Podcasts about high performance leadership

Servant Leadership: Are You Avoiding It? What if the biggest leadership breakthrough of your career isn’t a new strategy, a new title, or a new set of KPIs — but a philosophy you’ve been overlooking your whole career? That’s the question at the heart of today’s show. At 5pm Eastern on “A New Direction with Coach Jay,” I’m sitting down live with Mark Miller — co-author, alongside legendary leadership expert Ken Blanchard, of the newly revised and expanded 4th edition of “The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do.” Blanchard and Miller say 82 percent of managers struggle to lead effectively, and their answer to why is deceptively simple: servant leadership. If that number makes you uncomfortable, good — that’s exactly why this conversation matters. “The Secret” isn’t your typical leadership book stacked with theory and jargon. It’s a business fable — the story of Debbie Brewster, a newly promoted executive who’s drowning in low morale, high turnover, and a team that’s losing faith in her. Her mentor hands her one deceptively simple truth: great leaders serve. That’s servant leadership in action, and it plays out through the five practices of the SERVE model — seeing the future, engaging and developing others, reinventing continuously, valuing both results and relationships, and embodying the values you claim to hold. What makes this conversation especially powerful is who’s sitting across from me. Mark Miller didn’t study servant leadership from a distance — he lived it. He walked into Chick-fil-A as the company’s 16th employee, starting out in the warehouse and mailroom, and spent the next 45 years working his way up through Corporate Communications, Field Operations, and Training and Development before retiring as Vice President of High-Performance Leadership. That’s a quarter century spent directing research and initiatives worth tens of millions of dollars to figure out, test, and validate what actually works when you’re trying to lead people well.  This is a man who has been in the trenches — which means today’s conversation isn’t theory, it’s tested truth. So here’s what we’ll be digging into together: why so many capable, hardworking managers still fail to lead effectively — and what the small percentage who practice true servant leadership are doing differently. We’ll talk about what it really means to “see the future” as a leader, why reinventing yourself never stops being optional, and how you rebuild trust and credibility once it’s been damaged.  Whether you’re leading a team of two or two thousand, this episode is going to hand you a servant leadership framework you can start using before the day is over. If you would like engage Mark’s services you can call him on his cell phone directly: 678-612-8441 or email Mark, mark@leadeveryday.com Ken Blanchard & Mark Miller‘s book, “The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do, , 4th Edition, Revised and Expanded” is what I would refer to as a timeless guide for those seeking to be great leaders.  Why do I say timeless?  Because the principles in this book would work in the first century and will work any time in the future. I had never read the previous versions of the book, so I do not know what to compare it to, but I can tell you that was fundamental mind shifts in every single chapter.  The book is counter-intuitive for those leaders that believe they must be in control.  Yes, you need to be valuing results, but if you want your leadership to translate into great results you need to value those relationships both inside and outside of your organization or business. You have probably heard the term “servant leadership”.  But you may have not really thought how a leader actually serves others.  Well, this is where the book sets itself apart from other books.  It doesn’t just talk about it as a philosophical ideal, but puts into practical terms that translate into greater profits, and truly having a great team. I truly enjoyed reading every page of this book.  What I pulled from The Secret was more than a great story that surrounded the main principles of SERVE, but also the valuable practical nuggets that made me think, and that I could apply to my own leadership immediately.  Do yourself and your business a huge favor and get it. You can get your copy of The Secret by clicking here. Please reach out and thank the sponsors of  A New Direction and bringing you great guests like these: Linda Craft Team Realtors. So what can you say about a real estate company that has spent more than 40 years at the top of their game? Well the first thing is you have to admit that their customers and clients continue to drive their business…but why? That's because the Linda Craft Team continue to believe that every person and every relationship is important, not just now, but even in the future. It is why she is devoted to continually adding value to her clients and community by serving them in ways that matter…it is also why their clients say, “The Linda Craft Team have legendary customer service!” When it comes to real estate start with the legends start with Linda Craft & Team, Realtors – www.LindaCraft.com Hey…do me a favor and please tell your friends to subscribe to A New Direction on their favorite podcast platform and give us a 5 star rating we are so grateful when you do! ABOUT YOUR HOST Meet Jay Izso Executive Performance Coach  |  Host of A New Direction Every week on A New Direction, I sit down with CEOs, founders, and the researchers behind the science of leadership performance. The conversations go deep. We talk about the decisions that built companies, the mistakes that nearly destroyed them, and the personal breakthroughs that changed everything. But here's what most people don't know about me: the show is an extension of the work I do every day with executives behind closed doors. Who I Am I'm an Executive Performance Coach. I work with CEOs and founders of $5M-$50M companies who have hit a wall they can't explain. The marketing looks fine. The team is capable. The market is there. But the business won't move. The problem, almost every time, is the person running it. I find the personal behavioral patterns that are driving the business dysfunction. Then I help the CEO disrupt those patterns so the company can grow. That's it. No motivational platitudes. No vision boards. Diagnostics, intervention, results. Where This Comes From My approach comes from two places most coaches never set foot in. The farm. I grew up as a farmhand in Ithaca, Nebraska—population 100. I started working at nine years old. By the time I left for college, I'd spent a decade learning that you can't cheat the harvest, pain is part of the job, and the work has to get done whether you feel like it or not. I was fourteen the first time I had to castrate boars. Nobody was going to do it for me. That lesson never left: sometimes you have to do things afraid. The forensic psychology unit. In graduate school at Washington State University, I trained under Dr. Thomas Brigham—co-author of the Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis—in a human behavior lab focused on real-world problems. I then served in a Clinical Psych II role at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington, a forensic setting where I conducted psychological evaluations of individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses. Sixteen months assessing human behavior at its most extreme taught me how to cut through defenses, identify what's really driving someone's decisions, and see what they can't see in themselves.

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In this episode, Joseph sits down with Jon Sheldon, founder of Belleau Wood Coaching, a business, leadership, and team‑performance coaching practice built for people who are ready to operate at a higher standard.Jon brings 20+ years of experience in obstacle‑oriented problem solving, executive coaching, and team alignment. His approach blends raw instinct with refined judgment — helping high performers get unstuck, build clarity, and WILL their future into existence.This conversation dives into the realities of leadership, the courage required to change, and the systems Jon uses to help CEOs, sales leaders, and teams execute with precision.Jon's origin story — how he discovered his knack for seeing obstacles from 30,000 feetIkigai — why purpose matters and how to find yoursRadical honesty — the foundation of Jon's coaching philosophyWhy high performers get stuck (and how to get unstuck fast)The difference between “busy” and “effective”How teams build trust, communication, and accountabilityThe Blueprints, Briefs & Battleplans framework for team performanceWhy most people wait too long to hire a coachThe mindset shift that changes everything: Aim Small, Miss SmallHow to reset your standard and build a future you actually wantClarity beats intensity — you don't need more effort, you need better direction.Vision alignment is a multiplier — when leaders get clear, teams accelerate.Accountability isn't punishment — it's the fastest path to growth.You're not stuck — you're just operating without a defined pathway.Coaching is for the ready — not the perfect.Obstacle‑Oriented Coaching — solve one specific challenge in 45 daysDay Facilitation — deep‑dive clarity and alignment sessionsQuarterly Commitment — long‑term growth and executionCustom Team Engagements — Blueprints, Briefs & Battleplans for organizational performanceLearn more at BelleauWood Coaching:https://www.belleauwood.coach/

Mark Miller spent almost 45 years at Chick-fil-A, rising to VP of High Performance Leadership, and along the way he accidentally co-wrote a book with Ken Blanchard that's now in 34 languages. He's back on Unlocked to talk about the newly re-released edition of THE SECRET: What Great Leaders Know and Do, a third of it rewritten, with a research-backed free assessment and facilitator's guide added. We get into why "servant leadership" has become a tarnished brand, and why buying donuts and walking dogs is service, not leadership. Mark shares data from a global survey of 4,000 leaders across six countries where over 60% named the same thing as their boss's biggest limitation: ego. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Cold Start & Intro 00:08:40 – Why Rewrite a Book That Already Sold 700K Copies 00:12:50 – Why "Servant Leadership" Got a Bad Name 00:15:26 – The Definition Problem Nobody Talks About 00:20:13 – The #1 Thing Blocking Your Boss 00:26:35 – When Learning Becomes a Hiding Place 00:31:34 – Why the Quarter Kills the Relationship 00:38:33 – Own Your Bias, Then Compensate 00:45:20 – Does Pressure Reveal Character or Build It? Guest: Mark Miller Websites: leadeveryday.com, www.markmillerleadership.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/highperformanceleaders Book: The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do www.markmillerleadership.com/product/the-secret-what-great-leaders-know-and-do Instagram: www.instagram.com/MarkMillerLeadership Twitter/X: x.com/MarkMillerLeads YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeadEveryDay

Today on the Mujer De Exito Unbounded Show: Wealth Starts at the Cell: A Thriver's Guide to Clean Beauty & High-Performance Leadership . . Find my articles here: https://substack.com/@martiangel Get your CELAVIVE mask here!! https://bit.ly/martisfavmask Grab your free resources here: https://stan.store/MartiAngel My FAV Affiliate links: Health & Wellness : https://bit.ly/joinmarti Affirmations Audio: https://martiangel.gumroad.com/ Check out some of my favorite journals and books here! https://amzn.to/3siywJ4 Get your Freebie -digital downloads here: stan.store/martiangel   TAKE THE FREE QUIZ “ WHAT IS YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL ARCHETYPE” https://bit.ly/Mbizquiz CHECK OUT ALL THE SOCIAL MEDIA AND BUSINESS TOOLS I RECOMMEND https://amzn.to/3WDVMBm GET ALL OF MY EQUIPMENT HERE: http://bit.ly/MARTIANGELTOOLS%E2%80%8B Disclaimer Marti Angel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to http://www.amazon.com .

Ever looked at an opportunity, a stretch role, a speaking slot, a bold idea, and thought "I could do that"… and then let it pass? And then been quietly furious with yourself weeks later? It probably wasn't a courage problem. It was an energy problem. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, Toni Collis introduces the Leadership Energy Model: the relationship between bravery, grit, and confidence, and why understanding it changes how you take on hard things, how you recover from them, and how you lead a team through them. What's covered: ➡️  The three-stage model — bravery gets you started, grit gets you through, confidence is what you earn on the other side, and each one changes what the next hard thing costs you ➡️  Naive bravery — why not knowing how hard something will be is sometimes the greatest gift, and why the more naive you are, the more grit you'll need later ➡️  Why bravery and grit are finite — one shared pool across your entire life, which is why a house renovation, a health challenge or a hard season at home leaves you with nothing for the bold move at work (and vice versa) ➡️  The celebrity illusion — why some people seem infinitely brave, and what resources actually do to the price of courage ➡️  Confidence as the exchange rate — every hard thing you complete makes the next one cheaper, and how to build confidence deliberately through structured small wins instead of deep-end plunges ➡️  Self-coaching with the model — how to audit your own bravery and grit spend before you commit to the next hard thing ➡️  Coaching your team through it — especially in AI transformations, where you're asking everyone to be brave and gritty at once with no confidence to draw on, and what great leaders do about that energetic cost If you've been wondering why the version of you who used to leap at challenges has gone quiet, this episode will give you the answer, and the way back. Useful links Ignite Coach Academy — Toni's coach training program, enrolling now for the September cohort: tonicollis.com/ignite-coach-academy Book a complimentary chat with Toni about whether Ignite is right for you: tonicollis.com/lets-chat  

Legacy Living with Dr. Gloria Burgess.Everyone has the capacity to lead. In today's podcast, Dr. Gloria shares how to elevate your leadership through creativity and artistry. You'll want to listen to this podcast again and again!https://www.talknetworkradio.com/hosts/legacylivinghttps://www.talknetworkradio.com/hosts/legacyliving

What if the key to building high-performing teams isn't pushing people harder—but understanding them better?In this episode of the Conscious Leadership Revolution Podcast, Susan Hobson sits down with Courtney Kessel, Head Coach of Princeton Women's Ice Hockey and former PWHL coach, to explore how  empathy acts as one of the most powerful leadership tools available today.Drawing from her experience coaching elite athletes at every level—from professional hockey to the Ivy League—Courtney shares how her leadership philosophy evolved from prioritizing wins to developing people first. Together, Susan and Courtney unpack why emotional intelligence, trust, and human connection are not soft skills—they're competitive advantages.In this conversation, you'll discover:✅ Why empathy and accountability go hand in hand✅ The leadership lesson Courtney learned after coaching at the professional level✅ How Princeton's "Show Up for Each Other" practice transformed team culture✅ Why emotionally intelligent leaders create higher-performing teams✅ The difference between coaching for results and coaching for lasting impact✅ How self-awareness shapes exceptional leadership✅ Why the future of high performance is deeply humanWhether you're leading a business, coaching a team, managing people, or striving to become a better leader yourself, this episode offers practical insights into building trust, resilience, and cultures where people perform at their best.

Great leadership isn't just about strategy—it's about having the energy, clarity, and resilience to consistently perform at your highest level.In this episode, host Sherry Winn—two-time Olympian, national championship coach, bestselling author, and executive leadership expert—welcomes nutrition and metabolic health specialist Teresa Pangan for a conversation about the overlooked connection between health and leadership performance. Together, they explore how sleep, stress recovery, nutrition, and self-awareness influence executive decision-making, emotional intelligence, and long-term success.Key takeaways:Build your leadership foundation through better sleep and recovery.Recognize the hidden signs of chronic stress before burnout occurs.Develop greater self-awareness to improve leadership clarity and emotional intelligence.If you're committed to leading with excellence while avoiding burnout, this episode provides practical strategies you can begin using immediately. Tune in, subscribe, and share it with another leader committed to sustainable high performance.Guest: Teresa Pangan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresapangan/)Host: Sherry Winn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewinningleadershipcompany/)Sound: Mahesh R.Producer: Archita Puranik#ExecutiveLeadership #BurnoutPrevention #LeadershipDevelopment #SherryWinn #TALRadio

Most leaders know how to push harder, because we're constantly told to.Far fewer have figured out how to recover well.In this episode, I'm exploring one of the most overlooked leadership skills: recovery. Not just taking time off, but intentionally creating the mental, emotional and physical space that allows you to think clearly, lead effectively and sustain high performance over time.We often celebrate busyness as a sign of commitment, yet elite athletes understand something many workplaces have forgotten: performance improves because of recovery. Recovery is a strength.I unpack the difference between rest and recovery, why they're not the same thing, and how deliberate recovery helps improve decision-making, resilience, creativity, emotional regulation and long-term leadership effectiveness.We also explore:Why burnout is easier to prevent than recover from.What elite athletes can teach us about leadership performance.The different types of recovery (physical, mental, emotional and purposeful).How to recognise your own early warning signs before burnout.Why leaders need to model recovery for their teams.Creating your own "mental third space" for sustainable performance.If you've ever told yourself, "I'll rest when this project is finished," this conversation is for you (because I've lived it - a LOT).Resources mentioned:

What you'll learn in this episode: ● Why emotional regulation is one of the most important skills for entrepreneurs ● How emotional intelligence improves leadership and decision-making ● The hidden connection between burnout, stress, and high achievement ● Why successful people can still feel unhappy despite reaching their goals ● How childhood experiences influence business and personal relationships ● The difference between reacting emotionally and responding intentionally ● The four pillars of embodied presence: awareness, embodiment, connection, and flow ● How to recover from nervous system overwhelm and emotional exhaustion ● Why intuition and logic work best when combined ● Practical techniques to improve resilience, focus, and sustainable peak performance

[27:53] Sometimes the opportunities that shape our lives arrive when we least expect them. In this special episode of ToastCaster, I share a recording of the opening keynote I delivered at the Toastmasters District 99 year-end leadership celebration. While the audience that day was made up of Toastmasters leaders, the message reaches far beyond Toastmasters. It's a story about unexpected opportunities, personal growth, and how a single decision can change the direction of your life. Looking back, I never set out to become a leader. In fact, if someone had told me years ago that I'd one day lead a Toastmasters district, host podcasts, write books, or emcee a TEDx event, I would have laughed. None of it was part of a grand plan. It all began with what I call a series of "accidents"—unexpected conversations, invitations, and opportunities that encouraged me to say "yes." In this keynote, I reflect on those moments, the people who influenced my journey, and the lessons I learned along the way. More importantly, I explore how leadership isn't always about titles or positions. Often, it's about being willing to step forward when opportunity knocks and helping others succeed along the way. Whether you're leading a team, volunteering in your community, building a business, or simply wondering what your next chapter might hold, I hope this story encourages you to recognize the unexpected opportunities that may already be waiting for you. In this episode you'll discover: Why I describe myself as an "accidental leader." How one unexpected invitation changed the course of my life. The surprising opportunities that grew from simply saying "yes." The leadership lessons I learned through both success and adversity. Why asking for help became one of my greatest strengths. How my podcasting journey began as a High Performance Leadership project. Why leadership is ultimately about helping others shine. A challenge to reflect on the opportunities that may be shaping your own future. Thank you for listening to ToastCaster. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear about one unexpected opportunity that helped shape your own journey. Toastmasters Podcast #300: Reflecting Back on 300 Episodes and the Power of Conversation Reflecting Back: How a Simple Podcasting Project Developed into an Incredible Journey (Toastmaster magazine, June 2026) Toastmasters Podcast #302: Your Club's Secret Ingredient – The Immediate Past President The Neighbour Who Helped Build the Paralympic Movement 

What if your biggest leadership challenge isn't a lack of strategy—but a survival pattern you've carried for years? In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Beth Jones, Leadership Performance Strategist, Speaker, Author, and Founder of Empowered Survivors. After more than three decades leading high-stakes forensic investigations across 35+ countries, Beth uncovered a surprising truth: many leadership struggles stem from unresolved survival behaviors rather than business problems. Beth shares her personal journey through trauma, healing, and self-discovery, revealing how patterns such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, control, over-performance, and emotional distance can quietly impact leadership effectiveness, workplace culture, communication, and team trust. Listeners will learn about Beth's transformative HEAL Framework (Hope, Evolve, And, Love) and discover practical ways to recognize reactive leadership behaviors, build greater self-awareness, and create healthier, more empowered organizations. In This Episode: ✔ How childhood experiences and survival patterns can influence leadership styles ✔ The difference between healthy high performance and performance driven by fear ✔ Why perfectionism and burnout often originate from deeper emotional patterns ✔ Practical steps to increase self-awareness and improve leadership effectiveness ✔ How leaders can create emotionally healthy workplace cultures ✔ The role of vulnerability, empathy, and accountability in building trust ✔ Beth's HEAL Framework for personal and professional transformation Whether you're a business owner, executive, manager, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into leading with greater intention, awareness, and positive influence. Connect with Beth Jones:Email: beth@empoweredsurvivors.com Website: https://empoweredsurvivors.com LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack: @BethJonesHealingMentor Daily Influence is the podcast where we explore how positive, responsible influence creates lasting impact in business, leadership, and life. Suggested Keywords Leadership Development, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Under Pressure, Workplace Culture, Self-Awareness, Executive Leadership, Trauma-Informed Leadership, Burnout Prevention, Team Performance, Intentional Leadership, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Beth Jones, Daily Influence Podcast, Responsible Influence, Leadership Mindset, Employee Engagement, Organizational Culture, High Performance Leadership.

