The Leadership Podcast

Alden Mills, author of Unstoppable Teams and Be Unstoppable, a three time Navy SEAL platoon commander,, and a INC. 500 entrepreneur, shares why starting a company may be even harder than SEAL training, why corporate cultures are often flawed, and how the best leaders may fail more times than they succeed. Key Takeaways [3:12] Alden is the inventor of Perfect Pushup. While some may think that was his overnight success, it really took him 10 years. [4:08] Be Unstoppable was really a "Just In Case" letter for his four boys, and a first person account of how he learned persistence and leading yourself first to lead others. [6:09] The most powerful human emotion is the baseline of love. [6:55] After graduating from SEAL training, Alden chose to go into the SEAL delivery vehicle program and spent two tours on submarines. While confined in close quarters he started his invention sketchbook, and later took a couple of those ideas to market while in business school. [10:14] Being part of the SEAL team self discipline and focus, but it also meant coming up with new ways to do things and flexing the creativity muscle. [13:42] Great leaders maintain a balance of confidence and humility. They know it's easy to stay humble when there is so much to learn and so many to learn from. [16:37] We each have the "whiner" and "whisperer" as voices in our head. We have a choice if we want to listen to them, or have the courage to go after what we really want. [20:36] SEAL teams have an X-Division, where they remove the quitters from the arena. As a civilian, you have to create your own X-Division so you are not surrounded by those with a quitting mentality. [23:04] Alden was told that due to his asthma he needed to live a less active lifestyle. His parents encouraged him to keep trying and eventually led him to try rowing. He ended up becoming a gold medalist in the Olympic Festival, and Captain of the freshman and varsity teams at the US Naval Academy. [29:17] To lead is to serve, and to serve is to care. The job of a leader is to build trust and inspire others to believe in themselves. They do this through building relationships and empathy, and in turn building trust. [31:06] A mother that inspires and encourages is a great example of a leader. [32:55] The magic sauce we are missing in today's corporate world is creating a culture that takes care of its people. [36:06] Great leaders are vulnerable and open to asking for help where they need it. [38:02] Alden's challenge: remember that imagination and determination are our two biggest limitations. Quotes "I think being a father is the pinnacle of leadership." "Nobody cares how much you know, until you know how much they care." - Teddy Roosevelt "You are never as good as you think you are." "You need to have confidence. It's the arrogance that kills you." "Your choices determine your outcome." Website | Twitter | Facebook| Instagram |Linkedin Perfect Pushup Leaders Eat Last Ishmael TLP048: Trust and the Tribal Origins of Leadership

Kymberlee Weil, Strategic Samurai, and Mark Sylvester join the show to discuss the world of High-Stakes, Short-Form talks. They discuss what really makes an idea worth spreading, the power of a story, and what they have learned running High-Stakes, Short-Form speaking events in Santa Barbara. They give advice to people who may want to give a High-Stakes, Short-Form talk, share the qualities of the best speakers, and explain the importance of a unique perspective. Key Takeaways [4:55] Mark and Kymberlee met while creating a software application for speakers and attendees to use. That turned into a business, which then turned into a partnership in all forms. [5:03] "High stakes and short form talk" might be a metaphor for tackling a challenge worth diving into headfirst . [6:37] Although Mark has produced many high stakes and short form talks, he was blown away by the amount of work it really takes to put one together. For his own talk it took: 19 drafts, 3 drafts, and 2 consultants. Even knowing the innerworkings, there was so much prep. [7:50] Mark and Kymberlee tell the guests on his show to talk in tweets. [11:57] Great leaders know they can always improve, and they are never done learning. The people that choose to find the time are the ones we never forget. [14:11] Idea first. People second is one of the main mantras when they are putting together new material. Be sure you have a unique angle and perspective. You must be willing to fight for your idea no matter what. [19:04] High stakes and short form talks talks are less about a one-way sharing, and more about connecting with the audience to show authenticity and vulnerability. [25:33] Facts and figures light up two regions of your brain, while storytelling lights up seven! This even goes back to the caveman days when we had to be both storytellers and story observers. [29:02] Tips for making a high stakes and short form talk and to be a great storyteller: Open with story, land the core idea, show why it's important, and justify why it matters now. Make it topical and timely. There are usually three lessons within a talk. Give a call to action such as a challenge or invitation. [42:40] The original high stakes and short form talk commandments 1. Be sure it's a story you have never told before. 2. Be vulnerable. 3. Don't try to sell us anything. [51:50] Mark and Kymberlee challenge: don't wait to tell your story, and everyone has a story inside of them that they need to honor. How to Contact Mark & Kymberlee Mark: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Kymberlee: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Quotes "As a leader, we are always doing high stakes communication." "Leaders need to have an arsenal of stories." "Start with one story and develop it." "If you don't have a conflict or struggle, you don't have a story." Additional Links: Sir Ken Robinson Hacking the Red Circle

I bet you can instantly recall an awful customer experience? How about an exceptional customer experience? Jan recently had both the best and worst customer service experiences on a recent flight, and it sparked today's discussion. Jan and Jim discuss the lessons to be learned from bad experiences, why we tend to have them in the first place, and ways to embrace them and lean in with compassion and empathy. Key Takeaways [4:38] Jan experienced a recent flight where the doors shut and he wasn't able to make his flight. After feeling upset and bothered, he contacted the airline's customer service and in turn got Kelly, a superstar of a helper. Kelly was transparent, caring and solution based. She was such a great example of customer service that Jan asked to speak to her manager to give her recognition for the great work. [10:14] Great leaders dive head first into a bad situation rather than avoiding them. This is where the opportunity lies to learn, grow, and have an impact. [12:51] In today's connected world, you never know who you are going to meet and what kind of impact they could have on your life. [15:10] Act with compassion and empathy to those you meet - you never know what someone is going through. [22:45] When you get the core down of who you are as a leader, everything goes much easier. The more we understand our core values, the more we act consistently in our alignment. Quotes "The truly remarkable people in your life are those who are consistently strong." "People that aren't strong aren't bad, they are often just having a weak moment." Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com The Experience Economy

Lieutenant General Robert L. Caslen Jr. served in the U.S. Army for 43 years, and he retired in 2018 as the 59th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He talks with Jim and Jan about the responsibility that came with his role as superintendent. They also discuss diversity in leadership, winning in a complex world, the role ethics and character play in leadership, and his fondness for the new generation of leaders. Under his direction as Superintendent, the Academy was recognized as the number one public college in the Nation by Forbes Magazine and the number one public college by U.S. News and World Report. Key Takeaways [3:18] Yes, Lt. Caslen really did kill a deer by drowning it. [9:08] Lt. Caslen's role as the 59th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point gave him an opportunity to make an impact on the next generation of leaders. He saw it as one of the best opportunities to build a legacy of future leaders in the military and in their communities. [12:06] It is important for leaders to make everyone feel valuable and to be sensitive to policies that polarize or discriminate. [16:21] Great leaders are equipped to lead diverse organizations. They develop future leaders that recognize others as a valued member of the team. Lt. Caslen believes in everyone having the opportunity to serve, regardless of ethnicity, sexual preference or gender. [20:29] Before becoming the West Point Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Caslen served as the chief of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq, where he served as the senior military commander in Iraq after the drawdown of U.S. and allied forces in 2011. He also has served in combat and overseas deployments in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, JTF-B in Honduras, and Operation Uphold Democracy and the United Nations Mission in Haiti. [24:22] The most important element of leadership is trust. When we lead with competence and character, those around trust us and our actions match our words. [26:03] When you are engaged, empowered, and energetic, it shows others you care. [28:31] Leaders must understand the complex nature of their battlefield, and also possess the interpersonal skills to develop relationships that support others. [32:17] Great leaders should be on the edge of seeing how technology will affect our future, and also empower others by underwriting the risks of making mistakes. [37:37] Whether we are leading big organizations or individuals, savvy leaders respond to compromising situations to the best of their abilities and their values consistently remain in tact. [46:17] The next generation continues to inspire Lt. Caslen. [48:18] Lt. Caslen's challenge to us: Be more engaged, and live a life of constant learning, as it enables us to continue to give back. The more senior you are, the more opportunity you have to give back. Quotes "Perseverance is persistence." "When you find a way to bring people together, they feel good in your presence." "The first lesson of leadership was to learn how to follow." "Trust is a function of competence and character." "We have to have character internalized 24 hours a day, and I think that's how it ought to be for all of us." "Let's live a life that has our values internalized." The Speed of Trust Twitter | Facebook | Website

