The Leadership Boost

The loneliest room is full of people.You can be surrounded by colleagues, team members, clients all day and still feel completely alone.Because nobody understands the decisions you're making. The trade-offs you're weighing. The pressure you're carrying.That's leadership loneliness. And it's one of the most common and least talked about costs of leading.Here's what I've learned: You can't lead well from isolation.In rugby, we have a saying: "15 as one." No matter how good you are individually, you can't win alone. You need teammates who know your game, who trust you, who have your back.Leadership is the same.But most leaders don't build those relationships. They have transactional relationships - people who need something from them. But very few have developmental relationships - people who see them, challenge them, support them.And that gap? It's costing them.In this week's episode (and LinkedIn newsletter), I'm diving into:Why leadership is lonely (and why it doesn't have to be)The difference between transactional and developmental relationshipsHow to build relationships that sustain you, not just drain youWhy Relationships are a core element of your Leader's DashboardBecause you found your edge. But you can't deploy it alone.Read the full article here: [link]

Every great rugby player has a weapon.A devastating sidestep. A bone-crushing tackle. A long pass that opens up the field. A hand-off that leaves defenders on the ground.It's not about being good at everything. It's about being exceptional at one thing. Knowing your weapon. And using it when it matters most.Leadership works the same way.Every great leader has an edge, something that makes them uniquely valuable. Something that sets them apart.But here's what I see when I work with executive leaders: Most leaders can't name their edge.They know they're "good at leadership." They know they "add value." But they can't tell you what makes them irreplaceable.And that's a problem.Because when you don't know your edge:You try to be everything to everyoneYou compete on the same playing field as everyone elseYou burn out trying to be competent at everything instead of exceptional at somethingYou become commoditizedIn this week's episode, I'm breaking down:Why most leaders are commoditized (and don't realize it)How to identify your unique edgeWhy your edge is a core element of your Leader's DashboardThe difference between competence and weaponized strengthBecause leadership without edge is just management. And the world doesn't need more managers.

"Character is what you do when nobody's watching."Twenty-three years ago, I learned this lesson the hard way. I was part of an international organization. A good organization. One with clear values: integrity, faithfulness, and spiritual leadership. But the leader, a man I respected, began a slow drift. Not a sudden collapse. A drift. Compromises that seemed small at first. Rationalizations that made sense in the moment. His personal values eroded. The organization's values eroded under his leadership. And I watched it happen. I watched relationships harmed. I watched people lose their place and their purpose. I watched a mission scattered . And I did what I thought was right: I confronted it. That cost me. I was punished for speaking up. I could no longer complete my mission. I had to leave the country I'd moved my family to. It was painful. But it taught me something that changed everything: Leadership is influence. What we live influences others. It's our character . Not just what we say we value. What we actually demonstrate through our choices. And when you walk in a leadership role, you don't just represent yourself...You represent something bigger: your organization, your mission, your values. That's a higher standard. Today, I'm sharing why this matters and how your personal values, your organizational values, and your leadership role all integrate into your Leaders Dashboard. Because if any of those three are misaligned or abandoned, the whole structure collapses.

Today's episode is a little longer than usual—about 35 minutes—because we're going deep on values. This isn't a surface-level conversation. We're doing the work. So grab a coffee, settle in, and let's talk about holding your line.Most leaders think they know their values.Ask them, and they'll give you the corporate version: "Integrity. Innovation. Excellence. Teamwork."But here's the truth: Those aren't values. Those are words on a wall.Your real values aren't what you say in meetings. They're what you do when no one's watching. What you protect when you're exhausted. What you choose when the cost is high.Want to know your real values?Look at your calendar. Look at your budget. Look at the decisions you made under pressure last month.That's what you actually value.In this week's episode, I'm diving into why most leaders can't name their real values, and why that gap between what they say and what they do is costing them everything.Their credibility. Their team's trust. Their own integrity.Because when you don't know your line, you'll break under pressure every time.Talk to me on my LinkedIn

Twenty-five years ago, I woke up one Monday morning and couldn't get out of bed.Not "didn't want to." Couldn't.

Every day feels like you're treading water. You wake up with a knot in your stomach because you already know—before you even check your phone—that there are too many things demanding your attention.Your inbox is overflowing. Your calendar is back-to-back. Your team is waiting on decisions. Your boss wants updates. Your clients need responses. Your family wants time you don't have.And somewhere in the back of your mind, there's this nagging voice asking: "What am I even building here? What's the point of all this?"You're exhausted. But you can't stop. Because if you stop, everything falls apart.Sound familiar?Here's what's really happening: You've confused activity with progress.You're busy. You're working too-many-hour weeks. You're responding to every email, attending every meeting, saying yes to every request. You look productive. You feel productive.But at the end of the week, you can't point to anything meaningful that moved forward. You're running hard but getting nowhere.And the worst part? Your team feels it too.They look to you for clarity—and you don't have it. They ask, "What's most important right now?" and you can't give them a straight answer. Because everything feels important. Everything feels urgent.So they're overwhelmed too. And the whole organization is spinning its wheels.The problem isn't that you're not working hard enough. The problem is you don't have a filter.And without a filter, you're going to drown—no matter how hard you swim.Let's dive in.Connect with me on LinkedIn

Shaun's LinkedIn DM me for moreWhen was the last time you had a tune-up—not for your business, but for your life? Most leaders have dashboards for everything except what matters most. In this episode, discover why every leader needs a personal dashboard and how to build one that protects both your success and your sanity.

Shaun's LinkedInEpisode 3 – The Power of Vision in LeadershipMost leaders are running fast, but not always in the right direction. In this episode of The Leadership Boost, Coach Shaun Smit unpacks why vision is the compass of leadership, not just a statement on the wall. Drawing from rugby and executive coaching, he shows how a clear vision aligns teams, reduces overwhelm, and restores momentum.

In rugby, a team without a strategy runs hard… but often in different directions. The same is true in leadership. Without a simple dashboard to guide you, it's easy to:Chase every urgent demandSpread yourself too thinLose your team's confidence in the processThat's why I believe every leader needs a Leadership Dashboard — a one-page “game plan” to keep the focus on what truly matters.LinkedIn

: Why Focusing on 2–3 Priorities Changes EverythingToo many priorities can leave leaders scattered and ineffective. In this episode of The Leadership Boost, Coach Shaun shows why focusing on just 2–3 key areas creates clarity, confidence, and momentum. Learn a simple framework to cut through overwhelm and lead with impact.LinkedIn

After a few years' break, The Leadership Boost podcast is back — refreshed, refocused, and ready to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. In this opening episode, Coach Shaun Smit shares why he's relaunching the podcast, what's changed since the early seasons, and how today's leaders can thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.Leadership today isn't about having all the answers — it's about asking the right questions, aligning your team, and finding your edge when the pressure is on. That's where the Leadership Dashboard comes in. This practical framework gives executives and senior leaders a clear way to reevaluate and refresh their vision, mission, values, performance, and relationships — not just once, but regularly, as business challenges evolve.In this episode, you'll discover:Why even experienced leaders need to refresh their clarity in today's fast-changing environment.The story behind the Leadership Dashboard and how it helps leaders realign their focus.What you can expect from this new season — short, sharp, story-driven episodes with practical takeaways.How rugby and mental toughness lessons translate into leadership under pressure.A preview of the Executive Game Plan Intensive, a focused coaching experience designed to help leaders apply the Dashboard for immediate results.Whether you're leading a team, guiding an organization, or navigating your own leadership growth, The Leadership Boost is your space to pause, reflect, and strengthen your game plan.

Influence refers to the ability to have an effect or impact on something or someone. It is the power to shape or change the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or actions of others. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Career development is about taking an active role in managing and advancing your career, rather than simply letting it unfold passively. Your career development leads to greater job satisfaction, increased earning potential, and a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Career development for you as a leader is the ongoing process of managing and advancing your career over time. It means taking intentional steps to define your leadership, improve your skills, and increase your confidence and experience. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

I'm discussing some parallels between my college rugby coaching, our championship tournament, and your leadership. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Negativity can be detrimental to a team's success and can have many negative impacts. Dealing with negativity in team members can be challenging, but it's important to address it as it can have a negative impact on team morale and productivity. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Conflict is a natural part of any team dynamic, but when it's not addressed, it can lead to negative consequences. So, how can leaders overcome team conflict and build a strong, high-performing team? Let's dive in. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

We've all heard the saying, "There's no 'I' in team," and it's true that teamwork is essential to achieving success. However, sometimes teams get so focused on the end result that they forget to take the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of individual team members. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