#267: Mark Miller is a bestselling leadership author, speaker, and the co-founder of Lead Every Day. His books have sold more than 1.5 million copies in 32 languages.Mark's career at Chick-fil-A spans over 40 years, starting as an hourly team member and becoming the company's 16th corporate employee. He recently retired as Vice President of High-Performance Leadership, where he was instrumental in building Chick-fil-A's renowned leadership culture.For 25 years, Mark led initiatives investing tens of millions of dollars to develop and validate leadership principles across high-performance teams, employee engagement, execution, and organizational culture. His work resulted in globally acclaimed books such as THE Secret as well as Wall Street Journal bestsellers. He's recognized for translating leadership principles into real-world application and unlocking the potential of executives and teams to create high-performance organizations.For more on Mark at leadeveryday.com or his personal contact in the show notes. Enjoy the show! Contact Mark: mark@leadeveryday.com or 678-612-8441

Burnout isn't a personal failure. It's a clinical condition with three specific characteristics — and understanding exactly what it is may be the first step toward actually recovering from it. Sheetal Ajmani, physician turned speaker, coach, and consultant, joins Toni for a conversation that reframes burnout and self-care from the ground up. Sheetal practiced pediatrics for over 16 years and experienced burnout multiple times across her career — the first time in 2006, when nobody was talking about it, and the most recent in 2022, when she made the decision to step away from clinical medicine entirely. This episode goes deep on what burnout actually is, why high-achieving women are so skilled at missing the signs, and what self-care genuinely needs to look like to make a difference — hint: it's not the bubble bath. What we cover: ⏹  The clinical definition of burnout — three characteristics, and why naming them matters ⏹  Eustress vs distress: where helpful stress ends and burnout begins ⏹  Why high-achieving women are the last to see burnout coming in themselves ⏹  Anticipatory burnout — the specific exhaustion that comes from knowing a change is coming but not being able to make it yet ⏹  Self-care redefined: why the most impactful forms take less time than you think ⏹  Micro moments of self-care — what they look like and how to find yours ⏹  The difference between self-care and self-improvement (they are not the same thing) ⏹  The Ayurvedic whole-person lens on well-being — and why your emotions, relationships, and career all affect your health ⏹  The one thing Sheetal wants every woman to start doing today ⏹  Why small changes make a larger impact than grand wellness gestures ⏹  The inner critic that adds layers of judgment on top of an already hard experience ⏹  Why burnout is an individual stress response within a social context — and what that means for systemic change   Connect with Sheetal Ajmani  ⏹  Website: radiantlivinginstitute.com  ⏹  Podcast: Essential Self Care: https://www.radiantlivinginstitute.com/podcasts/essential-self-care  ⏹  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheetalajmani   

What you'll learn in this episode: ● The key difference between leading and managing ● How your words can carry more weight than you realize ● Why great leaders attract people seeking guidance ● How to empower your team through influence, not authority ● The mindset shift that transforms management into leadership

In this episode, Pastor Q discusses why so many leaders feel overwhelmed by urgency and constant demands. He explains the difference between what is truly urgent and what simply feels urgent, emphasizing the importance of setting priorities before the day begins. Leaders who lack clarity often live in reaction mode, allowing interruptions to control their focus and energy. Pastor Q encourages leaders to replace panic with clarity by identifying their top priorities and focusing on the next right thing. While you can't control everything that comes at you, you can control what gets your attention. Effective leadership isn't about doing everything—it's about focusing on what matters most.

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick tackles a problem that's quietly wrecking our society, our homes, and our boardrooms: the inability to hold two truths at the same time. From Memorial Day to the boardroom to your marriage, he breaks down how binary thinking masquerades as conviction while quietly destroying wisdom, trust, and culture.You'll hear why being “for” or “against” everything isn't strength, it's rigidity — and how real leaders learn to sit in tension, honor complexity, and still make clear decisions. Josh then walks through six practical disciplines you can start using this week to build the muscle of holding two truths without folding under pressure.If you're a leader at work, at home, or in your community, this episode will challenge how you think, how you decide, and how you show up when things get complex.

Send us Fan MailMost leadership advice sounds inspiring until you have to practice it with real pressure, real people, and real consequences. Our host, Chris Comeaux sits down with Mark Miller,  former Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A and bestselling co-author of The Secret and Lead Every Day, to get brutally practical about servant leadership, ego, and why the best leaders stop asking “How do I get more from my team?” and start asking “How do I help my team win?”They talk about why the servant-leader mindset is hard to adopt in the first place: it often isn't modeled, it isn't taught, and our default human setting leans toward “me and mine.” Mark shares research that puts a spotlight on the real obstacle many leaders face, ego, and we explore how it shows up in everyday decisions, team dynamics, and organizational culture.Mark addresses the tension that trips up even well-meaning managers: how do you serve people while still holding them accountable? Mark makes the case that accountability is not a harsh tool, it's a gift that helps people reach their potential, and he explains why great leaders keep results and relationships high at the same time. Mark also dig into Lead Every Day, a leadership operating system built around three disciplines: becoming a better leader, improving team performance, and strengthening the organization, plus the simplest daily push that changes everything: start where you are, use what you've got, and do what you can.If you care about leadership development, team performance, and building a healthy culture that still delivers results, this conversation will give you language, stories, and next steps you can use immediately. Subscribe, share this with a leader who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Guest:Mark Miller, Business Leader, Wall Street Journal and International Best-Selling Author, Communicator, and Co-Founder of Lead Every DayHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

Most leadership advice sounds inspiring until you have to practice it with real pressure, real people, and real consequences. Our host, Chris Comeaux sits down with Mark Miller,  former Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A and bestselling co-author of The Secret and Lead Every Day, to get brutally practical about servant leadership, ego, and why the best leaders stop asking “How do I get more from my team?” and start asking “How do I help my team win?”They talk about why the servant-leader mindset is hard to adopt in the first place: it often isn't modeled, it isn't taught, and our default human setting leans toward “me and mine.” Mark shares research that puts a spotlight on the real obstacle many leaders face, ego, and we explore how it shows up in everyday decisions, team dynamics, and organizational culture.Mark addresses the tension that trips up even well-meaning managers: how do you serve people while still holding them accountable? Mark makes the case that accountability is not a harsh tool, it's a gift that helps people reach their potential, and he explains why great leaders keep results and relationships high at the same time. Mark also dig into Lead Every Day, a leadership operating system built around three disciplines: becoming a better leader, improving team performance, and strengthening the organization, plus the simplest daily push that changes everything: start where you are, use what you've got, and do what you can.If you care about leadership development, team performance, and building a healthy culture that still delivers results, this conversation will give you language, stories, and next steps you can use immediately. Subscribe, share this with a leader who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Guest:Mark Miller, Business Leader, Wall Street Journal and International Best-Selling Author, Communicator, and Co-Founder of Lead Every DayHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to build a leadership culture that scales across generations, industries, and millions of customer interactions? In this powerful conversation, Chris Comeaux sits down with Mark Miller — former Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A and bestselling author of The Secret — to explore the principles behind extraordinary leadership. From his humble beginnings as an hourly team member to helping shape Chick-fil-A's leadership development strategy, Mark shares hard-earned wisdom about influence, intentionality, and what truly drives organizational growth.  Throughout the episode, Mark unpacks the foundational leadership framework behind the acronym SERVE: See the Future, Engage and Develop Others, Reinvent Continuously, Value Results and Relationships, and Embody the Values.  He explains why leadership is ultimately about service — not position — and why organizations that fail to intentionally develop leaders will eventually plateau.  Chris and Mark also discuss the tension between results and relationships, the importance of creating a common definition of leadership, and how healthcare, hospice, and nonprofit leaders can prepare for the future by multiplying leadership capacity throughout their organizations.  For leaders navigating complexity, growth, or organizational transformation, this episode offers practical insight and timeless leadership principles from one of the most respected leadership voices connected to the Chick-fil-A legacy. Key TakeawaysGreat leadership requires balancing both results and relationships— not choosing one over the other.Organizations plateau when leadership development does not scale with growth.Leadership is fundamentally about serving strategically, not simply being helpful or nice.Strong cultures are built when organizations create a shared definition of leadership.Continuous learning and reinvention are essential for long-term leadership effectiveness.If this conversation challenged and encouraged you, share this episode with another leader in your organization.  Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations designed to help healthcare leaders, nonprofit executives, hospice professionals, and business leaders live and lead with greater purpose, clarity, and impact.  And don't miss Part Two of this powerful discussion with Mark Miller.Guest:Mark Miller, Business Leader, Wall Street Journal and International Best-Selling Author, Communicator, and Co-Founder of Lead Every DayHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS | Author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcastThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

