https://dnl.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/uploads/3A0xzwOc110EX6YnaI4oUuogdj0Sw5bORgx9wPhZ.jpg

Condoleezza Rice

Former U.S. Secretary of State
EPISODE 121

Play to your strengths

Today’s guest is Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. She’s undoubtedly one of our nation’s most admired and successful leaders.

These days, she’s the Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford and recently became a part owner in the Denver Broncos, where she led the hiring effort for their new head coach.

It’s not every day that you get to learn from a leader who’s negotiated with Vladimir Putin and performed a piano concert for the Queen of England! 

There is so much we can learn from Condi’s remarkable leadership skills. And while she is incredibly humble, she also knows how to play to her strengths. 

She understands her unique skills and contributions.

And she steps into any situation with a firm grasp on how she can apply those strengths and get the right outcome. 

Now, that’s something that all great leaders need to understand. 

You’ll also learn:

  • Practical advice for making tough decisions
  • One key aspect of smart diplomacy every leader can put to use
  • The three qualities you should look for in a mentor
  • The mindset you need when you’re the one who’s “different” from everyone else
  • The leadership traits she looked for in the new coach for the Denver Broncos

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.

More from Condoleezza Rice

Overcome a disadvantage with this mindset
You may not be able to control your circumstances, but you can control your response to your circumstances. If there is a barrier you go around it, over it, or through it — but you don't let it stop you.
The three key qualities every leader needs
Motivating your team involves specific action: encouraging your people to take on *their* leadership tasks; informing your people about where they’re going; and being specific about what’s expected of them to get there.
Be overly prepared for when things go wrong
Things rarely go as planned. Prioritize preparation so that unexpected problems don’t derail you completely.
Find a way to develop your resilience
It’s rare that everything goes according to plan. Hone your ability to pivot, adapt, and bounce back after a loss.
Inclusion is a two-way street
In situations where you feel different from everyone else, don’t wait on others to make you feel comfortable. Make the effort to include yourself!
How to make decisions when you're not an expert
You can’t be an expert on everything! But you still need to make informed decisions. That’s why leaders need to ask the right questions and trust the right people.

Get daily insights delivered straight to your inbox every morning

Short (but powerful) leadership advice from entrepreneurs and CEOs of top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Target, Starbucks and more.

Clips

  • Find a way to develop your resilience
    Condoleezza Rice
    Condoleezza Rice
    Former U.S. Secretary of State
  • Be overly prepared for when things go wrong
    Condoleezza Rice
    Condoleezza Rice
    Former U.S. Secretary of State
  • Overcome a disadvantage with this mindset
    Condoleezza Rice
    Condoleezza Rice
    Former U.S. Secretary of State
  • Inclusion is a two-way street
    Condoleezza Rice
    Condoleezza Rice
    Former U.S. Secretary of State
  • How to make decisions when you're not an expert
    Condoleezza Rice
    Condoleezza Rice
    Former U.S. Secretary of State
  • The three key qualities every leader needs
    Condoleezza Rice
    Condoleezza Rice
    Former U.S. Secretary of State

Explore more topical advice from the world’s top leaders in the How Leaders Lead App

The #1 app to help you become a better boss, coach, or leader
Apple App Store