The Energized Leader

What does it really take to be an energized leader in today’s fast-paced world? In this inspiring episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with speaker, coach, and former senior vice president Lynsey Mulder to talk about authentic leadership, burnout recovery, team motivation, leadership communication, and how to lead with more spark, purpose, and alignment. Lynsey shares powerful insights on how great leaders identify the superpowers of their team members, stay grounded in their values, communicate through difficult seasons, and create workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and energized. Together, Desi and Lynsey explore leadership development, time management, coaching, resilience, workplace culture, personal growth, and what to do when leaders feel burned out, disconnected, or stuck. If you are a business leader, manager, entrepreneur, HR professional, or professional woman looking to lead with more clarity, confidence, and energy, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement. You will walk away with strategies to protect your energy, support your team, find fulfillment, and become the kind of leader people want to follow. Connect with Lynsey: https://lynseymulder.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsey-mulder/ Connect with Desi: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne  

In this powerful episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne interviews entrepreneur, speaker, and resilience expert Dr. Marie Cosgrove for an unforgettable conversation about faith, leadership, perseverance, and overcoming impossible odds. Dr. Cosgrove shares her extraordinary story of rising above trauma, sexism in a male-dominated industry, personal hardship, wrongful treatment, and intense business challenges to become a successful leader and ultimately buy the very company that once fired her. Together, Desi and Dr. Cosgrove explore what it means to be an energized leader, how faith and resilience shape strong leadership, and why investing in people is one of the greatest ways to build a positive workplace culture. Marie also shares how she motivated her team, created a culture of trust and connection, and helped employees feel valued, energized, and inspired in the workplace. If you are looking for inspiration on resilient leadership, women in business, workplace culture, faith in leadership, overcoming adversity, and how to stay energized as a leader, this episode will leave you encouraged, empowered, and ready to lead with greater purpose. Connect with Dr. Marie Cosgrove: https://mariecosgrove.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariecosgrove/ Connect with Desi:  https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with David Bossou for a powerful conversation on leadership communication, workplace connection, employee engagement, and valuing people. What begins as an interview quickly becomes an energizing co-host conversation filled with practical leadership insight, memorable stories, and real strategies for building a stronger workplace culture. Together, Desi and David explore why connecting with people is one of the most important leadership skills, how strong communication impacts workplace success, and why leaders must be intentional about checking in with employees. They discuss key principles from Desi’s message on The Magic of Connecting, including taking time to ask simple but meaningful questions like “Are you okay?” and “How are you doing?” to help people feel seen, valued, and supported. This episode also dives into the importance of valuing people as a 10, finding common ground through empathy, and understanding what others think, feel, and care about. With stories about Walt Disney, hospital leadership, and everyday workplace moments, Desi shows how intentional connection can breathe life into teams, strengthen relationships, and create a positive workplace culture where people thrive. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bossou-079370225/ Connect with Desi: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with leadership coach and community leader Hollie Tometich for a powerful conversation about authentic leadership, energized workplace culture, professional development, coaching, humor in leadership, and how leaders can recharge during tough seasons. Drawing from years of leadership experience in healthcare and community development, Hollie shares practical insight on what it means to lead with authenticity, passion, and strong relationships. Together, Desi and Hollie discuss how energized leaders inspire others, why workplace culture must be supportive and relationship-driven, and how leaders can avoid burnout by staying true to themselves. They also explore the value of leadership coaching, the importance of humor and laughter in the workplace, and why professional development helps both employees and organizations grow instead of staying stagnant. If you are a leader, manager, business owner, or professional who wants to build a stronger team, boost workplace morale, and become a more authentic and energized leader, this episode is full of practical leadership wisdom, encouragement, and real-world strategies you can apply right away. Connect with Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollie-tometich/ FEE CONSULT: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceyYq2wyRL9qTgPA1x9brhpXEiA4HuxcMcM87tyB0D7PXc3A/viewform Instagram:@hollie_d_tometich Connect with Desi: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne

In this inspiring episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne interviews speaker, coach, and American Ninja Warrior finalist Hoan Do about leadership, resilience, mindset, and the power of personal growth.  Hoan shares how one life-changing speaker inspired his path, how he went on to work with Tony Robbins, and how he built a speaking career focused on helping people unlock their potential. Hoan also takes listeners behind the scenes of his American Ninja Warrior journey, including how he got selected, how he trained, and the mental preparation it took to compete. He opens up about overcoming setbacks, pushing through adversity, and why success is often built through preparation, adaptability, and resilience. Throughout the conversation, Hoan shares powerful lessons on the personal engine check light, changing the playlist in your mind, pattern interrupts, unshakable resilience, and what it really means to lead with impact. This episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom for leaders who want to protect their energy, grow through challenges, and inspire others through their actions.

