Leadership Luminaries Lounge (TM)

In Part 2 of Episode 36, Dr. Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O'Neal continue their thought-provoking conversation with Dr. R. Edward Freeman. Moving beyond stakeholder theory, the discussion explores the power of purpose, the importance of feedback, and the leadership challenges posed by rapid technological and societal change. Dr. Freeman offers practical wisdom on building resilient organizations, embracing innovation, and creating businesses that genuinely improve people's lives.Dr. R. Edward “Ed” Freeman is an internationally recognized scholar, educator, consultant, and speaker whose pioneering work has helped shape modern stakeholder theory and business ethics. He is best known for his landmark book, Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach, which transformed thinking about the role of relationships in business success. Freeman is the Bachand University Professor, Olsson Professor, and Academic Director of the Institute for Business in Society at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. A recipient of seven honorary doctorates and numerous teaching and lifetime achievement awards, he has advised leading organizations worldwide and hosts The Stakeholder Podcast.Contact Dr. Freeman at:https://redwardfreeman.com/The Stakeholder Podcast – Edward freemanhttps://redwardfreeman.com/the-stakeholder-podcast/http://www.judineal.com/Contact Dr. Kerry and Peggy at:Dr. Kerry:linkedin.com/in/kerrylbasshttps://makingitreality.com/Peggy:linkedin.com/in/peggyonealhttps://www.peggy-oneal.com/Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

What if the purpose of business is about more than profit alone? In Part 1 of Episode 36, Dr. Kerry L.Bass and Peggy O'Neal welcome renowned philosopher and business thinker Dr. Edward Freeman, one of the leading voices behind stakeholder theory. Dr. Freeman shares the story of how stakeholder thinking evolved, addresses common misconceptions, and explains why creating value for people is at the heart of successful business. The discussion challenges traditional assumptions and offers a fresh perspective on the role of business in society.Dr. R. Edward “Ed” Freeman is an internationally recognized scholar, educator, consultant, and speaker whose pioneering work has helped shape modern stakeholder theory and business ethics. He is best known for his landmark book, Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach, which transformed thinking about the role of relationships in business success. Freeman is the Bachand University Professor, Olsson Professor, and Academic Director of the Institute for Business in Society at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. A recipient of seven honorary doctorates and numerous teaching and lifetime achievement awards, he has advised leading organizations worldwide and hosts The Stakeholder Podcast.Contact Dr. Freeman at:https://redwardfreeman.com/The Stakeholder Podcast – Edward freeman https://redwardfreeman.com/the-stakeholder-podcast/http://www.judineal.com/Contact Dr. Kerry and Peggy at:Dr. Kerry:linkedin.com/in/kerrylbasshttps://makingitreality.com/Peggy:linkedin.com/in/peggyonealhttps://www.peggy-oneal.com/Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In Part 2, Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O'Neal continue their discussion with technology executive, minister, and ethical AI expert Dwayne Dixon. They explore leadership versus management, the human side of leading people, and AI’s opportunities and risks in areas requiring wisdom, ethics, and discernment. Drawing on technology and ministry, Dixon offers practical guidance on responsible AI adoption, governance, and guardrails that support innovation while protecting organizational values. The episode reinforces that ethical leadership remains essential, no matter how advanced technology becomes.Dwayne Dixon is an author, speaker, executive advisor, and nationally recognized expert on ethical and responsible AI. With more than four decades of leadership experience at Microsoft, Unisys, IBM, Xerox, and Dun & Bradstreet, he helps boards, executives, and institutions navigate AI governance, risk, strategy, talent, and accountability. Founder of Dwayne Dixon International, he advises organizations on responsible AI adoption and executive readiness. Dixon is an inaugural member of the National Black MBA Association’s AI Council and author of Bridging the Code: Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI. He is also an ordained minister and civic leader.Contact Dwayne Dixon at:www.dwaynedixon.comwww.linkedin.com/in/dwaynedixonContact Dr. Kerry and Peggy at:Dr. Kerry:linkedin.com/in/kerrylbasshttps://makingitreality.com/Peggy:linkedin.com/in/peggyonealhttps://www.peggy-oneal.com/Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

