Inside the Mind of a Fortune 10 Leader: Kyle McDowell on Leading with WE

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05/09/25 • 50 min

In this compelling episode, Dr. Paulie and co-host AJ Rinaldi engage with Kyle McDowell, a former Fortune 10 executive turned leadership coach and bestselling author of Begin With WE. Kyle shares his journey from leading tens of thousands in corporate America to pioneering a leadership philosophy centered on collective empowerment.

They delve into the pitfalls of "me-oriented" leadership and explore Kyle's "10 WEs" framework—principles designed to dismantle dysfunction and foster a culture of excellence. Through candid discussions, Kyle emphasizes the importance of authenticity, accountability, and leading by example to inspire teams and drive meaningful change.

Whether you're navigating the complexities of organizational leadership or seeking to cultivate a more inclusive and effective team environment, this episode offers actionable insights grounded in real-world experience.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Transitioning from individualistic to collective leadership mindsets
Implementing the "10 WEs" to build cohesive and high-performing teams
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity as leadership strengths
Strategies for transforming toxic work cultures into thriving communities

For more on Kyle's leadership philosophy and resources, visit kylemcdowellinc.com.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.

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🔑 Key Takeaways:

Transitioning from individualistic to collective leadership mindsets
Implementing the "10 WEs" to build cohesive and high-performing teams
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity as leadership strengths
Strategies for transforming toxic work cultures into thriving communities

For more on Kyle's leadership philosophy and resources, visit kylemcdowellinc.com.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.

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Observable, Measurable, Impactful: Redefining Leadership with Behavior Science

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Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a behavior. And while there’s no shortage of leadership theories floating around, this episode goes beneath the surface. Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni and A.J. Rinaldi take a sharp, scientific look at what truly drives leadership that works.

Instead of parroting popular slogans, they dig into the behaviors, decisions, and contingencies that make—or break—leaders. It’s not about charisma or command. It’s about the observable, measurable behaviors that produce real results.

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Whether you’re running a school, leading a team, or just trying to lead yourself more effectively, this episode lays the behavioral groundwork.

📘 Ready to level up? Grab your copy of Positional Authority Ain’t Leadership—a no-fluff blueprint for influencing performance through the science of human behavior.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.

The Heart & Science of Leadership - Inside the Mind of a Fortune 10 Leader: Kyle McDowell on Leading with WE

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:41.423

Welcome to the Heart and Science of Leadership , where evidence meets empathy . Co-hosted by Dr Paul Gavone , a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author , and AJ Rinaldi , a John Maxwell Team certified leadership coach , this podcast blends the human side of leadership with evidence-based practices , demonstrating that leadership isn't about title or intent . It's about impact .