The importance of effective communication in achieving clarity and understanding within a team.  As a leader, it's your responsibility to build this bridge by fostering a culture of open, honest communication within your team. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

What is it all about? What is my philosophy? Why leadership? Why the Leadership Boost? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

As a leader, it's your responsibility to anticipate potential risks and prepare your team for potential challenges.  Anticipating risks and developing contingency plans can help your team be better prepared to handle unexpected situations and maintain their momentum toward their goals. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

As a leader, an important role is to help your team build momentum and achieve success. And one of the best ways to do this is … create early wins. Early wins are small, achievable goals that your team can accomplish quickly and easily, and they're essential for setting the stage for long-term success. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Welcome to the Leadership Boost podcast, where we equip leaders with practical strategies to help them build high-performance teams. In today's episode, we'll be continuing our series on Building a High-Performance Team by discussing how a leader must sometimes take on the role of a project manager to guide their team. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Chemistry in a team refers to the intangible but essential connection between team members that leads to effective collaboration, communication, and overall team performance. It is a sense of shared purpose, trust, and mutual respect that creates a positive team dynamic. When there is good chemistry within a team, team members are able to work together seamlessly, bounce ideas off each other, and feel comfortable sharing feedback and constructive criticism. This leads to increased productivity, creativity, and better outcomes for the team as a whole. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

As a leader, it's essential to understand that everyone on your team comes with their own set of expectations, both personally and professionally. And it's your job to ensure that these expectations are being met to the best of your abilities. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Skills and talent can be learned and developed but character cannot be taught. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Setting team goals is crucial for achieving success.  By making them specific, achievable, and measurable, you'll give your team a clear target to work towards and a roadmap for success.  So set those goals, establish a deadline, and keep track of progress.  Your team will thank you for it.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Today, we're talking about the power of taking one action every day to make huge changes in your leadership. It's easy to get caught up in the big picture and forget that it's the small steps that lead to significant progress. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode we discuss: Why developing an action plan is so important for you if you are stepping into a new role or if your role has changed. Remember: Making a great impression as a new manager can have a significant impact on the success of the team and the organization as a whole. Thanks for tuning in and listening to this episode and to this miniseries. I trust you have gained good insights you can take advantage of and take action on. Until tomorrow, This is Shaun saying: Over and Out! #TheLeadershipBoostpodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Avoiding office politics as a leader is crucial to your success. So, what should you do? We will look at the following in today's episode: Observe the dynamics of your workplace, wait for the right time to address issues, and focus on your role and responsibilities. Don't get involved in gossip or office politics, and always approach issues with a solution-oriented mindset. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

Priority changes relationships, and time changes priorities, --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode of the Leadership Boost podcast, we discuss a critical aspect of succeeding in a new role: getting to know and aligning with the key players in your organization. We explore the two types of power players, formal and informal, and why it's crucial to identify both. We also provide tips on how to build positive relationships with key players, such as being proactive, a good listener, reliable, and respectful. You will learn how aligning with the right people can help you gain access to valuable information, resources, and opportunities that can help you succeed, and why it's equally important to avoid aligning with people who are not seen as "winners." By the end of this episode, you will have a better understanding of how to navigate your new role effectively and achieve your goals faster by aligning with the key players in your organization. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode of the Leadership Boost podcast, Shaun delves into the importance of understanding organizational culture and values for succeeding in a leadership role. Shaun explains that organizational culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape how things get done within an organization. To fit in and succeed as a leader, it is crucial to understand the values and culture of the organization. Shaun provides tips on how to observe the environment, take note of how values are expressed, and learn from those who embody these values. By aligning your actions with the organization's priorities, you can make informed decisions, build strong relationships, and ultimately succeed as a leader within the organization. If you're a leader looking to understand and align with your organization's culture and values, this episode is a must-listen. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode, we'll explore the importance of taking time to know and understand each of your team members. This is an essential element of your success in your leadership role. By meeting with and understanding your team members, you'll be able to delegate tasks more effectively, create a positive and supportive team culture, and ultimately achieve success in your leadership role. Tune in to this episode of the Leadership Boost podcast to learn more about understanding your team and becoming a successful leader. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode, we delve into the importance of managing up in any job or industry. Our discussion covers the key aspects of building a positive relationship with your manager or leader, understanding their working style and preferences, and aligning your goals and priorities with theirs. We also explore the benefits of knowing your manager or leader's definition of success, expectations, and communication patterns, and how this knowledge can help you to anticipate their needs and provide solutions before they even ask for them. Additionally, we discuss the importance of tailoring your communication style to better suit your manager or leader's preferences and unique style. Tune in to learn more about managing up and how it can help you succeed in your role. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