This first part of the conversation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of ethical leadership in the age of AI. Dwayne Dixon challenges leaders to move beyond viewing AI as simply another technology investment and insteadrecognize it as a governance, accountability, and human-centered issue. As organizations navigate rapid technological change, the conversation serves as a reminder that responsibility, ethics, and sound judgment remain essential. In the end, the technology may be powerful, but the decisions and their consequences still belong to us.Dwayne Dixon is an author, speaker, executive advisor, and nationally recognized expert on ethical and responsible AI. With more than four decades of leadership experience at Microsoft, Unisys, IBM, Xerox, and Dun & Bradstreet, he helps boards, executives, and institutions navigate AI governance, risk, strategy, talent, and accountability. Founder of Dwayne Dixon International, he advises organizations on responsible AI adoption and executive readiness. Dixon is an inaugural member of the National Black MBA Association’s AI Council and author of Bridging the Code: Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI. He is also an ordained minister and civic leader.Contact Dwayne Dixon at:www.dwaynedixon.comwww.linkedin.com/in/dwaynedixonContact Dr. Kerry and Peggy at:Dr. Kerry:linkedin.com/in/kerrylbasshttps://makingitreality.com/Peggy:linkedin.com/in/peggyonealhttps://www.peggy-oneal.com/Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In Part 2, Dr. Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O'Neal continue their insightful conversation with Amy Lynn Durham, exploring how leaders can navigate uncertainty, volatility, and rapid change with wisdom and resilience. Amy shares practical applications of spiritual intelligence, the role of effective change agents, and the importance of embracing innovation during times of disruption. The discussion highlights how leaders can expand their perspectives, foster psychological safety, and develop the awareness needed to shape a more conscious future. Through powerful examples and leadership frameworks, listeners gain valuable insights into creating meaningful change in both organizations and society.Key Takeaways:Wise and effective change agents seek root causes rather than quick fixes.Innovation often emerges when leaders are willing to embrace uncertainty and chaos.Psychological safety is essential for learning, experimentation, and growth.Expanding perspectives helps leaders move beyond "the way we've always done it."Future-focused leadership requires vision, courage, and conscious decision-making.Leadership decisions have ripple effects that extend beyond the workplace.Amy Lynn Durham is a visionary leader operating at the high-frequency intersection of consciousness, leadership, and creative expression. As the founder of the executive coaching firm Create Magic At Work®, Amy and her team bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and future-sensing tools. Her mission is to empower leaders to navigate volatility with wisdom and compassion, ensuring they remain grounded and effective even during periods of intense global shift and organizational stress.Beyond the boardroom, Amy is a prominent voice in the movement toward spiritual intelligence and the future of work. As the host of the Create Magic At Work® podcast, she facilitates deeply human dialogues with innovators, healers, and visionary thinkers. These conversations explore the vital challenge of "leading on the edge"—maintaining one’s core humanity while serving as the bridge builders and change-makers our evolving world requires.Expanding her impact on the cultural landscape, Amy is the founder and owner of Magic Thread Media, a boutique podcast network dedicated to weaving conscious voices into a more connected global narrative. The network serves purpose-driven creators and "edgy" thinkers, providing high-impact production and soulful media strategies to bring transformative stories to life.Whether through executive coaching, media production, or advocacy for conscious leadership, Amy’s work is defined by a commitment to fostering a more enlightened professional world. She remains dedicated to helping leaders reclaim their magic, ensuring that the future of work is as soulful as it is successful.💡 Contact Amy at:Founder & Chief Strategy Officer  Create Magic at Work®  https://createmagicatwork.netFounder & Executive Producer  Magic Thread Media™  https://magicthreadmedia.com🎙️Listen to the Create Magic At Work Podcast       Contact Dr. Kerry and Peggy at:🌟Dr. Kerry:linkedin.com/in/kerrylbasshttps://makingitreality.com/🌟 Peggy:linkedin.com/in/peggyonealhttps://www.peggy-oneal.com/Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!#LeadershipLuminariesLounge #ConsciousLeadership #SpiritualIntelligence #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #WorkplaceCulture