EPISODE · Sep 18, 2025 · 56 MIN
The Power of Principled Dissent and Curiosity in Leadership with Todd Kashdan
from Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden · host Craig Dowden
On this episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Dr. Todd Kashdan, a top expert in well-being, curiosity and resilience to dive right into an engaging discussion about what makes a great conversationalist. We cover a wide range of topics during our time together, including three of his exceptional books and his Substack – Provoked.Dr. Kashdan’s insights will challenge your perceptions and assumptions and provide deeper and richer insights into how we approach our personal and professional lives. We start by exploring the science of Curiosity, which he outlined in an earlier book. He also sheds light on his previous book, the "Upside of your Dark Side," exploring how traditionally ‘negative’ emotions like anger can be powerful drivers of social change and effective leadership. This exploration extends to challenging the culture of toxic positivity and recognizing the indispensable role of negative emotions in personal and professional growth.Finally, we unpack the complex terrain of principled dissent. Through personal stories and real-world applications, the conversation highlights the importance of social courage and independent decision-making. Dr. Kashdan discusses how integrating dissenters with supportive allies can create a productive environment, both online and offline, and underscores the necessity of authenticity beyond performative gestures. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating leadership challenges with principle, providing a compelling roadmap for fostering positive environments where we effectively leverage the diversity of the human experience to achieve extraordinary things together.What You’ll Learn- The essence of great conversationalists - The importance of social sensitivity in fostering positive group dynamics- Harnessing diverse perspectives to drive creativity and innovation.- Exploring the "Upside of your Dark Side" and how traditionally negative emotions can fuel positive social change.- The role of principled dissent in societal and individual growth- The power of alignment between your Values X ActionsPodcast Timestamps(00:00) - Curiosity as a Vital Skill in Leadership and in Life(13:59) - Navigating Diversity and Psychological Safety(20:36) - Exploring the Upside of Your Dark Side(38:50) - Challenging the Status Quo: Group Norms and Decision-Making(48:16) – The True Power of Principled DissentKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, The Art of Meaningful Conversation, Curiosity, Psychological Safety, Cognitive Diversity, Navigating Group Dynamics, Fostering Creativity and Innovation, The Benefits of a Wandering Mind, Facing the Shadow Self, The Upside of Anger, Power Dynamics, Principled Dissent, Exhibiting Social Courage, Creating Allyship, The Perils of Performative Versus Principled Leadership, CEO Success
What this episode covers
On this episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Dr. Todd Kashdan, a top expert in well-being, curiosity and resilience to dive right into an engaging discussion about what makes a great conversationalist. We cover a wide range of topics during our time together, including three of his exceptional books and his Substack – Provoked.Dr. Kashdan’s insights will challenge your perceptions and assumptions and provide deeper and richer insights into how we approach our personal and professional lives. We start by exploring the science of Curiosity, which he outlined in an earlier book. He also sheds light on his previous book, the "Upside of your Dark Side," exploring how traditionally ‘negative’ emotions like anger can be powerful drivers of social change and effective leadership. This exploration extends to challenging the culture of toxic positivity and recognizing the indispensable role of negative emotions in personal and professional growth.Finally, we unpack the complex terrain of principled dissent. Through personal stories and real-world applications, the conversation highlights the importance of social courage and independent decision-making. Dr. Kashdan discusses how integrating dissenters with supportive allies can create a productive environment, both online and offline, and underscores the necessity of authenticity beyond performative gestures. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating leadership challenges with principle, providing a compelling roadmap for fostering positive environments where we effectively leverage the diversity of the human experience to achieve extraordinary things together.What You’ll Learn- The essence of great conversationalists - The importance of social sensitivity in fostering positive group dynamics- Harnessing diverse perspectives to drive creativity and innovation.- Exploring the "Upside of your Dark Side" and how traditionally negative emotions can fuel positive social change.- The role of principled dissent in societal and individual growth- The power of alignment between your Values X ActionsPodcast Timestamps(00:00) - Curiosity as a Vital Skill in Leadership and in Life(13:59) - Navigating Diversity and Psychological Safety(20:36) - Exploring the Upside of Your Dark Side(38:50) - Challenging the Status Quo: Group Norms and Decision-Making(48:16) – The True Power of Principled DissentKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, The Art of Meaningful Conversation, Curiosity, Psychological Safety, Cognitive Diversity, Navigating Group Dynamics, Fostering Creativity and Innovation, The Benefits of a Wandering Mind, Facing the Shadow Self, The Upside of Anger, Power Dynamics, Principled Dissent, Exhibiting Social Courage, Creating Allyship, The Perils of Performative Versus Principled Leadership, CEO Success
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The Power of Principled Dissent and Curiosity in Leadership with Todd Kashdan
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