What does it take to build a leadership culture that scales across generations, industries, and millions of customer interactions? In this powerful conversation, Chris Comeaux sits down with Mark Miller — former Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A and bestselling author of The Secret — to explore the principles behind extraordinary leadership. From his humble beginnings as an hourly team member to helping shape Chick-fil-A's leadership development strategy, Mark shares hard-earned wisdom about influence, intentionality, and what truly drives organizational growth.  Throughout the episode, Mark unpacks the foundational leadership framework behind the acronym SERVE: See the Future, Engage and Develop Others, Reinvent Continuously, Value Results and Relationships, and Embody the Values.  He explains why leadership is ultimately about service — not position — and why organizations that fail to intentionally develop leaders will eventually plateau.  Chris and Mark also discuss the tension between results and relationships, the importance of creating a common definition of leadership, and how healthcare, hospice, and nonprofit leaders can prepare for the future by multiplying leadership capacity throughout their organizations.  For leaders navigating complexity, growth, or organizational transformation, this episode offers practical insight and timeless leadership principles from one of the most respected leadership voices connected to the Chick-fil-A legacy. Key TakeawaysGreat leadership requires balancing both results and relationships— not choosing one over the other.Organizations plateau when leadership development does not scale with growth.Leadership is fundamentally about serving strategically, not simply being helpful or nice.Strong cultures are built when organizations create a shared definition of leadership.Continuous learning and reinvention are essential for long-term leadership effectiveness.If this conversation challenged and encouraged you, share this episode with another leader in your organization.  Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations designed to help healthcare leaders, nonprofit executives, hospice professionals, and business leaders live and lead with greater purpose, clarity, and impact.  And don't miss Part Two of this powerful discussion with Mark Miller.Guest:Mark Miller, Business Leader, Wall Street Journal and International Best-Selling Author, Communicator, and Co-Founder of Lead Every DayHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS | Author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Jeannette pulls back the curtain on the "silent collapse" plaguing today's high achievers; leaders who appear successful on the outside but are secretly running on empty.  Drawing from 30 years of business experience, she explores why modern pressures like AI disruption and economic volatility lead to misaligned leadership architecture rather than simple weakness You'll Learn Why: High performers often erode quietly rather than collapsing loudly, hiding their exhaustion behind a professional buffer while managing immense psychological costs. Subtle indicators of burnout include decision fatigue, emotional detachment (feeling like you're on autopilot), and a loss of personal purpose disguised as "experience". To maintain resilience, leaders must learn to decouple their personal value from quarterly results or financial outputs. Success in a volatile era requires upgrading your inner circle to combat isolation and intentionally creating blank space in your calendar to protect your mental headspace. This episode is living proof that no matter where you're starting from — or what life throws at you — it's never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit ⁠https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/⁠ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now

In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Deborah Clary, a renowned leadership strategist, executive coach, and author of The Curiosity Curve. Deborah shares her profound insights into how curiosity—often dismissed as a childhood trait—is actually a critical state that drives organizational performance and engagement.Deborah's journey into the power of curiosity began during her three decades in the corporate world, where she noticed a stark decline in engagement and productivity. Her research confirmed a direct link between curiosity and performance, leading her to develop frameworks that help leaders transition from a "know-it-all" to a "learn-it-all" mindset.During the conversation, Deborah breaks down the four essential factors of curiosity: exploration, inspirational creativity, openness to new ideas, and focused engagement. She emphasizes that while exploration is vital, it must be balanced with action to avoid becoming a distraction. Leaders learn how to find their place on the "curiosity curve" to ensure their teams are aligned, asking the right questions, and executing strategy effectively.Whether you are a CEO leading a large team or an entrepreneur looking to innovate, this episode provides actionable advice on how to foster a growth mindset and use curiosity as a competitive advantage.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why curiosity is a state that can be learned, not just a fixed trait.The relationship between high curiosity and improved corporate performance.How to shift from making statements to asking powerful questions as a leader.The four pillars of the Curiosity Curve: Exploration, Creativity, Openness, and Engagement.Strategies for aligning executive teams through better inquiry and counsel.Why the best answer a leader can give is often, "I don't know, but let's explore it together".About Deborah Clary: Deborah Clary is an executive coach and leadership strategist dedicated to improving organizational health through the lens of curiosity. With over 30 years of experience navigating complex corporate systems, she helps high-level executives align their teams and drive results by fostering a culture of continuous learning.Connect with The Unconventional Path:Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeSEO Search Terms:Leadership curiosity, executive coaching, Deborah Clary, The Curiosity Curve, organizational performance, growth mindset for leaders, high-performance teams, entrepreneurship innovation, leadership strategy, corporate engagement, learn-it-all mindset, unconventional path podcast, team alignment, executive leadership tips.

Send us Fan MailWorld Series rings don't come from hype—they come from how you think when everything is on the line.In this conversation, Josh Kosnick sits down with Joshua Lifrak, Director of Performance and Coaching at Limitless Minds and former Chicago Cubs Mental Skills Coach, to unpack the mindset systems behind the 2016 World Series run and how those same tools translate directly into the boardroom, the home, and your inner life.They break down neutral thinking, why most leaders live in reaction instead of response, and how to shift from life by default to Win Today—no matter what happened yesterday. You'll hear real stories from the Cubs' clubhouse, lessons from elite performers and corporate leaders, and practical mental drills you can start using tomorrow morning.If you're a founder, executive, or business owner carrying real pressure—team, payroll, marriage, kids—this episode will challenge how you process adversity, define success, and lead when the moment gets loud.In this episode:The inside story of the Cubs' 2016 World Series run and what was happening “between the ears” that fans never sawWhat “be present, not perfect” looks like when the scoreboard, investors, or your family are watchingNeutral thinking vs positive thinking—and why neutrality creates better decisions under pressureThe six steps from Win Today and how they connect with the Five Bridges of Kairos (Spiritual, Internal, Relationships, Environment, Legacy)Why high achievers resist “Mile Zero” and drift into complacency after big winsHow visualization actually works for elite performers—and how leaders can use it before key meetings, pitches, and hard conversationsThe illusion of choice, failure as a non‑negotiable, and what it really costs to stay comfortableReady for a room where leaders tell the truth faster?If this conversation hits home, you're exactly the kind of leader Bridge Builder Mastermind is built for—a table of owners and executives who are done pretending everything is fine while carrying the full weight of their business and life.Bridge Builder Mastermind is for leaders who have already built something meaningful, but know there's another level of clarity, courage, and consistency required for the next chapter. Monthly, in‑person sessions in Madison, WI where we tackle real decisions, not hypotheticals—and you walk out with concrete next steps, not just motivation.→ Apply here: https://www.joshkosnick.com/mastermindSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

Joy isn’t optional for leaders, it’s what keeps you connected to the story that makes your work matter. In this episode, Andy sits down with Kate Bowler to explore why joy isn’t a distraction from leadership—it’s what sustains it. Joy doesn’t come from solving every problem or achieving every goal. Instead, it reconnects leaders to the deeper story behind their work—the reason it matters in the first place. Download the application guide: https://bit.ly/422p1Ad Here's what they cover in this episode: The difference between happiness and joy and why it matters (04:30) Why joy shows up in hard moments—not just easy ones (06:40) Burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s losing the story (10:45) How busyness crowds out joy (and what to do about it) (11:30) Can you actually practice joy? (14:30) Why leaders need joy to stay connected to purpose (17:10) Three ways to become more open to joy: do, love, hope (20:45) The danger of worshiping productivity (22:00) Toxic positivity vs. honest joy (25:00) Special thanks to our sponsor BELAY for offering a free download of their resource The Guide to Outsourced Accounting. Just text the word ANDY to 55123 to claim your free guide now. Recognized as one of Forbes' 6 Leadership Podcasts To Listen To In 2024 and one of the Best Leadership Podcasts To Stay in the Know for CEOs, according to Industry Leaders Magazine. If this podcast has made you a better leader, you can help it by leaving a quick Spotify or Apple Podcasts review. You can visit Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and then go to the “Reviews” section. Thank you for sharing! ____________ Where to find Andy: Instagram: @andy_stanley Facebook: Andy Stanley Official X: @andystanley YouTube: @AndyStanleyOfficial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I interview Andrea Horvath who struggled to speak up for most of her life due to a fear that using her voice would lead to rejection. She followed expectations, stayed quiet, and avoided conflict, which affected her confidence and ability to express herself.Raised in a strict environment, Andrea learned that questioning the norm could mean being labeled “crazy” and risking connection. She built a stable life with a CPA career and family, but kept her thoughts and voice suppressed for years.When her daughter showed signs something was wrong, her concerns were dismissed. Instead of staying silent, she spent nearly two years seeking answers, choosing to trust her intuition and speak up despite the discomfort.Today, Andrea helps leaders reconnect with their voice and build confidence in how they show up, focusing on self-trust and grounded self-expression in their speaking and leadership.__________________Andrea is a high-performance mentor for corporate leaders and executives seeking measurable and meaningful growth fueled by alignment.For more than two decades, she rose as a CPA and leader in corporate, driving performance at the highest level while learning how to achieve without compromise and hold both success and peace at once.Today, she mentors high-performing, awakened leaders to reach the next level of success in their careers and life from a place of deep alignment and inner authority. Her work combines energetic alignment and strategy to support leaders in elevating their leadership and stepping into greater opportunities.She is also a speaker who works with organizations and teams ready to lead and perform at a higher level without abandoning who they are.__________________Find Andrea here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamhorvath/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-V0tlhCwHkNED3kD1G0KAhttps://www.andreahorvath.com/titlepaypeaceform Support the showI'm Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Send us Fan MailIf your agency's culture lives in your head and dies when you leave the room, this conversation is the reset you didn't know you needed. In this episode, I sit down with Mark Miller, former VP of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A, principal architect of one of the most recognized leadership cultures in corporate America, and co-author of The Secret, 4th Edition with Ken Blanchard. Mark breaks down why servant leader culture doesn't happen by accident, why your leadership skills alone won't build the team that follows you, and what Chick-fil-A's 25-year research journey, validated across hundreds of locations, revealed about what actually accelerates leadership development. If you're scaling an agency and your bench is thin, this episode is the framework you've been missing.Books MentionedThe Secret, 4th Edition: What Great Leaders Know and Do by Mark Miller and Ken BlanchardCulture Rules by Mark MillerThe Heart of Leadership by Mark MillerUncommon Greatness by Mark MillerConnect with Mark at leadeveryday.com, reach him directly at mark@leadeveryday.com, or call or text him at 678-612-8441. He gave out his personal cell, which tells you everything about the kind of leader he is. Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence.Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success.Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference.Connect with Dr. William Attaway:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTube

There's a moment in the Tour de France most people miss. Not the sprint finish. Not the podium. Not the yellow jersey.It's the mountain stage, where you realize the leader isn't actually alone.We use that image to challenge a belief a lot of high performers quietly live by: self-sufficiency equals strength. It might be the very thing that helped you win early stages of growth… and the same thing that now limits what's next.We explore why high performance isn't just about endurance and capacity, it's about exposure. Exposure to feedback, discomfort, new reflections, and the kind of community that forces you to practice who you're becoming.What you'll hear in this episodeWhy we confuse self-sufficiency with high performanceThe hidden cost of carrying pressure in isolationWhy growth requires exposure, not just effortWhat community gives you that a mirror can'tA better question than “How much can I handle?”The Tour de France lesson: nobody wins the mountain stages alone00:00 Why the mountain stage matters00:36 The leader is never really alone01:18 The hidden cost of carrying pressure in isolation02:22 When self-sufficiency starts limiting growth03:25 Growth requires exposure, not just endurance04:05 Why community matters04:47 Choosing a room that stretches you05:42 What community gives you that a mirror can't06:18 What pro cyclists have to unlearn07:12 No one wins the mountain stages alone08:03 A better question for high performers08:42 You might win one stage alone09:33 Final reflection and share the episode09:51 OutroIf this episode hit, share it with one leader who's been carrying too much alone. A simple send could be the support they didn't know they needed.Send us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with Steve MellorStay connected and keep growing with Steve:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReadyJoin the community and keep your growth journey going:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/----This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

Change is no longer an event. It's the environment and the leaders who will win in the next decade are the ones who stop waiting for it to slow down and start building the capacity to perform inside it. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas sits down with executive coach and leadership strategist Loretta Stagnitto to explore what it actually takes to maintain high performance, build resilient culture, and sustain team effectiveness when everything around you is shifting at speed.Her signature philosophy, slow down to go fast is the counterintuitive but data-backed approach that separates leaders who execute their way to exhaustion from leaders who build organizations capable of performing through any change.What You'll LearnWhy even experienced CEOs are experiencing imposter syndrome and why it has nothing to do with their capabilityHow to assess your team's readiness for change before you ask them to executeThe four leadership pillars that create culture, performance, and bench strength through any disruptionWhy internal self-awareness and external self-awareness often don't match and how to close the gapHow to use structured, framework-based feedback to get actionable data you can actually measure over timeThe difference between top-down and bottom-up goal execution, and why only one of them drives real resultsLoretta's step-by-step process for assessing yourself, querying your team, and building an action plan for changeKey Timestamps0:00 — Introduction: Leading through uncertainty and constant change2:00 — Why the pace of change is different now  and what it's doing to leaders5:00 — AI, tariffs, and the anxiety driving leadership burnout7:00 — Ambiguity as a leadership skill: how to build structure around chaos11:00 — What's in your control and how to take pressure off by letting go of what isn't13:00 — Assessing your team's emotional readiness before you lead them through change15:00 — Loretta's four-pillar leadership framework introduced17:00 — Why leaders become "hamsters on the treadmill" and how to get off19:00 — Slow down to go fast: top-down vs. bottom-up execution22:00 — How cascading goals connect every team member to the strategic plan24:00 — Sustaining high performance through uncertainty, the sustainable leadership model27:00 — What feedback leaders should actually be gathering and how to structure it30:00 — Loretta's Self-Aware Leader Quiz31:00 — The one thing leaders should do first when navigating changeLoretta Stagnitto is the founder of Loretta Stato Leadership Associates and an executive coach with extensive experience in corporate leadership development, organizational change, and team performance. 

Are you managing your money in a way that actually increases your business worth and helps you start building wealth—or just riding the market rollercoaster and hoping for the best? You already know money impacts everything—from your stress levels to your long-term freedom—but most advice out there still pushes outdated strategies that leave you exposed when markets shift. In this episode, you'll hear how the "smart money" thinks differently, so you can protect what you've built while still growing it with confidence. By listening, you'll learn how to: Build a stronger financial foundation that protects your downside during market swings Shift from outdated investment models to smarter, more strategic wealth-building approaches Use legal, strategic tax planning to keep more of what you earn and accelerate wealth growth Hit play now to discover how to start building wealth with smarter strategies that help you grow and protect your money at the same time. Check out: (02:30) – Why money is the #1 source of stress—and how improving your financial strategy can directly impact your quality of life (11:45) – The truth about the "60/40 portfolio" and why relying on it could be putting your wealth at risk (24:10) – How the wealthy legally minimize taxes—and the missed opportunities that could be costing you millions About Mark Miller Mark Miller, known for his work with Lead Every Day, is a highly respected leadership expert, longtime corporate executive, and best-selling author recognized for his practical, research-driven approach to leadership. He spent more than four decades at Chick-fil-A, starting as an hourly team member and ultimately serving as Vice President of High Performance Leadership, where he played a key role in building and scaling the company's leadership culture through proven, heavily invested development practices. Today, he is the co-founder of Lead Every Day, a platform dedicated to delivering daily leadership insights, coaching, speaking, and content—including a podcast and books focused on actionable leadership frameworks. As a Wall Street Journal and international best-selling author with over one million books sold in more than 25 languages, Miller is known for emphasizing simple, consistent leadership disciplines that drive performance at every level of an organization.

James Laughlin is a globally recognized high-performance leadership strategist, #1 bestselling author of Habits of High Performers, and a 7-time world champion musician. He has coached everyone from PGA Tour professionals and elite athletes to Fortune 500 CEOs, helping leaders and teams achieve extraordinary results through intentional habits and mindset mastery.As an international keynote speaker and host of the top-ranked Lead on Purpose podcast, James blends elite performance principles with practical leadership frameworks that drive personal growth, resilience, and sustainable success. Whether working with world-class rugby teams or senior executives, James helps people win in both life and business by building habits rooted in trust, wellbeing, and high performance.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by James Laughlin to explore what truly drives high performance. James shares that selling from the heart begins with trusting who you are, and explains why vulnerability is not weakness but one of the most powerful ways leaders and sales professionals build trust and connection.The conversation introduces James's powerful skillset, mindset, and heart set framework, reframing mindset as “mind flex”—the belief that our minds are not fixed, but adaptable through intentional habits. He defines high performance as consistently exceeding norms while maintaining healthy relationships and wellbeing, challenging the traditional “win at all costs” mentality.James also dives into belief systems, daily reflection habits, storytelling as a trust-building tool, and the importance of radical clarity around what success actually looks like. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to perform at a higher level without sacrificing authenticity or wellbeing.KEY TAKEAWAYSHigh performance requires three pillars: skillset, mind flex, and heart set.Vulnerability is a leadership strength that builds trust and connection.True high performance includes wellbeing and healthy relationships.Beliefs drive attitudes, which shape behaviors and results.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESPeople don't struggle because they don't know what to say. They generally struggle because they don't fully trust who they are.The soft thing is the hard thing. It's very difficult to do, but it's crucial to success.Be curious about the situation rather than furious about the situation.High performance is not a birthright. It's not hustle, it's not luck. High performance is simply a byproduct of great habits.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

In this episode, Steve sits down with Samara Bay to unpack what it really means to be “ready” when the stakes are high. Together, they explore the connection between body, mind, and communication—and why so many high-performers flatten their presence by trying to hide fear instead of working with it.Samara explains how public speaking is really about power, permission, and presence. She shares why “readiness” is more of a body-based practice than a mental state, how love-based thinking can shift us out of fight-or-flight, and why the warm-up before any important conversation may be the real work.Key Takeaways:Why readiness is more physical than mentalThe role of body awareness in communicationPublic speaking as a reflection of power and self-trustHow fear creates a flattened version of usWhy naming what's happening in the room builds trustThe shift from fear-based thinking to love-based communicationSocial evaluative threat and the modern version of fight-or-flightWhy context matters in every communication momentThe importance of imagination, curiosity, and play in leadershipWhy warm-ups and rituals matter before big momentsMissed opportunity as the hidden cost of poor communicationLinks and Resources MentionedPermission Inc. — permissioninc.coPermissionaries newsletter — available via Samara's websitePermission to Speak by Samara BayUpcoming TEDx talk — Samara said it will be shared on her website once releasedSend us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with Steve MellorStay connected and keep growing with Steve:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReadyJoin the community and keep your growth journey going:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/----This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the guest: Megan Torrance is a workplace learning and development leader who helps organizations create better systems for growth, performance, and skill development. In this conversation, she brings together practical insight from her work in learning design, her perspective on AI as an augmentation tool, and her own lived experience as an athlete, coach-supported leader, and endurance hiker.About the episode: In this episode, Steve sits down with Megan Torrance to unpack what it really means to be growth ready. Megan reframes growth as what we learn from a leap, not just the leap itself, and explains why readiness is less about feeling fully prepared and more about having the mindset, tools, support, and willingness to step into the next challenge anyway.Megan shares how real growth happens when people are clear on the goal, supported with the right systems, and willing to reflect in the middle of discomfort.Key topics and themes discussedWhat “growth ready” really meansWhy growth comes from learning through the leapThe difference between being a teacher and teachingWhy workplace learning should focus on performance, not completionReflection as a critical part of the learning loopThe role of AI in personalized learning and leadership developmentReadiness, uncertainty, and the “gulp” before the next challengeBuilding systems that make the next right action easierCuriosity as a driver of long-term growthExpanding capacity inside and outside of workLessons from ice hockey, coaching, and endurance hikingResources mentionedMegan Torrance on LinkedInTorrance Learning — torrancelearning.comAI Implementation Guide for L&D by Megan TorranceKhan AcademyMagicSchoolSend us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with Steve MellorStay connected and keep growing with Steve:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReadyJoin the community and keep your growth journey going:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/----This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

What if the real issue is not your strategy, your schedule, or your workload, but your internal operating system?In this episode of Mindset Mastery Moments, Dr. Alisa Whyte sits down with executive and founder mentor Tracey Gazel, creator of Calm Clarity OS™, to unpack why high achievers, founders, and executives often look successful on paper while internally running on fumes.Together, they explore how overthinking, chronic pressure, poor sleep, and internal reactivity quietly sabotage leadership performance, decision-making, and wellbeing. Tracey shares how leaders can shift from mental clutter and control into calm clarity, grounded confidence, and sustainable success.This conversation dives into nervous system regulation, resilience, sleep cycles, mindset awareness, emotional steadiness, and what it really means to lead from peace instead of pressure.If you've been grinding, pushing, and performing while feeling overloaded inside, this episode is your invitation to rethink what leadership really requires.Calm is not passive. Calm is powerful. Clarity is leverage.

