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The Leadership Podcast

The Leadership Podcast

We Study Leaders

TLP468: The Power of Doing Nothing with Jim and Jan

July 16, 2025

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In this episode, Jim and Jan explore the power of doing nothing and why it might be the most strategic move a leader can make.  They begin with a discussion on Jan’s Crucible® expeditions, and the consistent lesson is that you have to slow down to speed up.  For Jim, it means intentional time without…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, character, coaching, Conviction, Crucibles, discipline, Efficiency, Jan Rutherford, Jim Vaselopulos, Leadership Podcast, Quiet Time, reflection, solitude, strategy, Veteran Transition

TLP461: Looking for Unicorns: The Hiring Dilemma with Jim and Jan

May 21, 2025

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In this episode, Jim and Jan dive into the critical aspects of leadership and talent development in today’s fast-changing work environment. They discuss how companies often seek “unicorn” candidates with unrealistic expectations—and why focusing on core traits like emotional intelligence, curiosity, and continuous learning is essential. Jim and Jan explore how hybrid work is reshaping…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, age bias, career advice, Career Growth, career narrative, clear expectations, communication, continuous learning, cultural fit, Curiosity, emotional intelligence, employers, feedback, hiring challenges, hiring expectations, hiring process, hybrid work, job seekers, leadership, relationship-building, small cities, talent development, team development, tech industry, Topgrading, trust, unicorn candidates, work environment

TLP458: How to Build a Business that’s Smarter than You with Pippa Begg

April 30, 2025

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Pippa Begg, is the co-founder and CEO of Board Intelligence and co-author of “Collective Intelligence: How to Build a Business that’s Smarter than You.”  In this episode, Pippa discusses the mindset shifts required for leaders to let go of control and empower others, emphasizing the dangers of hubris and the importance of questioning one’s own…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, continuous learning, Decision-making, High-Performing Teams, leadership, mentorship, Personal Growth, resilience, setbacks, trust

TLP452: Perseverance is Greater than Endurance with Brandon Young and Blayne Smith

March 19, 2025

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Brandon Young and Blayne Smith are the authors of “Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together,” and they bring a wealth of leadership experience shaped by their military backgrounds. Brandon, a former U.S. Army Ranger with four combat deployments in Afghanistan, and Blayne, a former Army Special Forces officer, advisory board…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, business growth, endurance vs. perseverance, leadership, leadership development, Military Leadership, overcoming challenges, perseverance, resilience, team culture

TLP434: Lessons Learned from the Trauma Room on the Front Lines with Dr. Melissa Givens

November 13, 2024

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Dr. Melissa Givens is a retired colonel with over 25 years of service in the U.S. Army, specializing in emergency and disaster medicine. She holds both an MD and an MPH (Master of Public Health) and is experienced in military and special operations medicine. Dr. Melissa also served as the medical director of the Ryan…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, leadership, resilience, stories, trust, veterans

TLP431: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life with Kwame Christian

October 23, 2024

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Kwame Christian, CEO, number one negotiation podcast,  two-time bestselling author, top booked negotiation keynote speaker shares his insights on negotiation emphasizing the shift from being a doer to an empowering leader.  Kwame discusses the importance of self-reliance in negotiations, advocating for vulnerability and honesty to build trust. He also highlights the need for preparation to…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, communication, Conflict resolution, difficult conversations, emotional intelligence, empathy, ethics, influence, leadership, negotiation, preparation, Self-Reliance, teamwork, trust, vulnerability

TLP425: How to Build a Work Culture that Maximizes Your Impact with Jaime Taets

September 11, 2024

Jaime Taets, CEO and founder of Keystone Group International, and author of “You Are Here” and “The Culture Climb” discusses the challenges of leading in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the importance of conscious leadership, and adapting to constant change. Jaime emphasizes the need for leaders to create cultures that value strengths and impact, prepare for…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, leadership, resilience, stories, trust, veterans

TLPMM011: Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader with Jan Rutherford

August 21, 2024

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Jan Rutherford, founder of Self Reliant Leadership®, takes a deep dive into the themes of self-reliance and leadership resilience. He shares insights from his collaboration with Jacquie Jordan, a co-author on his book “Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams”. Jan explores the foundational principles of Self-Reliant Leadership: leading oneself,…

Filed Under: Mastermind Podcast, Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, Building relationships, Effective Communication, feedback, Leading organization, Leading others, Leading self, Meaning in work, negotiation, Personalized leadership, purpose, resilience, Self-awareness, Self-reliant leadership, Setting expectations

TLP416: Think Faster, Talk Smarter with Matt Abrahams

July 3, 2024

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In this episode, communication expert Matt Abrahams shares his insights on effective leadership communication through his “four I’s” framework: Information, Impact, Invitation, and Implications. He underscores the need for clear, audience-tailored communication, emphasizing empathy and curiosity. Matt discusses the balance between personal authenticity and team support, highlighting the crucial role of feedback and ongoing self-improvement….

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, authenticity, collaboration, communication, Communication skills, connection, crisis, Culture Of Feedback, Curiosity, empathy, feedback, Intergenerational, leadership, listening, Martial Arts, Nonverbal, Pattern Recognition, Personal Growth, practice, Professional Development, PublicSpeaking, reflection, trust, Verbal Cues

TLP415: Saying “NO” Reduces Friction

June 26, 2024

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In this episode, Jim and Jan explore the importance of saying “no” in the workplace. They highlight how setting clear boundaries and aligning decisions with both personal and organizational values can help leaders manage their time and workload more effectively. Empowering lower-level employees to say “no” can also reduce friction and enhance organizational efficiency. Additionally,…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptability, balance, clarity, communication, Decision-Making Skills, delegation, Efficiency, Employee Development, focus, Goal Setting, growth, leadership, Mindful Choices, No, Organizational Success, Professional Growth, Relationship Building, Resource Allocation, Strategic Planning, success, time management, values, Work-life balance, Workload Management, Workplace Dynamics

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If you constantly tear down the system you're part If you constantly tear down the system you're part of, don't be surprised when people disconnect from it.That shows up inside teams too.Leaders set the tone. Not just through strategy, but through how they talk about the work, the mission, and the people around them. If everything sounds cynical or negative, that becomes the culture.And culture shapes who stays, who leaves, and how people show up every day.This one is worth the full listen. Go check out the whole episode of Dr. Bill Kline and tell us what hit you the hardest. https://bit.ly/TLP-509?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #leadershipdevelopment #teamculture #capitalism #businessleadership #tlp509
The scariest moment isn't when things are bad. It' The scariest moment isn't when things are bad. It's when everything is fine and you're asking: is this enough? Jill Schulman spent 24 years in a good career. Safe. Stable. Unfulfilled. The day she decided bravery meant leaving good for great changed everything. Most people don't fail because they quit. They fail because they stay at comfort. Challenge yourself to ask the hard question. Listen here https://bit.ly/TLP-518?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#bravery #personalgrowth #courage #careergrowth #leadership #mindset #fulfillment #lifepurpose
Most leaders think the biggest threat to their tea Most leaders think the biggest threat to their team is performance.Missed targets. Wrong hires. Bad culture.Nick Black watched some of America's greatest warriors fall — not to the enemy, but to silence.Not because they were weak.Because no one was checking on them.Isolation is the enemy. And it does not announce itself.Listen to the full conversation. https://bit.ly/TLP-513?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #leadershippodcast #leadership #mentalhealth #isolation #veteranleadership #leadershipquotes #podcast #selfreliantleadership #militaryleadership #leadershipdevelopment
TLP509: Capitalism Without Ethics Is Just Chaos O TLP509: Capitalism Without Ethics Is Just Chaos Our latest episode with Dr. Bill Kline https://bit.ly/TLP-509?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP509%3A%20Capitalism%20Without%20Ethics%20Is%20Just%20Chaos #leadership #capitalism #businessethics #freemarkets #leadership #ethicalleadership #capitalism101 #economicfreedom #leadershipdevelopment #marketeconomy #virtuouscapitalism #youngprofessionals #businessleadership #capitalismvssocialism #propertyright #academyoncapitalism
Debate isn't about winning. It's about thinking cl Debate isn't about winning. It's about thinking clearly when it matters.Meet Murshad Chowdhury: founder of Tech Duels, LogiCoach AI, and the Veterans Technology Conference. He's spent years teaching brilliant people how to actually communicate.In this episode, you'll discover:Why structured debate builds communication skills faster than traditional trainingHow competition strengthens your ability to listen (not just talk)Why the future belongs to people who combine tech with human judgmentThe communication gap costing talented professionals their careersNew episode drops now. https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-515?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersListen here - https://bit.ly/TLP-515?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadershipdevelopment #communicationskills #debateskills #executivepresence #theleadershippodcast #criticalthinkingg #techleadership #aiandhumanskills
Every high performer has been told some version of Every high performer has been told some version of the same lie.Push harder. Stay longer. Sleep when you're dead.Until they can't.What actually separates leaders who last is not toughness. It is the ability to recover before the tank hits empty.Full conversation withKaren Doll on The Leadership Podcast. https://bit.ly/TLP-514?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadershippodcast #leadership #resilience #burnout #leadershipdevelopment #mentalhealth #psychologicalfitness #podcast
