The 3x5 Leadership Podcast

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! Occasionally, we all catch ourselves thinking, “someone should do something about this.” Maybe the issue is in your neighborhood, your favorite coffee shop, or your workplace. And maybe—whether you realize it or not—you’re the “someone” who should do “something.”  In this episode, we’ll show you how taking initiative can elevate your leadership and position you as a catalyst for meaningful change within your team or organization. We’ll offer a fresh perspective on initiative and help you push through the internal hesitation that often keeps people from stepping forward.  You’ll also see how your initiative can influence others when you begin applying practical habits like:  Changing your attitude toward problems—and therefore changing how you respond to them  Approaching challenges methodically, with enough energy to both begin and persist  Refusing to stop when something reaches the “done” pile, and instead building momentum for what comes next  Many of the most meaningful improvements in any organization began because one person chose not to wait. The changes you admire likely came from someone doing what others noticed but avoided. This episode is your reminder that leadership often begins before permission is given. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to step forward, this is your encouragement to become the kind of person who sees what needs to happen—and starts.  Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #15 My Best New Management Practice for the Year #19 Delegate Better #40 Don’t Let Your Books Die on the Shelf: Building a Reflection System for Leaders Things We Reference in the Episode Book by Brendon Burchard, The Motivation Manifesto Bood by Clay Scroggins, How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at the Welcome page. Introducing our Leadership University coming in a few months! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! We spend a lot of time talking about leading others and leading well. But what about leading ourselves? What does that mean, and how can we do it well? Leading yourself means taking charge of the resources that only you can control, which are your time and attention. And to do that well means to effectively employ the management tools that also help teams of any size make meaningful progress. This episode will give you three management tools to start taking control of your personal resources to make better use of your time, plan ahead instead of react to everything, and streamline your own execution. We believe that these tools and methods are foundational to getting organized, staying organized, and spending your time and effort on things you really want to see move forward in your work and life. This episode will give you the resources you need to: Set up a recurring schedule that keeps you on task and on track to your big goals Keeps your priorities front-and-center, helping reduce distractions by the less important but seemingly urgent Get the necessary things done and make more room for strategic thinking and planning We all have the same number of hours in a day, but the way we spend them can be wildly different. These self-management tools will help get you on track to become more effective in the things that mean the most to you, while maintaining the consistency and reliability that people around you depend upon. Things Referenced in This Episode Reference example battle rhythms here Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #15 My Best New Management Practice for the Year #19 Delegate Better #40 Don’t Let Your Books Die on the Shelf: Building a Reflection System for Leaders Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at the Welcome page. Introducing our Leadership University coming in a few months! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! Why are we so drawn to stories about dominant sports dynasties, elite military units, and wildly innovative organizations? It’s not just the wins—it's the cohesion we admire. We’re captivated by teams that overcome overwhelming odds, build record-breaking streaks, and turn bold ideas into reality. What we’re really admiring is how tightly aligned, committed, and connected they are. Most of us, however, have served on teams that lacked that kind of cohesion—the kind that makes you dread showing up. Instead of energizing, those teams drain us. In this episode, we’ll break down what sets cohesive teams apart from the ones that lack it, and what you can start doing today to build cohesion within your own team. You’ll get practical ways to start building it immediately, by doing things like: Aligning everyone behind a clear mission, shared goals, and agreed-upon methods Establishing social norms that resolve conflict productively Creating intentional opportunities to learn one another, grow together, and do hard things side-by-side Cohesion can make or break a team in any industry. The way it’s built will look different in every environment, but the principles are universal. We’ll give you the concepts you need to identify how cohesion is (or isn’t) being built on your team and how to start shaping a team where your people are proud to show up. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #17 Stop Having Terrible Meetings #27 Why Team Rituals Matter (and 5 Ways to Build Them for Your Team) #42 Stop Chasing Harmony: Why (and How) Leaders Lean into Conflict Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at the Welcome page. Introducing our Leadership University coming in a few months! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! You’ve heard us say this across the 3x5 Leadership platform: No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Put into a single word, we’d call that kindness. But why focus on something that feels like a soft skill when you could be improving efficiency, refining management practices, or updating mission and vision statements? Because most people don’t fully hear—or believe—what you have to offer unless they know it’s for their benefit. At our core, we all want to feel seen, valued, and heard, and our first instinct usually isn’t to wonder whether the person speaking to us feels the same way. In this episode, we make the case for kindness by clarifying what kindness is—and what it is not—and by sharing simple ways you can show greater compassion toward the people on your team, including: Asking how someone is doing before asking them to do something Truly listening and remembering what matters to people Showing gratitude in small but meaningful ways Kindness may not top your leadership development goals this year, but we believe it’s foundational to how we interact with others and to the meaning we all draw from the time we spend at work. When we bring more compassion into the workplace, we create a more meaningful impact—not just on performance, but on the lives and careers of the people around us. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #16 How to Lead with Gratitude This Year #34 Seeing Candor Differently: Turning Toward People’s Bids for Connection #37 Leadership Worth Remembering: 10 Types of Moments the Leaders We Remember Create Things Referenced in the Episode Interactional Justice, Work and Family Researchers Network Books by Adam Grant, Give and Take and Think Again Book by Daniel Coyle, The Culture Code Book by Kim Scott, Radical Candor Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at the Welcome page. Introducing our Leadership University coming in a few months! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! Leadership or management—this is an age-old question of which to embody, develop, or prioritize within an organization. Leadership is often celebrated as the pinnacle: we talk about leading studies, leading scientists, and world leaders. No one ever talks about managing studies, managing scientists, or world managers. But here’s the truth: management is vital to the success of every one of those “leading” organizations, efforts, and people. No leader can succeed without the systems and mechanics that make results possible. In this episode, we’ll show you why both leadership and management are essential to both your process and your outcomes. We’ll break down the key components of each practice, clarify how they differ, and show how they work together so you can: Define purpose while establishing effective processes Determine direction while coordinating execution Motivate people while monitoring performance Don’t rush past this conversation. Doing so risks overlooking gaps in your own leadership or management approach—both of which directly shape the results you see in your team and organization. While mastering both is a lifelong pursuit, this episode will help you take the first steps toward leading and managing well. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #5 Four Strategies to Schedule Your Self-Development Better #15 My Best New Management Practice for the Year #28 Balancing Stability and Stretch: Lead Your Team’s Routine…Then Its Growth Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at the Welcome page. Introducing our Leadership University coming in a few months! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! Growing up, many of us were required to write—for grades, for applications, or for self-expression. Maybe your five-paragraph essays were critiqued for weak transitions, or maybe you kept a diary that would make you cringe if anyone ever read it. Either way, looking back on all those written or typed words might make you question their value in shaping who you are or how you lead today. This episode is an argument for those essays, journals, and diaries—just in a more updated and intentional form. We believe communication is so critical to leadership that the practice of writing directly shapes what you say, how you say it, and how clearly you think—whether you’re talking to yourself, your team, or the world. In this episode, we’ll explain why writing matters so much and help you start (or restart) a writing habit with practical considerations like: Writing things down as soon as they happen or cross your mind, because clarity and insight fade quickly Getting clear on why you want to write and how it will make you a better leader Creating a simple process and structure that builds accountability and protects space for focus and reflection You’re reading or listening to this episode because, at some point, reflection and writing became important to us. At 3x5 Leadership, we believe so strongly in its value that we wanted to share this framework with you—so you can develop yourself as both a communicator and a leader, even if the early stages of your writing feel a lot like that old childhood diary. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #11 Words Matter: 10 Ways to Be More Intentional with Your Words #26 The 12 Things I Wish I Knew 12 Years Ago #40 Don’t Let Your Books Die on the Shelf: Building a Reflection System for Leaders Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at the Welcome page. Introducing our Leadership University coming in a few months! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! When asked why we became leaders, many of us can point to someone who once inspired us to lead. What was it about that person that made you want to be like them? For most of us, it wasn’t their title or accomplishments—it was who they were and how they treated us. In this episode, we introduce seven habits that intentional—and inspirational—leaders have the audacity to practice. We use the word audacity because these habits push against the status quo of productivity, efficiency, and comfort that our world naturally defaults to. We believe these seven habits interrupt the quiet “drift” toward norms that keep leaders from becoming truly inspirational. We’ll share practical recommendations that highlight the importance of things like: Fully devoting your attention to the person who walks into your office, regardless of what you’re doing Coaching and intentionally expressing gratitude on a regular basis Protecting your team’s attention from being pulled in too many directions This episode isn’t meant to convict you for moments when busyness has won your time and focus. Instead, it’s meant to reconnect you with why you became a leader in the first place—whether because you had a great leader or believed you could become one. We think you’ll walk away with ideas that help you become the reason someone else chooses to lead, too. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #16 How to Lead with Gratitude This Year #25 What Happens When Leaders Act Like Coaches #37 Leadership Worth Remembering: 10 Types of Moments the Leaders We Remember Create Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership. Introducing our Leadership University coming in a few months! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! At 3x5 Leadership, we talk a lot about the importance of listening—and for good reason. Better listening leads to better leadership. But as leaders, we can’t spend our days simply listening without direction. People rely on us to lead them, guide meetings and conversations, and drive discussions toward clarity and problem-solving. If you’re working on becoming a better listener, we commend you—there is always value in listening more and listening well. In this episode, however, we want to help you get even more out of what your team is already telling you by learning how to ask better questions, with the right intent behind them. Knowing the right words to ask is one thing. Asking questions with the right intent is something entirely different. We’ll start by exploring why the motivation behind your questions matters just as much as the phrasing, and then we’ll share practical ways to apply this skill, including: Using appropriate timing—and intentional silence—when asking questions Asking more by saying less Offering verbal and non-verbal feedback that shows you’re truly hearing what’s being shared This episode provides tools we believe you’ll use in every aspect of your work and life, and it complements everything we’ve already discussed about improving communication within your team. You’ll leave each day with a deeper understanding of your people—and they’ll leave feeling genuinely heard and understood. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #1 Three Powerful Questions to Think, Communicate, & Lead Better #32 Listening Like a Leader #35 The Anti-Humility Trap: When Leaders Talk Too Much Things Referenced in the Episode Book by Brendon Burchard, The Motivation Manifesto. Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership. Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! If you work with people, conflict is unavoidable. If you haven’t experienced it—or think you’ve managed to avoid it—you may want to keep reading to understand what you’re missing… or avoiding. Conflict is challenging, uncomfortable, and often stressful, and depending on how we respond to it (or don’t), it can create even more problems for both leaders and teams. If conflict could be predicted, prevented, or resolved on its own, we’d eliminate a significant source of stress in our workplaces. But when you understand the roots of conflict, the outcomes it can produce, and the opportunities it presents, you’ll begin to see why avoiding conflict often does more harm than good—and why leaning into it matters. In this episode, we take a deeper look at why conflict arises no matter where we work, the implications of how it’s handled, and the common mistakes leaders make when trying to navigate it. We’ll help you think through questions like: Why do some people seem to be involved in more conflict than others? As a leader, how does my view and treatment of conflict shape team dynamics? How can I classify, clarify, and resolve conflict in a way that’s productive—without damaging trust? Our hope is that this episode helps you recognize the opportunity embedded in every conflict—not just to resolve the issue at hand, but to establish a shared framework for how your team approaches conflict moving forward. This kind of shift doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence, courage, and honest leadership, you can build a team that grows stronger—not weaker—each time conflict arises. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #14 Ten Lessons in Developing Culture #22 How to Deal with Conflict #34 Seeing Candor Differently: Turning Toward People’s Bids for Connection Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership. Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.   You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify!  The Eisenhower Matrix is a well-known tool for determining what needs our attention. But what do we do when we’re overwhelmed, unsure of where to start, and everything on our mental to-do list feels equally important? And how can we be sure that we’re prioritizing the right tasks when our bosses and organization may have their own expectations?  In this episode, we’ll introduce you to three enduring priorities that will help guide your decision-making, work-related tasks, and even navigate conflicts. We all have limited capacity, and when it’s running low, it’s crucial to know what should come first—and what can wait for another time.  Once we unpack these enduring priorities, we’ll share the benefits of using this approach, along with wisdom from our own experiences, such as:  How putting others' priorities first can give you leverage to accomplish what matters most to you  Why focusing on your own priorities first might make others feel that you’re ignoring their needs  How this method improves efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring you’re always moving forward in a meaningful way  We believe this framework will bring clarity to your decisions as a leader and team member, allowing you to stay focused on what’s right and support your organization’s upward mobility. By applying this method consistently, you’ll build reliability and consistency—ultimately making space for you to do what is most important to you.  Related Episodes  Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.   #10 How to Make Ethical Decisions #19 Delegate Better #22 How to Deal with Conflict Things Referenced in the Episode  Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Find the 2x2 Eisenhower Matrix graphic here! Book by Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Book by Todd Henry, Herding Tigers Books by Jim Collins, Good to Great and Built to Last Discover More  Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.   Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership today.  Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.   You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify!  A proactive leader isn’t just invested in the growth of their team—they’re also committed to their own personal development through continuous reading and learning. If you consider yourself a “lifelong learner,” you probably have a list of books you can easily recall and recommend, or at least keep written in a notebook somewhere. But here’s the question: how many of those books have truly had a profound impact on your leadership and life?  In this episode, we’ll focus on the self-improvement you’re already pursuing through reading—and show you how to make that learning more impactful, memorable, and relevant across all areas of your leadership.  We’ll introduce a system of five steps to help you get more out of your reading, learning, and reflection. This system is neither quick nor convenient, but it’s incredibly impactful and will deepen your appreciation for the lessons you’re learning. You may not read more books this way, but the quality of your retention and the attention you give to the content you consume will have a lasting effect, such as:  Building a portfolio that documents, consolidates, and synthesizes the ideas you gain through reading  Bringing together key insights from various sources, allowing bigger ideas to take root and grow in your life and leadership  If you’re someone who collects books like trophies for your library, this system may not be for you. But if you’re ready to remember and truly be transformed by the books you choose to read, then this episode is the perfect place to start.  Related Episodes  Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.   #13 You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup #15 My Best New Management Practice for the Year #32 Listening Like a Leader Things Referenced in the Episode  Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.   Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership today.  Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.   You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify!  We all recognize ownership when we see it—the employee who goes out of their way to meet a customer’s needs, the team member who steps up when a coworker faces a family emergency, or the workplace where everyone seems genuinely engaged. But what sets these individuals apart? More importantly, what are their organizations doing to foster that sense of ownership?  In this episode, we’ll explore the foundational mindset of ownership—where it starts, how it develops, and how it drives exceptional performance. The interesting part? People don’t walk into a new workplace with ownership fully cultivated; we have to nurture it in them.  The good news is that no matter where your team members start, you can help them develop an ownership mindset that will set your organization apart. We’ll share practical tools to begin building this mindset right away, such as:  Helping them understand the bigger picture by communicating the context of their work and the decisions behind it  Building trust in their abilities through training, certifying, and empowering  Giving them more authority and responsibility, enabling them to reach new levels of performance  Ownership is one of those principles that’s obvious when it’s present—and painfully absent when it’s not. By taking small, intentional steps, you’ll raise your team’s “give a care” factor, leading to a major impact on both performance and culture.  Related Episodes  Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.   #9 Two Tools to Improve Team Motivation (Part 3 of the Motivation Series) #20 How to Get People to Care #30 From “I’m Not Important” to “I’m Contributing to Something Important” Things Referenced in the Episode  Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Book by L. David Marquet, Turn the Ship Around!  Book by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, and Vikram Malhotra, CEO Excellence Book by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, An Everyone Culture: Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization Discover More  Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.   Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership today.  Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!   

Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to fill your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! When you look at your work calendar, where do you see “leader development”? And when your team sees it, what does it mean to them? If it’s a laid-back hour of lecture or forced group discussions, it might be time to reconsider. In this episode, we’ll dive into the 70-20-10 model for development planning and show you why those lectures and discussions only cover about 10% of what a leader truly needs to grow and thrive. The remaining 90%? It doesn’t require a ton of extra effort on your part as the leader developer. What it takes is intentionality and building relationships that reinforce the experiences your team is already having. These experiences might look like: Delegating an initiative to someone who’s not quite ready, then supporting and coaching them through the execution Assigning a new hire to a cross-functional project, helping them build connections across departments Letting a junior leader make a critical decision and backing them up—no matter the outcome We believe that implementing this model won’t cost you much time or resources, and we’ll share actionable ideas to help you put it into practice right away. When you do, you’ll see your leader development results soar, as people gain the core experiences and insights that amplify the impact of your lectures and discussions. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #18 How to Make Leader Development Easier #29 The Most Common Leader Development Mistake…and How to Fix It (Hint: Start with Why) #33 Three Ways Leaders Use Feedback to Create Developmental Experiences Things Referenced in the Episode Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Book by Michael Lombardo and Robert Eichinger, The Career Architect Development Planner. The Center for Creative Leadership. The 70:20:10 Institute. Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well! 

Welcome to the 3x5 Leadership Podcast! You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, this weekly show fills your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.  You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify!  Do you remember that time you failed miserably at a task or project, and your boss reacted in a way you didn’t expect? Or can you recall a conversation that transformed the trajectory of your career—and maybe even your life?  In this episode, we explore these “moments” that memorable leaders create—moments that spark growth, foster belonging, and lead to many other positive outcomes. We’ll share personal stories of moments that could have ended in embarrassment—or worse—but instead, became opportunities for growth and impact.  Why strive to become a memorable leader? Because, ultimately, it’s not about you. These moments do incredible things for others, like:  Fostering authenticity and creating a safe space for learning and growth  Leading by example, demonstrating the discipline and work ethic that elevate any team  Building resilience by helping others tackle hard challenges and learn from setbacks  Our goal is to inspire you to reflect on the memorable moments others have created for you along the way and see how you can do that for others. Plus, we’ll give you practical ideas to implement these ten moments into your own routine and workplace so that you, too, can “pay it forward” and make a lasting impact.  Related Episodes  Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.   #12 Developing Junior Leaders #25 What Happens When Leaders Act Like Coaches #34 Seeing Candor Differently: Turning Toward People’s Bids for Connection Things Referenced in the Episode  Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Discover More  Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.   Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership today.  Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!   

Welcome to the 3x5 Leadership Podcast! You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, this weekly show fills your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! We all know the life-giving benefits of gratitude. So why, as leaders, is it so hard to consistently express it? What gets in the way—and why do we keep ignoring those barriers? In this episode, we explore the real reasons leaders push their thank-yous to the bottom of the priority list. From feeling like there’s never enough time, to avoiding interactions that feel awkward or vulnerable, we unpack the truths behind why well-intentioned leaders frequently skip expressing gratitude. Most importantly, we’ll show you why the benefits of gratitude far outweigh those subconscious concerns (or conscious rationalizations). Expressing gratitude: Boosts engagement, performance, and retention Reinforces the positive, creative, and dedicated behaviors you want to see more of Builds deeper connection by making your leadership more authentic and human We hope this episode encourages you to reassess how consistently you show gratitude to your team. With small, intentional shifts that cost little-to-nothing, you can create meaningful improvements in your culture—and transform your workplace into one where people feel valued and energized. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes. #14 Ten Lessons in Developing Culture #16 How to Lead with Gratitude This Year #31 Dispelling Six Myths About Feedback Things Referenced in the Episode Referenced research in the episode: Many employees feel underappreciated at work and would like a ‘thank you’ more often How to Express Gratitude at Work The Power of Gratitude and Recognition in Transforming Work Culture Gratitude Is a Leadership Strategy: The Science Behind Appreciation How to Show More Gratitude at Work: Giving Thanks Makes You a Better Leader Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time. Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership. Check out our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 Leadership Podcast! You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, this weekly show fills your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! We all know people who just talk too much. Sometimes, those people are in our workplace. And sometimes, we’re the ones dominating the conversation, demonstrating what we call “anti-humility” behaviors. In this episode, we’ll explore three common anti-humility traps, which may often be disguised as good intentions. These traps are important to recognize because they can lead to harmful assumptions from those around us, like: My input doesn’t matter here My leader doesn’t value what I say or even want to hear it My experience is less important than theirs We’ll shed light on how these behaviors take up too much space in the conversation and share practical ways to step back and create room for others to contribute. When you do this, you’ll foster a culture where people feel seen, heard, and valued, and thus, able to thrive. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.  #4 To Die at the Door #30 From “I’m Not Important” to “I’m Contributing to Something Important” #32 Listening Like a Leader Things Referenced in the Episode Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.   Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.  Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!

Welcome to the 3x5 Leadership Podcast! You can’t pour from an empty cup. This weekly show fills your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! As leaders, we often face unexpected and unpolished criticism and challenges. How do you respond to these small forms of feedback? What’s lying beneath the surface of that sly comment or unsolicited complaint? In this episode, we’ll dive into the concept of “bids” for connection―those small but meaningful moments when someone is trying to engage with you. We believe that understanding these bids can make all the difference in your relationships with your team (and at home!). Why is it so important that you key into these bids? Because how you respond will: Foster a culture where people feel safe to speak up, share thoughts, and challenge the status quo Build stronger, more genuine connections, creating trust that lasts Make you a better colleague, friend, spouse, and parent along the way Our goal is to shift your perspective on the bids that might otherwise cause you to put up walls or disengage. By decoding the deeper meaning behind these small interactions, over time, you will build a strong sense of trust, belonging, and safety, both at work and at home. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.  #4 To Die at the Door #14 Ten Lessons in Developing Culture #22 How to Deal with Conflict Things Referenced in the Episode Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Research by Dr. John Gottman. Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.  Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership today. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well! 

 Welcome to the 3x5 Leadership Podcast! You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, this weekly show fills your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! We talk a lot about feedback at 3x5 Leadership, but how can you be sure your feedback encourages development within your people, and translates into real progress for your team? How can we make the most of the feedback sessions we’re scheduling…or should they be feedback sessions at all? This episode is all about developmental experiences, which, over time and with deliberate action, become the day-to-day norm in a growth-minded organization. By separating the three elements of what we commonly call “feedback,” we can start building this culture for our team. We’ll help you see the differences between evaluation, coaching, and appreciation, and how those translate into the different types of developmental experiences you can create for your team. Then, we’ll show you how to start shaping those experiences by taking actions like: Determining whether you’re offering all three types of feedback Coming alongside your people as a coach Establishing the right balance based on the individual needs of your people Integrating feedback into your organization can be a daunting task. But we believe that by breaking it down into these three types and forming them into developmental experiences, feedback will become a core part of your culture, providing clarity and encouraging progress daily. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.  #14 Ten Lessons in Developing Culture #25 What Happens When Leaders Act Like Coaches #31 Dispelling Six Myths About Feedback Things Referenced in the Episode Introducing our Leadership University, which is coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Book, An Everyone Culture, by Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey Center for Creative Leadership’s Handbook of Leadership Development Book, Thanks for the Feedback, Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen Research by Dr. John Gottman Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.  Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership today. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!  

Welcome to the 3x5 Leadership Podcast! You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, this weekly show fills your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! Why is listening one of the simplest yet hardest skills for leaders to master? It turns out, it’s not just about hearing words; it’s about truly connecting. What if speaking less and listening more could transform not only your work but your personal relationships too? In this episode, we dive deep into why listening is a game-changer for leadership. You’ll learn how actively listening can build stronger relationships with your team and make you a more effective leader. First, we’ll discuss the vital importance of listening. Then, we’ll discuss some simple things you can do to show people you’re really listening to them, such as: Making eye contact and truly removing distractions Asking good questions and paraphrasing so they know you understood what was said Reading between the lines of their words–body language and tone Amongst all the things you have to offer your team–your ideas, feedback, coaching, and plans–we believe that listening is one of the most powerful tools you can give them. And we believe this episode will help you understand how to incorporate active listening into your leadership style–and into your life–creating stronger, more connected relationships. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.  #4 To Die at the Door #13 You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup #30 From “I’m Not Important” to “I’m Contributing to Something Important” Things Referenced in the Episode Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Book, The Culture Code, by Daniel Coyle Book, Radical Candor, by Kim Scott Book, Herding Tigers, by Todd Henry Book, Leadership is Language, by L. David Marquet Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.  Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!  

Welcome to the 3x5 Leadership Podcast! You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, this weekly show fills your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally. You can listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify! “Feedback” – we see and hear that word everywhere these days. But what actually constitutes feedback? And are you making the most of the feedback you give and receive? In this episode, we dispel six common myths about feedback, and how you can start getting more out of your conversations, your own productivity, and that of your team. We look at the who, what, where, when, and how of feedback, to include: Who owes you feedback? What does “good” feedback look like? (hint: all feedback is good) When is your job “done” when it comes to feedback? We’ll give you the answers to these questions and actions you can take to start taking immediately to improve the feedback you give and be more receptive to the feedback you receive. We believe that by improving the feedback loop within your life and team, you’ll see tremendous personal growth and better team performance. Related Episodes Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.  #11 Words Matter: 10 Ways to Be More Intentional with Your Words #22 How to Deal with Conflict #26 The 12 Things I Wish I Knew 12 Years Ago Things Referenced in the Episode Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.  Book, Insight, by Tasha Eurich.  Discover More Like and Review the Show! If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to give the show a like and review. It builds our credibility, helping others discover the show and know it’s worth their time.  Join Our Email List. When you do, you’ll get free, weekly insights sent straight to your inbox to help fill your cup as a leader. Subscribe and learn more at 3x5 Leadership today. Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!