This special archive episode takes us back to summer 2020, when Steve Mellor interviewed Alison Hadden for his Women Changing the World series. What he only learned afterward was that Alison had found out just one day earlier that her cancer had returned and was terminal. She never mentioned it during the conversation. Instead, she spoke with clarity, strength, and intention about leadership, resilience, and living like there is no time to waste.Alison passed away in January 2022, but her message continues to inspire anyone seeking to live with more purpose, courage, and gratitude.About the Guest: Alison Hadden was a sales and marketing leader, athlete, and founder of the No Time to Waste Project. She built her career at high-growth companies including Active, Glassdoor, and Mindbody, and became known for her energy, leadership, and purpose-driven approach to life. After facing cancer, she turned her experience into a mission to help others live with greater gratitude, joy, and urgency.About the EpisodeSteve revisits a conversation first released when the podcast was still called Career Competitor. Part of the Women Changing the World series, this interview stands out for Alison's remarkable presence and perspective in the face of devastating news.Rather than focusing on her diagnosis, Alison shared a message that still resonates: live with intention, lead with courage, and don't waste time on what doesn't matter.Key Takeaways:Leadership through adversityThe athlete mindset in business and lifeGrit, resilience, and perspectiveCancer, identity, and transformationGratitude, joy, and human connectionLiving with urgency and intentionLinks and ResourcesNo Time to Waste Projectnotimetowasteproject.comSend a textSupport the showConnect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

  1. From Bullying to Black Belt Leadership Dr. Terry's journey began at age 13 after being bullied in school. His father enrolled him in martial arts, which ultimately transformed his confidence and mindset. Martial arts became the foundation for his leadership philosophy. 2. Why Only 5% Reach the Black Belt Level Less than 5% of martial arts students earn a black belt. The same pattern appears in business: 70% of businesses fail within 10 years. The difference between good and great is the discipline to keep going beyond initial success. 3. The Foundation of Leadership: Belief The first principle in Dr. Terry's leadership philosophy is belief. You cannot achieve what you do not believe you are capable of achieving. Leaders must often lend belief to their teams until they develop it themselves. 4. The BLACK BELT Leadership Framework Dr. Terry outlines his leadership acronym: B – Belief Confidence in your potential and vision. L – Learning Commit to becoming a subject matter expert. A – Accountability Take ownership of outcomes and responsibilities. C – Communication Great leaders connect, not just communicate. K – Kinetic (Action) Success requires action, not just intention. B – Boldness Growth requires stepping into the unknown. E – Equipping Train others to eventually replace you. L – Loyalty Build trust and commitment within your team. T – Transformation Commit to becoming a better version of yourself every day. 5. The Leadership Trap: Doing Everything Yourself Many advisors struggle to scale because they refuse to delegate. Dr. Terry teaches the 80/20 rule of leadership: If someone can do a task 80% as well as you, let them do it. Focus 80% of your time on the 20% of activities you're best at. 6. Empowering Teams to Scale Leaders must build organizations of leaders, not followers. Empowering teams means allowing them to fail forward. Growth happens when people step outside their comfort zone. 7. The 1% Rule for Daily Improvement One of Dr. Terry's most practical leadership strategies: Improve just 1% per day in a key area. Over 30 days, that creates 30% improvement. Start with simple questions like: “Is this the best use of my time right now?” 8. The Power of Recognition Celebrating wins creates momentum. As Tony Robbins says: "What gets rewarded gets repeated." Recognition builds: team morale success habits stronger organizational culture. 9. The Danger of Stopping Growth Dr. Terry quotes Ray Kroc: "As long as you're green, you're growing. Once you're ripe, you start to rot." Successful leaders: pursue lifelong learning invest in personal growth continuously improve their mindset and skillset. Key Takeaways Belief is the foundation of leadership. Growth requires stepping into discomfort. Leaders must empower others to scale their impact. Small improvements compound into massive results. Lifelong learning separates elite performers from average professionals. **This is the Optimized Advisor Podcast, where we focus on optimizing the wellbeing and best practices of insurance and financial professionals. Our objective is to help you optimize your life, optimize your profession, and learn from other optimized advisors. If you have questions or would like to be a featured guest, email us at optimizedadvisor@optimizedins.com Optimized Insurance Planning

This conversation will change the way you think about leadership — from the inside out.We spend more than 90,000 hours of our lives at work. The real question is: Will those hours be draining — or deeply meaningful?The answer lies in leadership. The quality of leadership shapes not only performance, but culture, engagement, and the everyday human experience inside an organization. To make better decisions, show up as the best version of yourself, and build workplaces where people truly thrive, we have to start with one powerful place…The brain.In this episode of Doing It Right, Valerie sits down with Dr. Sherry Yellin, a neuroscientist, executive coach, and leadership expert with more than 30 years of experience helping leaders understand the science behind human performance.In her book, The Science of High-Performance Leadership, Dr. Yellin explains how people learn, think, connect, and perform at their best. She reveals how great leadership isn't just about strategy or personality — it's about aligning your leadership style with how the human brain actually functions.Creating a healthy, high-performing culture isn't guesswork… It's neuroscience in action.Top Takeaways:-THE TECHNOLOGY THAT DRIVES PERFORMANCE IS THE BRAIN-THE GREATEST THING LEADERS CAN DO IS MINIMIZE THREAT-WHAT DRIVES CULTURE? THE IMMEDIATE LEADER-CULTURE DRIVES BUSINESS SUCCESS-BEING A LEADER WORTH FOLLOWING DEPENDS ON SCIENCELET ME KNOW WHAT FUTURE TOPICS YOU'D LOVE TO EXPLORE!FREE!! —JOIN THOUSANDS WHO GET VALERIE'S BEST INSIGHTS ONPROFESSIONALISM AND EXECUTIVE PRESENCE www.valerieandcompany.comFollow her journey and expert insights:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriesokolosky/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieAndCompanyX: https://twitter.com/valsokolosky?lang=enSubscribe, rate, and write a review on Apple Podcast- https://apple.co/2SHDDmoSubscribe to Doing it Right vlog cast: youtube.com/valerieandcompanyListen and watch Doing it Right the Stories that Make Us:https://www.valerieandcompany.com/Podcast

Grab a FREE COPY of Jeff Dudan's Book DISCERNMENT HERE CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE HERE! What if you don't actually have “low energy”… you just have BLOCKS In this powerful conversation with Erin King: @MrsErinKing  , we break down the real science of vibe, leadership energy, and why trying to “do more” is actually draining you. You'll learn why energy isn't something you create — it's something you access. We unpack: The 3 biggest energy mistakes killing your vibe Why quitting isn't the answer (shifting is) How clarity instantly boosts your energy The 5 energy types — and how to discover yours Why Oprah's biggest success came from a demotion How leaders accidentally drain their teams The difference between high energy and aligned energy If you've felt burned out, stuck, disconnected, or unclear about your next move — this will change how you think about performance forever. Energy cannot be created or destroyed… but it CAN be blocked. And most people are living with boulders in their stream.  Learn more about Erin King and her work here:

Grab a FREE COPY of Jeff Dudan's Book DISCERNMENT HERE CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE HERE! What if you don't actually have “low energy”… you just have BLOCKS In this powerful conversation with Erin King: @MrsErinKing  , we break down the real science of vibe, leadership energy, and why trying to “do more” is actually draining you. You'll learn why energy isn't something you create — it's something you access. We unpack: The 3 biggest energy mistakes killing your vibe Why quitting isn't the answer (shifting is) How clarity instantly boosts your energy The 5 energy types — and how to discover yours Why Oprah's biggest success came from a demotion How leaders accidentally drain their teams The difference between high energy and aligned energy If you've felt burned out, stuck, disconnected, or unclear about your next move — this will change how you think about performance forever. Energy cannot be created or destroyed… but it CAN be blocked. And most people are living with boulders in their stream.  Learn more about Erin King and her work here:

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend and leadership partner, Jack Zwissig—executive coach, senior facilitator, keynote speaker, and author of The Tao (Path) of High Performance Leadership and The Land of GoBacks. Jack and I have traveled the world together since the 1980s facilitating leadership and culture change workshops. In this episode, we go beyond corporate strategy and into what truly transforms leaders from the inside out. We explore: The six points of consciousness in leadership Why performance without awareness eventually collapses The intersection of Taoist wisdom and modern business Culture change that actually sticks The internal evolution required for external results What Jack is still learning about himself as a leader This is a conversation about presence, responsibility, humility, courage—and the deep inner work required to lead at the highest level. If you are a CEO, entrepreneur, team leader—or simply someone committed to personal mastery—this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