One of the hardest things Nick Black ever faced ha One of the hardest things Nick Black ever faced had nothing to do with combat.One week after one of the most intense firefights of the deployment, one of those men took his own life.And a year later, Nick read something that broke him open completely.More servicemen and women were dying by suicide than in combat.He still does not fully know what to do with that.But it changed the entire direction of his life.What do you think leaders most often miss when it comes to the people right in front of them?The full episode is up now. https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-513?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadershippodcast #leadership #stopsolidersuicide #veteranmentalhealth #militaryleadership #podcast #mentalhealth #service #leadershipdevelopment #shorts
TLP507: Disrupt or Be Buried: The Mindset That Cha TLP507: Disrupt or Be Buried: The Mindset That Changes Everything Our latest episode with Patrick Leddin https://bit.ly/TLP-507?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP507%3A%20Disrupt%20or%20Be%20Buried%3A%20The%20Mindset%20That%20Changes%20Everything #leadership #disruption #leadership #disrupteverything #patrickleddin #jamespattersonbooks #militaryleadership #entrepreneurship #changemanagement #resilience #selfawareness #leadershipdevelopment #positivedisruption #growthmindset #fearofchange #theleadershippodcast #westudyleaders
Every leader who has ever complained about people Every leader who has ever complained about people leaving should sit with that for a minute. It is not a generational problem. It is not an attitude problem. When you stop offering growth, you stop offering a reason to stay. The ones who left probably told you that on the way out. Most organizations just were not listening. The full conversation with Steve Cadigan on Episode 506 of The Leadership Podcast is worth your commute. https://bit.ly/TLP-506?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #TalentStrategy #TheLeadershipPodcast #FutureOfWork #SteveCadigan
Not every day is going to feel meaningful. Difficu Not every day is going to feel meaningful. Difficult bosses, missed numbers, teams that won't move. But the leaders who come out the other side with something real are the ones who stayed in the fight long enough to earn the scar.Find the mission. Do it for someone else. Don't quit before the sentence ends.Drop everything for 45 minutes and listen to this one with Matt Cavanaugh. https://bit.ly/TLP-508?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #leadershiplessons #growthmindset #militaryleadership #resilience #bestscarwins #mattcavanaugh #theleadershippodcast #failure #purpose
Most companies start the employment relationship o Most companies start the employment relationship on a promise both sides know they probably won't keep. Steve Cadigan built LinkedIn's culture from 400 to 4,000 people and says that false foundation is still the root of why talent strategy fails today. This episode covers why the fastest-growing companies on the planet have median tenure under four years, and what it actually looks like to care about someone's career beyond their time with you. Episode 506 is out now. Link in bio. https://bit.ly/TLP-506?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch it on YouTube - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-506?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #TheLeadershipPodcast #TalentStrategy #FutureOfWork #SteveCadigan #Workquake #HR
TLP506: Retention Is Dead: The Workquake Reshaping TLP506: Retention Is Dead: The Workquake Reshaping Talent Our latest episode with Steve Cadigan https://bit.ly/TLP-506?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP506%3A%20Retention%20Is%20Dead%3A%20The%20Workquake%20Reshaping%20Talent https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-506?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP506%3A%20Retention%20Is%20Dead%3A%20The%20Workquake%20Reshaping%20Talent #leadership #talentmanagement #futureofwork #workquake #stevecadigan #employeeexperience #careergrowth #leadershipdevelopment #organizationalculture #highperformanceteams #workplaceculture #hrleaders #peopleandculture #modernleadership #businessleadership #companyculture #talentstrategy #employeeengagement #careerdevelopment #learninganddevelopment #leadershippodcast
Kevin Rice built his agency straight out of colleg Kevin Rice built his agency straight out of college with no mentor and sold it 13 years later for nine figures. He says he felt almost nothing when it happened.On Episode 512 of The Leadership Podcast, he shares what it was like leading through a pandemic as a new single dad, growing a company by 100+ people, and going through an acquisition at the same time.He calls it "robot mode"—high performance, no emotion, just survival. It worked in business but cost him connection at home.He also shares what parenting taught him about leadership and why presence matters more than time.Listen to Episode 512 wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/TLP-512?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch it on YouTube - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-512?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #entrepreneur #parenting #worklifebalance #leadershipdevelopment #ceo #personalgrowth #success #fulfillment
