Steering the Ship in Stormy Seas: Walt Rakowich on the Power of Transformative Leadership

12/12/23 • 59 min

Ever wondered how leadership is evolving in our rapidly changing world? On this episode of Unfazed Under Fire, we get some potent answers to this question from Walt Rakowich. Walt is the former CEO of ProLogis, a seasoned board member to the Fortune 500, speaker and author. He helps us understand the power of Transformative leadership and how such an approach helps us to navigate today's volatile, uncertain business environment. We discuss servant leadership, transparency, authenticity, and how leadership is not just about power - it's about human connection and influence.
Walt shares the story of his "crucible moment" when he was hired as CEO of ProLogis. When Walt rejoined the company, its share price had dropped from a high of $72.00 to $2.00 a share. Walt successfully turned the company around and oversaw its successful merger with AMB in 2012. During the podcast, we discuss the principles and approaches that led to this great success, that are outlined in Walt's book, Transfluence.
Our conversation also takes us into the territory of crisis management and leadership accountability. Rakowich shares his personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of feedback, coaching, and overcoming personal pride and fear. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the nuances of transformative leadership, particularly in these challenging times. Listen in, and let's learn together about the evolution of leadership and its role in our world today.
Connecting with Walt and his work:
Website: waltrakowich.com
Amazon link to order Walt's book - Transfluence: https://amzn.to/4af38jY

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

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Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

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Previous Episode

How Leaders Can Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn't Suck

What if the key to a thriving organization was as simple as creating a workplace where Monday mornings don't suck? Our guest, Eric Harkins, founder and president of GKG Search and Outplacement, takes us on a deep exploration of this concept. Bringing his book "Great Leaders Make Sure a Monday Morning Doesn't Suck" to life, he champions the importance of leadership in company culture and the dire implications of ignoring underperforming employees.
Together, we pull back the curtain on the idea of "LEAD," a tool that focuses on the qualities and behaviors of leaders over their results. But it doesn't stop there; Eric spills the beans on what really makes a company great and how you, as a leader, can maintain that greatness. We put under the microscope the controversial issue of employees turning off their cameras during virtual meetings and expose the need for trust and open communication in remote teams.
Lastly, we delve into the heart of employee motivation and the three things that make them tick: a cool place, cool projects, and cool people. Listen closely as Eric shares his wisdom on fostering a positive work environment, the role of leaders in achieving this, and how to apply these principles to become a resilient leader. So, buckle up for an episode that promises to be as impactful as it is insightful – because great leadership is about making sure a Monday morning doesn't suck.
More on Eric Harkins:
Eric's Website: www.ericharkins.com
Eric's book: https://bit.ly/GreatLeadersMakeSureMondayMorningDoesntSuck

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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undefined - The Resilient Leader Method - a process that instantly unlocks resilient leadership in times that are demanding it - with Anatoly Yakorev

The Resilient Leader Method - a process that instantly unlocks resilient leadership in times that are demanding it - with Anatoly Yakorev

As the flames of executive challenges rage in today's disruptive business environment, Anatoly Yakorev and I stand ready to arm you with the Resilient Leader Method—a transformative approach that promises to reignite your innate potential. Discover how to break free from the chains of past conditioning and reactivity, and how my tailored coaching in tandem with Anatoly's Resilient Leadership Reset process can help you rise above the obstacles that have long hindered leadership effectiveness. This is not just a lesson in resilience; it's a masterclass in cultivating a life of creativity, optimism, and success.
Venture with us into the hidden depths of the human being, where the real treasures lie, waiting to be unlocked. We'll guide you beyond the seductive quick fixes of binaural beats, micro-dosing, and biohacking to a place where your inner resources are the true power players. As we dissect the unique pressures business leaders face, we underscore the significance of personal development in achieving professional mastery. Prepare to be inspired as we share stories of personal transformation, demonstrating how gratitude, self-reflection, and self-leadership can sculpt the resilient, focused, and confident leader within you.
Finally, Anatoly and I traverse the inner world of the mind, where the soothing frequencies of brain waves, from delta to gamma, play their symphony. We take you on a journey of resetting and integrating new positive experiences, emphasizing the critical role of theta waves in intuition and healing. Our discussion unveils how powerful transformations can transcend age and preconceptions, and how the practice of journaling and meditation paves the way for lasting change. So, join us for an exploration into the art of resilience and leadership evolution—it's an expedition that promises to reshape not just your executive leadership impact, but your entire life.

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Steering the Ship in Stormy Seas: Walt Rakowich on the Power of Transformative Leadership

Transcript

David Craig Utts - The Resilient Leadership Guy00:00:13.714

Welcome to Unfazed Under Fire , the podcast that aims to support executives in deepening their impact and resiliency on the path to growing their enlightened leadership

David Craig Utts - The Resilient Leadership Guy00:00:24.039

Tuning into your needs . Here's your host and moderator , seasoned executive coach and self-proclaimed end-of-t