205. Joe Davis - The Generous Leader

R.O.G. Return on Generosity

“Generosity is giving freely without expectations.”

“People want to see a human leader.”

“Communication is the number one challenge.”

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Generous Leadership
• 02:49 The Journey to Generosity
• 05:51 The Importance of Communication
• 08:55 Understanding Generosity in Leadership
• 11:54 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• 14:46 Generous Inclusion and Collaboration

Episode Summary:

In this conversation, Joe Davis discusses the concept of generous leadership, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others, effective communication, and the role of diversity and inclusion in fostering a positive work environment. He shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to be a generous leader, including the significance of feedback, vulnerability, and authenticity. The discussion highlights the impact of generosity on both individual and organizational success, ultimately leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Generous leadership is about giving freely without expectations.
• Effective communication involves listening and connecting personally.
• Diversity and inclusion are essential for business success.
• Being a generous ally means opening doors for others.
• Feedback should be constructive and aimed at development.
• Authenticity and vulnerability foster trust and connection.
• People want to feel valued and recognized in their work.
• Generosity in leadership leads to better team performance.
• Leaders should check in with their teams regularly.
• The return on generosity includes both personal fulfillment and business success.

Guest Bio:

Our special guest today is Joe Davis, a Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group. He is a former Head of BCG in North America and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He oversaw BCG’s operations in the US, Canada and Mexico and was recognized as one of the Top 25 Consultants of the year in 2011.

In The Generous Leader Joe tells a story about a performance review from early in his career: to summarize, he was told he is not the best at problem solving in a vacuum, but in collaboration with others, can solve any challenge, make change happen. Why? Because early in Joe’s career this mentor identified his key strength—Joe was a person who could connect with anyone.

This ability to connect with people became the foundation of a successful career at Boston Consulting Group, spanning more than 35 years, across multiple offices around the world, opening and growing offices, starting businesses, and helping to grow the firm. For more than three decades, Joe’s passion for people and his desire to support their development, inspired teams to work harder and better than they thought possible, creating exceptional collaborative results for BCG and its clients.

In keeping with his constant commitment to champion people and their dreams, Joe currently serves as Chair of BCG’s Center for Inclusion and Equity. He is a co-founding Steering Committee member of CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion and the Southern Communities Initiative.

Joe is a graduate of Whitman College and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Joe previously served as Vice Chair of B Capital Group. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Joe has benefited from the generosity of a loving family: Sarah, his wife of more than 40 years, whom he met at Whitman College, his four children and their partners, and seven grandchildren. When he is not traveling the world for work or to be with family, you can find Joe running or gardening as his moving meditation.

Resources:

• Using the Super Bowl to give back
• Joe’s Website – All Videos
• Articles written about Joe

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network?
N.D.I. Network Diversity Index

What is your Generosity Style?
Generosity Quiz

Credits:

Joe Davis, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 206, Host, Shannon Cassidy.