The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith 7 Leadership Lessons I Learned at the Most Powerful Memorial Service I’ve Ever Attended
What would people say about your life at your memorial service?
In this deeply personal episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares the powerful leadership lessons he learned after attending the memorial service of legendary pastor and leader Jeff Leake.
For over two hours, story after story was shared about a man who finished his race with his faith, family, character, and calling intact. The experience forced Doug to ask a question every leader must wrestle with:
Am I living in a way that will lead to a life well lived?
⏱️ Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Why this memorial service deeply moved Doug
02:00 – Doug’s relationship with Jeff and the impact of mentorship
04:00 – The 2% principle: Finishing with family, character, and calling intact
08:00 – “Nobody has a dad like my dad” — intentional parenting that lasts
12:00 – Why family must come before success
14:30 – The urgency of spiritual fathers and mothers
18:00 – Becoming a spiritual parent to the next generation
20:30 – “Calm always wins” — emotional steadiness in leadership
25:00 – Teaching leadership lessons at home
27:00 – First Samuel 20 friendships: Anything, anytime, anywhere
31:00 – Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion
35:00 – Resume building vs. people building
38:00 – Why documenting your content is a gift to your family
42:00 – One day it will be your memorial service
45:00 – What are you doing with your life?
48:00 – Long obedience in the same direction
50:00 – Don’t quit. Finish well.
In this episode, Doug breaks down the leadership principles he took away from that unforgettable service and how they can help you lead with greater purpose, clarity, and legacy.
If you want to become a leader who finishes well, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.
In This Episode You'll Learn:
• Why only 2% of leaders finish their race with their faith, family, and character intact
• The parenting goal every leader should pursue: “Nobody has a dad like my dad.”
• Why great leaders learn to live by the principle “Calm always wins.”
• The importance of spiritual fathers, mentors, and leadership relationships
• The powerful legacy principle: Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion
• Why documenting your life and leadership content is a gift to future generations
• How reflecting on your own mortality can help you lead a more intentional life
It's finishing well.
Resources Mentioned
• Jeff Leek Memorial Service
• Jeff Leek – Allison Park Church
• L3 Leadership Podcast
Connect with Doug Smith
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👥 Leaders Referenced
Henry Cloud – https://drcloud.com
Eugene Peterson – https://www.navpress.com
Jeff Leake (Legacy referenced throughout episode)
🤝 Sponsor
Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com
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