Are universities truly preparing the next generation of leaders? This episode of the Growth Hacking Culture podcast features Dr. Cedric B. Howard, author of "Unshakable Leadership," as we tackle the critical gap between graduate capabilities and the demands of today's organizations.

Dr. Howard, with his unique blend of academic depth and corporate insights, reveals why traditional leadership education often falls short. We explore the persistent need for leaders who can foster innovation, navigate ambiguity, and build resilient teams in a constantly disrupted world.

• Read his book: Unshakable Leadership: The Resilient Path to Confidence, Strategic Thinking, and Inspiring Results
• Connect with Cedric on LinkedIn or his website

Discover the "blind spots" in many universities, steeped in tradition and top-down leadership, which hinder the development of essential "people skills" or soft skills. Dr. Howard highlights critical gaps in emotional intelligence, resiliency, the ability to give and receive feedback, and strategic decision-making among young leaders.

This conversation emphasizes the shared responsibility between educational institutions and corporate entities in shaping future leaders. We discuss how to provide practical exposure through internships, study abroad, and real-life scenarios, mirroring successful models like the U.S. Navy's officer training.

A key focus is on the most critical leadership skills needed today: resiliency and strategic thinking, enabling leaders to "bounce back" under pressure and make informed decisions by listening to comprehend, not just respond.

Furthermore, Dr. Howard shares pedagogical approaches that are most effective in a corporate setting, emphasizing feedback, reflection, analysis, and doing things in a safe environment. He advocates for real-life case studies, role-playing, and project-based learning, alongside the crucial role of mentoring and succession planning.

Finally, we delve into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in leadership development. Dr. Howard encourages embracing AI as a powerful tool for feedback, strategic thinking, and accelerating leader development in a safe and ethical manner. He argues that AI can help overcome human "blind spots" by providing objective analysis, fostering self-discovery, and enhancing internal capacity for leaders.

Tune in to challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding of how to truly prepare the next generation for unshakable leadership.

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