The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful talk he gave for Keller Williams titled How to Build a Great Life.Doug walks through the principles that have shaped his own journey—from a difficult upbringing to leading a nonprofit, raising a family, and developing leaders—and challenges listeners to stop simply “accepting” life and start intentionally building one that truly matters.This episode goes beyond career success and focuses on what it really means to win in life: strong relationships, purpose, growth, and intentional leadership. Doug provides practical frameworks and actionable steps to help you clarify your vision, grow daily, build meaningful connections, and become the leader you’re capable of being.If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions or unsure how to reach your full potential, this episode will challenge you to take ownership and start building a life you’re proud of.Doug Smith – Host, L3 Leadership PodcastWhat You’ll Learn Why most people accept life instead of leading it The difference between success vs. a great life How to create a life plan that actually works The “dream big + pay the price” framework  How to become the obvious choice in your career  The power of mentorship (and how to get it) A simple system to handle failure: Admit it. Quit it. Forget it. Why teachability is your ultimate competitive advantage 💡 Key Takeaways You don’t find a great life—you build one intentionally Big dreams require a clear price—and the willingness to pay it Your daily habits are campaigning for your future Feedback is uncomfortable—but it’s the fastest path to growth  Who you surround yourself with will determine your trajectory📚 Resources & MentionsLiving ForwardToday MattersTuesdays with MorrieThe Ride of a LifetimeL3 LeadershipLight of Life Rescue Mission🤝 Connect & Learn More Speaking & Coaching: DougSmithLive.com  Podcast: L3 Leadership Podcast🤝 SponsorAndocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.comThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions.Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082SUBSCRIBE TO:@l3leadership@dougsmithliveSupport the show

Send a textMost leaders think they’re growing—but in reality, they’re just repeating the same year over and over again.In this powerful conversation, Doug sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, to unpack why over 90% of leaders plateau—and what it actually takes to reach your potential.Chris shares the mindset shift that changed his life from chasing success to developing others, how to become a “star maker” leader, and the hidden danger of complacency he calls “the secret place of satisfactory success.”If you want to get promoted, multiply your impact, and avoid drifting through your career, this episode is a must-listen.💡 What You’ll Learn:Why most leaders plateau (and don’t even realize it)The difference between being the star vs. creating starsThe question that will fast-track your promotionHow to respond when you get passed overWhy complacency is killing your potentialThe role of family, discipline, and intentional growth in leadershipHow top leaders invest in themselves to stay ahead⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction to Chris Robinson and his leadership journey02:00 – Getting into personal growth for the wrong reasons03:30 – The Law of the Lid and becoming a “star maker”06:00 – The mindset shift required to truly develop others08:30 – What to do when you get passed over for a promotion11:00 – “The phrase that pays” for career growth12:30 – From Drift to Drive: Why Chris wrote the book13:30 – The danger of “satisfactory success”14:30 – Why most leaders plateau15:30 – Experience vs. repetition in leadership growth16:00 – Balancing leadership and raising six kids19:00 – Structuring your life around what matters most21:00 – Inside Maxwell Leadership and developing leaders23:00 – How to get out of the pile: results, service, and growth26:00 – Lessons learned from working with John Maxwell28:00 – Chris’s story: DUI, second chances, and transformation32:00 – Leadership and alcohol: influence and responsibility35:00 – The power of environment: people, places, and habits37:00 – Best advice: “You have to get on a lot of airplanes.”38:00 – How to read for growth (problems vs. passions)40:00 – Leadership philosophy: Treat people like people41:00 – Biggest pet peeve: inconsistent leadership43:00 – Parenting lessons and prioritizing family46:00 – Advice to his younger self47:00 – The legacy Chris hopes to leave🔗 Resources & Links:Chris Robinson Maxwell Leadership: https://maxwellleadership.comBook: From Drift to Drive by Chris RobinsonThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions.Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/18858838SUBSCRIBE TO:@l3leadershipSupport the show

Send a textWhat 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 Breakdown00:00 – Why this memorial service deeply moved Doug02:00 – Doug’s relationship with Jeff and the impact of mentorship04:00 – The 2% principle: Finishing with family, character, and calling intact08:00 – “Nobody has a dad like my dad” — intentional parenting that lasts12:00 – Why family must come before success14:30 – The urgency of spiritual fathers and mothers18:00 – Becoming a spiritual parent to the next generation20:30 – “Calm always wins” — emotional steadiness in leadership25:00 – Teaching leadership lessons at home27:00 – First Samuel 20 friendships: Anything, anytime, anywhere31:00 – Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion35:00 – Resume building vs. people building38:00 – Why documenting your content is a gift to your family42:00 – One day it will be your memorial service45:00 – What are you doing with your life?48:00 – Long obedience in the same direction50:00 – 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 lifeIt's finishing well.Resources Mentioned• Jeff Leek Memorial Service • Jeff Leek – Allison Park Church • L3 Leadership PodcastConnect with Doug SmithFollow Doug Smith for leadership content and resources to help you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the impact of your leadership.Subscribe to the PodcastIf this episode added value to your life, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach and develop more leaders around the world.👥 Leaders ReferencedHenry Cloud – https://drcloud.comEugene Peterson – https://www.navpress.comJeff Leake (Legacy referenced throughout episode)🤝 SponsorAndocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrF93uIEB9BusYfpXUPIriU3evdBXjqaL🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFSupport the show