Dan Ivankovich is an orthopedic surgeon, humanitarian, CNN hero, and blues musician! He joins The Leadership Podcast to discuss the inspiration behind creating OnePatient Global. Dan talks about creating empathy and connection, and how Dan's injury changed his life's trajectory. As the leader of the Bone Squad, Dan is known for his advocacy on behalf of the underserved, uninsured, and underinsured in Chicago's inner city. Key Takeaways [3:21] Dan has always gravitated to serve the underdog and has himself experienced struggles with his own pain and healing. [8:28] As a first generation immigrant, Dan saw the importance of sticking together as a family and working hard to earn your own success. [11:48] Dan creates a genuine connection with his patients and bridges the gap of differences by creating a common thread of humanity. [14:38] Leaders inspire others to want more for themselves and help guide them past moments of doubt and adversity. [21:13] Real growth comes from having hard conversations and setting higher expectations without fear of loss or failure. [23:57] Dan believes our society can empower and encourage others to go above and beyond what is expected. [29:29] It's not about doing one thing, it's about pulling from multiple sources to create a composition of greatness. [34:01] Great leaders listen to everyone's viewpoint and process information in a critical and analytical manner. [41:08] Leaders should push their team but offer guidance, mentoring and counseling to combat unhealthy stress. [46:42] Dan's challenge: smile at strangers and live in the moment with people. Quotes "I've always prided myself on doing what I believe is right." "I've been the person that I've helped." "Everybody's got gifts." "We have the power to change lives beyond people's power of imagination." "One of the most important things of being a healer is to hear what people are telling you." "You need to be present and engaged in order to observe opportunities." OnePatient Website | Facebook | LinkedIn

Alan Weiss is a consultant, speaker, and author who has published over 60 books and 500 articles. Marshall Goldsmith calls him "the finest entrepreneurial coach in the world." He discusses how "attracters" attract success, why trying means failing, why marketing trumps strategy, and which of his Hot Tips are most popular.. Key Takeaways [2:50] Alan helps "attractors" attract even more success both personally and professionally. [4:03] While Alan used to think the secret sauce to his work as marketing, he now finds that it's providing others with validation and verification. [5:23] Much like the S-Curve model, it is times that we grow and leap to the next level where the real shift occurs. [6:43] If you aren't failing, you aren't trying. Alan sees leaders protect their ego and in turn, lose out on true vulnerability and learning from the experience of failing publicly. [10:22] A solo practitioner doesn't need a strategy, they need a marketing plan. [11:29] The Michelangelo Factor means we have to carve away everything that doesn't look like our personal work of art. Focus on what you are passionate about and what you are great at. [14:02] Great leaders see coaching as a sign of improvement, and they pick a coach that has already been in the trenches. [16:02] Alan feels a large part of his success due to his ability to pump value in his community and help others reach their highest potential. [19:08] Of all word of mouth influence, only 4% is on the internet. This shows us that in a world of hi-tech, we greatly still need hi-touch. [21:14] In a blended life, there is no guilt or shame in working while you relax/vacation, and relaxing/vacationing while you work. [22:54] Great leaders realize that there will be external things that happen to us that are out of our internal control, but it is how we deal with them that is so important. [23:55] Ask yourself: what do you do for others, what is the result, and what is it worth? [27:01] Leaders can have different personalities, but flexibility and ability to match the current environment sets the top ones apart. [28:52] Lead from the front, and be sincere. [31:15] It's important to keep your client relationships strictly business. [33:02] Your legacy is built every day, and you create your legacy while you are still living. To Alan, his legacy is his community. Quotes "People don't trust their own judgement" "You can only coast in life going downhill." "Keep energy suckers away from you." "Who do you want to be, and how do you convince people that's who you are?" "You want a friend? Get a dog." Jordan Peterson The Celestine Prophecy Invisible Influence Alan Weiss Website | Twitter | Facebook

Greg Mercer, Founder and CEO of Jungle Scout, is a successful entrepreneur, angel investor and experienced Amazon Seller. He talks with The Leadership Podcast about travelling the world as a digital nomad, taking the leap from civil engineer to entrepreneur, how he picks what he sells on Amazon, and transitioning from a doer to the leader. Key Takeaways [4:58] Greg's engineering background paved the way for Jungle Scout - a user tool that aggregates publicly available data on Amazon and turns it into actionable pieces. Jungle Scout leverages the Amazon channel and helps others see products that are in high demand with low competition. [6:48] Skills that Greg feels are most important for an entrepreneur: Be a self learner and self teacher. Persevere through challenging times. Get excited about your mission. Know how to get others excited about your mission. [9:15] Entrepreneurship can be most powerful level we have for self empowerment and self growth. [11:04] Greg is passionate about building successful businesses. [15:18] When building a community, stay laser focused on building value. [18:56] In the structure of Greg's businesses, the community decides who has power. [21:02] Real growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. [32:36] Greg's advice to budding entrepreneurs: There's no better time to start than now. When you face the actual worst case scenarios you will see it's really not that bad. [75:34] Greg's challenge: try to dive in to what moves the needle rather than what comes easy. Take the first plunge and don't be afraid to travel a different path. Quotes "My whole life I've loved to build and create things." "Don't do something you aren't passionate about." "It's when you step outside of your comfort zone that you really do learn a lot more about yourself." "Don't wait to get started." Minimalism This is What Happens to Your Body When You Hate Your Job Greg Mercer Website | Facebook | Twitter

Cathy Sunshine, President of the Sunshine Group, has coached thousands of executives and multiple generations of leaders. She talks about the changes she has witnessed in leadership over the past 45 years, the synchronization of how we move in organizations and how a behavioral operating system is different than culture. Also discussed are ways we can be more responsive in the flow of technology, her new book SYNC'D , how we identify an anchor customer, and the art and science of executive coaching. Key Takeaways [4:14] In organizational structure, synchronization is key and has everything to do with how we pivot from a customer end. In the age of digital transformation with a strong horsepower, there is a demand to align with what's really going on in our primary market and enable our business to be structured to move. [7:01] The organizational behavior system must enable people to operate at the speed of the customer's need. [9:55] The behavioral operating system is ultimately what enables the culture to come alive. [12:15] The internal service structure must enable employees to respond naturally to the needs of the customer. [18:36] Great leaders must operate within the system as a whole, and to operate in a fluid way while moving in sync with the needs of the market and the anchor customer. [22:12] You must know who your anchor customer is. [28:12] The art and the science of executive coaching can blend together, and it requires a level of awareness, clarity and the ability to seek out feedback. [33:08] The service structure is designed to be a construct and a feedback system that enables you to move with the flow of technology. In a service structure leadership is distributed, but there is a singular entity that champions transformation. [38:48] Leaders are connected and grounded within their core values while they grow, stretch and learn. [42:08] In leadership, it's the level of influence that creates value through an organizational system that really matters. [46:33] Cathy's book SYNC'd will be out January 3rd, and it shifts the vantage point to assume the center of gravity in organizations has become driven from a customer end. Quotes "People need to be freed to make conscious choices." "Culture is a result, not a cause." "The anchor customer drives why you exist." "Strategy is a loaded word." "Who buys us, and what are they buying us for?" "Feedback is really a key." Cathy Sunshine Twitter | LinkedIn | Website | css@sunshineconsultancy.com SYNC'D TLP 018: Confidence, Humility, Humor & Corporate Culture

