Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells---Dive into Don DeLillo’s Cosmopolis as Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the novel’s critique of leadership in an era of wealth, technology, and cultural upheaval. They discuss the dangers of disconnected leadership, the ongoing crisis of accountability among elites, and the pitfalls of managing strictly by data and dashboards. The episode draws sharp parallels between fictional failures and real-world leadership challenges, offering actionable lessons for those navigating today’s ever-shifting leadership landscape.Book Title: CosmopolisAuthor: Don DeLilloHosts: Jesan Sorrells, Tom Libby---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Eric Packer's limousine journey.09:54 Discussing a prolific modernist author.16:00 DeLillo's risk-taking in writing.17:47 Reflecting on character minimalism.25:36 Discussing key themes in book and movie.28:33 Early AI's impact on finance.35:52 Challenges of Leadership Disconnect.41:42 Billionaires don't live in my town.49:38 Reflecting on 9/11 emotions.55:27 Catharsis in Cosmopolis.56:19 Reflections on WWII veterans' honor.01:06:32 AI accountability in decision-making.01:09:49 Wealth Redistribution for Global Issues.01:15:24 Discussing money and character.01:18:23 Exploring Worldview and Character Development.01:27:08 Discussing a retirement plan.01:31:38 The crisis of tech outpacing morality.01:35:09 Gut feeling vs data in decisions.01:40:30 Leadership lessons from Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo.---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger---Diving into Kurt Vonnegut’s Welcome to the Monkey House, Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger examine the prophetic warnings about conformity, institutional control, and the battle over language and individual agency. The conversation connects the stories “Harrison Bergeron,” “Report on the Barnhouse Effect,” and “Where I Live” to today’s challenges for leaders navigating a culture of safetyism, linguistic manipulation, and technological disruption. Practical takeaways center around preserving individual responsibility, resisting institutional overreach, and regrounding leadership in local, real-world community.Book title: Welcome to the Monkey HouseAuthor: Kurt VonnegutHost: Jesan Sorrells, Guest: Libby Unger---Time-Stamped Overview:---00:00 Discussing 20th-century sci-fi authors08:46 Kurt Vonnegut's literary journey12:12 High school memories and Vonnegut18:13 Publication dates and context of stories26:07 Lindsay Clancy's controversial trial27:31 Jury deadlock in Lindsey Clancy case34:20 Reflecting on Gloria Steinem's Impact42:31 Authors and technology of books47:38 Vonnegut's views on language usage52:27 Technology, communication, and culture overlap58:36 Hourglass analogy and chaotic transitions01:01:24 Impact of 2020 lockdowns01:05:56 Barnhouse effect report analysis01:16:06 Discussing global conflict and climate agendas01:19:58 American culture and equality debate01:27:48 Reflecting on personal growth01:32:19 Exploring an abandoned harbor clubhouse01:34:09 Wendell Berry and localism themes01:43:28 Local community and cultural shift----Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World---The panel examines the meaning and crisis of literacy in a post-literate society and what it means for 21st-century leadership. The discussion highlights how declining long-form reading impacts critical thinking, decision-making, and social cohesion, while exploring the evolving responsibilities of leaders as communicators, teachers, and curators of insight in a digital, short-attention world. Practical strategies and perspectives are shared for bridging generational gaps, fostering book-based conversation, and adapting leadership to new realities.Mentioned Book Titles and Authors:Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklLeadership Lessons from the Five Books of Moses by Jonathan SacksThe Odyssey by Homer (referencing Emily Wilson’s translation)Notes from Underground by Fyodor DostoevskyHeart of Darkness by Joseph ConradThings Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeUlysses by Alfred, Lord TennysonMere Christianity by C.S. LewisThe Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist PapersCrime and Punishment by Fyodor DostoevskyOutwitting the Devil by Napoleon HillHost: Jesan SorrellsGuest Panelists:Richard MessingJohn HillTom LibbyBrian BagleyHana Kabele GalaNeal KalechofskyDorollo Nixon, Jr.David BaumruckerChristen B. HorneDr. Moumin QuaziHana Kabele Gala---The Articles that Inspired the Conversation:The End of Reading is Here by Rose Horowich - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/08/reading-crisis-postliterate-age/687618/Leading in the Post-Literate West by Jesan Sorrells - https://jesanmsorrells.micro.blog/2026/07/16/leading-in-the-postliterate-west.html---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells---Exploring Václav Havel’s influential essay, The Power of the Powerless, Jesan Sorrells and Harvey Seifter unpack what it means for leaders to “live in truth” in the face of societal conformity. They examine the dangers of moral and cultural hollowness, the practical implications of dissidence, and how authentic leadership begins with individual conscience rather than systemic change. The episode also connects Havel’s ideas to modern challenges in leadership, ethics, and the search for a transcendent anchor in turbulent times.Book: The Power of the PowerlessAuthor: Václav HavelGuest: Harvey Seifter Host: Jesan Sorrells---Time-Stamped Outline:---00:00 Discussing "The Power of the Powerless"11:43 Forming and Scaling Arts-Based Organizations17:12 Raising kids as future leaders23:11 Discussing LLMs and historical figures24:37 Discovering Vaclav Havel's Plays30:48 Generational challenges in Hollywood writing37:13 The need for societal self-reflection42:12 Rereading a book in Prague46:35 Reflecting on 9/11 and authenticity52:32 Weekly Bible discussion lunch57:36 Relatable job struggles and realities01:05:45 Feeling disconnected from larger systems01:08:49 Havel's philosophy on private pursuits01:16:14 Turning to Biblical truth01:23:22 Exploring the concept of truth01:28:10 Value of truth in oppressive regimes01:34:33 Differentiating ethics from morals01:40:03 Connection between arts and ethical leadership01:42:09 Empowering leaders for innovation---Connect with Harvey Seifter by clicking on the links below:Creating Futures That Work - https://futuresthatwork.com/The Art of Science Learning - https://www.artofsciencelearning.org/Harvey Seifter LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hseifter/---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Life of Henry V by William Shakespeare w/Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki---Delving into William Shakespeare’s The Life of Henry V, Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki analyze the cultural foundation of leadership, the decline of cultural confidence in Western societies, and the complex responsibilities leaders face when making consequential decisions. They connect Shakespeare’s lessons on accountability and mentorship to today’s leadership crises—highlighting generational gaps, the impact of cultural narratives, and how leaders can prepare to uphold a standard in turbulent times.Play: The Life of Henry VAuthor: William ShakespeareGuest: Zac StuckiHost: Jesan Sorrells---Time-Stamped Outline:---00:00 Debating France's royal succession21:07 Discussing OK Boomer Cultural Dynamics24:34 Emergence of New Political Powers42:06 Discussing future Shakespeare episodes43:58 Portraying the French as complex characters01:00:11 The thin red line of America01:05:25 Shakespeare's historical context and audience01:23:28 Defining true intelligence beyond academics01:31:32 Child's simple requests for water01:46:11 Current insurgency tactics and alliances01:55:04 Post-War Nuremberg Trials Discussion02:00:40 Discussing moral standards and politics02:15:59 Discussing King Harry's Agincourt dilemma02:28:08 Learning from older generations02:35:29 Wrapping up the podcast episode---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★