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The Leadership Podcast

The Leadership Podcast

We Study Leaders

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

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General Maxwell Taylor gave this speech to West Po General Maxwell Taylor gave this speech to West Point cadets, and Ray Palumbo wishes he'd listened better as a young man. Instead of hanging out at the pizza shop, he could've been learning guitar, studying languages, or reading. Those little moments add up over a lifetime.What are you doing with your scraps of time?Listen here - https://bit.ly/TLP-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#ScrapsOfTime #WestPoint #MaxwellTaylor #TimeManagement #PersonalDevelopment #Success #Growth #Discipline #Habits #Productivity #Leadership #Military
Not all silence looks the same. For Jan, movement Not all silence looks the same. For Jan, movement is his version of stillness. There's power in knowing how you process best—especially in leadership. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipWisdom #DoNothingDifferently #QuietLeadership #MovementIsMeditation #JanRutherford #LeadershipPodcast #MindfulMotion #ExecutiveReflection #SilentStrength #LeadershipHabits #SelfReliantLeadership #NatureLeadership #SnowySunday
You can hustle hard and still miss the point. Jan You can hustle hard and still miss the point. Jan shares how a hallway chat reshaped his career—and it had nothing to do with performance. Sometimes, the best "networking strategy" is simply showing up for coffee. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #NetworkingTips #WorkLifeBalance #HumanConnection #BuildRelationships #LeadershipPodcast #MentorshipMatters
Flexible leadership isn't just a buzzword — it's Flexible leadership isn't just a buzzword — it's a necessity. Kevin Eikenberry joins us to talk about how staying rooted in your values while adapting your approach can change everything in today's fast-moving world. If you want to lead with confidence through uncertainty, this episode is a must-listen. https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #FlexibleLeadership #LeadWithConfidence #Adaptability #LeadershipDevelopment #Leaders #LeadershipPodcast #GrowthMindset #SelfReliantLeadership #BusinessLeadership #RemoteLeadership #TeamLeadership #LeadershipTips #LeadershipGrowth #LeadershipMatters
Flexibility isn't about being wishy-washy or incon Flexibility isn't about being wishy-washy or inconsistent. Kevin Eikenberry explains why leaders must be both rooted and adaptable. Holding fast to purpose and values while shifting their approach as the situation demands. If you want to lead with confidence in uncertainty, this perspective is critical. https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#FlexibleLeadership #LeadershipMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipGrowth #LeadWithPurpose #Adaptability #LeadershipPodcast #Leaders #SelfReliantLeadership #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipTips #LeadershipCoach #LeadershipSkills #LeadershipStrategy #RemoteLeadership
Mental toughness is powerful — but push it too f Mental toughness is powerful — but push it too far, and it can turn toxic. Andreas Stamatis unpacks how unchecked grit can lead to injury, burnout, and tunnel vision. Find the balance before it finds you. Listen to the full episode! https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #Leadership #MentalToughness #MindsetMatters #PerformanceCoaching #HighPerformance #LeadershipPodcast #SelfGrowth #Toughness #SelfAwareness
TLP465: How Mental Toughness is Developed with Dr. TLP465: How Mental Toughness is Developed with Dr. Andreas Stamatis Our latest episode with Dr. Andreas Stamatis https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP465%3A%20How%20Mental%20Toughness%20is%20Developed%20with%20Dr.%20Andreas%20Stamatis #leadership #MentalToughness, #Leadership, #Psychology, #Performance, #ExistentialPsychology, #Resilience, #GrowthThroughAdversity, #SportsPsychology, #Mindset, #SelfReliantLeadership
TLP467: Navigate Uncertainty with Kevin Eikenberry TLP467: Navigate Uncertainty with Kevin Eikenberry Our latest episode with Kevin Eikenberry https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP467%3A%20Navigate%20Uncertainty%20with%20Kevin%20Eikenberry #leadership #LeadershipPodcast, #KevinEikenberry, #FlexibleLeadership, #DelegationIsAnInvestment, #LeadershipWisdom, #TrustAndLeadership, #IntentionalLeadership, #WorkplaceEngagement, #LeadWithConfidence, #ModernLeadership, #ContextMatters, #RemarkableLeadership, #SelfLeadership, #TheLeadershipPodcast, #LeadershipDevelopment
You don't always need to do more to be effective—sometimes the smartest move is to pause. In this episode, Jim and Jan explore the power of doing nothing—and how stepping back can lead to better clarity, stronger decisions, and more aligned action. This isn't about being lazy—it's about being intentional. Tune in for lessons, stories, and real talk on character, values, and leadership. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipPodcast #SelfLeadership #DoNothing #PauseAndReflect #LeadershipLessons #HighPerformance #JimAndJan #MentalClarity #DecisionMaking #LeadershipTools #SlowDownToSpeedUp #BusinessLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #WorkSmarter #LeadershipDevelopment
Trying to be someone else won't make you a better Trying to be someone else won't make you a better leader. In this honest reflection, General Stanley McChrystal shares how he experimented with different personas—until he discovered the power of leading as himself. Authentic leadership isn't easy, but it's worth it.🎧 Full episode here - The Leadership Podcast Mastermind 012 https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#authenticleadership #stanleymcchrystal #leadershipidentity, #becomingabetterleader, #selfawarenessinleadership, #leadershipdevelopment, #militaryleadership
