What Great Leaders Know About People, Purpose, and Growth - Scott Powell

What happens when your career, identity, and future all seem uncertain at the same time? In this episode of Find Your Brightside, Jerry Joyner sits down with Scott Powell, leadership coach at HKS and former Southwest Airlines leader, for a conversation about service, resilience, personal growth, and the power of investing in people. Scott shares stories from his journey growing up in Ohio, serving in the United States Navy, living in Antarctica, competing in Ironman World Championships, and spending more than two decades helping shape the legendary culture at Southwest Airlines. He also opens up about one of the most difficult moments of his life - being laid off after 23 years with the company he loved - and how that experience forced him to separate his identity from his job and rediscover his purpose. Along the way, Scott offers practical leadership lessons on coaching versus managing, building meaningful workplace culture, work-life integration, accountability, communication, and why the most effective leaders focus on people first. Whether you're leading a team, navigating career transitions, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on growth and purpose, this conversation is packed with wisdom you can apply immediately. Connect with Scott Powell on LinkedIn: Scott-Powell3. Find Your Brightside is a podcast dedicated to sharing stories of resilience, hope, leadership, and personal transformation. Because when you shine a light, even just a little, people find their way.