Leadership State Of Mind

Too many leaders are satisfied with just surviving. In this episode of Leadership State of Mind, Armon and Anthony break down why that mindset is toxic, how comfort leads to mediocrity, and what it takes to build a culture of thriving instead.We’ll cover:The difference between accountability and disciplineWhy you won’t reach everyone — and why that’s okayHow stagnancy breeds death (and mosquitoes)Practical steps to move yourself and your team into thrive modeLeadership lessons from books like The Traveler’s Gift and How to Work With Complicated People📘 Grab The 10 Leadership Commandments on Amazon to keep leveling up.🔗 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @LeadershipStateOfMind.

This episode of Leadership State of Mind breaks down the difference between management and leadership—and why the world needs more leaders right now. We share the truth about creating impact (spoiler: it requires collisions), over-communicating until your message lands, and turning brokenness into strength. If you’re ready to move beyond systems and inspire real change, this one’s for you.

What’s harder than making decisions as a leader? Making them when there’s no perfect answer. In this episode of Leadership State of Mind, Armon and Tony dive into the messy, powerful, and essential process of decision-making. They unpack: ✅ The cost of indecision✅ How to use frameworks like the OODA Loop and Eisenhower Matrix✅ Balancing people vs. mission✅ Why ego is a silent saboteur✅ How to build confident teams by being calm in chaos📚 Book Recs:Executive Toughness – Jason SelkThe Gifts of Imperfection – Brené BrownEgo is the Enemy – Ryan HolidayBlink – Malcolm GladwellWhether you’re a brand-new leader or a seasoned vet, this episode provides not just theory—but actionable clarity.

In this episode of Leadership State of Mind, we dive into goal setting, leadership presence, and overcoming obstacles with a no-nonsense approach.Tony and Armon discuss: ✔️ The importance of first impressions in leadership✔️ How to plan goals that actually get done✔️ Why alignment with your team (and family) matters✔️ The biggest mistakes leaders make when setting goals✔️ How to avoid burnout while chasing ambitious dreams💡 Whether you're stepping into a new leadership role, trying to balance personal and professional goals, or just want to improve your execution, this episode is packed with real talk, strategies, and leadership gems to help you move forward.Hit play and start leading with intention! 🚀* Discover how goal setting impacts your career and personal life.* Understand the power of alignment—why getting your family on board is key.* Get a step-by-step framework for breaking big goals into small, achievable steps.* Avoid the common pitfalls of goal setting that lead to frustration and failure.* Learn how to remove barriers that stop you from reaching your goals.* Find out why writing down your goals increases success by 47% (science-backed!).* Get real-world examples of how to structure your personal and professional goals.* Understand the importance of self-reflection in leadership growth.* Learn how to course-correct without feeling like a failure.🔗 Subscribe & Follow:

🔥 Confusing the Adversary: How Leaders Sabotage Success Without Realizing It 🔥What if your biggest adversary isn’t who—or what—you think? In this episode, Armon and Anthony break down the concept of “Confusing The Adversary,” showing how ego, emotional reactions, and miscommunication can undermine team success. Learn how to identify distractions, align your team’s focus, and turn frustration into productive energy.💡 Key Takeaways:✅ Why the mission doesn’t care about your feelings.✅ The dangers of emotional hijacking and how to combat it.✅ How unchecked egos create unnecessary adversaries.✅ Real-life leadership lessons from Navy experiences and sports analogies.✅ Practical steps to build team cohesion and avoid internal sabotage.👀 Don’t let personal feelings distract from professional goals. Watch now to become the leader your team needs!

The podcast episode dives deep into the themes of leadership consistency, accountability, and the importance of setting clear expectations for teams. The hosts, Anthony and Armon, discuss how ambiguity in expectations can lead to team failure and frustration. They emphasize that leaders must not only set clear expectations but also hold themselves to the same standards, recognizing that consistency doesn’t mean rigidity. They stress that effective leadership involves adaptability, collaboration, and aligning with the organization’s broader goals.A significant part of the conversation highlights the value of self-awareness in leadership, especially in reading the room and adjusting communication styles to meet diverse team needs. They also touch on how leadership requires humility, especially when handling mistakes and offering apologies to maintain trust. Towards the end, the hosts encourage leaders to be intentional with their philosophies and vision statements, refining these over time with feedback from mentors or team members.

Welcome to Leadership State of Mind, the podcast that dives deep into the realities of leadership, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Hosted by Tony and Armon, seasoned leaders with over 50 years of leadership experience, this show takes you beneath the surface, providing practical insights, candid stories, and actionable strategies to help you lead at your best—whether at work, at home, or within yourself. In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts, routines, and habits that empower you to become a more effective, energized, and resilient leader. We break down how small changes in your daily habits, from managing stress to improving your health, can make a massive difference in your leadership journey. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of trying to balance it all—work, family, personal well-being—this is the episode for you. By listening to this episode you will: Discover how improving your health can lead to better decision-making and leadership performance. Learn why sleep is critical for maintaining high energy levels and mental clarity. Get practical strategies for building a sustainable workout routine, even with a busy schedule. Understand the connection between nutrition and leadership effectiveness. Learn how to identify and overcome common energy drains throughout the day. Gain insight into creating consistent habits that support your long-term health goals. Explore the importance of emotional intelligence in managing stress and energy levels. Understand the role of supplements, like vitamin D, in supporting cognitive and physical health. Discover how staying hydrated can dramatically improve your mood, focus, and productivity. Learn time management techniques that allow you to prioritize both work and personal health. Find out how to incorporate intermittent fasting and smart coffee consumption for sustained energy. Discover the impact of poor diet choices on your cognitive performance and how to make healthier ones. Learn the importance of accountability in maintaining a consistent workout and nutrition plan. Understand how to adapt your routines when life gets in the way, so you never lose momentum. Explore how physical fitness directly correlates to mental toughness and resilience in leadership. Gain actionable tips on reducing alcohol consumption to improve health and leadership stamina. Learn how to avoid leadership burnout by proactively managing your health. Discover how improving your health habits can positively influence those around you. Learn how to make small, incremental changes that have a significant impact on your energy and performance. Understand why energy management is a long-term leadership strategy, not just a short-term fix.

In this heartfelt episode of Leadership State of Mind, we dive deep into the often-overlooked connection between family life and leadership. Armon and Tony share their personal stories about the importance of balancing ambition with the responsibilities at home. This episode uncovers the vulnerability leaders often feel when their work-life balance slips and offers strategies to maintain harmony both at home and in their careers. From lessons on grace and emotional intelligence to practical tips for prioritizing family, this episode provides an honest discussion on leadership that begins at home. In This Episode, You'll Learn: * How to recognize when you're overcommitted to work and what to do about it. * The importance of maintaining strong communication with your spouse or partner. * Why balancing family life is crucial for long-term leadership success. * Practical strategies to ensure you're giving enough attention to both home and career. * How to regain focus on what matters most at home and at work. * The value of support networks in fueling your ambition. * The role of emotional intelligence in balancing personal and professional life. * How to reframe mistakes at work and home as growth opportunities. * How to avoid common leadership pitfalls that affect your family life.

🧠 What if conflict was a sign of a healthy team? Join Anthony and Armon as they reframe how we view and handle conflict in leadership. In this episode of Leadership State of Mind, Armon Owens and Anthony discuss the multifaceted nature of effective leadership. They explore the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable voicing their opinions and challenges. The conversation covers strategies for handling conflicts, both planned and spontaneous, emphasizing the significance of intention, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. They also share personal experiences and practical tips on maintaining clarity, fostering a supportive culture, and recognizing the contributions of team members. The episode highlights that effective leadership involves continuous growth, learning from failures, and actively pouring into others. * Learn to handle conflicts effectively. * Create a psychologically safe environment for your team. * Develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence. * Gain insights into maintaining team clarity and focus. * Foster a culture of continuous improvement. * Improve communication and conflict resolution skills. * Learn to stay calm and composed during conflicts. * Enhance your ability to reframe negative situations. * Develop strategies for both planned and spontaneous conflicts.

In this episode, Armon and Tony address a problem that many leaders face: determining the true effectiveness of their teams. Dive deep into their conversation as they explore the nuances of assessing team performance beyond mere metrics. Learn about the critical role of psychological safety, the importance of maintaining a clear vision, and the necessity of fostering a culture of personal excellence. They share actionable strategies for building stronger connections with team members, creating an environment where innovative ideas can flourish, and ensuring that everyone feels safe to speak the truth. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights to help you measure and enhance your team’s effectiveness. Tune in to discover how embracing difficult situations can lead to significant growth, why retention and mentorship are vital, and how to align your team’s goals with your organization’s mission. Don’t miss out on these essential leadership lessons that can transform your approach and elevate your team’s performance to new heights! 00:00 Embrace the Difficult: Leadership Insights 01:48 Catching Up 02:32 Travel Tales and Family Time 07:09 Leadership Philosophies and Personal Growth 13:29 Books and Inspirations - The War For Art Steven Pressfield. - Right Thing, Right Now Ryan Holiday 28:27 Measuring Performance and Team Success The Pareto principle (also known as the 80/20 rule, the law of the vital few and the principle of factor sparsity states that for many outcomes, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes (the "vital few") 34:11 The Concept of Winning and Leadership Processes 35:06 Hiring and Onboarding in the Civilian Sector 37:14 The Importance of Vision and Alignment 39:45 Quantifying and Measuring Performance 41:33 Retention and Organizational Culture 46:42 Psychological Safety and Communication 54:31 Personal Excellence vs. Comparative Excellence 01:06:42 Training, Mentorship, and Leadership Development 01:09:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://linktr.ee/leadershipstateofmind

Are you a leader striving to make a lasting impact on your team and organization? Do you often find yourself grappling with the challenge of balancing short-term morale boosts with long-term cultural transformation? This episode is for you. In this episode of Leadership State of Mind, we dive deep into the essential yet often misunderstood difference between organizational climate and culture. Discover why focusing on culture is crucial for sustainable success and learn actionable strategies to build a resilient, high-performing team that thrives even in the face of adversity. 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Climate vs. Culture: Understand the immediate atmosphere vs. deep-rooted values that define your organization. • Building a Culture of Excellence: Learn how to create a foundation that outlasts short-term fixes and drives long-term success. • Leadership Pitfalls: Avoid the common mistakes of prioritizing climate over culture and see real-life examples of the consequences. • Accountability and Growth: Discover why accountability is the cornerstone of a strong culture and how to implement it effectively. • Microclimates: Find out how to foster pockets of excellence within larger, less supportive environments. 🗣️ Featuring: Armon and Tony are seasoned leaders with over 50 years of experience in shaping and transforming organizational cultures, listen as they share their personal stories, proven strategies, and powerful insights to help you navigate the complexities of leadership. 🌟 Why You Should Listen: If you're tired of the same old leadership advice and ready to implement real change, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a significant impact. Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, understanding and prioritizing culture will set you apart as a truly exceptional leader. 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don't miss out on future episodes where we explore more transformative leadership topics. Subscribe now, hit the bell icon, and join our community of forward-thinking leaders dedicated to continuous growth and excellence. ________________________________________ 📢 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. Let's build a community where we can all learn and grow together. 👥 Follow Us on Social Media: • Instagram/Threads: @leadership_state_of_mind ________________________________________ Together, let's create a culture of excellence. Tune in now and take the first step towards becoming the leader you aspire to be! #Leadership #CultureOverClimate #LeadershipStateOfMind #Podcast #LeadershipPodcast #OrganizationalCulture #SustainableLeadership #Accountability #Growth #Excellence

In this episode of Leadership State of Mind, we delve into the Navy's newly rolled out Culture of Excellence 2.0 plan, sharing our insights and personal experiences to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its significance. The discussion is rooted in our shared commitment to helping listeners become the best version of themselves, emphasizing the importance of leadership, team building, and personal development. Here’s what you can expect: *Core Values and Warrior Toughness: Learn how integrating these two elements can build resilient leaders capable of thriving under pressure. *Building Great People: Discover the secrets to fostering an environment that promotes personal and professional growth. *Developing Great Leaders: Get practical tips on cultivating character, competence, and a strong organizational culture. *Creating the Right Culture: Understand the importance of a positive team culture and how to establish it within your organization. *Building Great Teams: Gain insights into effective team-building strategies that enhance communication, mutual respect, and shared mission. Why You Can’t Miss This Episode: *Unified Leadership Language: Discover how the Culture of Excellence 2.0 provides a consistent and clear approach to leadership across all levels. *Proven Strategies: Benefit from Tony and Armon's extensive experience and practical advice on implementing these principles. *Real-Life Examples: Hear relatable stories and anecdotes that illustrate the impact of these strategies in action. *Actionable Insights: Walk away with concrete steps you can take to improve your leadership skills and team dynamics immediately. Books discussed: SuperCommunicators by Charles Duhigg Every Communicates, Few Connect by John Maxwell

*This podcast dives deep into the heart of effective leadership, challenging the traditional paradigms of command and control with the power of curiosity and empathy. Inspired by the lessons from the hit show Ted Lasso, we explore how shifting from a judgment-based approach to one led by curiosity can unlock unprecedented levels of innovation, trust, and performance within teams. Through engaging storytelling and real-life examples, this episode is a masterclass for anyone aspiring to lead with authenticity, foster a culture of inclusivity, and drive their team towards success in unconventional ways. If you’re ready to transform your leadership style and inspire those around you, this episode is a must-listen. * Discover the leadership secret that transformed a football team and can transform your team too. * Learn why curiosity might be the most underappreciated leadership skill. * Find out how empathy and understanding can break down barriers and drive success. * Unpack the Ted Lasso approach to leadership and its real-world applications. * Explore how being open-minded leads to unexpected victories. * Dive into the dangers of judgment and how it stifles potential. * Understand the role of personal challenges in developing leadership depth. * Get inspired by stories of transformation from judgment to curiosity. * Gain insights into creating a culture where every team member can thrive. * Discover how asking the right questions can reveal innovative solutions. * Learn strategies for fostering psychological safety and innovation in your team. * Hear why leadership by walking around revitalizes teams and leaders alike. Books discussed. - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Give and Take by Adam Grant - Legacy by James Kerr - The Fight To Lead by Armon Owens. https://a.co/d/aPwOk5K

In this conversation, we catch up after the holidays and discuss their goals for 2024. They share their book recommendations and favorite quotes, and discuss the importance of not confusing the adversary in leadership. They also discuss the need to be adaptable to the situation and avoid labeling people based on their generation. The conversation explores the importance of avoiding stereotypes and not putting people in boxes. It emphasizes the need to honor individuals as unique and diverse, rather than classifying them based on generational labels. The conversation also highlights the value of being open to new ideas and perspectives as a leader. It discusses the significance of being fluent in one's leadership style and being adaptable to different personalities and situations. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of being "like water" and being willing to consider input from others.

Dive into the essence of transformative leadership with a compelling episode from Leadership State of Mind. Join Armon and Anthony as they unravel the secrets to becoming a leader who not only inspires but also empowers their team to excellence. Discover how to shed your ego, leverage collective wisdom, and navigate the challenges of leadership with agility. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to be one, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to elevate your leadership game. Don't miss out on this journey to leadership greatness!

In this captivating episode of Leadership State Of Mind, we dive deep into the heart of leadership and explore why confidence is the secret sauce that can transform ordinary leaders into extraordinary ones. Join us as we unravel the importance of confidence in leadership and discover how it not only shapes the leader but also empowers those who follow. In our discussion, we draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Brian Tracy's "The Power of Self Confidence," as we explore how confidence is not a mere personality trait, but a skill that can be cultivated and harnessed. We unveil the key role that preparation plays in building and sustaining confidence, offering practical insights that can elevate your leadership game. 🚀 Learn how confidence can elevate your leadership, enabling you to inspire and motivate your team to achieve greatness. 📖 Gain insights from over 4 decades of experience in building successful leaders. 💪 Discover actionable strategies for building and boosting your confidence, rooted in real-world experiences and expert advice. 🔑 Uncover the link between preparation and confidence, and how you can implement these principles in your leadership journey. 🎙️ Engage with our dynamic discussion and hear inspiring stories that illustrate the transformative power of confidence in leadership. 🔥 Elevate your leadership skills and leave with a newfound sense of purpose and self-assurance. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that promises to unlock the hidden potential within you, guiding you towards becoming a more confident and effective leader. Tune in now to embark on a journey of self-discovery and leadership excellence!