Jim and Jan start the show by paying tribute to Jan's late mentor who exemplified the virtue of gratitude. Also discussed are ways to improve positivity, the power behind finding things to be grateful for, and practical suggestions for expressing gratitude. Key Takeaways [1:46] At the funeral of his mentor, MG Bud Ahern, Jan reflected on how grateful he was to have Bud in his life. Bud was a civil engineer in the Air Force, a teacher, an athlete, a scholar, and foremost, a philosopher. [8:14] There are meaningful people and events in our life that we are grateful for, but sometimes it's just a simple gesture or moment that can make us feel the most grateful. [8:44] It's important to light the way for others to show them what we can be grateful on a daily basis for. [11:02] Two ways to improve positivity is to write a note to someone expressing your gratitude and to keep a journal of the positive things that happen throughout the day. [12:18] Four points from All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum: When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic. Hold hands and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Goldfish, hamsters, and white mice and even a little seed in a styrofoam cup, they all die and so do we. The biggest word of all: look. [13:56] It's important for leaders to make sure their team is focused on what's important. [16:06] Make sure you circle back and say thank you to those that help you along the way. [17:56] One of the ways we can express gratitude in a profound way is to listen to people. [19:26] The human touch is still exceptionally powerful as is a handwritten note. Quotes "What's a good life, and are you living one?" -Bud Ahearn "Are you ready to face your hypocrisy?" -Bud Ahearn "For whose good do you serve?" -Bud Ahearn "When we express gratitude, problems that were impossible become plausible." "Nothing makes people feel more valued than being listened to." Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com Shawn Achor Ted Talk Project Rescue - Are your projects causing you great pain?

Professor Bill DeMarco (Retired Air Force Colonel) holds 3 Masters degrees, and holds fellowships at Stanford and Cambridge. He is a five-time commander and teaches leadership at Air University, Auburn and Michigan. Bill explains what he means when he says we are all just students in "permanent beta," and ways in which we can be humble, hungry, and heroes of the heart. Key Takeaways [3:10] Bill's structured courses as the Air Academy feature three themes: Know yourself to lead yourself. Lead yourself to lead your team. Create organizations where everyone is valued. [4:37] When we encourage others to lead from their strengths, we create organizations where people feel valued. [10:08] A huge measure of success - are you creating more leaders? [11:19] In his Leaders by Design course, Bill delves into the idea of stoicism and the teachings from ancient leaders. [13:01] In his role as the National Security Affairs Fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Peace, and Revolution at Stanford, Bill looked at the intersection of strategy and leadership. [14:46] Highly knowledgeable, capable, and hungry in leadership and support. Permanent beta continually trying to grow and learn. [17:18] The advice Bill would convey to a commander regarding leadership: It's not about you. Understand your mission. Develop a strong vision. Build your strategy to achieve that vision even before Day 1. [21:37] The Four H's: Humble - It's not about you, it's about helping others. Hungry - Not hungry for the cool office or the rank status, but hungry to learn and be of service. Hero - Moral character Heart - How do we become empathetic and lead from the heart. In the military, it is important to be a people person. [22:41] It's important for Bill's students to know themselves in order to lead themselves, to understand the theory, and put that practice into an experience where they can use it. The classroom is knowledge and the training is skills. [36:12] A great leader knows they need to shake it up and create a diverse team not only in backgrounds but in thought and perspective. [39:14] Bill is doing some work right now studying centennials and will pull the information to work even better with senior leaders. [41:33] The world is only going to get faster. We must fail at a younger age, and learn from our experience quicker. [42:16] Bill's challenge: really get to know yourself, and where your strengths and challenges lie. [42:56] Leadership sits in the middle of anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Quotes "There's nothing new under the sun. It goes back to the ancients." "There's so much to learn in leadership, we are all just students." "I'm not an expert, I'm a student." "Use the vision to know where you are going, and then lay out the right things to help you get there." "We can't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes increase learning." "Once you know yourself, you build stronger teams and entities." Twitter | Facebook |LinkedIn Judge Business School Humble, Hungry, Hero of the Heart 16 Personalities Project Rescue - Are your projects causing you great pain?