In The Lead

Are you running as fast as you can just to keep from falling off the treadmill? In this episode of In the Lead, we kick off a vital two-part series on Efficacy—the power to produce a result. We dive deep into the "vicious cycle" of turnover and burnout that plagues many healthcare facilities, exploring the scientific reason smart leaders get stuck: The Capability Trap.Learn why we instinctively "steal" time from long-term improvements to surviving the daily grind, and how this creates a "resource debt" that eventually leads to system collapse. We discuss the Brave Interruption—the moment a leader must jam a bar into the spokes of a failing system to prioritize mentorship and belonging over quick fixes. Whether you are short-staffed or just overwhelmed, this episode provides a roadmap for acknowledging the cycle, gaining team buy-in, and drawing a starting line toward a more sustainable future.

In this poignant second installment on leadership and candor, we continue the conversation with Jerry Batterbee, Denise McGarvey, and Martha Blackburn. While the previous episode focused on the "spine" of leadership—the courage to speak hard truths—this session delves into its soul.Our guests challenge the modern obsession with climbing the corporate ladder, suggesting instead that true influence is a "life laid down." They argue that leadership isn't a title to be demanded, but a role earned through humility, service, and character. From sweeping parking lots to offering a single sentence of life-changing encouragement, the discussion highlights how small acts of investment build the trust necessary for honest "ministry of candor."By shifting the focus from self-promotion to empowering the next generation, this episode redefines a successful leader as someone dedicated to working themselves out of a job.

In this episode of In the Lead, host Nathan Metz sits down with guests Jerry Batterbee, Denise McGarvey, and Martha Blackburn in Brooksville, Florida, to explore the character strength of candor—the courage to speak truth with grace. Together they unpack how honesty, trust, and timing shape authentic leadership. From protecting others through tough decisions to balancing humility with decisiveness, the conversation reveals that true candor begins with motive and grows through relationship. Listeners are challenged to face difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and courage—leading in ways that build trust and personal growth across every team.

In our latest episode, we pull the mission statement off the wall and put it into the crosshairs of the Monday morning boardroom. We sat down with the Corporate Ops team to see what happens when the "theory" of a mission hits the "fog" of regulations, construction projects, staffing shortages and clinical pressures. What we found wasn't a rehearsed corporate script, but a raw conversation about the "engineers of calm". We heard why a leader’s laptop can sometimes act as a wall between them and the people they serve. We explore the radical idea that compassion is a finite resource, and that a mission’s primary job is to act as a shield, protecting your team’s capacity to care by saying "no" to profitable distractions. From the "airport chaos" of an anxious lobby to the "fried eggs" of the pandemic, we discuss why true leadership means stripping away the frills to protect the human promise. It’s a deep dive into the difference between the "garnish" and the "core," and how total alignment gives your team the ultimate leadership gift: the freedom to run free.

In this first episode of season two of In The Lead  we explore the mission statement’s evolution from a 1500s Jesuit mandate into a vital modern management tool. Host Nathan Metz takes this opening episode to analyze how "the fog of growth" creates organizational entropy, causing departments to drift into conflicting "mini-missions". By examining the "Corporate Trinity"—vision, values, and mission—the episode defines a true mission as a "no machine" and a decision-making razor. Beyond mere "word salad" slogans, a lived mission transforms the biology of a team, replacing survival mode with "shared flow" and turning daily tasks into meaningful rituals.

Following the first half of this conversation on the personal strength of celebration, we now turn to the leader. What happens when a leader celebrates? Are there right/wrong ways to do it? Has there been a leader who celebrated you in a memorable way? Host Nathan Metz is joined again by his friends (and coworkers) Angie, Kim, Amy and Brooke to discuss leaders who celebrate.

For an episode on celebration, I gathered a few of my friends around a table. They also happen to be coworkers...but as you'll hear from the conversation, they know a thing or two about the topic. Over the course of four short segments, you'll grab a few tips and tricks to help you grow in your encouragement and celebration of others.

Building of our last conversation on listening, Amy here identifies the specific impacts in leadership. The power of a listening leader is felt in every corner of the team and on every level. This episode is full of notable ideas, key takeaways and practical steps that work here and now.

What is the most treasured and rare strengths that should be normal and accessible? Listening. It sounds like an easy task. Just don't talk. Listen. But it's more than that...it's a skill. For this episode, host Nathan Metz met up with one of the best listeners he's known, Amy Luedtke. In this first episode on the topic, they discuss listening in a way that may be completely new to you. All you need to do is listen.

Change is the only constant. Our personal relationship with change has a dramatic impact on the way we lead through change. In this first episode on the subject, we'll focus on three ideas related to personal change. You'll get a clear picture to consider and then a minute to reflect. Take this time to invest in yourself for meaningful growth.

We're back for part two with the chaplains conversation about empathy. Sitting around a kitchen table, Alissa, Taylor and Brad share thoughts and experiences about the relationship between empathy and leadership. This rich dialogue is packed with ideas, tools and methods that will transform your leadership!

Join host Nathan Metz as he invites three chaplains for lunch around his kitchen table. They discuss empathy from all angles! What does it look like? What does it cost? How can it grow?

Leading with integrity is easier said than done. It's not just about setting goals, rules or boundaries. It's about keeping to those lines, even if it means losing sometimes. In this second episode with special guest, Gary Ott, we're covering some of the harder angles of integrity as it applies to leadership. Gary shares some of his stories and insights from nearly forty years of business.

Gary Ott founded TLC Management in the late 1980's and led thirty years of growth by doing it the right way. In this first half of our conversation, Gary outlines what he believes to be central to personal integrity. Along the way, he shares stories of his highs and lows, deep challenges and the valuable lessons he's picked up through it all.

There is a common belief in the workspace that good workers show their value with more effort, more time, and more energy. There's a difference between "more work"and "good work". In fact, in this episode we learn that working harder sometimes yields less productivity! As guest Brian Scramlin reminds us: "you can't beat biology".

Rest is more than just sleep. It's easier than vacation. It's as necessary as water. Without rest, your body doesn't have what it needs to perform highly or healthily for the long haul. What is it? What does it do? What happens when it doesn't happen? We're joined by guest, Brian Scramlin, to gather a few insights, look at it from a new angle and even give it some real time practice.

Step into the rolling hills of Rebi, Alberta, and join us for a special episode of In the Lead as we visit Jeanette Oak, one of Canada’s most celebrated authors. At 90, Jeanette reflects on a lifetime of creativity, sharing wisdom on balancing innovation with life’s responsibilities, the importance of rest, and the enduring drive to express oneself. Discover practical insights for leaders seeking to foster creative energy in themselves and their teams. With vivid storytelling and heartfelt advice, this episode is a masterclass in sustaining creativity and leadership through every season of life

Daniel and Jordan Rife are musicians. They lead worship, a task that includes everything from strong leadership skills to song writing to musicianship and performance. Every week they put together a new set list with a new band, pumping out creative ideas one after another. In our first conversation on creativity, we're asking them, "how do you do it!?!" You will gain valuable notes on topics such as protecting creative space and developing creative muscle. All this builds the personal foundation for next weeks conversation on leadership skills such as innovation, adaptability and ingenuity.

This second half of our discussion with Dr. Brian Fry covers key communication topics such as being direct, personalizing encouragement, normalizing feedback and fostering virtues. Fry challenges us to "back up into" the character strengths we desire by practicing them. He also shares the power of being direct, saying "this is what I want" or "this is what I am hoping for" in order to create clarity in the team. After all, can we ever be too clear?

Explore the power of presence and vulnerability in leadership communication with Dr. Brian Fry on this episode of In The Lead Podcast. Host Nathan Metz explores strategies for seeking honest feedback and leading with authenticity. Discover why character and intention matter as much as technique, and walk away with actionable questions and insights to transform how you connect, listen, and lead. This episode offers real-world wisdom for building trust and fostering genuine connection.