Data-Driven Leadership: The Science of Leading Well

What do the world’s top military leaders know about character, competence, and communication that the rest of us miss?

Tom Collins is a pediatric cardiologist, leadership researcher, and podcast host who interviewed 51 four-star generals and admirals to uncover the traits that make great leaders across any field. 

In this episode, Tom joins Rebecca to share his findings—spanning decades of military experience and billion-dollar responsibilities—and how he distilled it all into a practical leadership model built on four C’s: Character, Competence, Caring, and Communication.

Together, they discuss:

• Why “leading from the front” still matters
• The leadership archetypes we unconsciously default to (like the “grandmother”)
• Why “it’s not what you say, it’s what they hear” is essential wisdom
• The Dunning-Kruger effect in leadership—and why most of us aren’t as good as we think
• How science, story, and self-awareness can transform our leadership growth

Whether you’re in the military, medicine, or management, Tom’s research offers a fresh lens—and practical tools—for becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.

Learn more about Tom and his book
Check out Tom's Podcast on Science based Leadership