"Strategic planning is worthless - unless there is first a strategic vision." - John Naisbitt. In this episode of the Leadership Boost podcast, we explore the critical link between employee engagement and successful strategic planning. We discuss the various ways in which engaged employees can contribute to the strategic planning process. This includes providing valuable feedback and input, working collaboratively, contributing to a team effort, taking ownership and accountability for organizational goals, and promoting innovation and creativity. As a leader, it's important to understand the importance of employee engagement and how it can help to ensure that your strategic planning process is comprehensive, collaborative, and effective. Tune in to discover the power of employee engagement in strategic planning, and how it can help to drive success and achieve your organizational goals. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

Communication in marriage starts with understanding. Understanding starts with communication. Communication is necessary for trust, friendship, and intimacy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

Laugh at challenges! The truth is that confronting challenging issues and discovering answers to them is a crucial step on the path to success. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode of the Leadership Boost podcast, host Shaun discusses the importance of accountability in leadership. He defines accountability as taking ownership of actions and decisions, being transparent, and accepting the consequences of one's actions. He emphasizes the importance of accountability in creating a culture of trust and respect within a team. Shaun shares tips for leaders to be more accountable, including taking ownership of mistakes, setting clear expectations, following through on commitments, encouraging feedback, measuring performance, and being transparent. Tune in to learn how accountability breeds response-ability and how it can help leaders achieve their goals while inspiring their team members to be responsible and committed. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

Leadership is crucial because it encourages, inspires, and sets an example for others to make the world a better place --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode of Leadership Boost, we discuss the importance of building strong stakeholder relationships and provide three practical ways to improve these relationships. As a leader, you need to understand the needs and concerns of your stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, suppliers, and the community. By actively listening to them, communicating clearly, and being transparent, you can build trust and foster positive relationships that benefit everyone involved. Join us as we explore these three strategies in-depth and provide practical tips to help you become a more effective leader in building quality stakeholder relationships. #The LeadershipBoostpodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

In this episode of The Leadership Boost, the focus is on creating a more productive work culture in a business. The episode presents five actionable steps that leaders can take to achieve this goal, including Leading by example, Effective communication, Recognizing and rewarding success, Encouraging collaboration, Prioritizing work-life balance. The episode emphasizes the importance of workplace culture and how it can impact the success or failure of a business. Through the steps presented in this episode, leaders can create a workplace that is not only successful but also fulfilling and enjoyable for everyone involved. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

Welcome to "Small Steps, Big Impact: Strengthening Your Marriage Daily," where we explore practical ways to strengthen the foundation of your most important relationship - your marriage. Your marriage relationship is the cornerstone to all other relationships in your life. It influences and affects so many areas of your life, including your children, those around you, and society at large. It's where you and your children learn to relate, and life is all about relationships. To build a strong marriage, you have to take leadership by initiating. It's important to initiate the characteristics that build, strengthen, and add value to your relationship every day. No one else will do it for you. In a society that devalues marriage, it's crucial to work harder to value this relationship you've committed to. You must initiate commitment, kindness, respect, and other important qualities that strengthen your relationship. A strong marriage isn't built when the perfect couple comes together. It's built when you work through your incompatibilities. Join us as we share practical tips on how to initiate and strengthen your marriage every day, and pass it on to your children and society at large. #TheLeadershipBoostpodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

Welcome to the Leadership Boost podcast, where we explore the nuances of leadership and what it takes to be an effective and inspiring leader. In today's episode, we delve into the idea that leadership is not just about external aspects such as position, title, or responsibility. Effective leadership requires a deep understanding of oneself and the ability to evolve and challenge one's paradigm of leadership. As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of our roles and forget that leadership is not just about what we do, but who we are. Our thoughts, beliefs, and values shape our leadership style, and it's important to cultivate self-awareness and introspection to understand how our inner paradigm is impacting our leadership. To be effective leaders, we must challenge ourselves to evolve and grow, question our assumptions and beliefs, and be open to new perspectives and ideas. We must be willing to take a step back and reflect on our actions and their impact and adjust our approach accordingly. In this episode, we'll explore the concept of inner paradigms and how they shape our leadership style. We'll discuss strategies for cultivating self-awareness, introspection, and a willingness to challenge and evolve our inner paradigm of leadership. Join us as we dive into the idea that leadership is a paradigm, and what it takes to cultivate the mindset and skills necessary to be an effective leader. Thanks for tuning in, and I'll see you on the next episode of the Leadership Boost podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

As the saying goes, "Excellence is not a single act; it's a habit." This quote by Aristotle reminds us that our actions, not just our intentions, define our success. As leaders, it is our duty to provide an example of excellence. We should develop good habits that motivate and encourage the performance of our teams. By committing to a daily habit, even a micro habit of improvement, you create a foundation for growth and development. You start to see progress in small, manageable steps, which can help you build confidence and resilience. As you improve yourself, you also become a better leader. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

A leader who is more concerned with the success of the team than their own personal glory is a leader who will inspire others to do great things. When a leader is able to put their ego aside and focus on the big picture, they are able to make decisions that benefit everyone. But when a leader is focused solely on their own success, they become blinded by their ego. They may make decisions that benefit themselves in the short term, but in the long run, these decisions will hurt the team and the company. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

Behavior is closely tied to values, because our values influence our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. Our values are the fundamental principles and beliefs that guide our decision-making and behavior, and they can vary from person to person, and from culture to culture. For example, if one of your core values is honesty, you are more likely to behave in an honest and truthful way in your interactions with others. When it comes to team dynamics, it is important to establish a set of shared values that align with the goals and mission of the team. And then clearly communicate what those values look like in behavior. Establish values you want, and values you don't want. Behaviors you want, and behavior you don't want. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

Welcome to the Leadership Boost podcast, where we help you unlock your leadership potential. I'm your host, Shaun Smit, and today we'll be discussing a topic that's essential to any leader's success: Your core values. As a leader, your values are the foundation of your leadership style, and they guide your decision-making in all aspects of your work. Personal core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide your decision-making and behavior. These values are shaped by your upbringing, culture, experiences, and personal beliefs. Personal core values may include things like honesty, integrity, respect, kindness, and responsibility. On the other hand, as a team leader, you will also need to establish values that are specific to your team's culture and goals. These values should be aligned with your personal core values, but they may be more focused on the needs and goals of the team. For example, a team leader might establish values like collaboration, innovation, accountability, or excellence. These values will help create a strong team culture, clarify expectations, and guide decision-making. It's important for a team leader to be aware of both their personal core values and the values they establish for their team. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message

As leaders, we know how important it is to prioritize relationships, especially at home. I mean, think about it. We spend so much time at work, dealing with deadlines, meetings, and all that jazz. But at the end of the day, the people we come home to matter. Our loved ones – our spouses, our children, our parents – are the ones who truly know us and love us, flaws and all. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/support

"Strategy is about making choices and trade-offs; it's about deliberately choosing to be different." - Michael Porter This quote emphasizes the importance of strategic decision-making. Strategic decision-making involves the need to make deliberate choices in order to differentiate yourself from your competitors. As a strategic leader, you must be willing to make tough choices and trade-offs in order to achieve your goals and stand out from the crowd. By doing so, you can create a unique and valuable position for your organization that sets it apart from others in your industry. But what does it mean to be a strategic leader? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/support

What exactly does success mean in your new role? It can vary for everyone, which is why we're going to delve into three areas of insight to help you understand what success means in your new job. Being clear about what success looks like in a particular circumstance can help you accomplish your objectives more successfully and with greater satisfaction. You can maximize your time and resources and maintain your focus on what matters most. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/support

Today, I want to talk about a topic that may resonate with a lot of you. It's something that I've struggled with for most of my life and I have come to terms with: being an introvert. I confess I'm an introvert. Did you know that it's estimated that introverts make up around 30-50% of the world's population? "Quiet people have the loudest minds." - Stephen Hawking And for the longest time, I thought that being an introvert was a weakness. I thought it meant I wasn't cut out for leadership. That I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure. That I didn't have what it takes. But over time, I've come to realize that being an introvert is not a weakness. It's a strength. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theleadershipboost/support