Unlocking Hidden Potential: The Leadership Shift That Transforms Teams In this episode, Jon Rennie sits down with executive leader, entrepreneur, and author Ernesto Gomez to uncover why so many organizations operate far below their true capacity — and what leaders can do to change that. Drawing from 30+ years of experience in the food service and consumer goods industries, Ernesto shares practical insights on culture, mindset, and talent development that help unlock the hidden potential inside teams. If you lead people, coach leaders, or want to build a high-performance culture, this conversation is full of ideas you can apply immediately. You’ll learn: • Why most teams only operate at about 50% of their potential • The leadership shift from push to pull motivation • How culture and mindset drive innovation and engagement • What “talent density” means and why it matters • Four keys to building high-performance teams • How young leaders can grow and stand out in their careers Ernesto’s new book Regrowth breaks down how organizations can overcome stalling by unlocking their people. It’s a powerful framework for leaders who want more creativity, ownership, and results from their teams. 📖 Get Ernesto’s book: Regrowth - https://amzn.to/44IpetS 🌐 Connect with Ernesto - https://aspenmindset1.com/ LinkedIn: Ernesto Gomez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernesto-g%C3%B3mez-arzapalo-8783ab43/ If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it. It helps us build a world with better bosses. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Project Management Mistakes Leaders Make and How to Fix Them with Clint Padgett In this episode, I’m joined by Clint Padgett, Navy veteran, accomplished CEO, best-selling author, and one of the most respected voices in project management today. Clint has spent more than 30 years helping global teams deliver high-stakes projects, from Coca-Cola’s Olympic activations to massive international initiatives across industries. We break down the common project management mistakes leaders make — and more importantly, how to fix them. Clint explains why people avoid real conversations, how miscommunication derails timelines, and why shifting the “worry curve” is the secret to avoiding last-minute chaos. His insights on conflict, culture, accountability, and team ownership will change the way you think about leading complex work. If you’ve ever wondered why your projects feel harder than they should, or why your team struggles with clarity and follow-through, this conversation will give you practical tools you can use immediately. In this episode: Why teams avoid conversations that matter How small misunderstandings turn into major failures The truth about conflict and why you need it How to shift the “worry curve” and eliminate last-minute panic Why people—not software—make or break your project How leaders can build clarity, accountability, and commitment Connect with Clint Padgett: Project Success: https://www.projectsuccess.comClint Padgett: https://www.clintpadgett.com If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it. It helps us build a world with better bosses. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Self-Leadership: The Essential Strategy Most Leaders Forget In this episode, I sit down with wellness pioneer and author Bija Bennett to explore a simple truth: you can’t lead others well if you’re not leading yourself. We talk about why so many leaders burn out, how constant digital noise disconnects us from our own thinking, and why slowing down isn’t indulgent—it’s strategic. Bija shares powerful ideas on self-awareness, emotional clarity, and what she calls “analog wellness,” practical habits that help you stay grounded, focused, and effective for the long run. If you’re feeling stretched thin or struggling to find space to think as a leader, this conversation will give you a fresh, much-needed reset. Listen in and learn:• Why self-leadership drives long-term performance• How stillness and silence improve decision-making• Why awareness, not hustle, is a leader’s biggest advantage• How to break the burnout cycle and lead with clarity Connect with Bija Bennett: Bija Bennett's website -> https://www.bijab.com/ Bija Bennett on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/bijab/?hl=en Bija Bennett on LinkedIn -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/bijabennett/ Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lead with Hospitality: The Secret to Inspiring People in Any Workplace with Taylor Scott In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by leadership expert and author Taylor Scott, who spent more than twenty years inside top hospitality brands. His message is simple and powerful: great leaders make people feel welcome, comfortable, and important. We break down the real meaning of leading with hospitality and why this mindset inspires teams in any workplace. Taylor shares stories from his career, the science behind emotional leadership, and the five core values that help leaders create a sense of belonging, trust, and genuine connection. If you want to improve your leadership, build stronger teams, and influence people through humanness—not authority—this conversation is a must-listen. In this episode you’ll learn: Why hospitality is a leadership superpower How to make people feel valued and inspired The emotional skill every modern leader needs How kindness and intentionality drive performance Practical ways to bring humanity back into leadership 📘 Learn more about Taylor Scott: leadwithhospitality.com - https://leadwithhospitality.com/ LinkedIn: Taylor Scott - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tscott1502/ Instagram: @TScott1502 - https://www.instagram.com/tscott1502/?hl=en If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who may need it. Let’s keep building a world with better bosses. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Never Quit: How an Underdog Navy SEAL Redefined Mental Toughness What does it take to push past pain, failure, and fear? In this episode, former Navy SEAL David Brown shares his incredible journey from a 5'3", 110-pound kid from coal country to one of America’s elite warriors. Against all odds, David earned his Trident, served around the world, and went on to lead major federal investigations. He opens up about the mindset that got him through SEAL training—twice—the lessons that shaped his resilience, and how to overcome life’s toughest battles. This is a raw, inspiring conversation about grit, mindset, and never giving up when the world says you can’t. 🎙️ In this episode: The mental toughness behind Navy SEAL training Why adversity doesn’t build character—it reveals it How to stay focused when everything hurts Lessons on perseverance, mindset, and leadership 📘 Learn more about David Brown and his book “And Goliath” at https://udtdave.com If you enjoy this conversation, please like, comment, and subscribe to help us build a world with better bosses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Leading in the Age of AI: The Human Advantage The AI revolution isn’t just changing technology—it’s changing what it means to lead. In this episode, Dr. Alfredo Borodowski joins me to explain why the future of leadership depends on our ability to stay human. We talk about AI-driven anxiety, how to build resilience in uncertain times, and why the most successful companies will be the ones that invest in people, not just technology. Dr. Borodowski also shares his powerful insight on moving from a culture of fixing to a culture of nourishing—a mindset every modern leader needs to thrive in the age of AI. 🎙 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the AI revolution is a human challenge, not just a tech shift How to help your team overcome fear and anxiety around AI The four elements of psychological capital every leader should know What it means to lead with strengths, purpose, and resilience 📘 Learn more about Dr. Alfredo Borodowski: https://positiveab.com Text POSITIVE to 33777 to discover your top five character strengths. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s leading through change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s our 400th episode of Deep Leadership! Thank you for listening and being part of this incredible journey. In this milestone episode, Jon Rennie talks with Salvatore Manzi, a leadership communications coach and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers with Bold Ideas. Salvatore shares how leaders, especially those with technical or analytical backgrounds, can turn complex ideas into messages that connect. He explains why metaphors move minds, how to use his “You, then Me” framework to build trust, and why introverts often make the best communicators once they learn to own the spotlight. If you’ve ever struggled to make your message stick, this episode will help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. 🎧 Listen to Deep Leadership on your favorite podcast platform 📘 Get the book Clear and Compelling 🌐 Learn more about Salvatore HERE 🌐 Salvatore Manzi on LinkedIn Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Servant Leadership in Action: Lessons from Ken Blanchard with Martha Lawrence What does it really mean to lead by serving others? In this episode, Martha Lawrence—executive editor at Blanchard and co-author of Trust Works—shares personal stories from her 20+ years working alongside Ken Blanchard, the legendary author of The One Minute Manager. We discuss: How Ken Blanchard helped make servant leadership mainstream Why catching people doing things right builds stronger cultures The story behind The One Minute Manager and Blanchard’s global impact What leading with love really looks like in practice The surprising lessons from Ken’s early life and family 📘 Martha’s new book: Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads 🌐 Learn more at kenblanchardbooks.com and marthalawrence.com 👉 Subscribe to Deep Leadership for more conversations that help you build a world with better bosses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Train to Lead: How to Build Leadership Strength Like an Athlete with Christian Muntean Leadership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you train for. In this episode, I talk with Christian Muntean, founder of Vantage Consulting and author of Train to Lead: A Proven 90-Day Guide to Building Leadership Strength. Christian’s clients have collectively grown their revenues by more than $500 million, all while improving their margins and freeing up their time. We explore: Why leadership should be developed like athletic strength How repetition and structure build leadership “muscle memory” The power of perspective in shaping team culture Simple daily habits to grow as a leader Why discomfort and accountability are key to leadership growth Christian shares how any leader—new or experienced—can create a personal training plan to become stronger, more confident, and more effective. 📗 Learn more about Christian and his work: https://christianmuntean.com 📘 Get the book: Train to Lead 🎧 Listen, learn, and start training to become the leader your team deserves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Being Valuable Matters More Than Chasing Titles with Kash Rocheleau In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by Kash Rocheleau, CEO of Icon Foods. Kash’s journey is remarkable—starting in accounting just six years ago and rising to the top leadership role of the company. She shares powerful lessons on: Why focusing on being valuable matters more than chasing titles How curiosity and lifelong learning fueled her rapid growth The importance of transparency and inclusion in leadership Balancing people and results in building a successful organization If you want practical, real-world leadership insights from someone who rose quickly to the CEO seat, this conversation will inspire you. 👉 Connect with Kash at iconfoods.com or on LinkedIn. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode to help us build a world with better bosses. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the key to engagement and loyalty comes down to just five promises? In this episode of Deep Leadership, Dr. Roger Gerard explains how leaders can: Prevent burnout by treating people as professionals, not commodities Build authentic trust that fuels performance Avoid the “cynics, apathetics, and naysayers” trap Keep teams motivated with five simple but powerful commitments Roger is an author, consultant, and keynote speaker who has spent decades guiding leaders toward authentic, people-focused leadership. If you want to strengthen your culture and earn the loyalty of your team, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Deep Leadership! Show resources: rogergerard.com Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Deep Leadership, I talk with Dr. Britt Yamamoto — educator, entrepreneur, and author of The Soil of Leadership and The Hyaksho Way. Britt introduces the idea of soil-based leadership, a powerful metaphor drawn from farming that shifts focus from short-term results to cultivating healthy conditions for long-term employee growth. We discuss: Why many leadership “fixes” fail when the cultural soil is depleted How to remediate and regenerate an organization’s culture The importance of story before strategy Why well-being must be central to leadership in today’s world If you’ve ever faced burnout, apathy, or disengagement on your team, this conversation will give you a whole new way of thinking about leadership. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Deep Leadership! Show resources: Thesoilofleadership.org Perennial.org The Soil of Leadership Book Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if your workplace was a place people actually wanted to be? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Tenney, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Inspire Greatness: How to Motivate Employees with a Simple, Repeatable, Scalable Process. Matt’s TED Talk has been viewed over a million times, and he has helped leaders at organizations such as Salesforce, Marriott, and United Airlines build engaged, high-performing teams. We talk about: Why traditional performance reviews fail employees and leaders alike How to shift from being a boss to being a coach The secret to building accountability and engagement Why love should be a leader’s top priority Practical steps to create workplaces people actually love 👉 If you’re serious about improving your company culture and inspiring greatness in your team, this conversation is for you. Show resources: matttenney.com peoplethriver.com Matt Tenney’s TED Talk Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Deep Leadership, we’re discussing Inspiring Leadership for Today’s Changing Workplace. I sit down with Dr. Matt Poepsel, Marine Corps veteran, author of Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work, and leadership expert. We talk about: The lessons the military teaches about balancing mission and people Why outdated leadership models no longer work in today’s workplace How younger generations are reshaping what leadership looks like The role of fear, ego, and selflessness in becoming a truly great leader Practical steps leaders can take to inspire trust, foster belonging, and prepare for the future of work If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with your team, lead with purpose, and thrive in a rapidly changing world, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Deep Leadership for more conversations with today’s top leadership thinkers. Show resources: Dr. Matt Poepsel on LinkedIn mattpoepsel.com Expand the Circle Book Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you leading on autopilot? In this episode of Deep Leadership, Scott Burgmeyer joins me to explain why so many leaders fall into the trap of shallow thinking — and how to break free. We discuss: Why autopilot decision-making holds leaders back The hidden personas that drive shallow thinking A simple model to help you reflect, think deeper, and lead with clarity How leaders can challenge themselves and their teams to grow 🎧 Episode Title: Deep Thinking: The Secret to Better Leadership If you want to move beyond surface-level problem-solving and lead with greater insight, this conversation is for you. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Deep Leadership for more conversations with today’s top leadership thinkers. Show resources: Think: The Road Less Traveled Book Become More Website Scott Burgmeyer on LinkedIn Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, and we’re discussing the subject of Unlocking Authentic Leadership. Sylvia is a senior executive coach with 30 years of experience, who helps C-Suite leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers thrive in today’s complex and fast-moving world. She is the founder of the SMART Power method, a groundbreaking approach for succeeding in complexity, with greater impact and ease. Her clients have included UNHCR, European Central Bank, Allianz Global Investors, Red Cross, and Amazon. She is also the author of the bestselling book Who’s In Charge?: Lead with Real Power and Create an Impact in a Chaotic World. In this book, Sylvia helps leaders become more resilient and powerful, combining success with fulfillment. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn more about Unlocking Authentic Leadership. Show resources: Who’s In Charge? Book Smartpowermethod.com Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, I’m joined by Bob Carrothers, and we're talking about Thriving as a Leader by not Walking Alone. Bob is a Master Chair at Vistage Worldwide and brings over 29 years of experience in leadership development and executive coaching. Bob facilitates peer-to-peer boards of CEOs and executives, creating environments conducive to skill enhancement, informed decision-making, and superior results. He offers individual coaching, arranges expert speakers, and provides access to a global network of over 45,000 board members spanning 35 countries. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about Thriving as a Leader by not Walking Alone. Show resources: Bob Carrothers on LinkedIn vistage.com Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, I’m joined by Sean Glaze, and we’re talking about how to fix the real issues holding your team back. Sean is a sought-after leadership and workplace culture speaker who gained valuable insights on turning talent into teamwork as a successful basketball coach – and now he travels around the country to share those actionable lessons. Sean’s engaging conference leadership, keynotes, and custom team building programs have helped clients like Cisco, John Deere, the CDC, and Emory University to increase collaboration, boost productivity, and build Sticky Cultures that inspire more profitable teamwork. Sean’s books, Rapid Teamwork, What Effective Leaders DO, The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates, and Staying Coachable are entertaining parables that accelerate the growth of leaders and teams. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about how to fix the real issues holding your team back. Show resources: Sean Glaze’s website Sean Glaze on LinkedIn Tool Box Stuff Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, I’m joined by Angela Lewis, and we’re discussing Unstoppable Leadership. Angela is a former professional basketball player, championship-winning coach, and the Head of Operations at SpeakerHUB—a global platform that helps speakers grow their visibility and influence. Drawing from over two decades of experience in sports, education, and entrepreneurship, Angela now empowers elite performers to lead with clarity, communicate with confidence, and bounce forward from life’s toughest setbacks. She’s also the author of multiple books and the creator of the 6V Framework for personal and professional growth. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn from her experience and to discuss Unstoppable Leadership. Show resources: Angela Lewis’s website Angela Lewis on LinkedIn Angela Lewis on Instagram Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, I’m joined by Margaret Graziano, and we’re discussing Why Most Company Cultures Are Fake and How to Fix Yours. Margaret has spent her life reinventing herself. She has gone from being a single mother at 19, working at the first Cable TV company, to leading one of the fastest-growing consultancies and becoming a bestselling author. Margaret has continually taken on challenges and learned to move beyond her limits to live a life that inspires and contributes. Using a unique combination of experiential coaching, science-backed development tools, and actionable strategies, Margaret empowers leaders to evolve and enhance their organizational cultures, enabling them to meet today’s challenges. She is the author of Ignite Culture: Empowering and Leading a Healthy, High-Performance Organization from the Inside Out. I’m excited to have her on the show to discuss Why Most Company Cultures Are Fake and How to Fix Yours. Show resources: Margaret Graziano’s website Ignite Culture Book Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices