The Leadership Edge with Joe Glaser

Let me ask you something.And I want you to actually sit with this for a second.Are you trying to get different results…while still questioning if you’re enough?Because a lot of people don’t say that out loud.But it’s there.In the back of their mind.“I don’t know if I’m ready.”“I don’t know if I’m the right person.”“I don’t know if I can actually do this.”Let me stop you right there.You are not missing something.You’re not waiting to become enough.You already are.That’s the part people skip.They think growth means becoming someone completely different.Someone more polished.More perfect.More put together.That’s not it.Growth is about becoming more of who you already are…without the hesitation.Without the doubt.Without holding yourself back.Because the version of you that wins?That version already exists.It’s the version of you that: That’s not someone else.That’s you.Just not fully showing up yet.And that’s where everything changes.Because this isn’t about becoming someone new.It’s about removing what’s in the way.The hesitation.The overthinking.The waiting.The second-guessing.That’s what’s slowing you down.Not your ability.And let’s tie this back to what we’ve been building.You realized no one is coming.Good.You started focusing on winning daily.Even better.Now this is the next step.Who shows up to do that every day?Because winning daily isn’t just about actions.It’s about identity.It’s about becoming the person who doesn’t negotiate with themselves.The person who doesn’t need perfect conditions.The person who shows up anyway.That takes courage.Courage to trust yourself.Courage to step into moments where you don’t feel fully ready.Courage to stop waiting for permission.

Let me hit you with something right out of the gate.Most people are waiting.Waiting for a big moment.A breakthrough.A win that finally changes everything.And that’s exactly why they stay stuck.Because that moment?It’s not coming the way you think it is.You don’t win big.You win daily. Let’s be real—because that’s what we do here.People love the idea of winning.They love the result.They love the recognition.They love what comes with it.But they don’t love what it actually takes to get there.Because the process?It’s not flashy.It’s not exciting.It’s not something people clap for.It’s showing up…again…and again…and again…When nobody’s watching. Here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear:You don’t rise when the moment hits.You fall back to how you’ve been showing up every single day. When pressure hits…When expectations rise…When it actually matters… You’re not becoming something new.You’re revealing what you’ve been building.That’s why daily matters.That’s why discipline matters.That’s why consistency matters.Winning isn’t the highlight.Winning is the habit.Let’s break it down—because winning isn’t vague. It’s visible.Winning looks like showing up with intention.Not drifting. Not reacting. You know what matters—and you go after it.Winning looks like having the conversation you don’t want to have.You don’t delay it. You don’t soften it. You step into it.That’s courage.Winning looks like telling the truth.To your team. To the situation. To yourself.No excuses. No sugarcoating. No hiding.That’s candor.Winning looks like holding the standard.Not to tear people down—but because you know they’re capable of more.You don’t lower the bar.You bring people up to it.That’s heart. Because this isn’t about hype.It’s about alignment.You don’t just say you lead with courage, candor, and heart.You prove it. Daily.When it’s uncomfortable.When it’s inconvenient.When it would be easier to stay quiet.Winning looks like this:You don’t let small things slide—because small things don’t stay small You address issues early You follow through—every single timeBecause consistency builds trust.And trust builds everything else. Anybody can start strong.Energy is easy.Motivation is easy.But finishing strong?That’s different.That’s when you’re tired.When you’ve already dealt with enough.When it would be easier to coast.That’s where identity is built. Let’s get real for a second.You don’t have a motivation problem.You have a consistency problem. You don’t need more information.You don’t need another video.You don’t need another idea.You already know what to do.You’re just not doing it at the level you need to.That’s candor.Now comes the part that requires courage.Doing it anyway.Even when you don’t feel like it.Even when it’s hard.Even when nobody is watching.Because heart?Heart is what keeps you in it.When it would be easier to check out.When it would be easier to coast.When it would be easier to lower the standard.You don’t.You stay in it.You stay locked in.You stay committed to something bigger than how you feel in the moment.That’s winning. Tomorrow is coming.So here’s the question:What does winning look like for you—tomorrow?Not someday.Not next week.Tomorrow.What conversation are you avoiding?What standard are you letting slip?What habit is holding you back?Pick it.Own it.Attack it.Because momentum doesn’t come from thinking.It comes from action.And once you stack a day…you stack another…and another…and another…Until what used to feel hard…Becomes who you are. That’s the shift.That’s the edge.You don’t win big.You win daily.If this hit you… good.Now go prove it.

