Why Great Leadership Conversations Matter: An Interview with Gary Gillian and Jana Mosley on The Best You Podcast
What makes a great leadership conversation?
A great leadership conversation encourages intentional thinking, strengthens relationships, builds trust, and creates opportunities for growth. The most meaningful conversations move beyond theory and give leaders practical insights they can apply to how they communicate, collaborate, and support others.
At Desired Effects Leadership Development, we're passionate about helping leaders learn from real experiences, not just theories and frameworks.
That's one reason I'm excited to share an episode from my friend Gary Gillan's podcast, The Best You Interview Series. In this conversation, he sits down with Jana Mosley, President and CEO of Toronto Hydro, to discuss leadership, growth, intentionality, and the lessons she's learned throughout her career.
What makes Gary's interviews so impactful is his ability to move beyond surface-level questions and create conversations that uncover practical leadership insights people can immediately apply in their own lives and organizations. Through thoughtful discussion, listeners gain access to the experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned by accomplished leaders from a wide range of industries.
Three Leadership Lessons That Stood Out
1. Leadership Is Intentional
One of the strongest themes from the interview is the importance of intentionality. Jana explains how taking time before important conversations helps leaders think about how they want to show up, communicate, and support others. [garygillan.com]
In our own work with executive teams, managers, and facilitators, we often see that leadership effectiveness isn't determined by what happens during a meeting. It's determined by the preparation and mindset that leaders bring into the room.
2. Relationships Drive Results
Jana shares an interesting perspective that many leaders overlook: your peer relationships across the organization may be even more important than your direct reporting relationships. Strong collaboration creates alignment, breaks down silos, and helps organizations move faster.
Leadership is rarely a solo effort. Sustainable success happens when people learn how to work effectively across teams and functions.
3. Great Leaders Advocate for Others
Another powerful takeaway is Jana's belief that leaders should speak positively about people when they're not present. She describes this as an important leadership responsibility.
Building trust isn't just about what we say directly to people. It's also about how we represent and support them when opportunities arise behind the scenes.
Why Podcasts Like This Matter
Leadership development doesn't only happen in classrooms, workshops, or coaching sessions.
It also happens when we listen to thoughtful conversations that challenge our assumptions, expand our perspectives, and introduce us to new ways of thinking.
That's why I appreciate what Gary Gillan is doing through The Best You Interview Series. His interviews create opportunities for leaders to learn directly from accomplished professionals who are willing to openly share both their successes and their challenges.
Congratulations to Gary
I'm especially excited because Gary's podcast has been named a finalist in the 2026 Signal Awards Listener's Choice competition. [vote.signalaward.com]
Recognition like this is a testament to the value his conversations bring to listeners around the world and the impact thoughtful leadership discussions can have on personal and professional growth.
If you've benefited from podcasts that help people become better leaders, communicators, and humans, I'd encourage you to support him.
Listen to the Episode
🎧Listen to Gary's Interview with Jana Mosley
Vote for Gary's Podcast
📌Vote in the Signal Awards Listener's Choice Competition. Voting is open until October 15, 2026.
FAQs About The Importance of Leadership Conversations
Why are meaningful conversations important for leadership development?
Meaningful conversations expose leaders to new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and encourage reflection. They can help leaders become more intentional about how they communicate, make decisions, and build relationships.
What does it mean to lead with intentionality?
Intentional leadership means taking time to consider how you want to show up, communicate, and support others rather than simply reacting to situations as they arise.
Why are peer relationships important for leaders?
Strong peer relationships can improve collaboration, strengthen alignment, reduce organizational silos, and help teams work more effectively across departments and functions.
How can leaders advocate for others?
Leaders can advocate for others by recognizing their contributions, speaking positively about their work, creating opportunities for growth, and supporting them even when they are not present.
How can podcasts support leadership development?
Leadership podcasts give listeners access to the experiences and perspectives of other leaders. Thoughtful interviews can provide practical lessons, encourage self-reflection, and introduce new approaches to leadership challenges.