In this powerful episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with bestselling author and inspirational speaker John O’Leary to talk about his extraordinary true story of survival, resilience, faith, and purpose. John shares the moving story behind the new film Soul on Fire, now reaching even wider audiences, and reflects on how a tragic childhood burn accident became the beginning of a life marked by hope, significance, and impact. Together, Desi and John discuss the real-life events behind the movie, the people who spoke life into him during his darkest days, and the leadership lessons that emerged from pain, perseverance, and community. They explore the difference between success and significance, the importance of gratitude, the power of words, and how leaders can energize their teams by first leading themselves well. This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, emotional insight, and practical encouragement for leaders, teams, and anyone who wants to live with more intention. If you need a reminder that your life, your words, and your presence matter, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with courage, joy, and purpose. Soul on Fire Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWps To book John O'Leary: https://johnolearyinspires.com/ Purchase "On Fire," by John O'Leary: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Choices-Ignite-Radically-Inspired/dp/1501117726 To Connect with Desi Payne: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker

In this special episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne steps out from behind the microphone and into the guest seat as Garrett Ross interviews her about the life experiences that shaped her leadership message, resilience, and passion for helping people beat burnout, stay positive, and make their current job their dream job. Desi shares her powerful personal story, from growing up in a NASA family and navigating her father’s alcoholism, to becoming the oldest sibling caretaker at a young age, working in hospital leadership, opening a family business, surviving breast cancer, and building an extraordinary career as a professional clown, speaker, and leadership trainer. Along the way, she reveals how every challenge prepared her to help leaders create stronger workplace culture, inspire teams, and value people more intentionally. This episode is full of heart, humor, resilience, and leadership insight. If you are looking for inspiration, practical perspective, and a deeper look into the story behind Desi Payne’s message, this conversation will leave you energized and ready for part two. In this episode, you will hear: Desi Payne’s personal journey from struggle to purpose Lessons on resilience, leadership, and workplace culture How burnout and hard seasons can shape your calling Why valuing people is the foundation of great leadership The story behind Desi’s mission to energize leaders and inspire teams If you are a leader, speaker, entrepreneur, or professional who wants to build a more positive work culture and lead with greater impact, this episode is for you. Connect with Desi Payne: Motivational Speaker | Keynote Speaker | Workplace Culture Expert https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker  

In this episode of The Energized Leader, Desi Payne sits down with Iowa real estate leader John Salvador to talk about leadership, workplace culture, motivation, team engagement, goal setting, and the power of leading by example. John shares how he built a high-performing real estate office in a small rural market, how incentives and team challenges drive sales success, and why trust, collaboration, communication, and community involvement matter so much in leadership. They also discuss how leaders can stay energized during difficult seasons, how humor and laughter strengthen workplace culture, how to handle tough negotiations, and why the best leaders focus on serving others instead of themselves. This episode is packed with practical leadership insights for business owners, entrepreneurs, sales leaders, managers, real estate professionals, and anyone who wants to create a more positive, motivated, and successful team. If you want to learn how to inspire others, build a family-like culture, keep your spark alive, and lead with authenticity, this conversation is for you.   CONNECT WITH JON: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-salvador-8128469/   CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with productivity expert, author, and leadership strategist Jones Loflin to explore how leaders can stay focused, energized, and productive in a world full of distractions. Together, they unpack practical strategies for time management, intentional planning, prioritization, and cutting through the clutter that drains physical, mental, and emotional energy. Jones shares powerful insights from his books, including Focused as a Bee, Juggling Elephants, and Always Growing, offering leaders actionable tools to improve focus, protect their energy, and align daily activities with meaningful outcomes. From calendar discipline and delegation to asking better questions and creating clarity for teams, this episode is packed with leadership development takeaways that can immediately improve workplace performance. You will also hear a memorable discussion about humor in leadership, the value of sharing relatable stories, and how laughter helps create stronger relationships and a healthier workplace culture. Plus, Jones shares his unforgettable Krispy Kreme Challenge story and a personal recommendation for staying mentally sharp and emotionally strong. If you are a leader who wants to improve productivity, manage distractions, strengthen workplace culture, and lead with more energy and intention, this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH JONES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesloflin/ https://jonesloflin.com/   CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker        

