What does moral leadership look like across generations of change?

In our latest HOW Conversation, HOW Fellow Dana Born sits down with David Kohler, Chair and CEO of Kohler Co., to explore what it takes to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose through moments of disruption, uncertainty, and transformation.

From his early days working on the factory floor and in the foundry to leading one of the world’s most recognized global brands, David reflects on the experiences, mentors, and values that shaped his leadership journey. Together, they discuss resilience, stewardship, innovation, and the responsibility leaders have to build organizations that endure.

As Kohler Co. marks more than 150 years of history, this conversation offers a powerful look at leadership rooted not only in performance—but in character.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before. Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

In this HOW Conversation, Elise Awwad, President and CEO of DeVry University, shares a deeply personal and practical perspective on moral leadership in a rapidly changing world. From her early lessons shaped by her father, to leading a nearly century-old institution through technological disruption, Awwad explores how values must anchor leadership today.

Awwad offers a clear framework for ethical AI—grounded in purpose, governance, and human oversight—and makes a compelling case for rebuilding trust through transparency, consistency, and measurable impact. She also reflects on non-linear career paths, the importance of curiosity with intention, and why shared human values continue to be a powerful source of hope.

This conversation is a timely exploration of how leaders can stay grounded in purpose while adapting to profound change—and why moral leadership has never mattered more.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The HOW Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever - in ways it never has before. Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/

What does it take to lead with principle in a system defined by pressure, trade-offs, and competing interests?

In this HOW Conversation, HOW founder Dov Seidman sits down with David Gelles, best-selling author and climate reporter for The New York Times, to explore the central paradox of modern capitalism: how businesses can be both profitable and purposeful—without ever fully resolving the tension between the two.

Drawing from Gelles’ latest book The Dirtbag Billionaire, the conversation examines the story of Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia—a company built on contradictions: an anti-capitalist running a successful apparel brand striving to protect the very environment it impacts.

Together, they unpack the idea of “compound interest of values”, how leaders can center humanity, the urgent leadership questions emerging in the age of AI disruption, and much more.

READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before. Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/