Living Leadership

In this episode of Living Leadership, Susan Daimler reflects on her journey from co-founding SeatGuru to serving as President of Zillow, where she helped scale the company from roughly 400 to more than 8,000 employees. In conversation with CIL Faculty Director Chris Myers, she explores what agility truly looks like in a growing organization, how leaders balance entrepreneurial energy with needed structure, and why trust, transparency, and shared context are essential to strong teams.Listen as Susan also draws connections between leadership and parenting, emphasizing the importance of allowing people to take risks, learn through experience, and grow within a culture grounded in honest communication.

Featuring Jack Speer, former NPR news anchor and current adjunct instructor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. In conversation with Christopher Myers, Faculty Director of the Center for Innovative Leadership, Jack explores why effective leadership communication goes far beyond polish or presentation skills.Listen as Jack offers powerful insights into why leadership communication is a present-moment practice—one that requires sensing what’s needed, adapting in real time, and responding with empathy and agility in moments that matter most.

Legendary NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz shares how leading Mission Control through the most high-stakes moments in space exploration shaped a philosophy of leadership rooted in being tough and competent. In conversation with Professor Christopher Myers, Kranz reflects on directing missions across NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs—including Apollo 11 and the crisis of Apollo 13—and what those moments reveal about decision-making under extreme pressure. He explores how trust, shared identity, and uncompromising standards enable teams to perform when failure is not an option, offering timeless lessons for leaders navigating uncertainty, complexity, and high-stakes moments in any organization.

Susan Magsamen, Executive Director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University and Co-Director of the NeuroArts Blueprint, shares how art and aesthetic experiences can transform leadership and organizational culture. Listen as she talks with Professor Christopher Myers about the role of neuroaesthetics in building empathy, curiosity, and collaboration — and why leaders must learn to pause, reflect, and connect with their own creativity. From redefining the meaning of work to cultivating multisensory teams, Susan offers a powerful reminder that art isn’t just self-expression; it’s a leadership tool for the future of work.

Featuring Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. Hosted by MBA candidate Shevan Steuben, this episode delves into Derrick's advocacy for lifelong learning, community-based leadership, and a modern perspective on the DEI movement. Derrick also discusses the challenges of high-level leadership, including loneliness and the importance of a trusted circle. His experiences offer profound lessons on leadership, resilience, and commitment to social progress.

Featuring Curtis Ravenel, a pioneer at the intersection of business and sustainability. Hosted by MBA candidates Sarah Adams and Priscilla Markin, this episode explores Curtis's career journey, from planned goals and serendipitous opportunities to a venture in the brewpub business that honed his financial acumen. Curtis shares pivotal moments at Bloomberg where he embraced a leadership role in sustainability, turning sustainable practices into revenue-generating strategies. He also reflects on handling failure, the value of discipline, and the importance of loving what you do to achieve success.

Featuring Femi Ayanbadejo, NFL veteran and CEO of HealthReel. Hosted by MBA candidate Vidith Huot, this episode explores Femi's journey from professional sports to technology and consulting, emphasizing collaboration, self-awareness, and leveraging adversity for growth. Femi discusses his transition to entrepreneurship in the fitness industry, the importance of blending personal and business relationships, and the collective effort required for success.

Featuring Joe Burnett, CEO and President of ClearPoint Neuro. Hosted by MBA candidate Argo Dalapati, this episode explores the benefits of working in smaller organizations, essential leadership traits, and the importance of marketing and sales acumen for building success. Joe shares his leadership philosophies and his commitment to understanding and supporting his team.

Featuring Brian Trelstad, Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and Partner at Bridges Fund Management. Hosted by MBA candidates, Matt Rappaport and Megan Putman, this episode explores the role of competition, gamification, and social entrepreneurship in team dynamics and growth.

Featuring Dean James Steinberg, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Bill Clinton and current dean of the SAIS school at Johns Hopkins University. Hosted by MBA candidates Sujit Koppula, Mike Zipperer, and Sara Bliden, this episode explores leadership across government and academia, decision-making contrasts, and the impact of evolving technology.