What does it really mean to be an energized leader and how do you create everyday excellence without burning out? In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne interviews Dustin James, America’s Corporate Energizer, for a high-energy conversation packed with practical leadership and team culture strategies. Dustin breaks down his Four E’s of Everyday Excellence: Experience, Energy, Emotion, and Education. You will learn how to use your personal work history to build trust and connection, why your “energy is two seconds ahead of you,” how to manage emotions during leadership gut punches, and how a simple daily reflection habit can accelerate growth and performance. You will also hear actionable tools leaders can use immediately, including a staff meeting exercise to strengthen team connection, a doorway mindset shift to reset your presence, and a journaling method Dustin uses to continuously improve. If you lead people, serve customers, sell, speak, or simply want to show up stronger each day, this episode will help you elevate your leadership impact and create a more energized workplace culture.   Connect with DUSTIN: https://www.momentsperformancegroup.com/ TEMI App: https://www.temi.com/confirmation https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinejames/   CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker

What if the fastest way to become a stronger leader is not doing more, but stepping away? In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, host Desi Payne sits down with Linda Daugherty, Chief Operating Officer of the Academy of Hair Design in Springfield, Missouri, to talk about burnout recovery, leadership sabbaticals, and how to recharge your energy after tough seasons like COVID. Linda shares her real story of hitting a brick wall after years of carrying responsibility in both education and business, then becoming the first person at her company to take a 30 day sabbatical in New Zealand. You will hear practical leadership strategies for preventing burnout, how to unplug without abandoning your team, and why slowing down can improve decision making, health, and workplace culture. Linda also explains how her organization builds an energized culture through core values you can feel: FUN, Excellence, Love, and Transformation. Plus, she shares how community service, like providing haircuts and wellness services at the Springfield Dream Center and Harmony House, boosts morale and reinforces purpose for employees. If you are a leader, educator, or business owner feeling exhausted, this conversation will help you reset, reconnect to your purpose, and build a healthier, more energized workplace.   Connect with Linda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-daugherty-mba-a9456810b/   CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker

Recognition is not fluff. It is fuel for performance, retention, and workplace culture. In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne interviews Dr. Bob Nelson, a world-renowned expert on employee recognition and appreciation and the bestselling author behind 1,001 Ways to Reward Employees. With 30 plus books to his name, Dr. Nelson shares practical, real-world strategies leaders can use to energize employees, boost engagement, and build a culture where people feel valued, respected, and motivated. You will hear why positive reinforcement works, what gets in the way for busy managers, and how to recognize employees without spending money. Dr. Nelson shares powerful stories from organizations like the IRS and Disney, plus simple leadership habits like asking “Are you okay?” and inviting employees to share ideas that improve results. If you want to improve morale, reduce burnout, and create a workplace where people want to do their best work, this conversation is for you. Connect with Dr. Bob Nelson: www.drbobnelson.com https://www.nelson-motivation.com/ CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker   Desi Payne is an international keynote speaker who helps overwhelmed employees overcome and prevent burnout—so they can experience renewed energy and motivation to work, boosted morale, happier employees, and a positive workplace culture. With experience as a business owner, a 25-year hospital career, a family legacy of owning 35 restaurants, and the lived perspective of a breast cancer survivor, Desi knows resilience firsthand and delivers practical tools audiences can use immediately. She has inspired thousands of leaders and partnered with hundreds of organizations. Desi is a regular guest on the lifestyle show Hello Iowa! and the host of The Energized Leader podcast, where she shares practical strategies to manage stress, boost energy, and lead with positivity—at work and in life. She is the author of Manage Stress Without Losing Your Mind, Give Me Some Chocolate...I’m Stressed!, and Do You Work with the Living Dead? and is a John Maxwell Leadership Trainer.  

What does Olympic level resilience look like in real life leadership? In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, host Desi Payne sits down with Nikki Stone, Olympic gold medalist and motivational speaker, for a powerful conversation about mental toughness, resilience, and leading under pressure. Nikki shares the moment 10 doctors told her she would never return to aerial skiing and how she rebuilt her body and mindset to come back and win Olympic gold. You will hear practical strategies leaders can use to stay focused in high pressure environments, including thought stopping, preparing for worst case conditions, and focusing on the next step instead of the applause. You will also learn Nikki’s “turtle effect” for success, why clarity and trust create a positive workplace culture, and how energized leaders instill energy in others to drive performance. If you are leading a team, building culture, or pushing through obstacles, this episode will help you bounce back stronger and lead with confidence.    

