PODCAST · business
Leading Across Boundaries
by Scott Acker
The Long Journey to Leadership is a podcast for those who understand that leadership is not a destination, but a lifelong process of growth, reflection, and action. In this series, we explore what it truly means to become an effective leader—drawing from personal experiences, diverse leadership styles, and lessons learned in the field.Each episode dives into leadership through a new lens, whether examining a high-profile decision made on the world stage, unpacking a leadership failure in the news, or exploring how different styles—transformational, servant, adaptive—play out in today’s complex environments.We bring in practical insights, thought-provoking questions, and real-world examples to guide current and aspiring leaders in navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape. Whether you're leading a team, managing change, or striving to lead from within, this podcast helps illuminate the journey—with honesty, humility, and purpose.
Episodes
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S6 - E6 - The Inner Life of a Leadership - Staying True to Your Identity
What happens when your values are tested by pressure, expectations, and the desire to succeed? In this episode of Leading Across Boundaries, Scott Acker explores the challenge of staying true to your identity when doing the right thing isn't necessarily the easiest option. Discover how integrity...
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S6 - Special Episode - When Leadership Breaks Down: Can Leadership Principles Help Restore Global Harmony
What happens when leadership breaks down—not just within organizations, but across communities, institutions, and the world? In this special episode of Leading Across Boundaries, I explore the role leadership can play in navigating a world increasingly shaped by conflict, division, distrust,...
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S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E5 - Leadership and Identify
Who are you becoming as a leader? Leadership isn't simply a position, a title, or a set of skills. Over time, our values, choices, behaviors, and experiences shape our leadership identity. In Episode 6 of The Inner Life of a Leader, we explore the difference between doing leadership and becoming…
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S6 - Inner Life of a Leader E4 - What Do You Stand For
As leaders, we all have values and convictions—but leadership reveals their true importance when those values are tested. In this episode of Leading Across Boundaries: The Inner Life of a Leader, Scott Acker explores what it means to identify the principles that guide our decisions…
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S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E3 - The Leadership Journey
Leadership isn't a destination—it's a lifelong journey of growth, reflection, and intentional development. In this episode of Leading Across Boundaries, Scott Acker explores why the most effective leaders never stop learning. Discover how experience becomes wisdom through reflection, why…
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S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E2 - Self Awareness
Self-awareness is one of the most important — and most difficult — leadership skills to develop. In this episode of the Leadership Journey Podcast, I explore blind spots, emotional triggers, feedback, and the gap between intent and impact. Learn why leadership growth begins with honest...
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S6 - The Inner Life of A Leader E1 - The Leader Within: Where It Really Begins
Leadership doesn’t start with a title — it starts within. In this opening episode of Series 6, I explore the internal foundation of leadership, including self-awareness, mindset, discipline, and the habits that shape how leaders show up under pressure. Before you lead others, you must first...
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S5 - PM as.a Leader - E10 Transition from PM to Organizational Leader
In the Series 5 finale I explore the transition from delivering projects to shaping organizations. This episode dives into systems thinking, leadership identity, and how influence scales beyond individual teams. Learn how great leaders move from execution to designing environments where success...
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S5 - PM as a Leader E9 Leading Up - Influencing Sponsors and Executives
In this episode of the Leadership Journey Podcast, I explore how project leaders can effectively communicate with sponsors and executives, frame decisions, and build credibility upward. Learn how to move from reporting status to shaping outcomes — and why these same leadership principles apply…
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S5 - PM as a Leader - E8 - Decision Making with Incomplete Information
Project leaders rarely have perfect information when important decisions must be made. In this episode of the Leadership Journey Podcast, I explores how leaders balance speed and certainty, clarify risk, and guide teams through ambiguity. Learn practical frameworks for making responsible…
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S5 PM as a Leader E7 Trust Credibility and Reputation Capital
In Episode 7 of the Leadership Journey Podcast, we explore how trust is built, how it’s quietly lost, and how reputation capital compounds over time in project leadership. Learn the four pillars of credibility, how to lead under pressure, and why ownership and transparency are your greatest...
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S5 PM as a Leader - E6 - Leading Through Conflict and Tension
Projects are built on competing priorities, limited resources, and strong perspectives, which means conflict is inevitable. In this episode, I explore how project managers can move from avoiding tension to structuring it productively. You’ll learn practical frameworks for navigating disagreement,...
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S5 - PM as Leaders E5 - Becoming the Multiplier Not the Bottlenect
Many project managers slow their teams down without realizing it, not from lack of effort, but from caring too much and staying at the center of every decision. In this episode of The Leadership Journey Podcast, I explore explore how project managers can shift from being the hub of activity to...
