Lisa Gardner chats with former Dallas mayor and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to discuss his unique perspective on defining great leadership and transformative leadership.

Ambassador Kirk emphasizes the importance of respect, empowerment, and surrounding oneself with diverse, talented teams. Ambassador Ron Kirk also reflects on his own career journey, highlighting the mentors who opened doors and the importance of paying it forward. He also discusses critical leadership challenges facing policymakers, strategies for bridging public and private sectors, and the value of extending grace and creating an organizational culture that mirrors the world we want our children to inherit.

Also in this episode:

• Great leaders treat people with respect and empower their teams, avoiding the "jerk" syndrome.

• The best leaders surround themselves with talented individuals, regardless of age or background, and empower them to succeed.

• Diversity and inclusion foster innovation - leaders should create an environment where different perspectives are welcomed.

• Extending grace, managing conflicts with care, and focusing on the positive contributors are hallmarks of effective leadership.

• Public service experience can be leveraged effectively in the private sector by understanding the impact of policies and bringing a governance mindset.

• Inspiring leaders often come from personal relationships and networks - mentorship and sponsorship are crucial for developing the next generation.

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Ron Kirk is Senior Of Counsel at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, leading the International Trade Practice Group and participating in Sports Law, Public Policy, and Private Equity groups. Former U.S. Trade Representative and a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, he also served as Mayor of Dallas and Texas Secretary of State. Kirk is a corporate director for Texas Instruments and Macquarie Infrastructure Corp and holds various board and trustee roles, including with Austin College and the LBJ Presidential Library Foundation. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas and lives with his wife, Matrice Ellis-Kirk.

About Lisa Gardner

Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.