Imperfect Leaders

<p>Some CEOs hide behind the veil of invulnerability. </p><p>Michael Paul, Ph.D., does the opposite—he believes that real leadership starts with choosing trust over armor. Michael was deeply influenced by the wisdom of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/" target="_blank">Patrick Lencioni</a>, never choose "invulnerability over trust."</p><p>As CEO of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-van-de-water-9601aa8/" target="_blank">MARAbio</a>, he is helping build a company that knows exactly why it exists: to use maternal immune science to help eradicate the most severe forms of autism, giving families earlier answers and more hope. </p><p>On this episode of Imperfect Leaders, Michael unpacks how that clear purpose shapes every hard conversation with parents, clinicians, investors, and his own team—and how a leadership style that embraces his heart, mind, and soul (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson/" target="_blank">psychological safety</a>), and a culture grounded in honesty makes it possible to tackle obstacles as big as autism itself.</p><p><a href="www.imperfectleaders.com " target="_blank">www.imperfectleaders.com</a></p>

<p>Professor <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-forum-193b0a161/" target="_blank">Clay Christensen</a> was the famous business school professor who wrote the influential book, "The Innovator's Dilemma." Clay had a brilliant mind and was a strategic advisor to CEOs across the country.</p><p>Less well know, was Clay's active role as a mentor to young, up-and-coming innovators. One of those beneficiaries was today's guest, Chris Johnson, Founder &amp; CEO of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluebird-kids/posts/?feedView=all" target="_blank">Bluebird</a> Kid's Health.</p><p>Bluebird is revolutionizing pediatric care. They are solving the problem of "pediatric care deserts" by <span>building pediatric practices in access-starved neighborhoods, using a modern, tech-enabled approach to care delivery, and implementing a high-performing model built specifically for pediatrics and value-based care (VBC). </span></p><p>Chris is a mission-driven entrepreneur and innovator who was, quite literally, molded by Clay.</p><p><a href="https://www.imperfectleaders.com/nd50" target="_blank">ND50</a></p><p></p>

<p><span>Join us for a deeply human conversation with </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-lukof/" target="_blank">Amanda Lukof</a><span>, founder of the groundbreaking </span><a href="https://www.eleplan.com/" target="_blank">Eleplan</a><span> app and devoted caregiver to her autistic brother, Liam. </span></p><p><span>In this episode, we explore how Eleplan is changing the game for families—making the chaos of care more manageable and freeing up precious time and peace of mind. </span></p><p><span>But as Amanda shares, caregiving isn’t just about looking after others; it’s about who we become in the process. From her own family’s journey to Eleplan’s powerful vision, you’ll discover how better care can transform families, bring clarity to overwhelming moments, and help all of us grow into our best selves. </span></p><p><span>Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply seeking inspiration, this is an episode about love, innovation, and the character that comes from caring.</span></p><p><a href="www.imperfectleaders.com" target="_blank">www.imperfectleaders.com</a> </p>

<p>Why do teams with neurodiverse talent often out-innovate more homogenous teams?</p><p>Because solving complex problems require diversity of thought. As Steve Jobs used to say, "Think Different! "</p><p>What's the catch?</p><p>Leading these kinds of innovative teams isn't easy – in fact, it's very difficult.</p><p>It requires 'true leadership' according to today's guest, <a href="https://business.vanderbilt.edu/bio/keivan-stassun/" target="_blank">Dr. Keivan Stassun</a>, a MacArthur fellow, rocket scientist, professor, and Founder and Director of the <a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/" target="_blank">Frist Center</a> for Autism and Innovation at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/vanderbilt-university/posts/?feedView=all" target="_blank">Vanderbilt University</a>.</p><p>Organizations that develop this leadership capability will reap the benefits.</p><p>With that in mind, Dr. Stassun and I have a challenge for CEOs across the country. We challenge you to develop rising leaders who are ready to lead neurodiverse teams.</p><p>And if you accept our challenge, we would <a href="https://www.imperfectleaders.com/contact" target="_blank">love to hear your stories</a>. What's working? What's is not? How are you thinking different? What are you doing to build a bench of future leaders who can help everyone reach their full potential?</p><p>Given the complex challenges that lie ahead, this may be the defining leadership development challenge (and opportunity) of our generation.</p><p>I call it the: "Neurodiverse Leadership Challenge."</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/vanderbilt-university/posts/?feedView=all" target="_blank">www.imperfectleaders.com</a> </p>

<p>Every once in a while you're lucky enough to meet a values-driven leader who has the passion, the mind, and the skills to make the world a better place.</p><p>Today's guest – <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismale/" target="_blank">Chris Male</a> – is one of those trailblazers.</p><p>His firm – The Autism Impact Fund (<a href="https://autismimpact.fund/" target="_blank">AIF</a>) – is helping to solve what many experts consider the largest public health issue of our generation -– skyrocketing autism, and other mental and behavioral health conditions. </p><p>AIF has become the investment and innovation arm of the autism community. </p><p><a href="www.imperfectleaders.com " target="_blank">www.imperfectleaders.com</a></p>