The Learning To Lead Show with Mark J. Cundiff

Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Have you ever noticed that some of the most successful people you know have it all figured out in one area of life... and are quietly falling apart in another?The CEO who can close a nine-figure deal but can't stick to a diet for two weeks. The entrepreneur who built an empire from nothing but hasn't had a real conversation with his own kid in months. We've all seen it. Maybe you've lived it.This week, I sat down with Boaz Gilad — former real estate CEO turned performance coach and author of The Zenith Code — to talk about why this happens, and what it actually takes to break the pattern.Boaz's story is one of the most unconventional paths to leadership I've featured on this show. He grew up in Jerusalem, served as a paratrooper in the Israeli army, then moved to New York at 22 to chase a completely different dream — acting. He trained at the Stella Adler Conservatory, studied Philosophy at Hunter College, and waited tables to make ends meet. A real estate side hustle turned into a 20-year career that took him to CEO of a public company and made him a driving force in Brooklyn's real estate resurgence. Then he lost it all in a hostile takeover.That collapse became the foundation for everything he teaches today.This conversation will challenge how you think about goals, discipline, and what it really means to perform at a high level — not just in one part of your life, but in all of them.What We Cover in This EpisodeBoaz's leadership journey — from acting in New York, to building and taking a real estate company public, to losing everything in a hostile takeoverLife as a series of games — why every area of your life has its own rules, scoreboard, and time limit, and why that framework changes everythingWhy top performers plateau — the real reason high achievers double down on their strengths instead of confronting their blind spotsThe "inspiration junkie" trap — why waiting to feel motivated is keeping you stuck, and what to do insteadThe 90-day framework — why 90 days is the sweet spot for building real, lasting changeProductive discomfort — why success was never meant to feel comfortable, and how to make peace with thatTrust and accountability — how misaligned goals quietly destroy trust on a team, and how to fix itWhy even the best need a coach — the humbling truth behind Steph Curry's shooting coach and what it means for the rest of usKey Quotes to Remember"You don't need inspiration to do the work. You need to decide, and then you need a system that makes the decision for you.""The scoreboard doesn't care how you feel. It tells you if you're winning or losing — and that's the starting point for getting better.""You cannot change the rules in the middle of the game. You can adjust. You can get better. But the rules are the rules.""Success is not comfortable. Understand that, and then decide if you actually want it."A Few Questions to Sit WithBoaz doesn't just hand you answers — he hands you better questions. Here are a few worth carrying into your week:What game am I actually playing right now — and is it the one I say I'm playing?Where am I doubling down on a strength instead of confronting a blind spot?If a camera followed me for a week, would it capture the life I say I want?Who's on my team right now — and are they built for the level I'm trying to reach next?About Boaz GiladBoaz Gilad is an entrepreneur, author, and performance coach known for his work with high-achieving individuals and organizations. Born in Jerusalem, he served as a paratrooper in the Israeli army before moving to New York, where he studied acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory and philosophy at Hunter College. He went on to serve as CEO of several New York real estate development firms, playing a key role in Brooklyn's real estate resurgence and taking his company public. He's the author of The Real Estate Millionaire (McGraw-Hill) and The Zenith Code, has guest lectured in NYU's MBA program, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. He hosts the podcast Unmask and leads Zenith Clubhouse, a program for high performers pursuing growth across both business and life.Connect with Boaz:Book: The Zenith CodeSubstackPodcast: UnmaskLinkedInLearn more: zenithclubhouse.comFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

What if the biggest obstacle to your leadership isn't your experience—but the story you're telling yourself?In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with Jennifer Doty, former Fortune 100 executive, speaker, author, and leadership coach, to explore how leaders can overcome self-doubt, embrace uncertainty, and create meaningful career and life pivots.Jennifer spent nearly two decades at MetLife, rising through multiple executive leadership roles. Along the way, she discovered that the best leaders aren't necessarily the smartest people in the room—they're the ones willing to ask better questions, learn quickly, and help others succeed.Together, Mark and Jennifer discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, leading outside your expertise, navigating career transitions, developing a resilient mindset, building powerful networks, and why changing your thinking is often the first step toward changing your leadership.If you've ever questioned whether you're ready for your next opportunity, this conversation will remind you that growth rarely begins inside your comfort zone.In this Episode You Will LearnWhy leadership is about influence—not expertise.How Jennifer overcame months of imposter syndrome after taking on a role she knew nothing about.The importance of mentors during seasons of rapid growth.Practical strategies for navigating layoffs and major career transitions.Why your identity should never be tied solely to your job title.How daily mindset practices shape long-term leadership success.Why asking better questions often matters more than having better answers.The power of leading with gratitude and possibility thinking.How customer-focused organizations avoid drifting away from what matters most.Why limiting beliefs quietly sabotage leadership potential.How leaders can reframe negative self-talk into empowering beliefs.Why networking should begin long before you need your next opportunity.Simple daily habits that build confidence, resilience, and emotional strength.Key Leadership Takeaways1. You Don't Need Expertise to Lead Well2. Growth Lives Outside Your Comfort Zone3. Your Experience Is More Valuable Than You Realize4. Ask Better Questions5. Never Let Your Job Become Your Identity6. Career Pivots Begin Long Before You Need Them7. Be Clear About What You Really Want8. Mindset Is a Daily Practice9. Stop Believing Every Thought You Think10. Put the Customer in the RoomMemorable Quotes"You don't need to be the expert. You need to know the right questions to ask.""If I can do that, I can do anything.""Your relationships are one of the most valuable assets you'll ever have.""Your identity should never be your job title.""It's not happening to you. It's happening for you.""You get paid the same amount to be miserable as you do to be happy.""If you're going to make up a story, make up a good one.""Leadership is shining your light on others so they can see theirs.""It's always working out."Connect with Jennifer DotyJennifer Doty is a former Fortune 100 vice president, speaker, author, and leadership coach who helps leaders and teams break through limiting beliefs, strengthen their mindset, and create meaningful, measurable change. Drawing from more than twenty years of executive leadership experience and her own career reinvention, she equips organizations and leaders with practical tools that transform confidence into action and mindset into lasting results.LinkedInWebsiteEmail: [email protected] Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Execution is not about having better intentions. It is about building better systems, stronger follow-up, clearer behaviors, and a culture where accountability helps people win.In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with Jon Dario, author, speaker, management skills trainer, and creator of the AIM Framework: Action Item Management. Jon brings decades of leadership experience from major retail and service organizations, including Macy’s, Gap, Bank of America, and Travelex, and currently leads a real estate management company in the New York-New Jersey market. Episode SummaryWhat separates leaders who make plans from leaders who actually get results?That question sits at the center of this conversation with Jon Dario. Jon shares how his leadership journey began in retail management and how one honest conversation with an employee changed the way he saw leadership forever.Early in his career, Jon told a team member he did not have to work the same long hours Jon worked. The employee’s response was direct: “You can tell me that all day long, but your actions are what drives my behavior.”That moment helped Jon realize leadership is not just what you say. It is what you model.Throughout the conversation, Jon and Mark discuss the difference between management and leadership, why consistency builds credibility, why execution is often undervalued, and how leaders can use follow-up, feedback, and focused action to create more reliable results.This episode is a practical conversation for leaders who are tired of strategy sitting in binders, action items dying in meetings, and teams struggling with unclear priorities.About Jon DarioJon Dario is an author, speaker, management skills trainer, and the creator of AIM, which stands for Action Item Management.His leadership background includes roles with some of the world’s most recognizable retail and service organizations, including: Macy’s  Gap  Bank of America  Travelex Jon’s AIM system helps managers and organizations improve execution by clarifying actions, external influences, and desired results.His work focuses on helping leaders build systems, routines, follow-up rhythms, and cultures of accountability that produce consistent results over time.Key Ideas Discussed1. Leadership Is Influence, Not Just Authority2. Your Actions Drive Your Team’s Behavior3. Follow-Up Is Foundational to Execution4. Consistency Builds Credibility5. The AIM Framework: Actions + External Influences = Results6. When the Plan Gets Punched in the Face7. Deciding Is Not the Same as Doing8. High-Performing Teams Use the Same Language9. Behaviors Fall Into Three Buckets10. Accountability Is a Shared Obligation📚 Resources MentionedAIM (Action Item Management) — Jon DarioThe Slight Edge — Jeff OlsonAtomic Habits — James ClearGood to Great — Jim CollinsThe Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership — Dr. Steven SampleTiny Experiments - B. J. Fogg🎯 Connect with Jon DarioLinkedInWebsiteEmail: [email protected] Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

In this Leadership Insights episode, Mark Cundiff reflects on his conversation with entrepreneur, author, speaker, and coach Jonathan Milligan from Episode #58, Consistency Beats Talent: The Secret Hiding in Plain Sight.Jonathan has spent more than a decade helping experts, coaches, and entrepreneurs clarify their message, build businesses around their expertise, and create meaningful impact. But before becoming a successful entrepreneur, he was a school teacher searching for a greater outlet for his gifts and talents.In this episode, Mark unpacks five powerful leadership lessons from their conversation—lessons on confidence, clarity, consistency, community, and taking action before you have all the answers.If you're a growth-minded leader looking to increase your influence, build momentum, and lead with greater confidence, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately.Five Leadership Takeaways1. You Don't Need Certainty—You Need the Next Step2. Clarity Is Kindness3. Confidence Is Built Through Action4. Consistency Beats Talent5. Success Happens in CommunityMemorable Quotes from the Episode"Progress creates clarity.""Clarity is kindness.""Fear thrives in big-picture thinking. Fear dies in small-step action.""Consistency beats talent every single time.""People trust leaders they can depend on.""Community doesn't just support growth—it multiplies it."Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

What happens when a burned-out school teacher decides to bet on himself? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime mentor and friend, Jonathan Milligan — author, online business coach, and the very person who taught me how to build the blog and podcast you're listening to right now.Jonathan has spent over a decade helping creative professionals turn their story, message, and expertise into a business they love. We talk about his winding journey from teaching to flipping houses to recruiting and finally into coaching, the hardest leadership decision he ever made (cutting his team from 15 people down to two), and why he believes consistency — not talent — is the real secret to lasting influence.If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, shiny object syndrome, or wondering whether your story is even worth telling, this conversation is for you.About Jonathan MilliganJonathan Milligan is an author, blogger, speaker, and online business coach who has spent the last decade guiding creative professionals toward meaningful work. Since 2009, he's run his own portable lifestyle business online, and he's the author of 17 books (with another on the way). His book, Your Message Matters, has inspired thousands of people to get their story out into the world — whether through writing, speaking, or teaching. I've had the privilege of being coached by Jonathan for over a decade; he's the one who first taught me how to blog, and most recently, how to launch this very podcast.Key Topics DiscussedJonathan's leadership origin story growing up as a coach's son in IndianaWhy he left teaching and what he learned bouncing between house flipping, recruiting, and entrepreneurshipThe hardest leadership decision of his career: shrinking his team from 15 to 2How his definition of leadership has evolved from "having the answers" to providing clarityThe story behind his book Your Message Matters and why it starts with self-development, not strategyWhy "broken focus" is the number one enemy of growth-minded leadersPractical steps for working through fear and self-doubtHis "Five Ones" filter for cutting out distractions and noiseWhy consistency is the "secret hiding in plain sight" of long-term influenceHow to rebuild confidence after a setback — one rep at a timeThe lies leaders tell themselves that quietly hold them backLeadership lessons he learned from his father, a longtime basketball coachHis daily and weekly habits, reading rhythms, and why he believes in always having a coachMemorable QuotesConsistency does not require talent. It just requires showing up.You don't need certainty. You just need clarity on what the next step is, and then you take that step.A confused leader creates confused followers, so clarity is essential... clarity is kindness.Confidence isn't the absence of doubt. It's the decision to move forward while the doubt is still talking.Your story's unique. Your combination of experience, pain, and perspective is unrepeatable, so focus on that."Connect with Jonathan:Get a free copy of Your Message Matters: yourmessagemattersbook.comConnect with Jonathan's coaching community: marketyourmessage.comYouTube: Jonathan MilliganLinkedIn📚 Resources MentionedYour Message Matters — Jonathan MilliganThe One Thing — Gary KellerThinking for a Change — John MaxwellBuilding a StoryBrand 2.0 — Donald MillerThe Bible — referenced as "the ultimate leadership manual"Action Items for This WeekRun your next decision through a filter. Borrow Jonathan's "Five Ones" approach — ask whether a new idea or opportunity serves your one person, one product, one path, and one platform right now. If not, let it go.Shrink the window. If fear or doubt is loud this week, don't think about the whole year. Identify just the next small step you can take today.Protect one block of deep work. Block off a recurring window (mornings, if you can) where you create before the rest of the day's demands pull you away.Start wrestling your message onto paper. Journal, dictate your thoughts, or start outlining — even rough writing builds the clarity Jonathan talks aboutFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

5 Leadership Takeaways from Preston Zeller: Empathy, Trust, Storytelling, and Sustainable GrowthHost Mark Cundiff welcomes listeners to Learning to Lead episode 57, reflecting on his prior conversation with Preston Zeller from episode 56, “The Art of Empathy in Leadership.” He highlights themes of empathy, resilience, grief, storytelling, trust, leadership, and business growth, including Preston’s journey after losing his brother and creating a daily painting for 365 days that became the documentary The Art of Grieving. Cundiff emphasizes that people need leaders who listen and care, then shares five takeaways: empathy as a leadership superpower; small daily actions compounding into big results; using stories to inspire beyond facts; building trust through alignment between intentions and the employee experience; and recognizing that many growth problems are operational issues. He encourages listeners to watch the documentary, download leader notes, subscribe, and leave a rating.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Grief, Growth, Storytelling, Operations, and the Future of AIWhat happens when personal tragedy forces you to slow down, reflect, and rebuild?In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with entrepreneur, consultant, filmmaker, and storyteller Preston Zeller to explore how one of the most painful seasons of his life transformed the way he leads, serves others, and helps organizations grow.After the loss of his brother, Preston embarked on an extraordinary journey—creating a painting every day for 365 days as a way to process grief. That experience eventually became the documentary The Art of Grieving and fundamentally changed his perspective on empathy, leadership, and human connection.The conversation also explores storytelling as a leadership skill, building trust inside organizations, operational excellence, AI adoption, and the habits that fuel long-term growth.Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or navigating a difficult season of life, this episode offers practical wisdom and powerful reminders about what matters most.Listen now and discover how great leaders combine empathy, vision, trust, and execution to create lasting impact.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

What separates good leaders from truly great leaders?According to M.K. Palmore, it's not strategy, authority, or expertise.It's people.In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff shares key leadership insights gained from his conversation with M.K. Palmore, Founder and CEO of Apogee Global RMS, former FBI executive, U.S. Marine Corps officer, U.S. Naval Academy graduate, and cybersecurity leader with Google Cloud and Palo Alto Networks.Drawing from more than three decades of leadership experience across the military, federal law enforcement, and corporate America, M.K. shares powerful lessons on trust, integrity, accountability, resilience, mentorship, and why leadership is ultimately about investing in people.M.K. explains why risk is fundamentally a leadership challenge, how great leaders build cultures of trust, and why the small moments of encouragement and mentorship often have the greatest impact.Whether you're leading a team of two or an organization of thousands, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about leadership and the lasting legacy you leave behind.In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why do the best leaders focus on people before mission  The leadership lessons M.K. learned at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Marine Corps, the FBI, and Silicon Valley  How mentors helped him beat the odds and build an extraordinary career  Why trust is built through integrity, transparency, and accountability  The hidden ways leaders unintentionally damage trust  How to rebuild trust after it's been broken  Why high-performing teams practice before pressure arrives  The role of reflection and self-awareness in leadership growth  How leaders can create cultures of psychological safety  Why every leader has a responsibility to develop future leaders Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

What separates good leaders from truly great leaders?According to M.K. Palmore, it's not strategy, authority, or expertise.It's people.In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with M.K. Palmore, Founder and CEO of Apogee Global RMS, former FBI executive, U.S. Marine Corps officer, U.S. Naval Academy graduate, and cybersecurity leader with Google Cloud and Palo Alto Networks.Drawing from more than three decades of leadership experience across the military, federal law enforcement, and corporate America, M.K. shares powerful lessons on trust, integrity, accountability, resilience, mentorship, and why leadership is ultimately about investing in people.M.K. explains why risk is fundamentally a leadership challenge, how great leaders build cultures of trust, and why the small moments of encouragement and mentorship often have the greatest impact.Whether you're leading a team of two or an organization of thousands, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about leadership and the lasting legacy you leave behind.In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why do the best leaders focus on people before mission  The leadership lessons M.K. learned at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Marine Corps, the FBI, and Silicon Valley  How mentors helped him beat the odds and build an extraordinary career  Why trust is built through integrity, transparency, and accountability  The hidden ways leaders unintentionally damage trust  How to rebuild trust after it's been broken  Why high-performing teams practice before pressure arrives  The role of reflection and self-awareness in leadership growth  How leaders can create cultures of psychological safety  Why every leader has a responsibility to develop future leaders📚Books MentionedGood to Great — Jim Collins21 Irrefutable Laws of Leaders - John MaxwellSteve Jobs — Walter IsaacsonIt Worked for Me - Colin Powell AutobiographyLong Walk To Freedom - Nelson MandelaConnect with M.K. Palmore Website Apogee Global RMS LinkedInFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

In episode 53 of Learning to Lead, host Mark Cundiff recaps his conversation with Patrick Erwin, author of I Love This Place, Director of Content and Training at the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, and a former Hillgrove High School band director who built a nationally respected program. 🔑 5 Key Takeaways for Growth-Minded Leaders1. Leadership Is More Than Skills2. Your Response Shapes Your Culture3. The Best Leaders Are Both Tough and Tender4. Younger Generations Need Filters More Than Funnels5. Culture Is Built Through Small MomentsFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark J. Cundiff sits down with Patrick Erwin, author of I Love This Place, leadership educator, former high school band director, and Director of Content & Training at Maxwell Leadership.Patrick shares the leadership lessons he learned while building a high-performing high school band program from the ground up and how those lessons apply to every organization—from schools and nonprofits to manufacturing plants and corporate teams.This conversation dives deep into leadership culture, trust, influence, generational leadership, and the balance between driving results while genuinely caring for people. Patrick’s stories are authentic, practical, and filled with wisdom for any growth-minded leader who wants to create a workplace where people truly say, “I love this place.”Key Topics DiscussedPatrick Erwin’s Leadership Journey Starting a brand-new school and band program from scratch  Leading over 300 students while building culture intentionally  How early overconfidence became a catalyst for growth  Lessons learned transitioning from education to Maxwell Leadership The Humbling Feedback That Changed Everything The anonymous student review that challenged Patrick’s leadership  Why technical skills alone are not enough  Moving from proving yourself to genuinely leading others Why Leaders Miss Their Biggest Blind Spots The danger of self-assurance without self-awareness  How limited circles limit leadership growth  “We lead as we were led,” and why mentorship matters The Conversation That Redirected His LeadershipPatrick’s wife delivered a powerful truth:“You spend a lot of time talking about leadership and not a lot of time leading.”That moment launched a complete shift in how he viewed influence, relationships, and authentic leadership.Leadership Books RecommendedThe 360 Degree Leader — John C. Maxwell How to Get a Return on Failure — John C. Maxwell The Future Begins with Z — Dr. Tim Elmore Undistracted — Bob GoffI love this - Patrick ErwinConnect with Patrick ErwinWebsiteLinkedInBook-I Love This PlaceFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Host Mark Cundiff welcomes listeners to episode 51 of Learning to Lead, sharing key leadership insights from his conversation with Jeff Brown of the Read to Lead podcast and co-author of the book Read to Lead. Mark highlights Jeff’s background as an early leadership podcaster with nearly 600 episodes, his career reinvention after losing a 26-year broadcasting job, and his story of going nearly 12 years without reading before it transformed his confidence, leadership, and life trajectory. The episode emphasizes that growth is intentional—requiring protected time, habits, focused learning, and consistent action—and that reading provides a competitive advantage by expanding thinking, accelerating careers, and improving leadership. Other takeaways include that implementation drives change, that great leaders demonstrate self-awareness and generosity, and that small daily habits like reading 10 pages a day compound over time.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Episode #50: The Read to Lead Blueprint for Personal, Professional, and Leadership Growth with Jeff BrownIn this milestone 50th episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with Jeff Brown, founder of the Read to Lead Podcast, to explore how reading, lifelong learning, intentional growth, and leadership development can transform your career and life.Jeff shares his journey from traditional radio broadcasting to becoming one of the most respected voices in leadership podcasting, interviewing world-class authors like Seth Godin, John Maxwell, Simon Sinek, Liz Wiseman, and Dr. Henry Cloud.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why “leaders are readers.”How reading accelerated Jeff’s career growthThe mindset shifts required for reinvention and personal growthWhy intentional learning separates great leaders from average leadersThe difference between intention and implementationHow to build leadership habits that actually stickThe power of note-making vs. note-takingHow to create a personal growth systemBooks & Authors Mentioned:Multipliers — Liz WisemanEssentialism — Greg McKeownPurple Cow — Seth GodinThe 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership — John Maxwell7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen CoveyHow to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie48 Days to the Work You Love — Dan MillerDie Empty — Todd HenrySteal the Show — Michael PortAbout Jeff Brown:Jeff Brown is the creator and host of the award-nominated Read to Lead Podcast and co-author of Read to Lead. After a 26-year career in radio broadcasting, Jeff reinvented himself as a leadership podcaster and lifelong learning advocate.Connect with Jeff Brown:ReadtoLeadPodcast.comRead to Lead BookFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Host Mark Cundiff opens Episode 49 of the Learning to Lead Show with an update on a brief publishing gap due to attending his son Elijah Cundiff’s wedding, previews Episode 50 featuring Jeff Brown of the Read to Lead Show, and thanks listeners for helping the podcast reach 53 countries and 326 cities. He reflects on his conversation with frontline leader Trent McJunkin, who rose from technician to senior leadership, sharing hard lessons about shifting from driving results and fixing problems to developing people. Cundiff highlights five takeaways: Leadership starts before a titleBeing the hero creates dependencyA leader’s role is to develop othersClarity reduces frustration by defining “good” and “done.” Communication multiplies influence because reception matters as much as intent. He directs listeners to download leader notes, subscribe, share, and rate the show.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Trent McJunkin shares his journey from shop floor technician to leadership coach, revealing the mindset shifts, mistakes, and leadership principles that helped him grow—and now help others lead with consistency, discipline, and influence.📌 Key Topics CoveredTransitioning from technician to leaderLeading without authorityThe mindset shift from doing the work → developing peopleWhy “hero culture” hurts organizationsCommunication breakdowns and how to fix themInfluencing across teams and up the organizationBuilding trust and credibility as a leaderThe importance of personal growth in leadership🧠 Key TakeawaysLeadership starts before the title — you’re already influencing othersYour role shifts as a leader — from getting results to developing peoplePoor communication creates chaos — clarity is everythingWhat gets rewarded gets repeated — celebrate proactive behaviorsInfluence requires empathy — understand what matters to othersGrowth is non-negotiable — your leadership sets the ceiling for your team⚠️ Common Leadership PitfallsLeading with frustration instead of clarityAssuming people understand expectationsOvervaluing “firefighting” vs. preventionFailing to adapt communication stylesRelying on authority instead of influence🛠️ Practical Leadership ApplicationsDefine “what good looks like” and “what done looks like.”Ask better questions before reactingRecognize and reward preventive actionsTailor communication to the individualFocus on solving problems that matter to othersInvest in daily, consistent personal growth📖 Influential Resource MentionedThe 360 Degree Leader – John C. MaxwellThe John Maxwell Team🔗 Connect with Trent McJunkinLinkedIn: Trent McJunkinWebsiteEmail: [email protected] Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership Insights on Mental Health: The Power of a Five-Minute Conversation (Learning to Lead Show Ep. 47)Host Mark Cundiff shares leadership insights from his conversation with Adam Nemer, author of Simple Mental Health and former Kaiser Permanente CFO, describing it as his most compelling and challenging episode due to Nemer’s 20-year struggle after his father’s death by suicide and a pivotal “five-minute mental health first aid” conversation with a leader named Dave. Nemer explains his shift from nearly two decades at Kaiser to founding Simple Mental Health to help leaders create safe, stigma-free workplaces, noting that 25% of U.S. adults experience a mental health issue annually and stigma can delay help-seeking for up to 10 years. Key discussion topics include leading while battling mental illness, unprocessed trauma, mental health literacy, culture and psychological safety, treating mental health like physical health, and the business impact of investing in mental health, with takeaways emphasizing action, normalization, and performance effects.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Breaking the Silence: Leadership and Mental Health with Adam NemerIn this powerful episode, Mark Cundiff sits down with Adam Nemer to discuss the often-unspoken reality of mental health in leadership—and the life-changing impact of one courageous conversation.Adam shares his personal journey of leading at a high level while silently struggling, and how a simple 5-minute conversation with a leader changed everything.🔑 Key Topics Why mental health is still one of the most avoided conversations in leadership  Adam’s personal story of silent struggle while leading at an executive level  The 5-minute conversation that helped change—and save—his life  How to recognize when someone on your team may be struggling  What holds leaders back from speaking up (and how to overcome it)  The role of stigma—and why it keeps people from getting help  How leaders can create a culture of psychological safety and support  The connection between mental health, performance, and team effectiveness  Simple, practical ways to support your people starting today 💡 Why This Episode MattersIf you lead people, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, awareness, and responsibility.Because sometimes… The most important leadership moment is a 5-minute conversation.Resources Mentioned:Simple Mental Health: The ROI of Vulnerability — Adam NemerArticle: Breaking The Silence: Leadership and Mental Health with Adam NemerThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team — Patrick LencioniThe Odyssey — HomerShakespeare’s Tragedies (especially King Lear)Disturbing the Peace — Václav HavelThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. CoveyFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Host Mark Cundiff recaps Episode #44 of the Learning to Lead Show featuring leadership coach and former Alpine ski racer Erin Treacy, focusing on how to lead effectively without burning yourself or your team out.Drawing on her experience in ski racing, broadcast news, business ownership, and coaching, Erin argues that growth comes from leading better, not doing more, and that long-term success is built by investing in people over systems. Key topics include:Discipline and resilienceInternal growth versus external solutionsCommunication gaps that create bottlenecksStaying connected to frontline teamsTrust built through consistency and clarityProcess over outcome (including Nick Saban’s approach)Supporting middle managersSimple intentional check-insReframing feedback as a growth toolThe value of having a coach or mentorCundiff’s five takeaways emphasize developing current teams, addressing burnout through clarity and communication, prioritizing people, building trust daily, and using brief check-ins for big impact.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