Let me hit you with something right out of the gate.Most people are waiting…for a big moment.A breakthrough.A win.Something that finally changes everything.And that’s exactly why they stay stuck.Because that moment?It’s not coming the way you think it is.You don’t win big.You win daily.And I’m going to be real with you — because that’s what wedo here.A lot of people love the idea of winning.They love the result.They love the recognition.They love what comes with it.But they don’t love what it actually takes to get there.Because the process?It’s not flashy.It’s not exciting.It’s not something people clap for.It’s showing up…again…and again…and again…

Let me give it to you straight. There’s a moment every leader hits. It’s not loud.It’s not dramatic. It’s quiet. But it changes everything. It’s the moment you realize… No one is coming. Not to fix your team.Not to fix your culture.Not to fix your habits.Not to fix your results. No one. And when that finally clicks… everything shifts. Because up until that moment… you’re waiting. You might not say it out loud… but you’re waiting. Waiting for someone to step up.Waiting for things to get easier.Waiting for alignment.Waiting for the right time. Waiting for something to change… without you having to be the one to change it. And I’ve been there. You look around and think: “Why isn’t this better?”“Why isn’t the team stepping up?”“Why does this feel harder than it should?” And if you’re not careful… you drift. You get frustrated. You start looking outward. Then something hits you. Not comfortable… but powerful. You realize: I’m the variable. If this moves… it moves because I move it.If this improves… it improves because I raise it.If this gets better… it starts with me. Now let’s be real. That realization? It’s heavy. Because it removes the excuse. There’s no one left to point at.No one left to wait on.No one left to hope will fix it. But here’s the shift. That realization isn’t pressure.It’s freedom. Because the moment you stop waiting… you start building. And this is where most people get it twisted. They hear “no one is coming” and think: “I have to do everything.” No. That’s not leadership. That’s control. And control doesn’t scale. Let me be clear. Ownership does NOT mean you carry everything yourself. It means you take responsibility for how everything getscarried. Big difference. Ownership means: You set the tone.You create clarity.You define the standard. And then… you build people who can carry it with you. Because strong teams aren’t built on one person doingeverything. They’re built on people who know what matters…and step into it without being chased. That’s the goal. Not dependency. Not bottlenecks. Not everything running through you. That’s not leadership. That’s a ceiling. What you want is a team that moves. A team that thinks. A team that executes without waiting. That’s decentralized command. But it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when the leader goes first. You don’t get empowered teams by stepping back too early. 

There’s a moment every leader faces.It doesn’t look dramatic.It doesn’t feel like a breaking point.It’s small.Something is slightly off.Someone cuts a corner.An expectation isn’t met.And you feel it.Then comes the decision.“Is this worth addressing right now?”That’s the moment.Because what you do next doesn’t just solve a situation…It defines your standard.The Reality Most Leaders AvoidTeams don’t fall apart overnight.They don’t collapse because of one big mistake.They drift.Little by little.Moment by moment.Not because leaders don’t care…But because they hesitate.They wait.They rationalize.They tell themselves it’s not the right time.And over time, those small decisions stack up.Until one day, the culture no longer reflects what youintended.The Subtle Shift That Changes EverythingHere’s where it gets real.Leaders rarely say, “I’m lowering the standard.”Instead, it sounds like this: It feels reasonable.But leadership isn’t built on what feels reasonable in themoment.It’s built on what’s required in the moment.Because every time something goes unaddressed…The line moves.Culture Isn’t What You Say—It’s What You AllowYou can talk about standards all day.You can write them down.You can repeat them in meetings.But none of that matters if your actions don’t match.People don’t follow your words.They follow your responses.What gets corrected…What gets ignored…What gets reinforced…That becomes the culture.Not eventually.Immediately.This Isn’t About Being Hard—It’s About Being ClearThere’s a misconception in leadership:That holding standards means being harsh.It doesn’t.It means being clear.Clarity is one of the most powerful forms of respect.Because when expectations are unclear, people guess.And when people guess, they get it wrong.But when expectations are clear?People improve.People grow.People rise.Avoiding clarity to protect someone’s comfort doesn’t helpthem.It limits them.If You Truly Care, You Don’t Lower the BarLet’s flip the script.Holding a standard isn’t the opposite of caring.It’s evidence of it.When you believe in someone, you don’t make things easierfor them.You make things clearer.You challenge them.You call out gaps.You push them to meet the level you know they’re capable of.Not to tear them down—But because you refuse to let them settle.That’s leadership with heart.The Cost You Don’t SeeHere’s where this really matters.Your top performers are always watching.They don’t usually say anything.They just notice.They notice what gets tolerated.They notice where the line actually is.And eventually, they start asking themselves:“If this is acceptable… why am I pushing so hard?”That question is dangerous.Because once high performers lose belief in the standard…You don’t just lose performance.You lose momentum.And eventually—you lose them.The Line Every Leader FacesLeadership isn’t about avoiding tension.It’s about stepping into it when it matters.There will always be moments where you feel it: That hesitation?That’s the line.And your job is to cross it.Not emotionally.Not aggressively.But clearly.Because alignment requires friction.And without it, everything gets blurry.The Shift That Changes Your LeadershipJoe out. 🎙️

I want to start this one a little different.Because this isn’t just another episode for me.This is something I felt like I needed to say.Because I’ve been there.I’ve had moments where things didn’t go the way I planned…where momentum slipped…where I started questioning if what I was pushing for was actually going to happen.And if I’m being honest…there were moments where it would’ve been easier to just back off.To lower the expectation.To play it safe.To stop pushing as hard.(pause)And I know I’m not the only one.

