In this HOW Conversation, Elise Awwad, President and CEO of DeVry University, shares a deeply personal and practical perspective on moral leadership in a rapidly changing world. From her early lessons shaped by her father, to leading a nearly century-old institution through technological disruption, Awwad explores how values must anchor leadership today.

Awwad offers a clear framework for ethical AI—grounded in purpose, governance, and human oversight—and makes a compelling case for rebuilding trust through transparency, consistency, and measurable impact. She also reflects on non-linear career paths, the importance of curiosity with intention, and why shared human values continue to be a powerful source of hope.

This conversation is a timely exploration of how leaders can stay grounded in purpose while adapting to profound change—and why moral leadership has never mattered more.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The HOW Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever - in ways it never has before. Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

What does it take to lead with principle in a system defined by pressure, trade-offs, and competing interests?

In this HOW Conversation, HOW founder Dov Seidman sits down with David Gelles, best-selling author and climate reporter for The New York Times, to explore the central paradox of modern capitalism: how businesses can be both profitable and purposeful—without ever fully resolving the tension between the two.

Drawing from Gelles’ latest book The Dirtbag Billionaire, the conversation examines the story of Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia—a company built on contradictions: an anti-capitalist running a successful apparel brand striving to protect the very environment it impacts.

Together, they unpack the idea of “compound interest of values”, how leaders can center humanity, the urgent leadership questions emerging in the age of AI disruption, and much more.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before. Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

What does moral leadership look like in practice—across politics, diplomacy, business, and times of crisis?

In this episode of HOW Conversations, Dana Born sits down with Ambassador Jon Huntsman to explore the deeper “how” of leadership: trust, humility, service, and clarity in chaos.

Drawing from his experience as Governor of Utah, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, China, and Russia, and now Vice Chair and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard, Huntsman reflects on:

Why trust is the foundation of leadership—and what it really means to earn it

The difference between transactional power and long-term stewardship

How service builds humility and shapes character

Leading through crisis by bringing clarity to chaos

Why hope still thrives—in communities, cultures, and the next generation

From lessons learned in diplomacy and corporate leadership to deeply personal reflections on legacy, obituaries, and what truly matters, this conversation is a powerful reminder that how we lead matters as much as what we achieve.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before.

Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

In this HOW Conversation, Dov Seidman sits down with Devika Bulchandani—COO of WPP, former CEO of Ogilvy, award-winning industry leader, and HOW Institute board member—for a candid and deeply human exploration of leadership in a world defined by speed, AI, and profound tension.

Devika reflects on the values forged early in her life, her belief that humanity will always win, and the subtle but powerful shift from leading people to having people choose to follow you. She opens up about:

-Building trust by giving it first
-Why real leadership happens in micro-moments
-Navigating the conflict between efficiency and effectiveness
-The role of truth in creating movements that lead to lasting change
-How hope is not only a strategy but an imperative

This conversation is a masterclass in moral leadership, vulnerability, and what it looks like to stay human while leading at the highest levels.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before.

Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

How do leaders navigate moments of profound loss, transformation, and hope? In this HOW Conversation, Dana Born sits down with Dr. Beth Hillman – Air Force veteran, legal scholar, former president of Mills College, and now President & CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Together, they explore lessons in moral courage, civic responsibility, and the power of education to shape not only informed citizens, but moral ones.

Dr. Hillman shares her journey across the military, academia, and nonprofit leadership, offering insights on listening, pausing under pressure, and meeting people where they are. From stewarding memory at one of America’s most sacred sites to guiding institutions through change, this conversation highlights how values-driven leadership can inspire resilience and hope for the future.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before.

Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

[Archive Interview from Aug 20, 2025]

What does it take to build one of the largest women-founded and women-owned construction companies in the United States—and lead with purpose through challenges, pivots, and loss?

In this HOW Conversation, Dana Born sits down with Linda Rabbitt, Founder of Rand Construction, to explore her journey of resilience, mentorship, and moral leadership. From lessons learned from her father to navigating setbacks, grief, and reinvention, Linda shares how she has stayed true to her values while paving the way for others.

✨ Topics include:

• Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth
• The power of resilience, relationships, reputation, and results
• Mentorship and sponsorship as keys to elevating women leaders
• Leading with humility, humanity, and hope in difficult times

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before.

Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

[Archive interview from Jul 17, 2025]

What does it mean to lead with moral clarity when the stakes are high and the pressure is on?

In this episode of HOW Conversations, Dana Born sits down with Chip Brewer, President & CEO of Topgolf Callaway Brands, for a compelling discussion on leadership grounded in values, integrity, and bold decision-making.

From pausing before acting in moments of controversy, to building cultures that prioritize innovation and character, Chip shares powerful stories from his leadership journey — including the moment he walked away from a product launch, the lessons golf teaches us about life and leadership, and why moral leadership is both a mindset and a muscle.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in purpose-driven leadership, ethical decision-making, and creating cultures rooted in trust and transformation.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before.

Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

[Archive Interview from Jun 17, 2025]

In this powerful HOW Conversation, HOW founder Dov Seidman sits down with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action and author of Fired Up, to explore how an ordinary moment turned into a national movement. Shannon shares how moral courage, storytelling, and a refusal to quit helped build the nation’s largest grassroots group fighting gun violence.

They discuss:

• How Shannon turned outrage into organized action after Sandy Hook
• Lessons on scaling a movement from passion to institution
• Why “losing forward” is key to long-term change
• The practice of pausing, humility, and handing over power
• Her new book Fired Up – part manifesto, part roadmap for reigniting purpose

Whether you’re an activist, leader, or someone seeking your next bold step, this conversation is for you.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before.

Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/