In this compelling episode of "Leadership State Of Mind," we embark on an insightful journey into the heart of leadership resilience. Join us as we uncover the essential strategies for bouncing back from failure, a topic that every leader encounters on their path to success. Failure is an event, not a person, and embracing this fundamental truth is key to maintaining your integrity and character as a leader. We explore the art of humility, teaching you how to maintain your core values even in the face of adversity. But that's just the beginning. We'll show you how to quickly move past a failure, transforming it into a powerful learning phase that becomes a launching pad for future success. After all, going from good to great often depends on how we handle failure. In our discussion, we emphasize how the longer you hold onto a failure, the more of a liability you become to the people you lead. It's not just about your personal growth; it's about the growth and well-being of your team. Furthermore, we unpack the idea that failure is an inevitable part of leadership. What truly matters is how you frame it to yourself and to your team. As leaders, we have the privilege of defining the meaning associated with each failure, turning them into stepping stones towards greatness. Additionally, we explore the critical concept of building an environment where people can fail without fearing negative backlash. This safe space for learning and innovation can be a game-changer for your leadership and organizational success. Join us as we delve into these profound insights, share real-life stories, and equip you with the tools to become a resilient, empathetic, and impactful leader. Don't miss this episode that promises to transform your perspective on failure and leadership.

Join us in this captivating podcast episode as we unravel the critical connection between ethical development and leadership. Explore the journey from childhood morality to mature leadership ethics and understand how external influences shape our values. Learn how ethical development empowers leaders to navigate ever-changing environments and break free from societal expectations, paving the way for true leadership excellence.

In this captivating episode of The Leadership State of Mind Podcast, we delve deep into one of the pillars of emotional intelligence - Self-Regulation. Join us as we explore powerful stories that illustrate the consequences of lacking self-regulation and how it can lead to dire situations. Learn from inspiring examples of leaders who have harnessed the power of self-regulation to navigate challenging circumstances with finesse and grace. Discover the importance of self-regulation in effective leadership and how it can transform teams and organizations. But it doesn't end there. We uncover the impact of self-talk in difficult situations and how it can amplify negative, ego-driven responses. Tune in to explore practical techniques to counteract these effects and foster a more positive and balanced approach to handling challenges. Visualizing success is a key aspect of self-regulation, and we share actionable tips on using visualization to prepare for demanding interactions beforehand. By envisioning various outcomes, you'll feel more confident, equipped, and ready to handle whatever comes your way. Join us for this enlightening discussion as we equip you with invaluable insights and strategies to master self-regulation, enhance your emotional intelligence, and unleash your true leadership potential. Leadership State of MInd - Empowering you to be the best version of yourself!

Leadership State of Mind is back with part 2 of our deep dive into Emotional Intelligence. This week we go deep into the first attribute of EQ: Self-Awareness. Transformative Leadership at its core is about people. If you don't understand people, you will never be a good leader. That includes yourself! This is what self awareness is all about and why it is vital for us to grow this attribute. In this podcast, we explore the transformative impact of understanding yourself to better understand others. This podcast will help you understand the following: Why self-awareness matters: Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and development. When you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values, you can make better decisions, manage your emotions more effectively, and build stronger relationships with others. The benefits of self-awareness in the workplace: Self-awareness is a critical skill for leaders and team members alike. It helps you communicate more effectively, manage conflict more constructively, and collaborate more productively. How to develop self-awareness: Developing self-awareness is an ongoing process that requires reflection, feedback, and a willingness to learn. We'll explore some practical strategies for developing self-awareness, including reflection, mindfulness and seeking feedback from others. Overcoming common obstacles to self-awareness: We'll discuss some of the common barriers to self-awareness, such as biases, blind spots, and defensiveness, and provide tips for overcoming them. Truly, if you don't intentionally seek to improve your level of self awareness, your leadership results with plateau.