Before we get into today’s conversation…I want to slow this down for a second.Because this one’s different.You know, a lot of times on this show, I bring people on because of what they’ve done…what they’ve built…the results they’ve created.But today…this isn’t about that.This is about a person.This is about someone who has had a real, lasting impact on my life… long before there was ever a podcast, a microphone, or anything called The Leadership Edge.Marsha Babcock is joining me today…and the truth is — she’s not just a guest.She’s family.She’s been like a second mom to me for years…and I don’t think I’ve ever fully said out loud how much that’s meant.Not through big speeches…not through moments where she needed recognition…But through consistency.Through presence.Through the way she shows up for people — over and over again — without ever making it about herself.And if I’m being honest…a lot of what I believe about leadership… didn’t come from a book.It came from watching her.Watching how she moved through different seasons of life…teaching…law…executive leadership…And never losing who she was in the process.I’ve seen the way she impacts people quietly.I’ve seen the way women — including my wife, Sara — look at her and see what’s possible.And I’ve seen how her influence…it doesn’t just stay in one place.It ripples.Into families.Into careers.Into the way people carry themselves every day.And I don’t know if she fully realizes that.I don’t know if people like her ever really do.So today… this isn’t just a conversation.This is a moment of gratitude.A moment to reflect.A moment to sit down with someone who helped shape who I am… in ways I’m still discovering.So wherever you’re at right now — driving, working, just taking a minute…I want you to lean into this one.Because this is what Conversations on the Edge is really about.Real people.Real impact.And the kind of leadership that doesn’t need a spotlight to change lives.Let’s get into it.

Let’s talk about something that almost nobody talks about openly in leadership.Trust.Not the easy kind.Not the kind people talk about in books.I’m talking about the real version.The version that gets tested.The version that gets shaken when you’ve been through situations where honesty wasn’t there… where people said the right things to your face but moved differently behind the scenes.Manipulative insincerity.A lot of leaders have experienced that at some point.And when you’ve seen it before, it sticks with you.It sneaks into your thinking.You start asking questions like…“Is everyone actually aligned?”“Can I trust the people around me?”“Is this situation real or am I about to get blindsided again?”And if you’re not careful, that stuff starts changing how you lead.You start holding things closer.You start relying only on yourself.You start thinking maybe the safest way to lead is to just carry the whole load on your own.But here’s the truth I’ve been working through recently.That’s not leadership.That’s isolation.And isolation is not where great teams get built.

A Letter to My Younger SelfLet me try something a little different today.Normally on this podcast we’re talking about leadership, culture,building teams, pushing performance — all the things that come with trying toelevate people and environments.But today I want to do something a little more personal.Today I want to sit down across the table from someone.A younger version of me.The guy who was stepping into leadership for the first time.Full of energy.Full of ambition.Ready to run through a brick wall.But if I’m being honest… he didn’t understand yet what leadership wasreally about.So if I could sit across from that younger version of myself today,here’s what I would say.First thing I’d tell him is this.Relax.You don’t have to have everything figured out right away.When you first step into leadership, you feel this pressure like you'resupposed to know all the answers.You think everyone is watching you.Evaluating you.Waiting to see if you really belong in that seat.And when you don’t have the answer, it feels like you're about to getexposed.Like people are going to figure out you don’t know what you’re doing.

Let me tell you where most people quit.It’s not when everything completely falls apart.People quit in the middle.Right in that frustrating space where you’ve started something…you’re putting in the work…you’re adjusting…you’re showing up every day……and nothing seems to be moving.No momentum.No validation.No applause.Just effort.That right there?That’s where most people walk away.And if you’re trying to build something meaningful — you’re going to spend time there.Let me say that again because it matters.If you’re trying to build something meaningful…you are going to spend time in the middle.Last episode I talked about recalibrating.About recognizing when something needs to shift.But here’s the next challenge.What happens when you make the adjustment……and the results still don’t show up?Because that’s the moment where doubt starts talking.You start asking yourself:“Am I wasting my time?”“Did I miscalculate?”“Maybe this just isn’t working.”And listen… I’ve been there recently.Between work, responsibility, trying to build the podcast, trying to build a community that actually helps people — there are days where you look around and think…“Man… is this actually gaining traction?”And that’s a real moment.That’s the moment where your conviction gets tested.Because if you only stay committed when you see progress…You will never build anything meaningful.Let me say something I’ve learned over a lot of years doing this.Momentum is built long before it’s visible.The world only celebrates the moment it becomes obvious.But the real work?The real discipline?The real courage?That happens when nobody’s clapping.That happens when the results are still quiet.That happens when you’re showing up every day and wondering if the effort is actually moving the needle.And that’s where people make a decision.Some people step back.They lower the standard.They say, “Well maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.”But the people who build something real?They keep pushing.Listen to me on this.Just because it’s not working yetdoes not mean it’s not building.Just because people aren’t noticing yetdoes not mean the work isn’t valuable.Just because the results haven’t shown up yetdoes not mean the foundation isn’t being laid.Too many people quit right before momentum shows up.They quit in the valley between vision and traction.And that valley?That’s the proving ground.Let me ask you something honestly.What have you started recently that you’re already second-guessing?What goal did you set that suddenly feels heavier than you expected?What commitment did you make where the excitement faded… and the real work showed up?That tension?That’s the work.That’s where character gets built.That’s where discipline shows up.That’s where you decide whether you’re serious… or just interested.Because interested people quit when things get uncomfortable.Committed people adjust and keep moving.

