Dr. Douglas Scherer, Liberating the Leadership Mind: Mindfulness, Strategy, and Resilience in Volatile Times (Ep. 55)

Dr. Douglas Scherer is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership strategist whose work helps leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Drawing on his personal journey—overcoming chronic pain and leading global IT teams—Douglas combines the science of mindfulness with the discipline of strategic thinking to empower others to lead with flexibility and agency.

In this episode, Douglas unpacks the core ideas from his book F.O.R.G.E.D.: Six Practices of Great Leaders in Volatile Times, identifying the areas where leaders often struggle most and how they can develop decision-making skills that withstand high-pressure environments. He shares what it truly means to “liberate the leadership mind,” why flexibility is essential in today’s complex world, and how to sustainably address burnout through personal and organizational change. Douglas also reflects on the leadership lessons that have remained constant across corporate, academic, and consulting spaces—and offers grounded advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by the weight of today’s challenges.

For listeners seeking practical tools to become more intentional, strategic, and grounded in their leadership, this conversation delivers invaluable perspective and inspiration.