TLPMM012: On Character with General Stanley McChry TLPMM012: On Character with General Stanley McChrystal Our latest episode with General Stanley McChrystal https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLPMM012%3A%20On%20Character%20with%20General%20Stanley%20McChrystal #leadership #LeadershipPodcast, #StanMcChrystal, #MilitaryLeadership, #CharacterMatters, #DisciplineEqualsFreedom, #SelfReflection, #ServiceAboveSelf, #MoralCourage, #TeamOfTeams, #LeadersInAction, #ConvictionAndDiscipline, #LegacyLeadership
This isn't about collecting business cards at netw This isn't about collecting business cards at networking events. It's about building genuine relationships that become the foundation for everything meaningful you'll accomplish.Hear more from Jed Brewer at https://bit.ly/TLP-476?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-476?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#networking #relationships #success #leadership #theleadershippodcast
Jumping to solutions without naming the real probl Jumping to solutions without naming the real problem? Jim breaks down why that's a leadership trap. One pause. One clear question. That's where better decisions begin. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipWisdom #ProblemSolving #TeamAlignment #ReflectionMatters #LeadershipTips #ThinkBeforeYouAct #PodcastQuote #ExecutiveLeadership #MeetingTips
In this week's episode of The Leadership Podcast, In this week's episode of The Leadership Podcast, General Stanley McChrystal reminds us that character isn't inherited, it's chosen. Again and again. In the small, quiet decisions when no one's watching. In the moments of failure, discomfort, and hard-earned growth.It's not charisma. It's not confidence. It's conviction multiplied by discipline.In this conversation, General McChrystal opens up about near-misses at West Point, personal setbacks, and the deep introspection that shaped him into one of the most respected military leaders of our time.If leadership is about anything, it's this: choosing, every day, who you want to be.🎧 Hear the full conversation on The Leadership Podcast: https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders
Discover the hidden power behind mental toughness Discover the hidden power behind mental toughness with Dr. Andreas Stamatis! From Greek Special Forces to high-performance coaching, his journey reveals how adversity can fuel greatness.Dive into the science of mental performance and leadership now. 🚀 https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #LeadershipPodcast #MentalToughness #MindsetMatters #AdversityToStrength #LeadTheWay #GrowthMindset #MentalPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastLife #SelfReliantLeadership #WinningMindset #PerformancePsychology #LeadByExample #StayStrong #LeadersWhoInspire #ResilientLeadership #TheLeadershipPodcast #AthleteMindset
Dr. Margaret Heffernan just blew our minds talking Dr. Margaret Heffernan just blew our minds talking about how the chief economist at the Bank of England would wander London streets before big decisions - not to think about the problem, but to absorb the mood of the country. Turns out your brain needs random, unplanned input to make brilliant connections. We're all so obsessed with efficiency that we're starving our intuition of the very thing it needs most: time to wander and wonder.Listen to the full episode at https://bit.ly/TLP-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #DecisionMaking #Intuition #BusinessStrategy
Growth doesn't happen without adversity. Existenti Growth doesn't happen without adversity. Existential Positive Psychology reminds us: stress, trauma, and hardship are not just obstacles — they're opportunities for self-transcendence. When you push through your darkest hours, you forge a stronger, better version of yourself.Listen to Dr. Andreas Stamatis as he reframes suffering into strength on this week's episode. 🎧 https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #LeadershipPodcast #MentalToughness #SelfTranscendence #ExistentialPsychology #PositivePsychology #ResilientLeadership #GrowthMindset #OvercomingAdversity
The world has changed, and your leadership approac The world has changed, and your leadership approach should too. Kevin Eikenberry reminds us that flexibility means adapting to the moment, not sticking to old habits. Leading isn't about comfort, it's about serving your team in the way that fits best right now. Ready to rethink your leadership? Tune into episode 467 of The Leadership Podcast. https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders Watch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #FlexibleLeadership #Adaptability #ChangeManagement #Leadership #ServeYourTeam #LeadWithPurpose #LeadWithFlexibility #GrowthMindset
The stuff that triggers you, annoys you, or makes The stuff that triggers you, annoys you, or makes you resist that's where the learning is. Growth doesn't happen in the comfort zone, it happens when you sharpen your brain and push into the edges of what feels hard. That's the real work of leadership.Hear the full conversation with Sara Sabin on https://bit.ly/TLP-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full conversation https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #GrowthMindset #EmotionalIntelligence #LeanIntoDiscomfort #TheLeadershipPodcast
From tavern owner's grandson to three-star general From tavern owner's grandson to three-star general - Ray Palumbo's journey proves that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary leadership. This episode dives deep into the difference between leadership and generalship, why some of our best military minds won't run for office, and the power of using your "scraps of time." Listen here - https://bit.ly/TLP-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Military #ThreeStarGeneral #ValuesBasedLeadership #SpecialOperations #160thSOAR #Leadership469 #LeadershipPodcast
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