Podcast by Jeffrey Cohn, Podcast Host
Imperfect Leaders
There is no such thing as a perfect leader. We invite the country's most admired leaders to talk about their imperfections and leadership journey.
Imperfect Leaders
Latest episodes
08 October 2025
Molded from Clay – Chris Johnson Brings Bluebird Kids Health to Families Across America
Professor Clay Christensen 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.
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 & CEO of Bluebird Kid's Health.
Bluebird is revolutionizing pediatric care. They are solving the problem of "pediatric care deserts" by 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).
Chris is a mission-driven entrepreneur and innovator who was, quite literally, molded by Clay.
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19 September 2025
“From Care to Character with Amanda Lukof: How Eleplan Transforms Families – and Ourselves”
Join us for a deeply human conversation with Amanda Lukof, founder of the groundbreaking Eleplan app and devoted caregiver to her autistic brother, Liam.
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.
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.
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.
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07 September 2025
The Neurodiverse Leadership Challenge – with Professor Keivan Stassun, Founder of Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University
Why do teams with neurodiverse talent often out-innovate more homogenous teams?
Because solving complex problems require diversity of thought. As Steve Jobs used to say, "Think Different! "
What's the catch?
Leading these kinds of innovative teams isn't easy – in fact, it's very difficult.
It requires 'true leadership' according to today's guest, Dr. Keivan Stassun, a MacArthur fellow, rocket scientist, professor, and Founder and Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University.
Organizations that develop this leadership capability will reap the benefits.
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.
And if you accept our challenge, we would love to hear your stories. 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?
Given the complex challenges that lie ahead, this may be the defining leadership development challenge (and opportunity) of our generation.
I call it the: "Neurodiverse Leadership Challenge."
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10 August 2025
A True North Leader – Chris Male – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Autism Impact Fund
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.
Today's guest – Chris Male – is one of those trailblazers.
His firm – The Autism Impact Fund (AIF) – 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.
AIF has become the investment and innovation arm of the autism community.
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17 July 2025
Like a Hollywood Talent Agency but for Top Business Leaders – with Dave Boehmer, CEO & Founder of Banff Advisors
Dave Boehmer was one of the top executive search professionals in the entire world.
At the pinnacle of his career, he suddenly left the global giant, Heidrick & Struggles. Dave had an entrepreneurial itch. He wanted to create something new. He wanted to make an even bigger impact in the world.
He succeeded.
His new firm – Banff Advisors – is like a Hollywood talent agent or like a concierge doctor but for leadership in the business world. He and his colleagues are trusted advisors to top leaders who want to do things like build their network, or rethink think their brand, or position themselves for exciting new board opportunities.
And...oh yeah...Banff also works with some of the most interesting companies, in the entire country, to help them build their talent pipelines. it's like a permanent flow of great talent and bench strength.
Learn how Dave created this ecosystem in today's episode of Imperfect Leaders.
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03 July 2025
My Autistic Son Taught Me to Be a More Resilient Leader – with Adrian Jones, Goldman Sachs – Chairman & Co-Head, Global Private Equity, Asset Management
Adrian Jones is one of the classiest, humble, and resilient leaders I have ever met. Not just at Goldman Sachs, but at any company.
His son Liam – received a diagnosis of profound autism at 2 years old. As you can imagine, this crucible experience forever changed the lives of Adrian and his incredible wife, Tina.
Aside from bringing immeasurable joy (and, if we're being honest lots of heartache and pain), Liam has helped Adrian become crystal clear about his core values, deeply held beliefs, and North Star.
in very real ways, Liam has helped his dad become a better leader, husband, father, and human being.
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