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S5 - PM as a Leader - E4 Coaching Instead of Controlling
Under pressure, many project managers default to control, telling instead of asking, fixing instead of developing. In this episode, I explore how coaching creates stronger teams, better decisions, and sustainable performance, even when you don’t have formal authority. Learn how to replace...
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S5 - PM as Leaders - Delegation Without Direct Reports
Project managers are accountable for results, but often without formal authority. In this episode of The Leadership Journey Podcast, I explore how to delegate work, decisions, and ownership when no one reports to you. Learn practical strategies for creating clarity without hierarchy, empowering...
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S5 PM as a Leader - E2 Thinking Like a Leader Not a Planner
Project managers are trained to plan — but leadership requires more than schedules and task lists. In this episode, we explore the critical mindset shift from planner to leader, focusing on outcomes, clarity, anticipation, and judgment. A must-listen for project managers ready to lead, not just...
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S5 - PM as a Leader - Leading Without Authority
Project managers rarely get authority — but they’re expected to lead anyway. In this episode, I introduce a new series focused on project managers as leaders, not just coordinators. We explore what leadership really looks like when you don’t control titles, priorities, or performance reviews, and...
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S4 - From Manager to Leader - E5 - Becoming a Multiplier Not a Bottleneck
Great leaders don’t slow teams down — they accelerate them. In this episode, I explore how leaders unintentionally become bottlenecks and how shifting to a multiplier mindset unlocks capability, confidence, and momentum across a team. Practical, reflective, and deeply relevant for anyone ready to...
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S4 - From Manager to Leader - E4 - Coaching Instead of Controlling
This extended episode explores how leaders unlock true performance by coaching rather than controlling. You’ll learn the mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and real-world techniques that help teams think independently, take ownership, and grow into capable leaders. Discover how coaching builds...
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S4 - From Manager to Leader - E3 - Delegating with Intention
Delegation isn’t about offloading work — it’s about developing people, building trust, and amplifying your leadership. In this episode, In this episode I break down the mindset, methods, and real-world examples of intentional delegation, showing how it transforms teams and accelerates growth.
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S4 - Special Episode - Employees Do Not Leave Companies - They Leave Bad Leaders
This special episode of The Long Journey Toward Becoming an Effective Leader tackles one of the most misunderstood truths in the modern workplace: employees rarely quit organizations—they quit the leaders who shape their daily experience. Through real-world stories, practical insights, and honest...
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S4 - From Manager To Leader - E2 - Thinking Like a Leader
In this episode, I explore the single biggest shift that separates managers from true leaders: the way they think. From seeing beyond daily tasks to recognizing patterns, anticipating outcomes, and empowering others, leadership begins in the mind long before it shows up in behaviour. Through...
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S4 - From Manager to Leader - E1 What got you here will not get your there
In this kickoff to Series 4, I explore the pivotal leadership truth every new leader eventually discovers: the skills that made you a successful individual contributor won’t carry you into effective leadership. Through real stories, practical insights, and lessons learned the hard way, this…
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S3 - Navigating Change - E5 - Building Resilience in Your Team
When everything seems to be falling apart, great leaders help their teams rise stronger. In this episode, Scott shares real stories and practical tools for building resilience — keeping people motivated, connected, and confident even in the toughest moments.
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Series 3 - Navigating Change - Episode 4 - Making Decisions With Limited Information
In leadership, waiting for perfect clarity is often the riskiest choice of all. In this episode, I explore how great leaders make smart, timely decisions even when the data is incomplete, the stakes are high, and uncertainty feels overwhelming. Through Canadian corporate and political examples,...
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Series 3 - Navigating Change - Episode 3 - Leading Through Crisis
In this episode, I explore what true leadership looks like when everything feels uncertain. From navigating organizational upheaval to supporting teams under extreme pressure, Leading Through Crisis reveals how empathy, trust, and calm direction can keep people grounded when challenges hit…
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S3 - Leading Through Change - E2 - Staying Grounded When Everything Shifts
In a world where change never stops, true leadership begins with steadiness. In Episode 2: Staying Grounded When Everything Shifts, I explore how grounded leaders maintain clarity and calm under pressure. Through real-world examples—from Canadian business and public leaders to personal...
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S3 - Leading Through Change - E1 - The Nature of Change
In this opening episode of Series 3: Leading Through Change, I explore what change really means for leaders — why it’s constant, disruptive, and ultimately full of opportunity. Through real-world corporate, political, and military examples, I reveal how great leaders turn uncertainty into growth,...