🎙 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Mark sits down with leadership coach Erin Treacy to explore how leaders can grow their teams without burning them out. They discuss sustainable leadership, investing in people, and why clarity beats hustle every time.🔑 Key Topics DiscussedErin’s leadership journey (4-H, athletics, business ownership)Lessons from competitive skiing: discipline, resilience, and mental toughnessWhy leaders must stop chasing “more” and start developing peopleThe hidden cost of burnout in teams and organizationsInternal growth vs. external solutions (hiring, tech, systems)How poor communication creates bottlenecksWhy training is the best investment (4–7x ROI)The importance of staying connected to frontline teamsTrust vs. productivity: building long-term resultsNick Saban’s “process over outcome” leadership approachSupporting and developing middle managersThe power of simple, consistent check-insFeedback vs. criticism: shifting the leadership mindsetWhy every leader needs a coach or mentor💡 Key TakeawaysInvest in people first—growth starts internallyBurnout is not a badge of honorClarity and communication solve most problemsTrust is built through consistency and explanationSmall check-ins create big impactFeedback fuels growth when framed correctly📚 Resources MentionedLeaders Eat Last – Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek🔗 Connect with Erin TreacyWebsite: coacherintreacy.comSocial: @CoachErinTreacyFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Host Mark Cundiff welcomes listeners to Episode #43 of the Learning to Lead Show, and thanks the audience for helping the show reach 278 cities in 36 countries and 39 U.S. states. He shares key leadership insights from prior guest Joey Cantrell, an operations manager leading a large aluminum mill machine shop, who brings 40 years of maintenance and industrial leadership experience rooted in early mentorship. The central theme is that continuous learning fuels effective leadership and directly impacts team performance, culture, and long-term success. Topics include trust through consistency and honesty, spending time with people on the floor, safety and accountability, using data to drive alignment, developing future leaders with support, and shifting from directive leadership to a coaching mindset. Cundiff’s five takeaways stress leader growth as the team’s ceiling, leadership’s “double-edged sword,” and the responsibility to train and develop others.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

🎙️ From Machinist to Mentor: Why Your Team Will Never Outgrow You as a Leader with Joey CantrellWhat separates great leaders from average ones?They never stop learning.In this episode, Mark Cundiff sits down with Joey Cantrell—an operations leader with 40+ years of experience—to talk about leading on the front lines, building high-performing teams, and why your growth as a leader determines your team’s success.From starting in a machine shop at 13 to leading one of the largest aluminum rolling operations in North America, Joey shares practical, no-nonsense leadership lessons you can apply immediately.🔑 Key Takeaways If you stop learning, you stop leading  Your team reflects your level of growth  Trust is built through action, not words  Don’t set people up to fail—develop them  Great leaders spend time with their people, not just in the office  Safety, honesty, and consistency are non-negotiable 💡 Final ThoughtIf you want a better team, start by becoming a better leader.👤 About the GuestJoey Cantrell is an accomplished maintenance and operations leader with over four decades of experience across industrial manufacturing, reliability, engineering, and asset management.He currently serves as General Manager of Operations at Constellium Aluminum’s Central Service Center in Muscle Shoals, Alabama—supporting one of the largest aluminum rolling mills in North America.Joey is known for: Building high-performing teams  Driving operational excellence  Developing leaders from the ground up  Creating a culture of continuous improvementFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff reflects on his powerful conversation with Debbie Simmons, exploring a fresh and challenging perspective on leadership and trust.Debbie introduces the idea that trust is not just relational—it’s structural. Under pressure, leaders don’t rise to the occasion—they fall to their defaults. And those defaults reveal what we truly trust.Through both practical insight and personal experience—including her journey as a mother of nine adopted children—Debbie shows how pressure exposes gaps in our leadership foundation and why sustainable leadership requires rebuilding trust from the inside out.🔑 Key TakeawaysPressure reveals your true leadership foundation What you trust shows up when things get hard. Trust is more than a value—it’s a structure Strong leadership depends on what you rely on internally. Your default patterns are shaping your leadership Control, urgency, overfunctioning, and silence often drive behavior under stress. Healthy organizations don’t depend on one leader Sustainable teams are built on shared responsibility and clear structure. Performance gets results—structure sustains them You can hustle to succeed, but you need alignment to last. 💡 Why This Episode MattersIf you’re a leader who is: Performing well but feeling stretched  Respected but internally exhausted  Carrying more than you should This episode will challenge you to rethink how you build trust—and help you create a leadership foundation that holds up under pressure.🎧 Be sure to check out the full conversation in Episode 40 and download the LeaderNotes for practical application steps.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with Debbie Simmons—CEO, author, and creator of the Architecture of Trust—to explore a powerful shift in how leaders understand trust.Debbie challenges the common belief that trust is just a virtue or relational skill, reframing it as a structural foundation that determines how leaders perform under pressure. Because the truth is simple—and a little uncomfortable: what you trust in is revealed when things get heavy.Together, they unpack how high-capacity leaders often default to patterns like control, urgency, over-functioning, or silence—habits that may produce short-term results but quietly erode long-term effectiveness. Debbie shares how these patterns show up in organizations, families, and personal leadership, and why many successful leaders are actually operating with hidden structural gaps.You’ll also learn what a healthy “trust structure” looks like inside a team, how to rebuild trust without blowing everything up, and why sustainable leadership requires more than performance—it requires alignment.If you’re successful but stretched, respected but tired, or leading at a high level but feeling the strain underneath, this episode will help you identify what’s really holding you up—and what needs to change to lead with strength that lasts.Contact Debbie:LinkedInWebsiteEmail: [email protected]'s Free BooksThe Heart of LegacyThe Perfectly Imperfect FamilyFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

From Being Liked to Being Respected: Five Leadership Takeaways from Paul ThorntonHost Mark Cundiff shares leadership insights from his conversation with Paul Thornton (Episode 38, “From Being Liked to Being Respected”), drawing on Thornton’s 35+ years as a teacher, coach, and leadership expert. The episode emphasizes that leadership is not about being liked but about credibility, consistency, and accountability that build trust. Thornton’s practical framework highlights three adaptable leadership styles—directing, discussing, and delegating—and emphasizes choosing the right approach for the situation without micromanaging or causing analysis paralysis. Cundiff outlines five takeaways: Trust is built through consistent follow-throughLeaders must shift from people-pleasing to principled standardsStrong leaders flex between directing, discussing, and delegating. Asking and listening develop thinkers, while telling creates dependence. Effective delegation requires clear expectations, defined outcomes, and strategic check-ins, illustrated by lessons from “The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey.”Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Make sure to download LeaderNotes. LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark sits down with Paul B. Thornton to explore how trust is built through credibility and consistency—and why it’s the foundation of effective leadership.Drawing from decades of experience, Paul breaks down his practical framework of three leadership styles: directing, discussing, and delegating, and explains how great leaders adapt their approach based on the situation and the person they’re leading.They also unpack common leadership pitfalls—like micromanaging, poor communication, over-delegating, and avoiding accountability—and how these behaviors quietly erode trust.If you want to lead with greater clarity, build stronger relationships, and develop your people more effectively, this episode gives you a simple, actionable roadmap.Key TopicsWhy trust depends on credibility and consistencyThe 3 leadership styles: Directing, Discussing, DelegatingSituational leadership and adapting your approachCommon leadership mistakes that weaken trustHow to balance accountability without micromanagingWhy great leaders develop people—not just resultsKey TakeawaysConsistency builds trust. Inconsistency breaks it.There is no one-size-fits-all leadership style.Clear communication and deadlines drive accountability.Delegation requires trust and follow-up—not abandonment.Great leaders focus on developing people, not just managing tasks.Connect with Paul Thornton:LinkedInEmail: [email protected] Paul's Books:Leadership StylesThe Leadership ProcessAdd ValueFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff shares powerful leadership insights from his conversation with legendary basketball coach Jim Johnson, best known for the unforgettable story of Jason “J-Mac” McElwain—the autistic team manager who stunned the world by scoring 20 points in four minutes on senior night.Beyond the miracle moment, Coach Johnson reveals the deeper leadership lessons forged through adversity, vulnerability, and perseverance. He explains how authentic leadership can unite a struggling team, why great leaders ask more questions than they give answers, and how preparation positions people for breakthrough moments.Coach Johnson, a highly accomplished coach with more than 400 career wins, reflects on the leadership principles that shaped his teams and now guide his work as a motivational speaker and leadership teacher.Mark highlights five key takeaways for growth-minded leaders, including:Vulnerability builds unity. When leaders admit they don’t have all the answers and create space for honest conversation, teams can overcome division and move forward together.Great leaders ask better questions. Becoming the “Chief Question Asker” builds trust, uncovers truth, and strengthens relationships.Preparation creates breakthrough moments. J-Mac’s historic performance wasn’t luck—it was the result of relentless practice meeting opportunity.Culture is built through daily behavior. Leaders build trust by aligning their words and actions, telling the truth with respect, and recognizing people for doing the right things.Leaders must grow first. Sustainable success comes when leaders commit to continuous personal development and apply what they learn.Coach Johnson also shares his guiding philosophy: “Leave a profit everywhere you go.” In other words, leave every relationship, team, and situation better than you found it.This inspiring conversation reminds leaders that passion, preparation, humility, and continuous growth are the ingredients that create both great teams and unforgettable moments.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership, Perseverance, and the Miracle of J-Mac with Coach Jim JohnsonIn this inspiring episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with Coach Jim Johnson to explore powerful leadership lessons forged through adversity, trust, teamwork, and perseverance. Coach Johnson shares his journey as a high school basketball coach, the challenges of leading through a divided season, and the pivotal moment when vulnerability helped unite his team.The conversation also highlights the unforgettable story of Jason “J-Mac” McElwain—an autistic team manager whose four miraculous minutes on senior night became one of the most inspiring moments in sports history. Along the way, Coach Johnson unpacks practical lessons on passion, mission, goal setting, servant leadership, team culture, trust, and personal growth.This episode is a moving reminder that great leadership is not just about winning games—it is about believing in people, bringing teams together, and leaving every place better than you found it.If this episode encouraged you, be sure to share it and leave a rating so more leaders can discover The Learning to Lead Show.Connect with Coach Jim Johnson:LinkedInWebsiteBook: A Coach and a MiracleEmail: [email protected] VideoCoach Johnson mentioned several authors and thinkers who influenced his leadership journey:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen Covey: A foundational book on leadership, personal responsibility, and purpose.Start With Why — Simon Sinek: Understanding purpose and how great leaders inspire action.The Five Dysfunctions of a Team — Patrick Lencioni: A powerful framework for building trust and team health.Developing the Leader Within You — John C. Maxwell: A practical guide to leadership growth.Mindset — Carol Dweck: A deep look at the power of a growth mindset.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership culture doesn’t change through slogans, motivational speeches, or another poster on the wall.It changes through behavior.In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff shares exciting updates on the podcast's growth and introduces a powerful conversation with behavioral science expert Dr. Ken Wagner. In just five months, the show has been heard in 214 cities across 24 countries and 33 U.S. states—a sign that leaders around the world are hungry for practical wisdom they can apply immediately.Mark and Dr. Wagner explore how behavioral science can help leaders strengthen culture, improve performance, and create lasting organizational change. Instead of relying on vague leadership advice, this conversation focuses on observable actions leaders can take to influence the behaviors that drive results.If you want to build a stronger culture, align your team, and create real accountability, this episode offers a framework grounded in research and real-world leadership.Key Insights from the Episode1. Positive Reinforcement Drives Behavior2. Culture Is the Pattern of Behavior Over Time3. Accountability Works Best When It Is Clear and Measurable4. Beware of “Helicopter Leadership.”5. Most Change Initiatives Fail Because Leaders Skip the Momentum PhaseFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Download LeaderNotes HereLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.#34 Intentional Leadership: Turning Behavior into Results with Dr. Ken WagnerIn this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff sits down with Dr. Ken Wagner, founder of Daylight Advisory and a globally respected expert in behavioral science and organizational performance.Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working with leaders across six continents, Dr. Wagner explains how the science of behavior can transform leadership, culture, and performance. He challenges common leadership myths—especially the idea that motivation comes primarily from praise or financial rewards.Instead, Wagner explains that positive reinforcement is anything that increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated. The most powerful reinforcement, he argues, is often natural reinforcement—when people clearly see that their actions make their work easier, more successful, or more meaningful.Throughout the conversation, Wagner shows how great leaders intentionally design cultures by shaping the behaviors they encourage or discourage within their organizations. He shares practical examples from manufacturing plants and other industries that illustrate how small leadership behaviors—such as what managers write down in meetings or follow up on during the day—can quietly shape culture.Dr. Wagner also explains why many change initiatives fail, why vague expectations weaken accountability, and why recognition systems like “Employee of the Month” often create unintended competition instead of collaboration.The key to sustainable performance, he says, is intentional leadership—leaders who clearly define the behaviors that drive success, reinforce them consistently, and create environments where people experience meaning and small wins that build momentum.If you want to build a culture of accountability, engagement, and consistent high performance, this episode will give you a powerful framework grounded in the science of behavior.Contact Information for Dr. Ken Wagner:LinkedInWebsiteEmail: [email protected] Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