Most leaders think the problem at home is time. K Most leaders think the problem at home is time.Kevin Rice thought the same, until he realized he was physically present every night and still completely absent.Bedtime. Stories. Routines. All of it while mentally rehearsing the next sales meeting.He was not managing time poorly. He was losing connection without even knowing it.Hear the full conversation on episode 512 of The Leadership Podcast. https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-512?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #parenting #presence #connection #theleadershippodcast #CEOmindset #worklifebalance #leadershiplessons #entrepreneur #mindfulleadership
Most leaders frame failure as the opposite of winn Most leaders frame failure as the opposite of winning. Matt Cavanaugh says that framing is the whole problem.Win, learn, or die. No other outcomes exist. And that one shift changes how you look at every setback you've been carrying around.The leader who avoids failure avoids judgment.You'll want to hear him say this in his own words. https://bit.ly/tlpyt508?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #failure #growthmindset #militaryleadership #leadershipdevelopment #mattcavanaugh #bestscarwins #theleadershippodcast #mindset #resilience
One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that the people at the top somehow found a shortcut.After 500 conversations with CEOs, military leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers, the opposite appears to be true.The leaders who create lasting impact usually make difficult tradeoffs that most people never see. They often trade off their:TimeComfortCertaintyConvenienceEgoNot because they are obsessed with work, but because meaningful growth almost always demands sustained commitment. And most conversations around leadership often skip over the cost.But mastery and long-term excellence rarely happen accidentally and without sacrifice.What do you think most people underestimate when pursuing meaningful success? https://bit.ly/TLP-511?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadershippodcast #leadership #selfreliantleadership #noshortcuts #executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment #podcast
Matt Cavanaugh is not telling you to never quit. H Matt Cavanaugh is not telling you to never quit. He's saying the wisdom of any decision can only be judged from the finish line, not the middle of the race. And that the fastest thing that kills a team is a leader who stops believing before the sentence is over.That's worth thinking about this week. Full episode live now. https://bit.ly/tlpyt508?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #quit #endurance #militaryleadership #leadershiplessons #mattcavanaugh #bestscarwins #theleadershippodcast #resilience #growthmindset
Most people compare socialism's ideals to capitali Most people compare socialism's ideals to capitalism's reality. That's not a fair fight.Dr. Bill Kline shared something that sticks. When you live inside a system, you see every flaw. Every crack. Every problem.But the system you've never experienced? That one still looks perfect.That gap shapes how people think, argue, and lead.This is a conversation worth having. https://bit.ly/TLP-509?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersIf this landed, go listen to the full conversation. https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-509?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#capitalism #leadership #businessethics #freemarkets #leadershipdevelopment #tlp509
A lot of people talk about capitalism like it's ju A lot of people talk about capitalism like it's just an idea or a belief.Dr. Bill Kline brings it back to something more concrete. He explains that markets only work when there's trust, rules, and accountability behind them."Capitalism does not exist without ethics."No property rights. No enforceable contracts. No real market.Take ethics out of the system and what you're left with isn't capitalism. It's chaos with a price tag.Honestly one of the most grounded things said on this show in a while. Go listen to the full conversation. https://bit.ly/TLP-509?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#businessethics #capitalism #leadership #freemarkets #leadershippodcast #tlp509
Kevin Rice was leading a growing company, adding o Kevin Rice was leading a growing company, adding over 100 people, navigating an acquisition, raising two boys alone, all during a pandemic.His coping mechanism was to shut everything off. No emotions. No processing. Just output.From the outside it looked like peak performance.His team and his kids were getting a version of him that was present in body but absent everywhere that mattered.That is the version of leadership nobody talks about enough.Episode 512 of The Leadership Podcast is a good place to start that conversation. Go find it. https://bit.ly/TLP-512?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalintelligence #theleadershippodcast #executiveleadership #CEOmindset #personalgrowth #parenting #entrepreneur #selfawareness
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  • TLP519: The Leadership Idea We Missed for 250 Years
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  • TLP516: The Leader as Teacher: Building Leaders, Scaling Companies, and Multiplying Impact with Joth Ricci
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