When we consider what separates successful companies from those that struggle, often the greatest differentiator is the leadership from the top of the organization.  And, as we consider the challenges of today, effective and strategic leadership is more of an enabler of success than ever.  While many of the fundamental principles of leadership might be unchanged, the challenges and crises today are challenging all leaders to focus more upon compassion, empathy and vulnerability to effectively guide their organizations.

In this week’s Taking Stock, I am pleased to welcome Paul Garrison.  Paul is the President of Clarkston Consulting, where he helps guide and execute the firm’s strategy, overseeing the core consulting business unit, client relationships and the delivery of services to the firm’s global clients.  In this role, Paul is charged with leading over 300 stewards of the firm; from first-year consultants to thirty-year industry veterans.

Paul’s perspectives on leadership are vast, allowing us to touch upon a variety of topics that are applicable to leaders across all organizations.  In our discussion, we first talk about the challenge of leading through times of crisis and the importance of serving as a calm and steady voice throughout your organization.  With more and more employees expecting an alignment between the company they work for and their personal core values, Paul shares his insights on social activism within the workplace and how to support employees that are bringing their ‘personal passions’ to the workplace.  Finally, we engage in a discussion around the challenges, as well as opportunities, that come with leading a team of high performers, how to know when to, at times simply ‘get out of the way’ and how you support those who constantly strive for upward movement and promotion.

You can download and listen to the Strategic Leadership: Taking Stock with Paul Garrison podcast episode here.

Taking Stock

In this podcast series, Clarkston Consulting Partner Steve Rosenstock sits down with experts and thought leaders from both within Clarkston and throughout its consumer products and life sciences client-base, covering a range of topics from industry trends and consumer dynamics, to organizational governance and business strategy. Steve provides you access into the passions of its guests and allows you to benefit from their stories, knowledge, and deep expertise.

Podcast production by Zach McClughen.