The power of being a vulnerable leader with Jon Kaupla

March 5, 2026

Jon Kaupla was appointed to run the Center for Executive and Leadership Education at the USF Muma College of Business last July. The center is designed to deliver practical, high-impact learning experiences for current and emerging leaders. Prior to USF, Jon spent nearly a decade leading the Center for Professional & Executive Development at the Wisconsin School of Business. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jon talked about the power of being vulnerable and admitting mistakes as a leader, and he’s personally taken that approach to advance his career.

3 Takeaways

(07:15) Peer relationships are key in management
(13:30) The power of the pause
(16:00) Reprioritization is key throughout your career

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing Jon Kaupla, Executive Director, Center for Executive and Leadership Education
(05:00) What is the Center for Executive and Leadership Education?
(06:50) What makes good leaders?
(10:00) Adapting to feedback
(11:30) Mentors
(13:20) Handling conflict as a leader
(15:15) Tough decisions
(17:20) What is coming in 2026?

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