What does it take to build an award-winning workplace culture that earns Best Places to Work 2025 for the third year in a row? In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Richard Ollis, CEO of Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors, an employee-owned company in Springfield, Missouri, known for exceptional culture, transparency, and people-first leadership. Richard shares how he evolved from a “command and control” leadership style into service-oriented leadership, and why that shift transformed everything. You will learn the culture strategies that drive real engagement, including inclusive decision making, company-wide transparency, equity ownership, top-tier benefits, and how benchmarking helps organizations become an employer of choice. You will also hear how Richard creates a standout employee experience through a purposeful onboarding process, including his “first hour, first day, first week” approach and why meeting new hires personally matters. Plus, Richard explains how humor, curiosity, routines during tough seasons, and personal development create momentum, retention, and team pride. If you want practical leadership ideas to energize your team, strengthen culture, and build a workplace people truly love, this episode is packed with strategies you can use right now.   Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors: https://ollisakersarney.com/ Richard Ollis LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-ollis-325a417/ CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker    

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Tom Douglas of JMARK, a recognized voice in AI, business strategy, and workplace culture. Tom shares insights from his economic forecasting, the changing workforce, and the mind blowing technology that is shaping the next decade. He also reveals why leadership development is more important than ever, especially as middle managers are stretched thin and many employees feel disconnected at work. You will hear what Tom believes defines an energized leader, why vision creates momentum, and how leaders can build a culture where people feel safe, celebrated, and appreciated. Tom explains how JMARK earned recognition as a top workplace by being intentional about employee experience, including appreciation days, hiring based on core values, and prioritizing employee health and wellbeing. Plus, Tom shares his personal strategies for staying energized, the leadership lesson he would change if he could go back in time, and a powerful gadget recommendation that helps leaders stay organized in conversations. If you want to strengthen workplace culture, boost employee retention, and lead with clarity through uncertainty, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration. Tom Douglas Website:  https://www.adaptordie.com/ Tom's Favorite Gadget:  Plaud AI Voice Note Pro Recorder: https://a.co/d/ihRQLFX Tom's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashdouglas/   CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker

In this powerful episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with David Cameron, City Manager of Springfield, Missouri, to talk about a topic leaders cannot afford to ignore: mental health. David shares the real story behind his high-performance leadership journey, including what he learned from growing up in a small Missouri town, leading city growth and development, and helping secure major projects like Amazon’s million-square-foot facility during the height of COVID. But beyond the achievements, David gets honest about the hidden weight many leaders carry, and why success at work can sometimes mask pain, burnout, and trauma. You will hear how David discovered the importance of counseling, emotional awareness, and taking intentional time away from work to reset his mind and reconnect with life. He explains his groundbreaking leadership practice called Freedom Leave, a bold approach that requires leaders to take extended time off with no email, no calls, and no work contact, so they can truly disconnect, reflect, and return healthier. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for leaders, managers, HR professionals, and anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where people feel supported, valued, and cared for both on and off the clock. If you want to lead with energy, courage, and authenticity, this conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you that your mental health matters.

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Dave Hirst, a school nutrition leader who proves that the best leadership strategy is simple: empower your people. Dave shares why nearly his entire team followed him to a new district, how trust and valuing people creates loyalty, and what it looks like to decentralize leadership so teams grow with confidence and ownership. You will also hear how Dave leads 23 school kitchens and 100 team members, serving approximately 18,000 meals a day, while building a positive workplace culture rooted in fun, laughter, and connection. He explains how school nutrition professionals influence students every day, why feeding kids impacts behavior and learning, and how his team designs menus by listening to students and reducing food waste, with one unforgettable leadership lesson: feed kids, not trash cans. If you lead in education, school nutrition, food service, or any people focused organization, this conversation will give you practical leadership ideas to strengthen culture, increase trust, and help your team thrive.

What does energized leadership look like inside a high impact school district? In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne interviews Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of the largest public school district in Missouri, and a Women Who Mean Business award recipient.  Dr. Lathan shares practical education leadership strategies for building an energized workplace culture, increasing staff engagement, and strengthening school community connections. You will hear how she fuels enthusiasm across classrooms and departments by leading with relationships, recognition, and approachability, plus the simple ways she uses humor and connection to break down walls.  You will also learn about her initiatives like Let’s Talk Live (bringing feedback and problem solving directly into the community), Superintendent Solutions (student voice and leadership input), and Read to Succeed (a literacy focused effort that supports student growth). If you lead a team in education, business, or any people focused organization, this conversation delivers real world takeaways to help you lead with energy, confidence, and heart.  

