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172: Lead Yourself First episode artwork

Aug 16, 2026 6 min

172: Lead Yourself First

from Performance Unlocked Hosted by Desmond Aberdeen

Everybody wants to lead, but leadership starts long before you’re responsible for a team, a business, or an organization. It starts with you. In this episode of the Performance Unlocked Podcast, Desmond Aberdeen breaks down why self-leadership is the foundation of every other form of leadership. If you can’t keep commitments to yourself, hold yourself accountable, and execute when nobody is watching, how can you expect others to follow your standard? Leadership happens in private. It’s getting up when you said you would. Making the call you’ve been avoiding. Having the difficult conversation. Doing the work even when motivation disappears. Because before you can become someone other people trust to lead them, you have to become someone you trust to lead yourself. Today’s challenge: Pick ONE thing you’ve been telling yourself you’re going to do, and do it today. No excuses. No negotiation. The standard is execution. 🔥 Ready to operate at a higher level? Apply to join the Performance Unlocked: Inner Circle, a private network focused on execution, deal flow, accountability, and real results. Apply here: https://forms.gle/xhAejhrv68TnDVdi9 🎙️ Performance Unlocked Podcast Raise your standard. Lead yourself first. Execute.

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172: Lead Yourself First

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The HCI Executive Edge HCI Podcast Network Welcome to ”The HCI Executive Edge,” where we delve into the realms of executive development and coaching to unlock the full potential of leaders like yourself. In each episode, we bring you enlightening conversations with renowned executive coaches, leadership experts, and industry thought leaders. Together, we explore the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts necessary to sharpen your leadership skills and gain that competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape. Join us as we uncover the secrets to effective leadership, delve into the art of decision-making, and navigate the complexities of organizational change. We address critical topics such as emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and cultivating a high-performance culture, all essential elements for driving sustainable growth and innovation. Leadership Unlocked: How Wise Leaders Win in an Era of AI Dusty Holcomb, Leadership Systems & Delegation Expert AI isn't making leadership less important. It's making great leadership more valuable and exposing the flaws of leaders who aren't ready.Leadership Unlocked explores what it takes to lead well in the age of AI. Hosted by Leadership Consultant, Author, Keynote Speaker and Leadership Strategist Dusty Holcomb, the podcast explores the intersection of AI and leadership, helping CEOs, founders, and senior leaders understand how artificial intelligence is changing the way they lead, make decisions, build teams, and get work done.AI can amplify a great leader or magnify the weaknesses of a bad one. Each episode explores AI adoption and the leadership skills that AI can't replace: judgment, wisdom, discernment, accountability, and the ability to lead people through change.Dusty explores AI leadership, AI adoption, AI for leaders, executive leadership, leadership development, AI strategy, AI decision-making, leading AI teams, and the future of leadership.Whether you're trying to stay re Bookshelf Brilliance Vincent Monteleone Unlock classic wisdom from must-read books without ever turning a page with Bookshelf Brilliance. Join us as we distill essential teachings from renowned authors into bite-sized episodes, enriching your knowledge and bringing you closer to your goals during your daily activities. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, hitting the gym, or discreetly tuning in at work, we’ve got you covered. Dive into the books you’ve always meant to read, even on your busiest days, and seize the opportunity to make the most of your time with conveniently delivered classic teachings. Get ready to have classic wisdom unlocked right in your earbuds.

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This episode was published on August 16, 2026.

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