About the Guest: Betsy Cerulo is a seasoned entrepreneur, federal contractor, and accessibility advocate with over 36 years of leadership experience. She is the CEO of an organization specializing in accessibility staffing and services, supporting blind, deaf, and neurodivergent communities. Betsy is also an author, mentor, and champion for heart-centered leadership grounded in truth, accountability, and compassion.In this powerful GrowthReady conversation, Steve Mellor welcomes back Betsy Cerulo to explore what it really means to be growth ready in today's volatile, uncertain environment.Together, they unpack why truth, awareness, and flexibility are non-negotiable leadership skills, how to lead people through uncertainty without false reassurance, and why heart-centered leadership doesn't mean avoiding hard conversations. Betsy also shares lessons from building a 36-year business, launching a complementary accessibility technology venture, and investing in long-term trust instead of chasing quick wins.This episode is a masterclass in earned confidence, ethical leadership, and sustainable growth.Key Takeaways:What it truly means to be growth readyTruth as a leadership practice (not a personality trait)Heart-centered leadership vs. “kumbaya leadership”Leading teams through uncertainty and fearAccountability, boundaries, and compassionNavigating unknowns without false certaintyBuilding trust and “reserves” over decadesWhy patience beats “get rich quick” thinkingIntentional networking for introverted leadersAccessibility, advocacy, and inclusive leadershipSend a textSupport the showConnect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

Ever feel like your team has more to give—and you can't quite unlock it? We dig into the uncomfortable truth that many leaders become bottlenecks without meaning to, then map a path to becoming a catalyst who unlocks energy, ownership, and momentum. With award-winning leadership and high performance coach Tracy Clark, we examine why strategy and skills (the “trunk”) only go so far, and how deeper work in mindset, self-awareness, and identity (the “roots”) drives real, sustained results.Tracy shows how to close the gap between intention and impact by starting in the mirror. We get tactical about identity—moving from “think differently” to “be differently”—through immersive play, a one-line identity anchor like “I am a determined catalyst,” and a simple pre-meeting reset that shifts your state on demand. We also unpack her three-part definition of play as intense curiosity, radical open-mindedness, and proactive experimentation. Expect practical moves: rule-flipping core assumptions, designing low-risk tests, and letting silence do the work so your team steps up.The conversation goes beyond personal change to collective momentum. We explore how to create a “team of catalysts” with shared behaviors that make independent thinking normal: surfacing tensions early, challenging assumptions weekly, shipping small experiments fast, and measuring learning alongside results. Along the way we connect empathy and deep listening to performance, drawing on ideas popularized by Chris Voss and the enduring truth that people remember how you make them feel.If you're ready to trade control for trust, certainty for curiosity, and busyness for leverage, this one's for you. Listen, choose your one-word identity for the week, and try the catalyst experiment in your next meeting. If it sparks an insight, share the episode with a leader who needs it, subscribe on your favorite podcast app or YouTube, and leave a review to help others find the show.

What if clarity wasn't just a mindset—but a measurable business advantage?In this powerful episode of Mindset Mastery Moments, Dr. Alisa sits down with Yining Wang, Global Business Strategist and Executive Partner at Sincere Alignment Group, to explore the psychology behind conscious leadership, high-stakes decision-making, and sustainable success.Born and raised between China and Sweden, Yining brings a rare multicultural perspective to leadership—bridging traditional corporate success with inner mastery, stillness, and strategic detachment. Having advised billion-dollar ventures and operated in IPO-level environments, he shares how leaders can make clearer decisions without burnout or ego-driven reactivity.In this episode, we explore:The psychology of detached decision-making in high-pressure business environmentsHow cultural conditioning shapes leadership mindset and performanceThe neuroscience behind stillness and strategic thinkingWhy inner clarity is a non-negotiable leadership skillThe difference between building profitable companies and transformational communitiesThis conversation is a must-listen for founders, executives, and professionals who want to scale impact without sacrificing alignment, health, or purpose.

Premise For decades, the standard leadership playbook has been built upon an ironclad, yet increasingly fragile, triad: vision, strategy, and execution. While these pillars are foundational, they are no longer sufficient to navigate the complexities of the modern knowledge economy. A significant, transformative chapter is missing from the manual—one that addresses the human engine of performance. We have been conditioned to believe that leadership is exclusively "serious work" and that joy is a frivolous activity, which is at best emerges as after work activities and at worst considered a liability to be checked at the door.   This cultural perception has architected a structural deficit in our organizations. Leaders and their teams find themselves "drudging to work," trapped in a cycle of professional survival rather than creative thrive-states. This has led to a significant percentage of of employees having checked out at work and just going through the motions.   We treat fun as a distraction, something reserved for after-hours or relegated to the periphery of "real" work. This is one of the most damaging assumptions in modern business. It creates a false dichotomy that suggests one must choose between delivering results and experiencing joy. As an Executive Leadership coach, I contend that this dichotomy is not only false but strategically dangerous. Treating play as a distraction rather than a performance engine directly degrades a team's capacity for innovation.  In an era where the primary differentiator is the quality of thought, the traditional leadership playbook is suffering from a cognitive bottleneck. To remain competitive, we must dismantle this outdated view and recognize that play is a competitive necessity, a high-performance engine designed to galvanize teams and produce superior outcomes. The High-Performance Definition of Play To leverage play as a strategic asset, we must first strip away the superficiality that often surrounds the concept in corporate circles.  Strategic play is not found in the aesthetics of Silicon Valley—it is not about installing ping-pong tables, stocking breakrooms with board games, or the hollow performance of "mandated fun" events that often feel more like an obligation than an escape. These are mere pastimes; they do not drive performance. Instead, we must adopt an operational definition: play as an intentional, high-performance psychological and physiological state.  It is about architecting an environment where teams can achieve a state of "flow" while tackling their most rigorous and demanding objectives. In this state, the traditional friction of work evaporates and teams end up doing a lot more work with a lot less stress.  This lack of stress, despite the immense workload proves that play is not the absence of work; it is the absence of the psychological friction that usually accompanies work. When work is operationalized as play, the team doesn't just work harder; they work with a clarity and resilience that "serious" drudgery can never replicate. Six Elements of Play To move from theory to tactical application, we must look at the structural components of play. Organizational researcher Scott Eberle identified six core elements that define a playful mindset.  When leaders intentionally weave these elements into the cultural fabric of their teams, they transform the very nature of the work being produced. 1. Anticipation: The Catalyst for Engagement Anticipation is the palpable excitement that arises from looking forward to a challenge. In a professional context, this is the antidote to "initiative fatigue." Just as an athlete anticipates the opening whistle, a high-performing team thrives when the challenge ahead is framed not as a burden, but as an opportunity for discovery. Anticipation acts as the mental "hook." In modern business environments, specifically those utilizing Agile methodologies, anticipation transforms a "backlog" from a list of chores into a series of upcoming hurdles to be cleared. It primes the team to be mentally "in the game" before the first line of code is written or the first slide is designed. 2. Surprise: Disrupting Cognitive Entrenchment Surprise involves the novelty and unexpected discoveries encountered during a project. Significant challenges naturally produce new insights, both positive and negative. Surprise is the primary catalyst for innovation. In a "serious" environment, the unexpected is often viewed as a risk to be mitigated. In a playful environment, surprise is welcomed as a means to break routine thinking and force the brain to make new, non-linear connections. It disrupts "cognitive entrenchment"—the tendency for experts to rely on outdated mental models—and opens the door for genuine breakthroughs. 3. Pleasure: Sustaining the Performance Loop Pleasure is the intrinsic satisfaction derived from the activity itself. When the reward is the work, the team is in the process of achieving a sustainable loop of high performance. In many organizations, motivation is extrinsic—driven by bonuses, titles, or fear. Pleasure, however, provides a more durable fuel. It ensures that high-quality output is driven by internal satisfaction, which significantly reduces the attrition and burnout associated with high-pressure environments. 4. Understanding: The Currency of Progress Understanding is the "aha!" moment—the specific point in time when a complex problem is seen from a fresh perspective and the mental gears finally click into place. In the knowledge economy, these moments of insight are our most valuable currency. By fostering a playful environment, leaders lower the "cognitive load" and reduce the pressure that often blocks insight. This makes these "clicks" of understanding more frequent and more profound. 5. Strength: Architecting Mastery Strength is the feeling of competence and mastery that follows the process of overcoming a challenge. It is the psychological "high" of knowing one is capable, skilled, and efficacious. Mastery builds the confidence necessary for calculated risk-taking. When a team feels "strong" in their capabilities, they are more likely to push boundaries and explore unconventional solutions. This sense of mastery is the foundation of a "growth mindset" within the organization. 6. Poise: The Buffer Against Crisis Poise is the sense of grace, composure, and confidence that comes from operating at one's peak performance. It is the hallmark of a leader who is fully present. Poise is the ultimate defense against the "amygdala hijack"—the stress response that shuts down higher-order thinking during a crisis. A team operating with poise can remain calm and effective under extreme pressure, ensuring that they bring their "A-game" to high-stakes situations without being paralyzed by the fear of failure. The Chemical Formula for Peak Performance These six elements are not a buffet from which to choose from. They function as a unified chemical formula. When orchestrated correctly, they prime the brain for engagement and move the team toward a state of "effortless mastery or FLOW".  The formula functions through specific pairings that build a narrative of performance: Anticipation and Surprise (The Priming Phase): These two elements work in tandem to prime the brain for engagement. Anticipation focuses the attention, while surprise keeps the brain plastic and receptive to new information. This combination prevents the stagnation that occurs when work becomes predictable and monotonous. Pleasure (The Fuel Phase): Pleasure provides the intrinsic motivation necessary to sustain high effort over the long term. It is the cooling system for the high-performance engine, allowing for "immense hard work" without the friction of stress. Understanding and Strength (The Immersion Phase): These elements build the confidence required for deep immersion. When a team feels they understand the problem space and possess the strength to navigate it, they can commit fully to the task. This eliminates the "imposter syndrome" and hesitation that often slow down innovation. Poise (The Flow Phase): Poise is the result—the effortless mastery that defines a "flow state." It is the pinnacle of performance where the individual or team operates at maximum potential, moving through complex tasks with a sense of grace and composure. In an economy where the primary differentiator is the "quality of thought," the ability to architect an environment for consistent flow is the single greatest lever a leader possesses. If the brain is stressed, it is physiologically incapable of producing high-quality thinking. By using this chemical formula, you are literally optimizing the neurochemistry of your organization. Quantifying the ROI of Play or Joy The integration of play is not a "soft" initiative; it is a cold, calculated investment in Cultural Resilience.  For the strategist, the ROI of play or joy is measurable, when looked through three distinct lens: Personal Impact: The Executive Shield For the individual leader, the benefits of a playful mindset are immediate. It enhances the ability to solve complex, "wicked" problems by unlocking new creative connections that are inaccessible in a state of drudgery.  More importantly, it acts as a critical defense against burnout. By reducing work-related stress, play builds individual resilience, ensuring that the leader's productivity remains top-notch even during periods of extreme volatility and work under high pressure situations.  Team Impact: The Trust Foundation When play is integrated into a team, the impact is transformative. It allows for a level of bonding that traditional "team-building" exercises, which often feel artificial, cannot match.  Play strengthens communication and forges a powerful sense of togetherness through shared challenges and shared insights.  It builds a foundation of psychological safety where team members feel comfortable being vulnerable and taking risks. As the principle states: "Teams that play together stay together." Organizational Impact: The Strategic Asset At scale, this approach defines the entire organization. A culture where joy is expected is a culture worth belonging to.  This manifests as higher employee engagement, a free flow of creative ideation, and a measurable increase in overall productivity. It turns the organization into a "fulfilling place to work," a powerful differentiator in the war for talent.  When play is a core component of the culture, the organization becomes more agile, more innovative, and more capable of enduring market shifts. The Leader's Mandate - Be a Role Model The evidence is no longer anecdotal; it is a proven strategy for high performance. Therefore, the responsibility for integrating play falls directly on the shoulders of leadership.  It is time to dismantle the false dichotomy between results and joy and acknowledge that play is a non-negotiable component of delivering high-quality work. However, this cannot be mandated through policy. You cannot "order" a team to be in flow.  Instead, leaders must model the behavior. This is the Leader's Mandate: you must demonstrate through your own actions that fun is not only "okay" but is expected. What does this look like in practice? It means: Tactical Transparency: Openly celebrating a "Surprise" or an "Understanding" moment during a high-stakes meeting. Auditing Drudgery: Regularly asking, "Which parts of our current process have become mere drudgery, and how can we re-inject Anticipation or Surprise into them?" Celebrating Process, Not Just Outcome: Acknowledging the brilliance and the growth of the team even when a project doesn't reach the market or is seen as unsuccessful.  Projecting Poise: Demonstrating composure and a "playful" curiosity during a crisis, rather than signaling panic. When a leader brings their "A-game" with poise and visible enjoyment, they create the psychological safety necessary for their teams to do the same.  They signal that the work is important enough to be enjoyed. Conclusion The legacy a leader builds is ultimately defined by the environment they create. We are moving past the era of professional drudgery and into an era where the most successful organizations will be those that have operationalized joy through integrating the elements of play.  Exceptional results and genuine joy are not mutually exclusive—they are one and the same. By intentionally fostering a playful mindset and engineering an environment for flow, you do more than just build a successful organization - you create a space where teams can do their best work while actually thriving in the process.  You move from being a manager of tasks to being an architect of fulfillment. And when you integrate your AI agents into the flow of things by calling on them in each element of play and sharing their perspective, in addition to the team, you are now becoming a leader who understands how to leverage the strengths of both human and AI agents who are now part of your team. As you look at your own leadership style and the culture you are currently cultivating, ask yourself the most fundamental question of all: "Are we having fun working together?" https://youtu.be/FF7NIt0PFw8  