What if the biggest risk right now… isn’t failure?What if it’s staying the same?After taking a month off from recording, I’m coming back with something real. No script, no polish — just honest reflection on a season where I felt off, fatigued, and not as sharp as I expect from myself.In this episode, I break down:Why pushing harder isn’t always the answerHow to recognize when it’s time to evolveThe trap of holding onto what worked beforeAnd how to adjust without losing your standardsIf things haven’t been clicking the way they normally do — don’t ignore that.This might be the reset you need.

If you’re a real-world leader — and by that I mean you’re carrying responsibility, pressure, expectations, and people — this is going to hit close to home.Because collaboration sounds great…until you’re tired.Until the clock is running.Until people are looking at you for the answer.And in those moments, collaboration can feel less like teamworkand more like risk.

I want to set the tone for this episode.to build next. This show is called Conversations on the Edge for areason.It’s not about polished answers or highlight reels.It’s about real conversations between people who are still figuring things out.And I wanted you as the first guest back because you’re not just a peerto me.You’re someone I trust.Someone I respect.And honestly, someone I’ve learned a lot from just by watching how you show up.So this isn’t an interview.This is two people sitting down, talking honestly about leadership, life, andwhat we’re trying

Why Most Years Are Lost QuietlyMost people don’t lose a year in December.They lose it quietly in the first few months.Not because they didn’t care. Not because they weren’t capable. Butbecause they assumed inspiration would carry them further than it ever does.They felt motivated. They had good intentions. But they never slowed downlong enough to anchor change.Leadership doesn’t fall apart loudly. It fades through drift.And by the time most people realize they’re off course, the year alreadyhas a shape to it.That’s why this moment matters.Because leadership isn’t defined by what you start. It’s defined by whatyou sustain. And the first 90 days don’t just create momentum. They lockidentity. They reinforce habits. They reveal whether standards are real or justwords we like to say.If you want 2026 to be different, the work doesn’t start with intensity.It starts with intention.What This Series Was Really AboutThis series was never about fixing a calendar.It was about alignment.We started with standards because nothing changes if what’s acceptablestays the same. We moved into identity because standards don’t hold unless theleader does. We talked about mindset because pressure always exposes whatbelief hasn’t been cemented yet. And we grounded it all in habits becauseconsistency beats motivation every time.This final step is about integration.It’s about bringing all of that together in a way that lasts.Insight without structure fades. Structure without belief collapses. Butwhen belief, behavior, and direction line up, leadership becomes steady. Andsteady leadership changes everything.

The world doesn’t change because of a few extraordinary people.It changes because ordinary people decide to stop playing small.

Why Motivation Always Lets You DownBy this point in the series, we’ve talked about standards. We’ve talkedabout identity. We’ve talked about mindset.This is where leadership stops being theoretical.Because habits are where everything you say you believe either becomesreal or quietly falls apart.Most people want change, but they rely on motivation to get them there.Motivation feels good. It shows up loud and confident. It convinces you thatthis time will be different.And then it disappears.That’s not a failure. That’s how motivation works.Habits don’t disappear. They don’t care how you feel. They don’t ask forperfect conditions. They show up when energy is low, pressure is high, andexcuses feel reasonable.That’s why habits win.Not because they’re exciting, but because they’re dependable.Why Big Change Is Usually the WrongGoalOne of the biggest lies we tell ourselves as leaders is that growthrequires some massive shift. A full reset. A complete overhaul.So we try to change everything at once.New routines. New systems. New expectations. New energy.And then we wonder why it doesn’t last.Leadership isn’t built through dramatic moments. It’s built through smallactions repeated until they become automatic. The leaders who grow sustainablyare not doing more than everyone else. They are doing fewer things with moreconsistency.Real progress comes from narrowing your focus, not expanding it.Habits Tell the Truth About Who YouAre BecomingHabits don’t lie.They reveal who you believe you are far more honestly than yourintentions ever will.You can say you value follow through, but your habits will tell thetruth. You can say you value calm leadership, but your habits will exposewhether that’s real under pressure.That’s not judgment. That’s clarity.Habits are evidence. They show you who you are becoming in real time.You don’t build habits to impress anyone. You build habits to reinforceidentity. To prove to yourself that the person you’re becoming is real.Discipline Is Not Punishment It’sRespectDiscipline gets misunderstood.People hear discipline and think restriction or pressure or rigidity. Butreal discipline is none of that.Discipline is self respect.It’s honoring the commitments you make to yourself. It’s doing what yousaid you would do even when no one is watching and especially when no one isholding you accountable.Every time you follow through, confidence grows. Not the loud kind. Thequiet kind that comes from knowing you can trust yourself.And leaders who trust themselves don’t hesitate the same way. They don’tsecond guess every decision. They move with clarity.Why Habits Matter Most on the HardDaysWhen things are going well, habits feel easy.It’s when things are heavy that habits matter.On the days you’re tired. On the days you’re frustrated. On the days whenit would be easier to avoid the conversation or push the task to tomorrow.That’s when habits protect you.They remove the decision. They steady you. They keep you aligned whenemotions are loud.Simple habits create stability when everything else feels uncertain. Andstability is one of the greatest gifts a leader can offer their team.Habits Take Emotion Out of ExecutionOne of the most underrated benefits of habits is that they remove emotionfrom the process.You stop asking yourself if you feel like doing the work. You’ve alreadydecided.That decision frees up energy. It reduces friction. It keeps you fromnegotiating with yourself all day long.Leaders who rely on habits don’t burn themselves out chasing motivation.They move forward regardless of it.That’s why their leadership feels calm. Grounded. Consistent.

