You Have to Learn to Follow First: How Humility, Mentorship, and Proximity Changed Everything (Part 3 of 7)

Before you can lead anyone — you have to learn to follow first.In Part 3 of 7 of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast's Speaking Truth to Power series, Phillip McKibbins opens with one of the most powerful mentorship stories in the series. He shares how his mentor Wendy Ong — a force of nature in the entertainment industry — called him out in a meeting, challenged him to fix his organization in 30 days, and then spent the next several years teaching him how to show up in rooms most technologists never enter. Including her hair salon.Phillip also reveals that he is an introvert — and how Wendy taught him to hold a cranberry juice, make small talk, and build the proximity that eventually changed his entire career trajectory. He closes with the story of how Erin St. Marshall — the first Black woman CEO of a major sports franchise — interviewed him for the Dallas Mavericks role, and why who you are as a person matters more than what you know.In Part 4 the conversation takes an unexpected and deeply personal turn — a brain tumor, a divine encounter on the operating table, and a faith that carried him through it all.What you will learn in this episode:- Why learning to follow is the foundation of every great leader's story- How Wendy Ong used proximity and uncomfortable situations to build a future executive- Why social presence and human connection are non-negotiable for C-suite advancement- How introverts can build the executive presence required at the highest levels- Why who you are as a person will always be the deciding factor in the rooms that matterThis episode is for you if:- You are technically strong but struggle with the social side of leadership advancement- You want to understand what real mentorship looks like at the executive level- You are an introvert navigating rooms that reward extroversion- You are ready to hear how following with humility produces leadership authority👤 View Phillip McKibbins' guest profile, resources, and contact informationChapters00:00 Aligning Technology with Business Goals01:04 Overcoming Social Anxiety06:17 Embracing Discomfort in Social Situations16:06 Confidence in Leadership 21:38 Faith and Relationships***********************************📺 Watch This Episode on YouTubeClick here to watch the full video of this episode. ***********************************🌐 Visit the Leadership Sovereignty HubEverything you need to lead with clarity, confidence, and strategy — in one place.https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com- Listen to or watch our full episode library- Download free leadership frameworks, guides, and tools- Read in-depth show notes and guest takeaways- Submit your leadership questions or episode topic suggestions***********************************📩 Get Every Episode Delivered to Your InboxJoin the Leadership Sovereignty newsletter and get new episodes, leadership insights, and exclusive resources — plus get instant access to our free AI Toolkit: the practical guide smart professionals use to think clearer, communicate better, and make smarter decisions at work.*Sign up for our newsletter************************************⭐ Help a Leader Find This ShowIf this episode added value to your leadership journey, take 60 seconds to leave a rating or review. Every review puts this content in front of another professional who needs it.🟣 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a Rating on Spotify✍️ Leave a written Review***********************************🔁 Know Someone Who Needs to Hear This?Share this episode with a colleague, mentor, or team member who would benefit from this conversation. Leadership grows when we invest in the people around us.***********************************📲 Follow the ConversationStay connected and join the leadership conversation on social media.▶️ YouTube🔗 LinkedIn📸 Instagram🎵 TikTok🧵 Threads🐦 X📘 Facebook***********************************🎤 Work With Ralph & TerryLooking for dynamic speakers for your next event or leadership summit? Ralph and Terry bring executive-level insight, real-world leadership strategy, and an engaging presence that moves audiences to action.*Connect with us************************************💰 Support Independent Leadership MediaThis show is independently produced to keep the content unfiltered and audience-first. If these conversations are helping you lead better, your support directly funds the next conversation. ★ Support this podcast ★ ***********************************📄 Full Episode TranscriptClick here to view the episode transcript.