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, to unpack what energized leadership looks like inside a high pressure healthcare environment. Donna shares the one word she believes defines an energized leader, enthusiastic, and explains how enthusiasm spreads when leaders connect people to purpose and consistently show up for their teams.  You will hear practical, leader tested strategies for building a culture where people stay, serve, and truly love where they work. From “wearing sneakers and walking the halls” to asking employees what they would do differently if they were the CEO, Donna reveals how visibility, listening, and follow through create trust and momentum across seven hospitals and a workforce of about 14,000 employees. In this episode, you will learn: Why enthusiasm is contagious, and how it helps people believe in themselves How “walking the halls” builds connection, accountability, and culture A simple question that uncovers real improvements, fast How Donna protects teams from burnout with a clear “family first” leadership standard The leadership advice she gives every leader, and why it works: “Get over yourself” If you want to strengthen engagement, boost morale, and lead with purpose, this conversation will energize your leadership toolkit. CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Logan Aguirre, owner of 417 (Four One Seven), a media and lifestyle brand based in Springfield, Missouri that celebrates community, connection, and experiences across the Ozarks. Logan shares what it’s like to lead a family business, buy it from your parents, and grow into leadership through trial by fire, including the lesson she’d redo if she could, which is more listening. She opens up about hitting an energetic wall as an entrepreneur, when you’re the owner and you can’t just quit, and how she began rebuilding her spark through radical accountability, brave decisions, and clearer vision. You’ll hear practical strategies for leaders who can’t take a month off, like Quarterly Clarity Breaks (even 24 hours) to unplug, reflect, and reset your leadership energy. Logan also shares what an energized workplace culture looks like, including vision plus input plus trust, strong communication, and empowering people to operate at their highest level. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or overloaded, this conversation will help you re-energize your leadership, create capacity, and lead with intentionality, starting with how you show up every day. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Logan rebuilt her spark after burnout without running away A realistic reset tool, Quarterly Clarity Breaks, and how to do them What energized culture actually looks like in a real business Why intentionality is a leadership game-changer CONNECT WITH LOGAN AGUIRRE: https://www.417mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganaguirre/   CONNECT WITH DESI PAYNE: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker  

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne welcomes Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, for a powerful conversation on what it takes to lead with energy, clarity, and purpose. Chris shares insights from his USA Today bestselling book From Drift to Drive: A High Achiever’s Guide to Breaking the Chains of Complacency, including why complacency is not laziness, but “a secret place of satisfactory success.” You will learn how energized leaders become the picture their teams can follow, why clarity creates momentum, and how to spot the subtle drift that can quietly stall growth. Chris also explains his unforgettable “rumble strips” analogy, a wake up call that helps leaders course correct before success turns into autopilot.  Plus, Chris shares a surprising lesson behind “55 is greater than 800” and how personal growth can shift your trajectory in leadership and life. If you want to strengthen workplace culture, boost leadership development, and stay driven instead of drifting, this episode will energize you to take your next best step. CONNECT WITH CHRIS ROBINSON: https://www.chrisrobinsonspeaker.com/ Bible Clock: https://www.thebibleclock.com/ Book: From  Drift to Drive  https://www.amazon.com/Drift-Drive-Achievers-Breaking-Complacency/dp/B0DZDCR4BR CONNECT WITH DESI PAYNE: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker  

Welcome to The Energized Leader Podcast with Desi Payne, where leaders learn how to build a positive workplace culture and stay energized in the middle of overwhelm, deadlines, and difficult people. In Season One, Desi shares practical leadership strategies that boost morale, motivation, and momentum, plus interviews with leaders from some of America’s top workplaces. This episode kicks off the season with a powerful topic: reconnecting with your purpose. When leaders remember their “why,” energy rises, motivation returns, and even the daily grind feels meaningful. You will hear real stories, including an unforgettable reminder that what we do matters because it is always connected to who we serve and why we show up. If you are a CEO, manager, school administrator, healthcare leader, city manager, or team leader who wants to reduce burnout and increase engagement, this episode will help you refocus your purpose, lead with clarity, and create an energized, excellent workplace. CONNECT WITH DESI: https://www.desipayne.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/desipaynemotivationalspeaker www.youtube.com/c/desipayne Instagram: @Desi.Payne Facebook: @DesiPayneMotivationalSpeaker