Most people think leadership is tested in visible moments. Meetings.Results. Big decisions. Public pressure.But leadership rarely breaks there first.It breaks quietly. Internally. In moments no one else sees.Before performance slips, mindset slips. Before behavior changes, beliefstarts to wobble. And before leadership struggles publicly, it fracturesprivately.If identity is who you are and habits are how you live it out, thenmindset is the battlefield where everything is decided. Every single day,whether you realize it or not, there is a quiet war happening between comfortand growth.That war does not announce itself. It shows up as hesitation. As selftalk. As rationalization. As moments where it would be easier to pull back thanlean in.Andhow you respond in those moments determines far more than any external

Identity Is What Holds the Standard in PlaceIf resetting the standard is the starting point, identity is what holds it in place.This is where most people get stuck when the calendar turns. They change goals. They tweak routines. They rearrange schedules. For a while, it feels like progress. But when pressure shows up, everything snaps back to what’s familiar.That’s not a motivation problem. It’s an identity problem.New Year’s resolutions focus on behavior. Leadership focuses on who you believe you are. And behavior that isn’t rooted in identity will never last. You can want change badly. You can even work hard for a while. But if your actions are not aligned with how you see yourself, they will eventually collapse under pressure.Real change does not start with doing more. It starts with deciding who you are becoming.________________________________________Why Identity Is the Foundation Everything Else Stands OnIdentity is not a soft concept. It is not abstract. It is the foundation everything else stands on.If the foundation is weak, it does not matter how strong the structure above it looks. Under stress, it cracks. Under adversity, it shifts. Under pressure, it fails.That is exactly why so many resolutions fade. People try to build new habits on top of an old identity. They ask themselves to act like someone they do not yet believe they are. Eventually, the mind pulls them back to what feels familiar, safe, and consistent with their self image.That pull is powerful. And if identity is not addressed intentionally, it will always win.________________________________________The Trap of Trying Instead of DecidingListen to the language people use this time of year.People say they are trying to be more consistent. They say they are trying to be a better leader.Trying sounds responsible. But trying leaves the door open. When things get hard, trying quietly turns into permission to stop.Leaders do not live in the space of trying. They decide.They decide who they are. And then they act in alignment with that decision, even when it is uncomfortable. Identity removes negotiation. It simplifies choices. When you know who you are, behavior follows without debate.________________________________________Habits Reveal How You See YourselfEvery habit you keep is connected to how you see yourself.If you see yourself as someone who avoids conflict, you will avoid the hard conversation. If you see yourself as inconsistent, your habits will reflect that. If you see yourself as disciplined, discipline becomes natural, not forced.Habits are not about willpower. They are about self image.That is why telling yourself you should do better rarely works. But telling yourself this is who I am changes everything. You do not rise to your goals. You fall to the level of your identity.________________________________________Belief Is the Cement That Locks Identity in PlaceIdentity without belief is unstable.You can say you want to be confident, consistent, or courageous. But if you do not truly believe that is who you are becoming, your actions will eventually betray those words.Belief is the quiet agreement you make with yourself about what is true. Not what sounds good. Not what you hope is true. What you genuinely believe.When belief and identity align, behavior becomes natural. When they do not, behavior becomes forced. And forced behavior never lasts.rns keep showing up in my leadership

The next 30 will decide how the following 335 days play out!

I deeply value and respect people of every belief,background, and tradition. I fully understand that many people do not recognizeor celebrate Christmas, and I honor that. Our world is beautifully diverse, andwhen we choose understanding over judgment, we all grow stronger.And at the same time—I won’t apologize for what I believe.My faith leads me to recognize, celebrate, and believedeeply in the meaning of Christmas. For me, this season represents hope.Humility. Sacrifice. Grace. Unconditional love. These beliefs are not somethingI turn on and off—they shape who I am, how I lead, and how I try to show up forpeople every single day.Respect does not require silence.Inclusion does not mean erasing conviction.We can stand firmly in what we believe and lead withlove toward those who believe differently. That balance—conviction withoutcondemnation, belief without judgment—is leadership.And it’s from that place that I want to share why thisseason matters so deeply to me—and why its message feels more important nowthan ever.

