Progress Over Perfection: Jared Cagle on Leadership, Legacy & Living a Life of Significance
Description
What does it take to lead one of the world’s most trusted leadership brands, launch multiple bestselling books, and still stay grounded in family, faith, and humility?In this episode of the More Than Before Podcast, host Nathan Cook sits down with Jared Cagle, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, overseeing publishing, content development, and talent management. Jared’s journey from small-town Georgia to influencing global leadership culture is full of powerful lessons on identity, humility, and choosing progress over perfection.From growing up as the son of Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor, Casey Cagle, to discovering significance in helping others succeed, Jared shares how gratitude, servant leadership, and family values have shaped every step of his story.He also opens up about personal crucible moments—losing loved ones, navigating calling and career, and learning that success means nothing without significance.If you’ve ever wrestled with comparison, perfectionism, or the desire to do something that truly matters, this conversation will inspire you to take your next step — no matter how small — and live a life that’s more than before.💡 Key Themes & Takeaways:Progress Over Perfection: Why consistency beats comparison every timeSignificance Over Success: Helping others win leads to deeper fulfillmentLeadership at Home: How to stay present with family while pursuing purposeFaith in the Furnace: Lessons from loss, calling, and characterServant Leadership: Stewarding opportunities with humility and gratitudePublishing & Creativity: What it takes to write words that truly connectCoffee & Connection: Why every person deserves great coffee and great conversations☕️ Resources Mentioned:🎧 Maxwell Leadership Podcast — Hosted by John Maxwell, Mark Cole & Team📘 From Drift to Drive by Chris Robinson📗 Work With What You’ve Got by Ryan Leak☕️ Craftsman Coffee Co. — “Everyone deserves great coffee.”📖 John Maxwell’s Books — Timeless leadership wisdom🕒 Timestamps00:00 – The Power of Helping Others Win01:30 – Introduction to Jared Cagle03:00 – Growing Up in Gainesville, Georgia05:40 – Early Dreams, Sports, and Learning Lessons09:45 – Living in His Father’s Shadow & Finding Identity14:00 – The Gratitude Shift That Changed Everything18:30 – Competing With vs. Against Others21:20 – Crucible Moments That Refine Leadership25:40 – Lessons from a Generous Father-in-Law28:00 – Saying “Yes” and Stepping into Opportunity31:00 – Behind the Scenes: Writing with John Maxwell37:00 – Books vs. Songs: The Art of Connection40:00 – Coffee, Culture, and Creating Space for People42:00 – Protecting Family While Pursuing Growth47:30 – Why Progress Always Beats Perfection51:00 – The Book He’d Write for His Children54:30 – Legacy, Leadership, and Living More Than Before👉 Don’t just be inspired — take action!Start your own progress over perfection journey today:Subscribe to the More Than Before Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Leave a review and share your biggest takeaway from Jared’s story — how are YOU choosing progress over perfection this week?Grab a cup of Craftsman Coffee, open a Maxwell Leadership book, and invest in your growth.🔑 SEO Keywordsleadership development, John Maxwell, Maxwell Leadership, servant leadership, personal growth, progress over perfection, faith and leadership, Jared Cagle, Nathan Cook podcast, legacy, family leadership, gratitude, success and significance, Christian leadership, purpose-driven life, coaching, mentorship, writing a book, publishing insights, Craftsman Coffee Company🏷️ Hashtags#LeadershipDevelopment #FaithDrivenLeadership #JohnMaxwell #ProgressOverPerfection #MoreThanBefore #PersonalGrowth #ServantLeadership #LegacyLeadership #PodcastForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLife #ChristianLeadership #NathanCook #JaredCagle #MaxwellLeadership