5 Leadership Takeaways from Tim HarmonHost Mark Cundiff shares key leadership insights from his conversation with Tim Harmon (Episode 32) for Episode 33, highlighting Harmon’s 20+ years of experience from the US Army Rangers to industrial manufacturing with companies like AK Steel, Stanley Black and Decker, and Cooper Tire. Key takeaways include:Lead By ExampleBe The Filter, Not The FirehoseBuild trust through Care, Competence, and ReliabilityStop Being the Fixer, Start Being the Listener  Influence beats Authority Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Lead from the Floor: Tim Harmon on Trust, Listening, and Real-World InfluenceIn this episode, Mark Cundiff sits down with Tim Harmon, a seasoned maintenance and reliability leader and U.S. Army veteran, to unpack what it really takes to lead in high-pressure industrial environments. Tim shares lessons from his early days in JROTC, through Army and Ranger leadership, into corporate roles at organizations like AK Steel, Stanley Black & Decker, and Cooper Tire, and into consulting in reliability transformation.This conversation is loaded with practical leadership wisdom for leaders who are trying to build trust, reduce chaos, and influence across departments—especially when you don’t have positional authority.About Tim HarmonTim Harmon is a maintenance and reliability leader with 20+ years of experience building high-performing teams and driving operational excellence. He served in the U.S. Army, including overseas deployments, and later transitioned into leadership roles in industrial manufacturing and global reliability implementation. Today, he serves as a senior leader in facilities, maintenance, and reliability at Liebherr Logistics USA.What You’ll Learn in This Episode1) Lead by Example on the Shop Floor2) The Leader’s Role as a Filter3) Trust Comes Down to Credibility and Follow-Through4) Listening Is a Leadership Superpower5) Influence Matters More Than Positional Authority6) Change Management Requires Voice + Feedback Loops7) Continuous Learning for LeadersMemorable Quotes“My schedule should never be so busy that I can’t engage somebody.”“If you’re not 100% sure you can deliver, don’t make the commitment.”“People don’t leave because they don’t like the work—it’s usually because of bad leadership.”“Don’t respond in haste. Digest it first.”“It’s not an individual—it’s a team effort.”If you got value out of this episode:✅ Subscribe to your favorite podcast app✅ Share the episode with a friend✅ Leave a 5-star rating to help spread the wordFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Host Mark Cundiff shares five leadership insights from his conversation with Jay Jacobson, a longtime funeral home director, entrepreneur, and leadership consultant, centered on Jay’s book "Lead by Legendary Example." The takeaways include: leadership is demonstrated through daily behavior rather than titles; integrity is revealed in quiet moments and in crises through truth-telling and owning mistakes; effective boards and teams surface disagreement to reach better decisions; true presence requires turning down distractions and giving full attention; and collaboration multiplies wisdom while control isolates it, illustrated by contrasting medical experiences at the Mayo Clinic versus a local hospital. Mark encourages listeners to download the episode leader notes, check out Jay’s book, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a five-star rating.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Episode Summary – Jay Jacobson | Lead by Legendary ExampleMark Cundiff welcomes Jay Jacobson—funeral director, entrepreneur, bakery owner, and leadership consultant—to the Learning to Lead Show. Drawing from his book Lead by Legendary Example, Jay shares six pillars of leadership shaped by real-life experiences across business, crisis response, and community leadership.Jay reflects on his journey from childhood entrepreneur to funeral service leader and national board member, emphasizing that leadership is not declared—it is lived. He highlights defining moments, including the United 232 crash response in Northwest Iowa, where competing funeral directors united to serve families and coordinate disaster efforts—demonstrating integrity, collaboration, and leadership under pressure.The conversation explores:Living with integrity through daily actions, especially in crisisThe power of constructive disagreement in effective leadership and governanceVision that goes beyond short-term results to truly serve peoplePresence—giving undivided attention at work and at homeServant leadership shaped by personal hardship, family challenges, and empathyCollaboration in medicine, disaster response, and community leadershipThe difference between adaptability and compromise—holding values steady in changing timesJay also discusses mentoring young people, building character early, and creating environments where future leaders can grow. He shares how continuous learning—through books, experience, and evolving tools like AI—remains essential for leaders who want to stay effective and relevant.His book combines powerful stories with a practical 10-week leadership development framework, built to help leaders live their values, serve others, and lead with lasting impact.Key message: Never stop learning. Leadership is lived one decision, one action, and one example at a time.Free Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Host Mark Cundiff shares five takeaways for growth-minded leaders from a prior Learning to Lead Show episode with Dr. Matt Wilmington (Episode 28), a longtime mentor known for asking probing questions. The episode theme is “Leading Inside Out,” emphasizing that leading from external pressures and performance leads to burnout, especially mid-career, while the real mission flows from the inside out. Cundiff highlights lessons from leading volunteers at Thomas Road Baptist Church: in volunteer environments, you must motivate rather than manipulate and focus on the currency of mission, meaning, belonging, and clarity (and in corporate settings, respect, growth, purpose, flexibility, recognition, and trust). He reinforces that leaders never outgrow the fundamentals—mission, values, strategy, and role clarity—and that “vision leaks,” so repeating the vision is necessary. Wilmington also stresses recruiting as critical: slow down hiring or pay later, using The 6 CsChrist LifeCharacterCreedCallingCompetenceChemistryHe uses a red/yellow/green interview debrief tool; desperation hires become expensive organizational debt. Finally, Cundiff shares Wilmington’s onboarding insight: new hires should be trained not only on tasks but also on the leader’s communication style, rhythms, expectations, and what success looks like, to avoid unnecessary mistakes. Cundiff encourages listeners to download the episode and leader notes, subscribe, share, and leave a five-star rating.00:00 Welcome + Why Dr. Matt Wilmington’s Questions Matter01:16 Takeaway #1: Lead Inside-Out (Avoid Mid-Career Burnout)02:27 Takeaway #2: What Volunteers Teach—Motivate, Don’t Manipulate03:24 Takeaway #3: The Basics Never Graduate (Mission, Values, Strategy, Clarity)04:32 Takeaway #4: Recruiting Is the Game—Slow Down Now or Pay Later06:42 Takeaway #5: Onboarding That Works—Train Them to the Leader08:25 Wrap-Up: Episode 28 Resources + Subscribe/ShareFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

