733: Leadership Results = Work Ethic + People + Humanity – Joe Davis

What if the best leaders aren’t the smartest, but the most human?

Joe Davis, former Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group and author of The Generous Leader, joins Denis to share timeless lessons from his 37-year leadership journey. From missed promotions to handwritten cards, Joe reveals why work ethic, humility, and heart matter more than ever today.

Listen in to discover how great leaders give of themselves, and why the future belongs to those who lead with humanity.

Leadership Is a Journey of Choices

  • From paper routes to partner at BCG: the power of work ethic and mentorship
  • Taking “sideways” or international roles that grew his leadership range
  • Missing out on a promotion and choosing purpose over pride

Give Without Expecting: The Generous Leader

  • Leadership means giving of yourself to help others thrive
  • Humanity and performance are not opposites, they go hand in hand
  • Personal stories of tough mentors, handwritten cards, and staying true to your team

Leading Through Change with Humanity

  • Leadership today demands emotional intelligence and intentionality
  • Why AI, hybrid work, and speed require a deeper human connection
  • Legacy isn’t measured in metrics, it’s in how people remember your impact

Key Quotes:

“Leadership is really about giving of yourself without expecting something back because when you do that, people rise.”

“You can be angry if you miss out on a role, but don’t stay stuck. Do something excellent, and the world will notice.”

Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today’s World 

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders 

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.joedavis.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedavis1313/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joedavistgl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joedavistgl

Twitter: https://x.com/JoeDavisTGL?s=20.

Connect with Denis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos 

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10 Proven Ways To Lead And Thrive In Todays World 3D Cover
10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World​

An Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders