Some of the most influential people of the past century received their education in philosophy. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, successfully defended his Ph.D. in theology at Boston University. It’s fitting that philosophy has influenced these leaders’ and celebrities’ intensity, insights, and sense of societal responsibility. It teaches one to reason beyond one’s own subjective beliefs. One such person who has seamlessly blended his philosophy and morality to advocate for practical applications of leadership is Craig Mindrum, Ph.D.

Craig is a thinker, educator, writer, and consultant who has spent his career at the intersection of ethics, leadership, and literature. With an academic foundation rooted in philosophy and ethics, he brings a unique perspective to his work, from academia and business consulting to thought leadership.

The philosopher began his academic journey with Master’s studies at Yale Divinity School and Indiana University before earning his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Craig’s early focus on ethics, philosophy, and theology evolved as he began teaching business ethics as an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University for 15 years.

During his tenure, Craig developed a distinctive approach to teaching leadership. Moving beyond traditional methods that rely heavily on philosophical frameworks like those of Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, he embraces a virtue-oriented approach. “I want students to move from simply weighing ethical options to embodying moral excellence,” he explains. By focusing on virtuous leadership—defined by excellence in action and thought—he aims to shape students who will lead with integrity and purpose.

In addition to academia, Craig has built a career in business consulting, helping companies develop strategic messaging and thought leadership. His consulting work often involves writing research reports and articles on diverse topics, including business operations, analytics, and talent management. He describes this period as one of intense practical writing, helping clients “make order out of chaos” in their strategies and messaging.

Though much of his early professional writing was tailored to client needs, Craig’s voice has grown more personal in recent years. As he transitioned into the next phase of his career, he began dedicating more time to reflective and public-facing writing through the medium of Substack.

Craig’s writing spans an array of subjects, from business ethics and virtuous leadership to religion, culture, and personal reflections. Recently, his work has been shaped by deeply personal experiences, such as the sudden loss of his 36-year-old son. In a moving piece, he explored grief and gratitude during the holiday season, a different route from his regular thought-provoking writings. He also writes about pressing societal issues, often challenging economic and political systems. He reflectively critiques subjects such as monopolistic practices, stock buybacks, and trickle-down economics while advocating for corporate responsibility and community-centered leadership.

Through his writings, Craig invites readers to consider how ethical principles can address systemic challenges. “A good leader’s influence can ripple through an entire organization and beyond,” he notes. “It’s not impossible to balance profit with morality—it just takes commitment from the top down.”

Looking ahead, Craig is channeling his academic expertise and personal philosophy with two books in development. The first, Ethics and Literature, will explore the relationship between moral principles and the narratives that shape human understanding. Drawing from his doctoral research, the book will delve into how literature can illuminate ethical dilemmas and inspire virtuous action.

The second, A Guide for the Theologically Lonely, is a deeply personal project addressing the misuse of religious power. “This book speaks to those who feel diminished by forces claiming divine authority,” Craig explains. It will offer readers a roadmap for defending their humanity against the abuses of institutional religion and out-of-date theology.

Whether through teaching, consulting, or writing, Craig has devoted his career to fostering a more ethical and compassionate world. His ability to bridge academic rigor with practical insight makes him a thought leader whose work resonates across disciplines. As he continues to explore new topics and tackle age-old questions, Craig Mindrum’s writings promise to inspire readers to lead with virtue and navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity and courage.

Published by Charlie N.