If you're back at work and already quietly overloaded — you're not broken.January often pretends everything resets, while your nervous system, responsibilities, and expectations clearly don't.In this episode, Dex explores why high-performing leaders don't need new goals, more effort, or a “new you” — they need a new standard.Drawing on Dan Sullivan's concepts of The Gap and The Gain and 10x thinking, this episode reframes overwhelm, pressure, and ambition — and shows how leadership energy is restored by raising standards, not expectations.In this episode, you'll learn:Why January motivation often collapses — and why that's not a failureThe difference between goals, standards, and unrealistic idealsHow unexamined standards quietly drain leadersWhy burnout isn't about caring too much — but outgrowing old rulesHow to move from The Gap to The Gain in everyday leadershipWhat real 10x leadership looks like (and what it isn't)The one question to ask in your first week back at workThis episode is for leaders who want high performance without self-betrayal — and results that don't cost their health, relationships, or joy.Next step: And if you'd like personal guidance on 10x-ing your leadership, learn more at:https://go.dexrandall.com/leadershipSend us a text----------------------------------- Resources:Start 1-on-1 coaching at https:/mini.dexrandall.comLead Better with Dex AI Coach https://app.coachvox.ai/share/dexrandallConfidential. Expert. Free. Solve problems fast.For even more TIPS see FACEBOOK: @coachdexrandallINSTAGRAM: @coachdexrandallLINKEDIN: @coachdexrandallYOUTUBE: @dexburnoutcoachSee https://linktr.ee/coachdexrandall for all links

Are you a high-performance leader feeling "allergic" to the slow, constrained pace of your current office? In this episode, I share the "Ferrari on a Golf Course" metaphor—a perspective shift that has been a game-changer for my 1:1 executive coaching clients. As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026, it's time to stop trying to "fix" your engine and start finding the right track.In this episode, you'll learn:The "Shush" Factor: Why high-achieving women are often told to "tone it down" and how to handle it.The Fire Horse Connection: Why 2026 is the year to embrace your capacity, ideas, and intensity rather than apologize for it.The Difference Between Identity and Environment: How to stop blaming yourself for the "bumpy ride" caused by a misaligned workplace.Real-World Success Stories: How two leaders (one in entrepreneurship and one in a corporate reorg) moved from being undervalued to being fully utilized, promoted and better paid.Three Truths for the Misaligned Leader: A framework to help you decide your next "Risky Conversation."Key Quotes:"A Ferrari doesn't need to be fixed; it needs a track.""The bumpy ride isn't your fault; it's the grass.""Everything worthwhile is on the other side of a risky conversation."Resources Mentioned:Book a free 1:1 coaching consultation with Jamie HEREText me your thoughts on this episode!Enjoy the show? Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts. Connect with me Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1. Connect with me on LinkedIn Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com

What does modern leadership actually require—and why do toxic leaders continue to rise, even in companies that claim to value culture?In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Lyndsay Dowd—former IBM executive, Harvard guest lecturer, bestselling author, and founder of Heartbeat for Hire—for a raw, honest conversation about leadership, power, burnout, and reinvention at any age.Lyndsay shares her personal leadership journey, the moment she was fired after 23 years in corporate leadership, and why that experience became the catalyst for building heart-led, high-performance cultures. Together, Josh and Lyndsay explore why top performers don't always make great leaders, how burnout is often a signal—not a weakness—and why leading with heart isn't soft, it's strategic.This episode is for leaders who are tired of performative culture talk and want leadership that actually works.Topics covered: • Why toxic leadership keeps getting rewarded • Power vs. responsibility in leadership • Reinventing yourself at any stage of life • Separating identity from title and performance • Burnout, trust, and psychological safety • What heart-led leadership really looks like in practice

Episode 203: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Dr. Richard Young — an internationally respected performance leader whose career spans more than three decades across sports, science, and innovation. Richard has been involved in 11 Olympic Games as an athlete, coach, researcher, technologist, and leader, working across over 50 sports and seven countries. His mission: to help athletes, teams, and organizations move from high potential to sustained higher performance. Holding a PhD in physiology and biomedical engineering, Richard has applied his research to understand the human and systemic factors that underpin sustained success. He founded several influential international programmes, including the Technology and Innovation programmes for Great Britain and New Zealand, and the Performance Knowledge & Learning programme for New Zealand's Olympic, Winter Olympic, and Paralympic teams. Over six Olympic cycles, Richard has studied the crucial differences between medallists and non-medallists — exploring how leaders, coaches, and systems foster resilience, coherence, and repeat excellence. Today, he consults globally as a Performance Advisor, helping Olympic and professional sports teams, as well as leaders in business, health, and education, to declutter, align, and integrate performance systems for sustainable success. In this compelling conversation, Richard unpacks the essence of leadership systems, showing how clarity, alignment, and simplicity drive long-term success — not just in sport, but across any high-performing environment. Topics Discussed: Richard's Career Journey — From athlete to innovation specialist across 11 Olympic cycles Sustained Performance — What separates one-time winners from repeat performers The System Approach — Understanding people, places, and things and how they interact The 3×3 Dashboard from "Simplify" — Flow, self-awareness, evidence, values, and routines Evolving Team Models — Moving from multidisciplinary to integrated system approaches Optimal Team Size for Repeat Success — Why three is often the magic number Values Alignment — How personal and organizational values must connect The Iceberg Model — Making visible the deeper systems and values beneath the surface Distributed Leadership — Tackling the bottleneck of leadership quality Creating “Simple, Aligned, and Well” Environments — A blueprint for repeat success Speed of Learning — Why adaptability separates sustained winners Mentorship for Leaders — Building the next generation of performance thinkers Personal Insights — Books, mentors, family, and life in New Zealand Where you can find Richard: LinkedIn Website -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world's leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight