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Ken Chenault

Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
EPISODE 68

Embrace Constructive Confrontation

Today's guest is Ken Chenault, the Former Chairman and CEO of American Express, and the current Chairman and Managing Partner of General Catalyst, a dynamic private equity firm. Now, if you run a business or lead a team, there are moments when you need to lean into confrontation. And I don't mean dance around the confrontation, I'm talking about facing it head on. For a lot of people, this can be really hard to do, really intimidating. But the great leaders I know, like Ken, have learned how to engage in constructive confrontation. 

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More from Ken Chenault

Get honest feedback from your team on YOUR performance
When people give you feedback on your performance, accept it as a gift and work to improve in those specific areas.
Embrace constructive confrontation
It’s vital to give honest feedback to your direct reports, even when it’s tough. But don't stop there! Pair that criticism with a plan that helps people learn from it.
In a crisis, your role is to define reality and give hope
When times get tough, great leaders shine. Set clear priorities, be decisive, and—above all—give your team hope that you’re going to get through it together.
The "move fast and break things" era is over
How do your products and services impact the world at large? Consider the consequences of how you operate if you want to succeed in the long haul.
Get honest feedback from your team on YOUR performance
The truth hurts, but getting honest feedback from your team on how you show up as a leader is critical to your success.

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

Clips

  • Get honest feedback from your team on your performance
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • What investors look for in founders
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • Embrace constructive confrontation
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • Be clear about what your values are
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • The "move fast and break things" era is over
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • To create an equitable culture, talk about inequity
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • In a crisis, your role is to define reality and give hope
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • Acknowledge the pain caused by tough calls
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • Weather business challenges by weighing opportunities
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO
  • Diversify your workforce by shedding outdated hiring strategies
    Ken Chenault
    Ken Chenault
    Amex, Former Chairman and CEO

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