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The Mindset to Unlocking Leadership Excellence and Impact with Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore
Episode Description
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Episode recap
In this episode of the Love in Action podcast, Marcel interviews Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore, co-author of The Power of the Learning Mindset with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, exploring how leaders can stay relevant and effective in a rapidly changing, post-AI world. Dr. Ajayi-Ore shares her journey from the United Nations to academia and executive coaching, and introduces a practical framework built on three pillars—learning prowess, leadership prowess, and coaching prowess—designed to help leaders develop a “win mindset.”
Bio
Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore is the founder and CEO of Global Connections for Women Foundation. An award-winning Chief Learning Officer, research scholar, and part of the Lead Faculty at Columbia University, she has over 17 years of experience working with Fortune 100/500 companies. A member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Executive Coaches, she mentors top professionals in uncovering their career paths.
Quotes:
- “Leadership rooted in love creates spaces where people don’t just perform—they belong.”
- “When people feel seen and valued, everything changes—engagement, trust, and results.”
- “Leadership today isn’t about having answers—it’s about staying curious enough to keep learning.”
Takeaways:
- Leadership becomes transformational when it moves beyond authority and centers on genuine care for people.
- Creating a culture of belonging starts with leaders who intentionally practice empathy and connection.
- Love in leadership is not passive—it requires courage, consistency, and daily action.
- Impactful leadership is measured not just by outcomes, but by how people feel and grow under your influence.
- Sustainable success comes from aligning business goals with human values.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and episode overview
[02:30] Welcoming the guest and setting the context
[04:00] Guest background and personal journey
[07:00] Defining the core topic or problem
[10:30] Key challenges and common misconceptions
[14:00] Deep dive into main concept or framework
[18:00] Practical examples and real-life applications
[22:00] Obstacles, resistance, and lessons learned
[26:00] Leadership insights and mindset shifts
[30:00] Personal stories and turning points
[34:00] Broader impact on culture, business, or life
[38:00] Addressing audience questions or key concerns
[42:00] Actionable strategies and daily practices
[46:00] Final insights and key takeaways
[49:00] Future outlook or upcoming projects
[51:00] Where to connect and learn more
[52:30] Closing remarks and call to action
Conclusion:
This episode reinforces a simple but powerful truth: love is not a weakness in leadership—it’s the greatest strength. When leaders choose to act with empathy, intention, and authenticity, they create environments where people thrive and businesses flourish. As Marcel reminds us, love in action is the future of leadership. The question is—will you live it out daily?
Links/Resources:
Lilian’s website: https://www.lilianore.com/
Lilian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilianore