#24 What You Condone, You Endorse with 8th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster Rick Rando

What You Condone, You Endorse with 8th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster Rick RandoIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff interviews Grandmaster Rick Rando, 8th Degree Black Belt, owner and president of Kick Masters Karate and host of the Victory Couch Podcast. Rick shares insights from his extensive career in martial arts and business leadership. He discusses the importance of maintaining high standards, recognizing and addressing toxic influences, and the significance of servant leadership. Rick also recounts his journey from starting martial arts to owning a thriving business, highlighting key lessons learned along the way, especially during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode emphasizes the value of humility, continuous improvement, and building trust within teams. Rick's personal experiences and practical advice offer valuable takeaways for leaders in any industry.00:00 Overcoming Toxic Relationships in Leadership00:53 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show02:13 Rick Rando's Martial Arts Journey Begins04:46 Early Leadership Lessons and Family Influence06:04 Building a Successful Martial Arts Business12:06 Servant Leadership and Team Culture19:36 Balancing Humility and Confidence23:11 Challenges and Growth in Business27:12 Adapting to COVID-19: Safety Measures and Challenges28:10 The Importance of Systems in Business29:15 Continuous Improvement and Efficiency31:45 Self-Leadership and Personal Growth35:41 Building and Trusting Your Team44:00 Lessons from Disney: Leadership and Service47:02 Personal Development and Influences49:46 The Role of Family in Leadership52:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Grandmaster Rick Rando:Email: [email protected] LinkedInrandospeaks.comThe Victory Couch Podcast (with Julie Rando)Rick's Recommended Reading List:The Go-Giver — Bob BurgThe Customer Rules — Lee CockerellRich Dad, Poor Dad -  Robert KiyosakiThe Tipping Point - Malcom GladwellUncommon - Tony DungyRick's Recommended Podcast:EntreLeadership - Dave RamseyThat Sounds Fun - Annie F. DownsFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]