The Weight ofLeadership During the HolidaysThe holiday season has a way of revealing the true weight of leadership.Everything feels amplified: the expectations, the pressure, and the emotionspeople carry quietly into work each day. The year is closing, the pace has notslowed, and as leaders we are expected to keep moving forward while alsorecognizing that many around us are tired, stretched, and carrying more thanthey let on.This season does not remove responsibility from leadership. It magnifiesit.The Tension at the Center ofLeadershipAt the heart of leadership lives a constant tension between care andaccountability. It is a tension I have felt deeply throughout my career, andone I have not always navigated well.There were seasons in my leadership journey where I believed protectingmy people meant absorbing the pressure myself. When expectations were not met,I took the bullets. When results fell short, I owned it quietly. I told myselfI was doing the right thing and that shielding my team from accountability wasan act of care. I wanted to be loyal. I wanted to be supportive. I wantedpeople to feel safe.When Protection Becomes a Barrier toGrowthWhat I did not understand at the time was that in trying to protect myteam, I was actually holding them back.I was challenged by leaders I respected, leaders who cared enough aboutme to be honest. They helped me see that taking accountability for my team wasnot the same as holding my team accountable. My intentions were good, but myimpact was misaligned. What I thought was care was actually avoidance, and whatI believed was leadership was quietly becoming unsustainable.By not challenging my team, I was not protecting them from anything. Iwas not helping them grow or strengthening their confidence. I was simplydelaying hard conversations and redistributing pressure, placing more and moreof it on myself. Over time, that weight affected my energy, my clarity, and myleadership brand in ways that were not helpful to anyone involved.True Care Prepares People to CarryResponsibilityTrue care does not remove responsibility. It prepares people to carry it.When leaders consistently absorb accountability, we unintentionally teachdependency. We send the message that expectations are flexible, that growth isoptional, or that someone else will always step in.That does not build strong teams. It builds fragile ones.The holidays make this lesson even more relevant. When people are tiredand emotions are high, it can feel compassionate to lower the bar or staysilent. But silence does not serve people. Avoiding accountability does notreduce pressure. It simply shifts it, often unfairly and unsustainably.

Your authenticity is not a problem.Your authenticity is your power.Your authenticity is what sets you apart.Your authenticity is the key that unlocks your potential.Theworld doesn’t need more carbon-copy professionals.The world needs people who show up with heart.

The holiday season has a way of testing leaders on a levelthat has nothing to do with numbers or dashboards. It tests our spirit. Ittests our presence. It tests the heart of who we are and the kind ofenvironment we choose to create for the people we lead.I have spent twenty six years in retail. I have livedthrough holiday seasons where everything felt like it was on fire and seasonswhere we moved so in sync it felt like we were running a championship offense.Through all of it I have learned something simple and undeniable. The holidayseason reveals the heart of leadership. Not the title. Not the metrics. Not thenoise. The heart.When the pace accelerates and stress rises and everyone isjuggling more than we can see, uplifting leadership becomes oxygen.

Over the years, I’ve learned something that continues toshape the way I lead: our people rise or fall to the level of the environmentwe create for them.It’s not just about goals, sales numbers, or strategies —it’s about the feeling our teams walk into every day. Is it positive? Isit organized? Does it give people energy or drain it? These are questions I askmyself often because I know the answers show up in everything — from ourresults to the way our people carry themselves on the floor.

What if the most powerful thing you could do as a leader…has nothing to do with strategy, spreadsheets, or the next big initiative?What if your greatest competitive advantage isn’t complicated at all…but something so simple most leaders overlook it?What if the edge your team truly needs…is a thankful leader?

“Energy is everything — and urgency is energy in motion.”In leadership, urgency is the invisible force that separates teams that react from teams that rise. It’s not about chaos or panic. It’s about alignment, pace, and the relentless belief that what we do matters right now.After more than two decades leading high-performing teams in retail and beyond, I’ve learned this: urgency doesn’t start with pressure — it starts with purpose. And it spreads from leaders who model what “now” looks like, sounds like, and feels like.This is how we lead with urgency — the Leadership Edge way.

“When leaders align, organizations accelerate.”I’ve always believed leadership is a team sport.The greatest success stories I’ve ever been part of didn’t happen because one person carried the weight — they happened because a group of leaders locked arms around a shared purpose and moved together.When leadership becomes collaborative — when courage replaces ego, when candor replaces silence, and when heart drives every decision — something powerful happens.You stop managing tasks… and you start transforming people.And that impact doesn’t stop at the four walls of a store or an office. It expands outward — through departments, markets, and communities. Because when leaders move as one, the culture they create becomes un

This is where leadership gets real.Where courage meets candor.And where heart isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we lead with.Every conversation here lives at the intersection of challenge and growth — where ideas stretch, stories inspire, and truth sparks transformation.We’ll sit down with leaders, innovators, and everyday people who are out there pushing limits — not because it’s easy, but because impact demands it.If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to lead through change, to find your voice, or to build something that lasts — this is your place.No scripts. No pretense. Just authentic conversations that help you sharpen your edge — as a leader and as a human.So pull up a seat, lean in, and get ready — because the edge is where growth begins.

Everyone goes through seasons

Take ownership and you will see the change

The Challenge is just beginning

🔥 Be the Light: Why I’m Revisiting This MessageSome messages are too important to only share once.When I first spoke on this idea, I’ll be honest—I didn’t deliver it with the energy, fire, and passion it deserves.And that matters.Because this isn’t just another leadership principle.It’s about believing in yourself when nobody else does.It’s about choosing to rise when the world tells you to stay down.That’s why I’m revisiting it today.I’ve walked through fire.Not once. Not twice. Seasons of it.Times when the results weren’t there.Times when the team was tired.Times when I was carrying more doubt than confidence.And the truth? I didn’t always have the light.There were times I was lost in the dark.I struggled to stand in courage.I hesitated because of fear and imposter syndrome.But no one was coming to rescue me.No one was handing me the playbook.So I made a choice:If I didn’t have a light to follow… I’d become one.Titles and accolades don’t define you.Your choices do.Your team doesn’t need ladder-climbers—it needs lifters.Your family doesn’t need perfection—it needs presence.The world doesn’t need another polished image—it needs your real heart.Stop waiting. Stop doubting. Stop asking for permission.You already have what it takes.Pressure doesn’t destroy leaders.It reveals them.The strongest leaders aren’t made when the applause is loud.They’re made when:The room is silent.The scoreboard looks ugly.You’ve got nothing left… but you keep going.Leadership is forged in chaos. Potential is unlocked in struggle.Your breakthrough might be hiding right behind the thing you’re tempted to quit.One team member catches fire → the whole room lights up.One bold conversation → trust rebuilt.One shift in energy → culture changes.Never underestimate the power of one.It only takes one spark to ignite a fire.And you might be the “one” someone else is waiting for.I didn’t always have the mentor I needed.But instead of getting bitter—I got better.Instead of waiting for someone to show up—I became the one who showed up.And so can you.Be the leader you never had.Be the voice you once needed.Be the light for someone else’s darkness.There’s a version of you the world hasn’t seen yet.A version that’s braver.Bolder.More grounded.More powerful.You don’t need to wait.You don’t need to feel “ready.”You don’t need to earn your worth.You just need to rise.Through the FireYou Don’t Need PermissionAdversity Builds YouThe Power of OneBecome What You Never HadYou Are the Answer

For me, leadership has never been about chasing titles orchecking boxes—it’s about investing my heart into the success of my team andorganization. After 26 years of leading in retail, one thing I know for sure isthis: when your heart is in it, the work feels bigger than the role.But here’s the reality—leaders around us don’t all approachthe job the same way. Some lead with deep, heart-focused commitment to theirpeople, while others lean more self-focused, looking out for recognition,comfort, or career climbing. Early in my career, this used to frustrate me. I’dfind myself asking: Why am I pouring so much into my team when others aren’tdoing the same?Over time, I learned something freeing: youcan’t control how others lead, but you can always control how you showup. True leadership is defined by consistency, integrity, and the standard youset for yourself—even when the playing field feels uneven

THAT'S A WRAP ON THE CHALLENGE WEEK 3

“Welcome to The Art of Coaching, a podcast where leadership is more than managing tasks — it’s about unlocking potential.I’m Joe Glaser — retail leader, coach, and believer in leading with courage, candor, and heart.Each episode, we’ll dig into the real conversations that grow people, the tough truths that spark change, and the daily choices that shape culture.Now, my coaching style might not be yours. But I’ve found that when I stay true to it — when I lead with courage, candor, and heart — it works.This isn’t theory. It’s practical, it’s personal, and it’s tested on the front lines of leadership.Because at the end of the day… leadership isn’t about being the hero — it’s about bringing out the hero in others.Let’s get into The Art of Coaching.”

Words mean nothing without action!!

