In this deeply personal episode of Meditations on Leadership, Don Carpenter explores what it truly means to lead toward something rather than simply reacting to what we fear or want to avoid. Through a candid reflection on scarcity, fundraising, and his own growth as a leader, Don shares how shifting from resistance to possibility reshaped his life and work.

This week’s conversation is especially meaningful: Don sits down with his father, 87-year-old Reid Carpenter, the visionary founder of the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation and a catalyst behind a global network of over 55 Leadership Foundations worldwide. Together, they explore the roots of leadership, the cost and courage of vision, the tension between calling and family, and the complex beauty of a legacy shared across generations.

Part meditation, part father–son conversation, and part embodiment of the idea that leadership begins within, this episode invites listeners to reflect on where they are leading from - and what they are leading toward.

To learn more about Don's work, upcoming offerings, and leadership resources, visit carpentercompanyconsulting.com

If something in today’s episode spoke to you, I hope you’ll subscribe and continue the journey with me — because leadership begins within.