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Series 2 - Leading Others With Purpose - Episode 6 - Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
In this episode, I explores why emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. I will share real-world examples of leaders who built strong teams by showing empathy and awareness—and the damage caused when EI is missing. Listeners will take away practical ways to strengthen their…
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Series 2 - Leading Others With Purpose - Episode 5 -Trust - The Hidden Engine of Great Teams
Trust is the foundation of every high-performing team—but it’s fragile, easily lost, and often overlooked. In this episode, we explore how leaders can build, maintain, and repair trust in the workplace, drawing on real-world examples from Canadian corporate, political, and military leaders, as…
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Series 2 - Leading Others With Purpose - Episode 4 - Leading Difficult Conversations
In this episode of The Long Journey Towards Becoming an Effective Leader, I explore the art of leading difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and courage. From handling conflict on a development team to global examples of leaders navigating crises, this episode provides practical tools...
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Series 2 - Leading Others With Purpose - Episode 3 - Giving and Receiving Feedback
In this episode of Leading Others with Purpose, we will dive deep into the art—and science—of giving and receiving feedback. From navigating uncomfortable conversations to building a culture where feedback fuels growth, this episode offers practical strategies, real-world examples, and proven...
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Series 2 - Leading Others with Purpose - Episode 2 - Listening Like a Leader
In this episode of The Leadership Journey Podcast, I will explore why great leadership starts with great listening. Learn how to move beyond hearing words to truly understanding your team—and why listening might be the most powerful tool in your leadership toolkit. With real-world examples and...
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Series 2 - Leading Others With Purpose - Episode 1 - The Power of Presence
Presence isn’t about charisma or commanding attention—it’s about how fully you show up for others. In this episode, we explore what true leadership presence looks like, why it matters, and how to cultivate it through small, intentional habits. You’ll hear real-world examples of leaders who…
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Series 1 - Becoming a Leader - Episode 5 - Leading Upwards — Inspiring Those Who Lead You
In this special bonus episode, we explore the often-overlooked art of leading those above you. Learn how to influence with integrity, offer upward feedback with courage and tact, and inspire senior leaders to walk the talk. Packed with global examples, emotional intelligence insights, and…
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Series 1 - Becoming a Leader - Episode 4 - Inpiring Lasting Impact
In the final episode of our core series, we explore what it means to lead with purpose and create a legacy that lasts. Through real-world stories and personal reflections, we uncover how great leadership isn’t just about results — it’s about the ripple effect you leave behind. Discover how to…
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Series 1 - Becoming a Leader - Episode 3 - Building and Empowering Your Team
Discover how effective leaders build trust, foster collaboration, and empower individuals to thrive. This episode explores the mindset, habits, and strategies needed to create high-performing, resilient teams—where every member feels valued, challenged, and inspired to lead in their own way.
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Series 1 - Becoming a Leader - Episode 2 - Leading Yourself First
Great leadership starts within. In this episode, we explore the three pillars of self-leadership—self-awareness, self-discipline, and self-compassion—through real-life stories and practical tools to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity.
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Series 1 - Becoming a Leader - Episode 1 - Where Leadership Really Begins
In Episode One, we’ll explore what leadership really means. We’ll talk about the mindsets, habits, and attitudes that form a strong foundation. Because before you can lead others, you have to understand what it means to lead yourself.
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Becoming a Leader - Intro
Are great leaders born—or built? Becoming a Leader is a four-part podcast series that guides you through the essential phases of leadership development. From stepping into leadership for the first time to mastering self-awareness, building empowered teams, and inspiring long-term impact, each...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Long Journey to Leadership is a podcast for those who understand that leadership is not a destination, but a lifelong process of growth, reflection, and action. In this series, we explore what it truly means to become an effective leader—drawing from personal experiences, diverse leadership styles, and lessons learned in the field.Each episode dives into leadership through a new lens, whether examining a high-profile decision made on the world stage, unpacking a leadership failure in the news, or exploring how different styles—transformational, servant, adaptive—play out in today’s complex environments.We bring in practical insights, thought-provoking questions, and real-world examples to guide current and aspiring leaders in navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape. Whether you're leading a team, managing change, or striving to lead from within, this podcast helps illuminate the journey—with honesty, humility, and purpose.
HOSTED BY
Scott Acker
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Leading Across Boundaries have?
Leading Across Boundaries currently has 40 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Leading Across Boundaries about?
The Long Journey to Leadership is a podcast for those who understand that leadership is not a destination, but a lifelong process of growth, reflection, and action. In this series, we explore what it truly means to become an effective leader—drawing from personal experiences, diverse leadership...
How often does Leading Across Boundaries release new episodes?
Leading Across Boundaries has 40 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Leading Across Boundaries?
You can listen to Leading Across Boundaries on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Leading Across Boundaries?
Leading Across Boundaries is created and hosted by Scott Acker.
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