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and bestselling author of The Future Begins with Z: 9 Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the Workplace.After following Tim’s work for nearly two decades, Doug finally gets to have a conversation that every leader needs to hear. Together, they unpack the realities of leading Generation Z, why three out of four managers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage, and how leaders can shift from frustration to opportunity.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Why Tim wrote The Future Begins with Z02:00 – The alarming stats about managing Generation Z03:45 – The “Peter Pan Paradox”: Age of authority ↓, age of maturity ↑07:00 – Artificial maturity: Overexposed to information, underexposed to experience12:00 – Parenting the next generation: Risk, responsibility, and resilience17:00 – Why leaders must mentor—not just manage20:00 – The onboarding mistake costing companies Gen Z talent21:30 – “Everyone has a voice. Not everyone has a vote.”24:00 – Why Gen Z decides whether to stay on Day One26:00 – Mental health realities leaders must understand27:00 – The A.L.E.G. framework for difficult conversations33:00 – Reverse mentoring: What older leaders must learn from Gen Z36:00 – Lessons Tim learned from John Maxwell41:00 – Advice for aspiring authors and speakers48:00 – Begin with belief: Let people start with an “A”51:00 – Don’t stereotype—listen before confronting53:00 – Tim’s life sentence: The legacy he hopes to leave🎙 GuestDr. Tim Elmore – https://www.timelmore.comThe Future Begins with Z – https://www.timelmore.com/booksA Book in a Weekend – https://www.abookinaweekend.com📚 Books MentionedThe Future Begins with Z – https://www.timelmore.com/booksLeadership and Self-Deception – https://arbinger.comFrom Strength to Strength – https://arthurbrooks.com/books👥 Leaders ReferencedJohn C. Maxwell – https://johnmaxwell.comHenry Cloud – https://drcloud.comArthur C. Brooks – https://arthurbrooks.com🤝 SponsorAndocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.comThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions.Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrF93uIEB9BusYfpXUPIriU3evdBXjqaL🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082SUBSCRIBE TO:@l3leadership@dougsmithliveSupport the show

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares Part 2 of his annual reflection series, unpacking the final ten lessons he learned in 2025 and how they are shaping his leadership moving into 2026. Drawing from real conversations, leadership challenges, faith, and personal growth, Doug challenges leaders to rethink success, create margin, embrace hard seasons, and recognize the significance of the work God is doing in and through them.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Why Doug shares his annual lessons and how they’re selected 01:45 – Lesson 11: You can have everything and still have nothing 03:30 – Lesson 12: In leadership, there are things only you can do 05:00 – Lesson 13: The necessity of people who challenge your perceptions 07:45 – Lesson 14: Follow a proven path when you don’t know what to do 08:45 – Lesson 15: Why AI can be a powerful personal and leadership coach 10:30 – Lesson 16: Margin matters—create it with time and finances 11:45 – Lesson 17: You’re always campaigning, whether you realize it or not 13:30 – Lesson 18: The gospel comes with a house key 15:15 – Lesson 19: Lessons learned in one season prepare you for the next 17:30 – Lesson 20: Don’t minimize the work God is doing in and through you 18:45 – Final encouragement: Don’t quit—your leadership matters more than you thinkResources Mentioned:The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob IgerThe Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield“Good” Leadership Mindset – Jocko Willink (Video)The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBHbRL6rJtSXwpKBaamNo?si=ee120ef86cf243ba🎧 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithliveSupport the show

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith kicks off part one of his annual reflection series, sharing the most significant lessons he learned in 2025 and how they’re shaping his leadership in 2026. Drawing from his year-end review process, Doug offers honest insights on health, family, leadership presence, fatherhood, faith, and the unseen weight leaders carry.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Why Doug does a year-end review every year02:00 – Lesson 1: Taking ownership of your health before it’s too late05:00 – Lesson 2: Big families are a gift worth fighting for08:30 – Lesson 3: Your presence as a leader matters more than you think11:00 – Lesson 4: The lifelong impact of being an intentional parent14:00 – Lesson 5: The tension between progress and preservation16:00 – Lesson 6: One day you’ll become a king—but not for the reasons you think18:30 – Lesson 7: Not every battle deserves your energy21:00 – Lesson 8: Want more *for* people than you want *from* them23:00 – Lesson 9: Being the voice of leadership, not just the position24:00 – Lesson 10: Leading well when life isn’t fairResources Mentioned:Fathered by God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You by John EldredgeExperience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God by John EldredgeWhy Do Black Christians Vote Democrat? – Phil Vischer (Video)Family TeamsGerald Brooks Leadership Podcast🔗 Connect with DougLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougsmithliveThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit www.andocia.com to learn more.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsF0cVdRu2oELJGpaHma7AgSUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithliveSupport the show

