Raising Little Leaders: Dr. Josh McConkey & Joseph Yakovetic on Heart-Centered Leadership

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Josh McConkey and Joseph Yakovetic to explore why leadership and resilience must start at a young age. Dr. McConkey—military colonel, ER physician, and author of Be the Weight Behind the Spear—shares why today’s mental health challenges inspired him to write his first children’s book, The Heart of a Leader. Joined by world-class Disney illustrator Joseph Yakovetic, the conversation dives into how empathy, teamwork, and character can be taught through storytelling and art. From translating adult leadership principles into lessons kids can understand, to the creative collaboration behind the book’s powerful visuals, this episode is a masterclass in shaping the next generation of leaders—on the field, in the classroom, and in life.