What happens when the world changes faster than the people leading it? In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth talks with Dr. Donald McNeeley - CEO, professor, and longtime voice in the steel industry - about what great leadership really looks like when everything around you is shifting. With his trademark mix of humor and hard-earned wisdom, Dr. McNeeley breaks down why every leader needs a “North Star,” how to navigate major transitions without losing your footing, and why small mistakes can sometimes teach the biggest lessons.

Dr. McNeeley isn’t shy about calling things as he sees them. “Not all apologies have to be accepted,” he says, warning that accountability matters more than empty words. He also challenges the idea that more productivity always means more progress, arguing that true leadership takes a balance of strategy, perspective, and heart. His advice for anyone rising through the ranks? Don’t be afraid to be wrong - just don’t stay wrong for too long.

The two also dive into artificial intelligence, and Dr. McNeeley’s take might surprise you. He sees AI not as a threat, but as a tool that can free up leaders to do the work that really matters - mentoring, developing people, and thinking for the long haul. But he’s quick to remind us that no amount of data can replace intuition or human connection.

Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or just trying to stay adaptable in a world that won’t sit still, this one’s for you.

Resources

Dr. Donald McNeeley on Chicago Tube & Iron | Northwestern University

Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

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