In this episode, Kerry and Peggy are joined by Dr. Charles Dhanaraj, who shares his personal leadership journey across 60+ countries and explores the universal challenges leaders face in uncertain times. The conversation highlights why adaptability, humility, and moral courage are essential for executives today. We discuss overcoming cultural assumptions, embracing risk, and building ‘humble confidence’ to lead organizations through complexity while fostering trust and collective sensing.

Charles Dhanaraj is J. Mack Robinson Professor of International Business and Academic Director of DBA Program at Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. Dhanaraj is an elected Fellow of the Academy of International Business. His research has contributed several insights on strategic partnerships, innovation and leadership. He has published in top academic journals, including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Academy of Management Review, and Harvard Business Review. He has written several award-winning cases. In his current research, Dhanaraj is studying three challenges at the intersection of digitalization and globalization, with special focus on entrepreneurship and geopolitics. As a strategy and international business expert, he has taught in executive education programs at the University of Denver, Temple University, IMD Switzerland, Indian School of Business (ISB), Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC, Brazil), Copenhagen Business School (CBS, Denmark), and others. Dhanaraj earned his PhD in business from Ivey Business School (Canada), with M.Eng. in robotics from Memorial University and B.Tech in mechanical engineering from IIT Madras (India).

Contact Dr. Dhanara at:

cdhanaraj@gsu.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-dhanaraj-949566

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

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In this special episode, we deliver a comprehensive wrap-up of the most impactful business leadership trends from 2025 while offering an exclusive sneak peek into what’s in store for 2026. Join us as we synthesize the key takeaways from the past year and prepare you for the emerging strategies and challenges that will define executive success in the year to come.

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

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Welcome to Part 2 of this insightful conversation on the Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcast. Hosts Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O’Neal continue their discussion with Carson Funderburk, Vice President and Staff Leader at Clorox and former board member of Milo’s Tea Company. In this episode, Carson shares lessons on transformation versus sustaining leadership, the power of purpose-driven enterprises, and how personal values shape leadership. Get ready for practical strategies and inspiring stories that will help you lead with clarity and conviction.

Carson Funderburk is a transformative supply chain executive with a passion for operational excellence, innovation, and talent development. Throughout his career, Carson has advocated for talent development and inclusive leadership. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and developing high-performing, value-creating teams that are essential for organizational growth. His proficiency in enabling innovation and supply chain capabilities is a notable strength. Additionally, he is recognized as a leader who achieves results through a sustainable culture founded on technological and process advancements. He is considered a first mover in technology development and application. Serving on the board for Milo's Tea Company has enhanced his governance skills through leadership on their People-First committee, allowing him to continue developing talent-related capabilities in a high-growth environment.

Contact Carson at:

linkedin.com/in/carson-funderburk10

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!