When most people picture leadership, they see CEOs,generals, or public figures at the top of organizations. But the truth is,leadership doesn’t only live in corner offices or on stages.It lives in the everyday.It lives in the teachers guiding classrooms, nurses calmingpatients, supervisors coaching teams, and yes—managers on busy retail salesfloors. Leadership is not reserved for the few. It’s practiced daily by peoplelike us.Who We Are as LeadersWe’re not corporate executives.We’re not millionaires.We don’t sit in the C-suite.We are everyday leaders.We lead in spaces where the work is messy, the pace is fast,and the impact is immediate. We influence people not through wealth or titles,but through presence, consistency, and care.And while the industries may differ—healthcare, retail,military, government, or corporate—one truth remains: real leadership isabout lifting others higher.What We Bring to the TableSo what can leaders like us offer to anyone, no matter theirposition? Why This Matters for All LeadersNo matter where you lead—whether on the front lines or inthe executive suite—you cannot forget this: leadership is most powerful inthe small moments.It’s the encouragement you give when someone feels unseen.It’s the coaching conversation that changes a career.It’s the belief you show in someone before they believe in themselves.That’s the kind of leadership that outlives titles, outpacesprofits, and outlasts circumstances.A Call to Every LeaderYou don’t need a corner office to lead with courage.You don’t need millions in the bank to create impact.You don’t need a title to inspire change.Because leadership isn’t about where you stand.It’s about how you show up.So wherever you are today—on a shop floor, in a classroom,at a hospital, behind a desk—remember: you have the power to lead withcourage, candor, and heart.And when you do, you won’t just change your workplace.You’ll change people.And when you change people—you change the world.

There’s a narrative we don’t talk about enough in leadership: what it’s like to lead with ADHD.This past spring, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD. For me, that diagnosis wasn’t just a label—it was a mirror. It explained so much about how my brain operates, how I process information, and why certain aspects of leadership felt more difficult than they should’ve. And honestly, it hit hard.There were moments in my career—moments I now look back on with new clarity—where ADHD wasn’t just a quiet presence in the background. It actively impacted how I led. Whether it was dropping the ball with a follow-up, getting distracted in a critical moment, or unintentionally coming across as scattered in meetings, the weight of those misfires chipped away at my confidence.Sometimes, the hardest part wasn’t the mistake—it was the inner narrative that followed: “Why can’t I get this right? Why is this so easy for others?” That internal tension—especially in a leadership role where you're expected to have it all together—was exhausting.But something shifted. After my diagnosis, I began treatment and started building more intentional systems around how I work. The results? Transformational.For the first time in years, I felt like I could truly dial in. The fog lifted. My ability to focus and prioritize sharpened. And perhaps most importantly, I stopped beating myself up—and started leading with a newfound sense of self-awareness and strength.🧠 What ADHD Really Brings to the TableToo often, ADHD is framed solely through a deficit lens: lack of focus, impulsivity, distractibility. But it also brings a set of strengths many leaders spend years trying to develop. When we stop viewing ADHD as a flaw and start seeing the gifts inside it, we uncover leadership fuel:Hyperfocus when it matters most: While distractions come easily, so does deep focus in moments of passion or urgency. I’ve lost hours crafting strategies, building teams, or mentoring others—because when something lights me up, I’m all in.Creative problem-solving: ADHD minds are wired to think in non-linear ways. That means we often find solutions others don’t see because our brains naturally jump the tracks and explore the edges.High energy leadership: My team feeds off my energy—and I’ve got plenty to give. That constant mental motion becomes contagious in the right environment.Empathy for complexity: Because I’ve had to work through challenges myself, I lead with a higher degree of empathy for others who are different thinkers, neurodivergent, or just struggling to keep up.⚙️ Managing the Friction PointsThat said, ADHD doesn’t always make leadership easy. The same traits that can empower you can also derail you if not managed:Task initiation and follow-through can be inconsistent.Prioritization might feel like a game of Whac-A-Mole.Impulse can lead to saying “yes” too fast or pivoting too quickly without buy-in.✨ Final ThoughtIf you’re a leader with ADHD, don’t hide it—harness it. Your brain might work differently, but it’s built with power, perspective, and passion.I spent a long time trying to “fix” the way I lead. But now I understand that embracing the way I’m wired—with support, self-awareness, and the right tools—has made me a better leader, not a broken one.Embrace your edges. Build your support systems. And lead in a way that only you can.Because sometimes the thing you thought would hold you back… is the very thing that makes you unstoppable.-Joe

Energy is Everything

“Let Them: Leading with Clarity, Courage, and Peace”In this episode of The Leadership Edge, we explore a transformative leadership mindset inspired by Mel Robbins’ powerful concept: the “Let Them” Theory.At first glance, “Let Them” might sound passive—like giving up control. But in reality, it’s one of the most empowering positions a leader can take. It’s not about apathy—it’s about alignment. It’s about knowing where your responsibility ends and someone else’s begins. Through this lens, we reclaim our energy, refocus on purpose, and lead with radical candor and grounded presence.We unpack how the “Let Them” approach helps leaders:🛑 Protect their energy by letting go of misaligned narratives🎯 Recommit to mission and purpose without needing to please everyone💬 Practice radical candor without fear of reaction⚓ Become more grounded and values-driven rather than reactive🔁 Navigate how to respond to the leaders above us with grace, not resentmentYou’ll learn why great leadership isn’t about control—it’s about influence. And sometimes, the strongest influence comes from choosing peace over persuasion.Whether you're managing a team, navigating a challenging culture, or simply trying to stay true to your values amidst noise—this episode reminds you of the quiet power of three simple words: Let them.Because that’s leadership.That’s power.That’s peace.