service-centered style of leadership really gets results. It’s how he motivates people to actually work together. And it’s how he led Ford through one most extraordinary turnarounds – from operating at a $17 billion loss to making $9 billion in profit … in just two years! So if you want to learn how to get people working together, then you’re going to LOVE all the incredible insights and stories Alan shares in this episode. You’ll also learn: Alan’s #1 piece of advice for anyone in a turnaround situation A practical way to stay attuned to the reality of your business One unexpected question to add to your next employee survey The surprising shift leaders of the future need to make (and how to do it) How to reframe issues in your company in a way that unlocks teamwork The common mistake leaders make when a team member brings up an issue A paradigm-shifting way to think about “work-life balance” Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
What this episode covers
Today’s guest is Alan Mulally, who served as the CEO of Ford during their incredible turnaround. And when we say served as the CEO, we mean it! That’s because, in Alan’s words, to serve is to live. And it’s not just a warm-fuzzy philosophy. His service-centered style of leadership really gets results. It’s how he motivates people to actually work together. And it’s how he led Ford through one most extraordinary turnarounds – from operating at a $17 billion loss to making $9 billion in profit … in just two years! So if you want to learn how to get people working together, then you’re going to LOVE all the incredible insights and stories Alan shares in this episode. You’ll also learn: Alan’s #1 piece of advice for anyone in a turnaround situation A practical way to stay attuned to the reality of your business One unexpected question to add to your next employee survey The surprising shift leaders of the future need to make (and how to do it) How to reframe issues in your company in a way that unlocks teamwork The common mistake leaders make when a team member brings up an issue A paradigm-shifting way to think about “work-life balance” Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
NOW PLAYING
#146: Alan Mulally, Former CEO of Ford Motor Company – How to work together
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Jan 2, 2026 ·47m
Dec 21, 2025 ·46m