How to Lead with Clay Scroggins and Adam Tarnow

Ben Ortlip joins Adam to discuss how effective leaders learn to listen not just to words, but to the emotions behind them.Learn more about Ben: https://theculturemri.com/

Matt Brost joins Clay and Adam for a conversation about career twists, unexpected turns, and the one thing that’s mattered most along the way: relationships. As we head toward 2026, Matt reminds us that meaning at work often comes less from the job itself and more from the people we choose to build it with.

Clay and Adam reflect on key moments from 2025 and share a few trends they see shaping 2026.

When Clay first started speaking, he’d shut down his calendar and memorize his talk word for word. It was exhausting and it didn’t make him a better communicator.In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack why memorizing your message actually works against you, causing you to sound robotic, panic when you miss a line, and lose connection with your audience. They argue that great communicators don’t memorize; they understand.You’ll learn a simple framework to prepare your message so you can speak with confidence, flexibility, and authenticity. Whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or standing on a stage.Big idea: Don’t memorize your message. Understand it, and serve the people in front of you.

Public speaking is one of the most vulnerable things a leader can do. You’re exposed, you’re being judged in real time, and the stakes feel high — which is why most speakers either avoid feedback altogether or settle for vague encouragement like, “Great job!” In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack why that’s a problem and how the right kind of feedback is the fastest path to becoming a better communicator.Clay opens with the classic Seinfeld line about people preferring to be in the casket rather than giving the eulogy — a reminder that speaking triggers deep vulnerability. Adam follows by naming the trap: if we don’t seek real feedback, we end up believing we crushed it when we may have simply survived it.The conversation explores three big ideas:Why speakers need feedback: You’re too close to your own message to see what the audience sees. Your last talk is your best teacher — but only if you know what to listen for.Why feedback feels so hard: Speaking ties into identity, vulnerability, fear of rework, and the awkwardness of unsolicited critiques.How to get better feedback: Ask better questions, ask multiple people, and use tools like recordings, surveys, and time-stamped comments to see what you missed.The episode closes with one simple takeaway:Growth = vulnerability + curiosity.The quickest way to get better is to ask for the feedback before the feedback finds you.Call to Action:Before your next talk, line up three people and ask,“Will you give me honest feedback after I speak?”

Most leaders rush to the solution. They skip the most essential part of compelling communication—creating tension. In this episode, Clay and Adam break down why tension matters, how the brain is wired to crave it, and how stronger tension-building can instantly transform any meeting, presentation, or keynote.

In this conversation, Scott Bedgood emphasizes the critical role of audience connection in effective communication, whether in standup comedy, keynotes, or meetings. He discusses how initial engagement is crucial for maintaining attention and ensuring that messages resonate with the audience. Scott also highlights the importance of making communication matter to foster follow-through and engagement.Follow Scott:Free newsletter: https://scottbedgood.com/speaker-tips-funny-clips-email-newsletter/Website: https://scottbedgood.com/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/scottbedgood/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbedgood/His book: https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Legends-Coaches-Leadership-Leaving/dp/0692947671/ref=sr_1_1Takeaways:Audience connection matters more than anything.People are always looking for an excuse to check out.The first minute or two is crucial for engagement.It's important to make your communication matter.Connection is key in all forms of communication.Phoning it in leads to disengagement.You need to be present and engaged with your audience.Follow-through is linked to audience connection.One-on-one communication also requires connection.Engagement is essential for effective meetings.

June 29, 2007— the day public speaking changed forever. Before smartphones, a bored audience member had to doodle or stare at the ceiling. Now they have a casino in their pocket. If you want to hold people’s attention, you’re not just competing with distractions… you’re competing with the most addictive technology ever created.In this episode, we break down why engagement is no longer optional. Every time you open your mouth, you become a guest in your listener’s mind. And every mind has a ruthless bouncer whose job is to kick out anything boring.We explore the five main causes of boredom—Irrelevance, Complexity, Aimlessness, Apathy, and Predictability—and give you practical tactics to beat each one. You’ll learn how to stay relevant, simplify your message, create structure, tap into emotion, and use vulnerability to surprise your audience.The bottom line: It’s your job to engage, not their job to pay attention. If you want to influence people, you have to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.A simple, powerful guide to making your communication impossible to ignore.

Most people think becoming a great speaker means mastering body language, vocal tone, and slide design. But the truth? None of that matters if you don’t have something worth saying.In this episode, Adam and Clay unpack why public speaking isn’t about polish — it’s about purpose. Drawing from Rob Fitzpatrick’s idea of pseudoteaching, they explore how even flawless delivery can fall flat when the message lacks substance.You’ll learn:The myth of mechanics and why performance doesn’t equal impactTwo practical tests for knowing if your message is worth sharingHow to shift your focus from sounding good to saying something goodWhether you’re leading a meeting, pitching an idea, or giving a keynote, this episode will help you stop performing and start communicating.______________________Have a message you need help preparing? Send us an email Info@howtolead.work to learn more about our coaching services.

Work is serious — but does it have to feel that way? In this episode, Adam and Clay explore how humor can make us better leaders. From lowering defenses to building trust and sparking creativity, humor isn’t a distraction — it’s a leadership superpower. You’ll learn the kind of humor that works (and what to avoid), why joy is serious business for healthy teams, and three practical ways to lighten up without losing your edge. Plus, a funny story to kick things off and a challenge to bring more laughter into your leadership this week.

As AI transforms the workplace by automating tasks and boosting productivity, leaders face a new challenge: keeping humans engaged, connected, and valued. This episode explores how the real threat isn’t artificial intelligence—it’s disconnection—and offers three ways leaders can respond: coach more, lean into human skills, and make purpose visible. The message is clear: in an AI-driven world, your greatest responsibility is to make work feel more human.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” In this episode, Adam and Clay dig into why miscommunication happens so often at work—and how leaders can prevent it. From funny mix-ups (like a cake with the wrong message) to frustrating real-life examples of missed handoffs and unclear priorities, they explore why clarity is a leader’s most important tool.You’ll learn five simple habits to make sure your message actually lands:Repeat back what you hearUse visuals, not just wordsPreview where you’re goingMatch tone to intentShare bad news in personThe big takeaway? Don’t assume communication happened just because you said something. Clarity is leadership.

Every leader eventually faces this challenge: noticing something others don’t—and deciding whether to say it out loud. In this episode, Adam and Clay unpack why helping people see their blind spots is both one of the hardest and most important things leaders do. Drawing from voices like Daniel Goleman, Patrick Lencioni, Kim Scott, and the Crucial Conversations framework, they explore why awareness is the on-ramp to growth and why so many leaders hesitate to start these conversations.If you care about someone’s growth, you owe it to them to speak up—with kindness, clarity, and curiosity.

Life is hard. You’d better be willing to get dirty.The path to courage is narrow, demanding—and few are willing to walk it. Courage is always a choice.On 9/11, after hours of rendering aid, evacuating the wounded, and fighting fires, today's guest and his teammates looked wrecked—bloodied, exhausted, and wearing suits torn to shreds.Later that day, Darin crossed paths with another group—clean, polished, untouched. Perfect hair. Shiny shoes. Crisp white shirts.There are two paths: one of comfort and safety, and one of sacrifice and courage. One is wide and crowded. The other is costly and rare.​Which will you choose?What will you be remembered for?Get your suit dirty.Visit Darin's website: HEREGrab a copy of his book: HERE

Ever played the party game Green Glass Door? The rules keep changing, and the fun comes from watching people struggle to figure them out. Your career works the same way. The skills that made you successful early on—working hard, delivering results, and being dependable—will only take you so far. At some point, you cross The Edge, an invisible line where the rules shift.On the other side of The Edge, winning isn’t about technical proficiency anymore. It’s about relational savvy—your ability to make decisions, navigate diplomacy, and get things done through others. In this episode, Adam unpacks the two games of a career, why the transition is so confusing, and how to avoid getting stuck playing by the wrong rules.Drawing on timeless wisdom from Dale Carnegie, you’ll learn practical ways to bring calm, energy, and influence into your leadership. If you’ve ever wondered why working harder isn’t working anymore, this conversation will show you how to play (and win) the new game.

Live learning isn’t just another way to consume content, it’s an experience that commands attention, personalizes the message, and accelerates team momentum. Unlike books or podcasts, a live session meets your people in the moment, speaks directly to their challenges, and creates a shared language that sticks long after the event. For senior leaders, it’s one of the few investments that can deliver six months’ worth of trust, clarity, and alignment in a single day.

What makes a leader unforgettable? In this episode, Adam and Clay reflect on a quiet moment in an airport lounge with former Home Depot CEO Frank Blake—and what it revealed about the kind of leadership that truly lasts. Instead of holding court, Blake was asking questions, listening intently, and showing up with presence. They break down three simple (but rare) behaviors: staying curious when it’s easier to assume, showing up with presence instead of position, and building a legacy through small, consistent actions that make people feel seen. You’ll walk away challenged to lead like Frank Blake—not by being loud, but by being curious.

Your personal brand is always speaking, whether you’re shaping it intentionally or not. In this episode, we explore six subtle (but telling) clues that your reputation at work might be stuck in the past. From being known for who you used to be, to struggling to articulate what makes you different today, we break down how to recognize when your brand needs a refresh—and what to do about it. Whether you’re stepping into a new level of leadership or just tired of being overlooked, this episode will help you clarify your brand and communicate it with confidence.

“this is not a fulfilling life”"why do I want to win this tournament so bad?"This is the paradox of Scottie Scheffler and there is something for all of us to learn.

“Just ask more questions.”It’s classic leadership advice — but what if it doesn’t land the way you think?In this episode, we unpack a tension that’s come up again and again, especially with younger Millennials and Gen Z:Questions can build trust, open doors, and deepen connection — but when they feel forced, transactional, or performative, they do the opposite.We’ll explore:Why the best leaders still ask great questions — but never to manipulate.What younger employees are really pushing back on when they say, “Don’t interrogate me.”Four practical ways to make your questions feel authentic, not artificial.How to match your curiosity to the moment — whether you’re building rapport, coaching, or holding someone accountable.A simple gut-check to make sure you’re asking to connect, not control.Closing challenge:Before you ask your next big question, ask yourself: Do I really want to know the answer?Then pick one relationship this week and ask a better, braver question — and actually listen to what comes next.