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith sits down with returning guest Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, family, faith, and legacy. Jeremy shares how viewing the family as a team—not a temporary stage of life—can reshape how leaders think about generational impact.00:00 – Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast01:00 – Introducing Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams04:00 – Multi-generational families and shared rhythms09:00 – Sabbath dinners, hospitality, and family culture17:00 – The biblical vision for a ruling household26:00 – Generational leadership, wealth, and stewardship36:00 – Why traditional discipleship models struggle45:00 – Making disciples who make disciples55:00 – Church, family, and leadership sustainability1:03:00 – Final thoughts on legacy and long-term impactLinks:🔹 PeopleJeremy Pryor – https://www.jeremypryor.comDoug Smith – https://l3leadership.org🔹 Organizations & ProgramsFamily Teams – https://www.familyteams.com1000 Houses – https://www.1000houses.orgFamily Teams Accelerator – https://www.familyteams.com/accelerator🔹 Books & Concepts MentionedThe Gospel Comes with a House Key Ruling Household (book in progress) – Jeremy Pryor The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.Support the show

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares his year-end review process, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth since 2004. Doug discusses the importance of reflecting on the year gone by to foster growth and documents his detailed approach to conducting a comprehensive year-end review. He includes practical tips and encourages creating a personalized review system. Additionally, the episode features a word from the sponsor, Andocia Marketing Solutions. Doug wraps up with thoughtful ways to conclude the review process and the benefits of such reflections.00:00 - Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast00:27 - The Importance of Year-End Reviews00:58 - Sponsor Message: Andocia Marketing Solutions02:08 - Starting Your Year-End Review06:05 - Essential Tools for Your Review08:23 - Creating Your Year-End Report12:26 - Wrapping Up Your Year-End Review14:29 - Final Thoughts and EncouragementThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.Support the show

Send a textHoliday Gift Guide LinkIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith delivers a reflective, practical lesson on leadership gifts worth sharing—especially when life gets busy. Using the backdrop of the holiday season, Doug unpacks a curated gift guide through the lens of leadership, family, personal growth, and mindful presence. He reminds leaders that tools, systems, and intentional habits don’t replace the work of leadership—they strengthen the person doing it.00:00 Introduction & Doug’s return to personal lessons01:00 Why sharing resources creates lasting leadership impact02:15 The finish line thinking that shapes character first04:45 Finance tools leaders rely on now07:30 Family routines and training kids in stewardship09:50 Being present and blocking distractions14:20 Tech that supports productivity without clutter18:40 Kitchen tools that encourage hospitality at home21:10 Learning through business biography, faith, and leadership books25:35 Expanding impact by inviting the right people into your goals27:48 Doug’s encouragement to leaders heading into the holidays29:05 Quote on generosity and finishing wellKey Takeaways- Leadership starts with character, systems just support the leader.- Intentional family habits build leadership muscle long before adulthood.- Presence is not passive—it requires guarding focus.- Small tools that reduce friction protect mental bandwidth for what matters.- Investing in durable resources creates compounding value over years, not months.- Leaders grow bigger by asking who, not just how.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id1569987442?i=1000723571859 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithliveThe L3 Leadership Podcast is produced and sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Thanks to Andocia for co-producing and supporting multi-channel leadership storytelling.Want help translating leadership vision into execution? Reach out at Andocia.com"Give generously—even with your ideas. Inspiration is one of the easiest gifts to share and the longest to remember."Leaders don’t quit. Keep leading. The world desperately needs your leadership.Support the show

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith talks with Peter Ostapko, co-founder of Kinsman Journal and leader of the growing Kinsman community in Springfield, Missouri. Peter shares his journey from a career in banking to launching gatherings designed to help men find authentic brotherhood, friendship, and faith-driven connection.Together they discuss the loneliness epidemic among leaders, why local community is essential, and how intentional gatherings can transform lives. Peter also opens up about parenting, navigating career transitions, and the importance of slowing down and creating space for what matters most.Whether you’re a leader longing for deeper friendships, a father seeking wisdom, or someone discerning your next step, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Peter’s passion for community02:00 How Kinsman gatherings began and why men said, “I didn’t know how much I needed this”06:00 The power of local connection vs. national networks09:00 Structuring meaningful gatherings with intentionality13:00 Friendship, brotherhood, and why men struggle to connect17:00 Moving beyond transactional relationships20:00 The annual Kinsman Summit and why environment matters22:00 Publishing Kinsman Journal and the story behind it25:00 Fatherhood lessons: being intentional, dealing with your stuff, and prioritizing your marriage30:00 Discerning career transitions and leaning into curiosity35:00 Why Kinsman became a nonprofit and Peter’s approach to fundraising40:00 The importance of slowing down and creating space to rest42:00 Best advice Peter has ever received47:00 Bucket list dreams: Italy and visiting every MLB stadium with his kids48:00 What Peter would tell his younger self49:00 Legacy: being remembered as a faithful servant, husband, and father🌐 https://kinsmen.org/ – A high-quality publication for men exploring themes of faith, fatherhood, and work. 🌐 https://kinsmen.org/gatherings – Community events and annual summit hosted by Kinsman to foster brotherhood and authentic friendships.The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id1569987442?i=1000723571859🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithliveSupport the show