In this episode of 'Learning to Lead Show', host Mark Cundiff interviews Dr. Matt Willmington, the Executive Pastor of Ministries at Thomas Road Baptist Church and Head of the Pastoral Training program at Liberty University. Dr. Willmington shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of living 'inside out' to avoid burnout. He discusses his leadership philosophy, particularly in the context of a large church with numerous volunteers, and explains how biblical principles guide his approach. Dr. Willmington also delves into recruitment, training, and coaching strategies, offering practical advice and book recommendations for leaders. He concludes with reflections on balancing productivity and fruitfulness, the importance of self-awareness, and the evolving challenges leaders face today. This episode is packed with actionable insights and tips for both seasoned and aspiring leaders.00:00 Understanding the Inside-Out Mission00:27 Introduction to Dr. Matt Wilmington02:04 Matt's Leadership Journey03:24 Current Roles and Responsibilities05:23 Leading Volunteers vs. Paid Staff09:42 Blending Corporate and Church Leadership12:06 Recruitment and Team Building25:17 Onboarding and Training New Leaders28:55 The Importance of Staff Mentorship29:45 Onboarding and Training New Employees31:33 Coaching Future Church Leaders31:59 Biblical Foundations for Leadership34:48 Practical Lessons from the New Testament37:16 Self-Awareness and Early Leadership Lessons43:29 Balancing Productivity and Fruitfulness49:33 Continual Learning and Personal Growth51:22 Current Leadership Challenges55:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDr. Matt Willmington's Contact Information:LinkedInEmail: [email protected] Thomas Road Baptist ChurchLiberty University📚 Books MentionedThe Advantage — Patrick LencioniThe Purpose Driven Life — Rick WarrenThe Purpose Driven Church — Rick WarrenLeading from the Second Chair — Mike BonemThe First 90 Days — (referenced as an onboarding framework) Atomic Habits — habit stacking / building rhythmsFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership Insights from my conversation with Bobby AllenIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, Mark Cundiff highlights key insights from his conversation with Sergeant Major Bobby Allen, focusing on building trust and inspiring leadership. The discussion emphasizes five key takeaways for growth-minded leaders: knowing your people as a strategic leadership priority, taking responsibility, valuing influence over position, staying calm under pressure, and fixing root causes rather than symptoms. These lessons, drawn from Bobby Allen's extensive experience in both the Marines and industrial manufacturing, provide practical applications for effective leadership. Listeners are encouraged to revisit the full conversation in episode 26 for deeper insights and to download the related Leader Notes for additional resources.00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show00:32 Key Takeaway 1: Knowing Your People03:23 Key Takeaway 2: Seek Responsibility04:52 Key Takeaway 3: Influence Beats Position05:37 Key Takeaway 4: Remain Calm Under Pressure06:57 Key Takeaway 5: Fix Root Causes, Not Symptoms07:47 Conclusion and Call to ActionFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Building Trust and Inspiring Leadership with Retired Marine, Sergeant Major Bobby AllenIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff interviews Bobby Allen, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major and seasoned maintenance and reliability leader. Bobby shares his leadership journey, starting from his early days in the Marine Corps to his extensive career in the corporate world. He discusses key leadership principles such as seeking responsibility, knowing your people, and leading through influence rather than authority. Bobby also provides practical advice for young leaders, emphasizing the importance of trust, humility, and emotional intelligence. The episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable steps to help leaders improve their skills and drive organizational success. Don't miss the expert tips on how to handle culture change and the impact of AI on maintenance and reliability.00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges01:46 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show03:24 Bobby Allen's Leadership Journey04:46 Key Leadership Lessons from the Marines06:15 Transitioning to the Corporate World08:06 The Importance of Seeking Responsibility11:00 Leading with Influence and Informal Leadership19:50 Challenges in Maintenance and Reliability20:48 The Role of Culture Change in Leadership31:32 Building Trust and Credibility36:54 Recommended Leadership Resources41:29 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Bobby Allen:LinkedInFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership Insights from my conversations with Rick RandoIn this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff reflects on his conversation with Rick Rando, an eighth-degree black belt, discussing his key leadership lessons. The episode is anchored by the idea 'What You Condone, You Endorse' and dives into five crucial takeaways: the importance of maintaining high standards, the essence of servant leadership with a backbone, establishing effective systems, and transitioning focus from individual to team success. Mark underscores the need for leaders to provide candid feedback, create consistent systems, and foster a culture of trust and fairness, all while shifting from 'me' to 'we'. The episode is rich in practical advice and wisdom for aspiring leaders.00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show00:34 Key Takeaway 1: What You Condone, You Endorse01:45 Key Takeaway 2: The Standard is the Standard03:47 Key Takeaway 3: Servant Leadership Requires a Backbone05:26 Key Takeaway 4: Systems Liberate, Not Limit07:02 Key Takeaway 5: From Me to We09:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

What You Condone, You Endorse with 8th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster Rick RandoIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff interviews Grandmaster Rick Rando, 8th Degree Black Belt, owner and president of Kick Masters Karate and host of the Victory Couch Podcast. Rick shares insights from his extensive career in martial arts and business leadership. He discusses the importance of maintaining high standards, recognizing and addressing toxic influences, and the significance of servant leadership. Rick also recounts his journey from starting martial arts to owning a thriving business, highlighting key lessons learned along the way, especially during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode emphasizes the value of humility, continuous improvement, and building trust within teams. Rick's personal experiences and practical advice offer valuable takeaways for leaders in any industry.00:00 Overcoming Toxic Relationships in Leadership00:53 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show02:13 Rick Rando's Martial Arts Journey Begins04:46 Early Leadership Lessons and Family Influence06:04 Building a Successful Martial Arts Business12:06 Servant Leadership and Team Culture19:36 Balancing Humility and Confidence23:11 Challenges and Growth in Business27:12 Adapting to COVID-19: Safety Measures and Challenges28:10 The Importance of Systems in Business29:15 Continuous Improvement and Efficiency31:45 Self-Leadership and Personal Growth35:41 Building and Trusting Your Team44:00 Lessons from Disney: Leadership and Service47:02 Personal Development and Influences49:46 The Role of Family in Leadership52:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Grandmaster Rick Rando:Email: [email protected] LinkedInrandospeaks.comThe Victory Couch Podcast (with Julie Rando)Rick's Recommended Reading List:The Go-Giver — Bob BurgThe Customer Rules — Lee CockerellRich Dad, Poor Dad -  Robert KiyosakiThe Tipping Point - Malcom GladwellUncommon - Tony DungyRick's Recommended Podcast:EntreLeadership - Dave RamseyThat Sounds Fun - Annie F. DownsFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership Insights from my conversation with Marianne RennerIn this first episode of the New Year 2026, host Mark Cundiff revisits a powerful conversation from a previous episode with Marianne Renner, author of 'Self-Talk: 10 Stories You Tell Yourself That Hold You Back'. Mark outlines five key takeaways for growth-minded leaders. These include the significance of self-talk, the impact of self-doubt on workplace culture, strategies to challenge negative stories, the importance of differentiating facts from personal narratives, and Marianne’s SEAR framework for rewriting mental scripts. Listeners are encouraged to read Renner's book for deeper insights and to access LeaderNotes available in the show notes to enhance their leadership journey.00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show00:10 Recap of Marianne Renner's Insights00:37 Key Takeaways for Growth-Minded Leaders01:21 Understanding Self-Doubt and Its Impact02:26 Challenging the Invisible Bubble03:18 Confusing Facts with Stories04:12 The SEAR Framework for Rewriting Mental Scripts05:08 Conclusion and Next StepsConnect with Marianne Renner:Email: [email protected] LinkedInmariannerenner.comMarianne’s BooksSelf-TalkFrom Chaos to Clarity Success JournalStop Thinking Like an EmployeeFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Mastering Your Mindset: A Journey of Self-Leadership with Marianne RennerIn this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff interviews leadership coach, trainer, and speaker Marianne Renner about her latest book, 'Self-Talk.' Marianne shares her personal journey of overcoming decades of depression and addiction by mastering her mindset and transforming her self-talk. She discusses the profound impact self-talk has on leadership and personal growth, revealing tools and strategies to change negative self-talk patterns. Through compelling stories and practical advice, Marianne emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's actions, thoughts, and feelings. Additionally, she highlights the crucial role of mentors and divine connections in shaping one's journey. Marianne also touches on the significance of gratitude, affirmations, and acceptance in fostering a positive mindset. The episode provides valuable lessons for leaders on removing self-imposed barriers and unleashing their full potential.00:00 The Power of Self-Talk00:57 Introduction to Marianne Renner02:15 Marianne's Personal Journey04:54 The Impact of Self-Talk on Leadership08:37 Understanding the Invisible Bubble13:11 The SEAR Framework for Changing Your Story17:43 Real-Life Success Stories24:49 The Clock is Ticking: A Story of Perseverance25:18 A Life-Changing Phone Call26:34 Behind the Scenes: Coaching and Mindset28:31 Changing Your Stories: Past, Present, and Future32:54 The Turning Point: Acceptance and Empowerment36:04 Owning Your Role: From Victim to Victor40:13 The Importance of a Support System43:41 Books and Mentors: Continuous Growth45:31 Connecting with Marianne: Coaching and ResourcesConnect with Marianne Renner:Email: [email protected] LinkedInmariannerenner.comMarianne’s BooksSelf-TalkFrom Chaos to Clarity Success JournalStop Thinking Like an EmployeeFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership Insights from my conversation with Ali MerchantIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff reflects on Ali Merchant's book The All-In Manager and shares key insights from their previous discussion. He highlights five major takeaways for leaders: The common phenomenon of accidental managersThe importance of trust is built on care, reliability, and competence. The role of psychological safety and candor in fostering innovation.The necessity for leaders to actively seek feedback and address blind spots.The shift from being a problem-fixer to a question-asker and debate-maker.Cundiff emphasizes that true leadership is about continual learning, meaningful results, and genuinely caring for team members. Listeners are encouraged to go back to the previous episode, download the leader notes, and subscribe to the podcast.00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show00:42 Key Takeaway 1: From Accidental Leader to All-In Manager02:20 Key Takeaway 2: Building Trust as a Leader03:35 Key Takeaway 3: Psychological Safety and Candor05:00 Key Takeaway 4: Seeking Feedback and Busting Blind Spots06:24 Key Takeaway 5: Stop Being the Fixer07:57 Conclusion and Call to ActionConnect with Ali Merchant:[email protected]📚 Ali's Book RecommendationsThe All-In Manager: Become a Better Leader Today, Not Someday – Ali Merchant: Ali’s full framework on moving from accidental to all-in, with tools, templates, and practical scripts.Multipliers – Liz WisemanNo Rules Rules – Reed Hastings & Erin MeyerZen and the Art of Firefighting - Chris PrentissFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

From Accidental Leader to All-In Manager with Ali MerchantIn this episode, Ali discusses the pivotal role of trust in leadership, emphasizing that without trust, nothing else matters. He shares his personal journey from growing up in a bookstore in Karachi, Pakistan, to becoming a leader and now an author of 'The All In Manager.' Ali explains the concept of an accidental manager and the importance of transitioning to an all-in manager, characterized by insatiable learning, delivering meaningful results, and caring personally for team members. He highlights the significance of psychological safety in fostering innovation and effective communication within organizations. Ali offers practical advice on becoming a better leader, including the importance of learning and listening, asking the right questions, and conducting difficult conversations. He also discusses burnout and managing up as common issues leaders face today. The episode wraps up with Ali sharing his methodologies for training and coaching leaders and recommending essential books that have shaped his leadership philosophy.Read an article detailing key aspects of our conversation here: How to Build Trust as a Leader: Lessons from Ali Merchant's The All-In ManagerConnect with Ali Merchant:[email protected]📚 Ali's Book RecommendationsThe All-In Manager: Become a Better Leader Today, Not Someday – Ali Merchant: Ali’s full framework on moving from accidental to all-in, with tools, templates, and practical scripts.Multipliers – Liz WisemanNo Rules Rules – Reed Hastings & Erin MeyerZen and the Art of Firefighting - Chris PrentissFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership Insights from my conversation with David PenningtonIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff reflects on his conversation with David Pennington. The discussion centers on key leadership lessons and insights from David, focusing on the importance of aligning work with passion, aiming for an 80% sweet spot in job roles, maintaining clarity and structure within organizations, adapting leadership styles to meet individual team members' needs, and ensuring a business's value isn't solely dependent on its owner. Mark summarizes these five takeaways and encourages leaders to apply them to enhance their effectiveness.00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show00:21 Guest Introduction: David Pennington's Diverse Leadership Experience01:16 Key Takeaway 1: Understanding the Source of Discouragement03:20 Key Takeaway 2: Aim for the 80% Sweet Spot04:24 Key Takeaway 3: Clarity Beats Chaos05:57 Key Takeaway 4: Adapting Leadership Styles07:07 Key Takeaway 5: Building a Business Independent of the Owner08:11 Conclusion and Call to ActionConnect with Dave Pennington:[email protected]'s Free ResourcesFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Pebbles in the Pond: Coaching Leaders Who Multiply Impact Across Their Organizations with Dave PenningtonIn this insightful conversation, host Mark sits down with Dave to discuss his extensive leadership journey spanning pastoral ministry, private education, and business coaching. Dave elaborates on the challenges and strategies involved in leading volunteers in nonprofit settings, emphasizing the importance of vision, communication, and relationship building. He also shares his experiences transforming small businesses by aligning roles with individual strengths and discusses the value of clear expectations, timely feedback, and structured accountability in effective leadership. The discussion extends to the intricacies of succession planning and the role of coaching in providing much-needed external perspectives for business and nonprofit leaders.Dave provides real-life examples of how restructuring roles and developing complementary dream teams can significantly enhance organizational success. The conversation wraps up with a focus on continuous learning and the significance of personal and professional growth for leaders.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dave00:13 Dave's Leadership Journey01:47 Challenges of Leading Volunteers03:47 Effective Communication Strategies07:08 Transition to School Leadership08:40 Leadership Styles and Influence11:49 Developing Future Leaders13:44 Addressing Leadership Discouragement15:04 Aligning Roles with Strengths18:38 The Value of Coaching22:01 Delegation and Leadership Growth23:12 Valuation and Selling Your Business24:05 Coaching Leaders for Business Value26:16 Succession Planning and Leadership Development29:29 Characteristics of Great Leaders31:30 Developing and Retaining Talent34:16 Personal Development and Learning40:41 Connecting with Dave and His ServicesConnect with Dave Pennington:[email protected]'s Free ResourcesFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Leadership Insights from my conversation with Jim LittleIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff reflects on his conversation with Jim Little, a Navy veteran and reliability engineer, about important leadership lessons. Key takeaways include the importance of building trust through listening and providing feedback, the role of clear communication in driving organizational change, the balance between friendliness and leadership to avoid favoritism, and the significance of servant leadership. Jim emphasizes creating a fun, engaging work environment to boost team satisfaction. 00:00 Introduction to the Learning the Lead Show00:04 Insights from a Navy Veteran: Jim Little00:33 The Importance of Trust and Feedback in Leadership01:48 Communication: The Engine of Change03:03 Balancing Friendship and Leadership03:53 Embracing Servant Leadership04:34 Injecting Fun into the Workplace05:20 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]

Communication and Leadership: Insights from a Navy Veteran with Jim LittleIn this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff sits down with Jim Little, a Navy veteran and senior reliability engineer with PIP company. Jim shares invaluable leadership insights drawn from his extensive career across various roles in maintenance, reliability, and safety management in industrial manufacturing. From his early days in the Navy to leading teams and driving change in resistant environments, Jim emphasizes the importance of communication, leading by example, and building trust. He discusses transitioning from military to civilian roles, the challenges of driving change in today's work climate, and offers practical advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of listening, patience, and making work enjoyable. 00:00 Introduction and Employee Feedback00:28 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show00:40 Meet Jim Little: Navy Veteran and Leadership Expert02:33 Jim's Leadership Journey from Navy to Industry03:38 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Maintenance Role07:26 Leadership Lessons from the Paper Mill Turnaround10:26 Challenges and Strategies in Leadership14:56 Building Trust and Effective Communication16:50 Driving Change in Industrial Manufacturing18:39 Key Traits of a Great Leader20:07 Leading Up and Managing Peers25:43 Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges31:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement34:06 Conclusion and Call to ActionFree Learning To Lead ResourcesFree Book: The Trust GapThe Learning To Lead NewsletterLeaderNotes🔎 About LeaderNotesLeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.Contact Mark at: [email protected]