Leadership Limbo

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark take on one of the most widely used—and often misunderstood—terms in modern leadership: psychological safety. While the concept has become a cornerstone of team culture conversations, this discussion challenges how it is being interpreted and applied in today’s workplace. The episode begins by examining a growing tension: by many measurable standards, society is objectively safer than it has ever been. Yet in workplaces, leaders and teams increasingly report feeling less safe—less heard, less respected, and less able to speak up. This disconnect raises an important question: what do we actually mean when we say “safety”? Josh and John ground the conversation in the original intent of psychological safety—the ability to take interpersonal risks such as speaking up, challenging ideas, admitting mistakes, and asking for help. However, they argue that in practice, the concept has often drifted away from risk and toward comfort. And when safety becomes synonymous with comfort, something essential is lost. A central theme of the episode is the inherent contradiction between safety and risk. True growth, innovation, and healthy team dynamics require discomfort. If individuals feel completely comfortable, they are likely not taking meaningful risks. This creates a dangerous pattern in organizations where teams prioritize agreement over challenge, harmony over honesty, and comfort over growth. The conversation explores how this dynamic leads to emotional accommodation—where leaders and teams avoid difficult conversations in order to maintain short-term comfort. While often well-intentioned, this approach ultimately erodes trust, weakens accountability, and limits development. Instead of creating safe environments, it creates fragile ones. Josh and John also highlight the role of leaders in this tension. Leaders are not responsible for eliminating discomfort, but for creating conditions where people can take risks and know they will not be punished for doing so. This requires a shift from protecting comfort to building resilience, responsibility, and mutual accountability within teams. The episode ultimately reframes psychological safety not as the absence of discomfort, but as the presence of trust, challenge, and growth. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration in the next episode, where the focus will shift toward practical ways leaders can build truly healthy team environments. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Leadership Limbo and Hosts 04:02 – Why Psychological Safety Became a Leadership Focus 07:13 – Are We Actually Safer Than Before? 10:01 – The Tension Between Safety and Risk 15:07 – Defining Psychological Safety (Amy Edmondson) 20:01 – Why Comfort Is Not the Goal 23:11 – Emotional Accommodation in Teams 28:17 – Agreement vs. Challenge in Organizations 33:41 – Leadership Responsibility and Risk-Taking 39:44 – The Problem with Over-Accommodation 41:49 – Closing Reflections and What Comes Next Key Takeaways Psychological safety is about enabling risk, not preserving comfort. Safety and risk are inherently linked—growth requires discomfort. Organizations often drift toward agreement and harmony at the expense of honest challenge. Emotional accommodation can weaken teams by avoiding necessary tension. Leaders are responsible for creating conditions where risk is possible, not where discomfort is eliminated. True safety means people can speak up without punishment, not without disagreement. Over-protecting individuals can reduce accountability and limit growth. Healthy teams balance support with challenge. Listener Homework Reflect on your last team conversation where there was clear disagreement or potential for it. Ask yourself: did I lean toward comfort or toward growth? Identify one moment this week where you can take a small interpersonal risk—whether that is asking a harder question, offering a different perspective, or naming a concern. Pay attention not just to what you say, but to how you respond when others challenge you. The goal is not to eliminate discomfort, but to build your capacity to stay engaged within it. Resources Referenced Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety Concepts from Edwin Friedman’s Failure of Nerve Jonathan Haidt's and The Anxious Generation

  Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark sit down with Suzi Lantz, leadership consultant, executive coach, and CEO of Personal Peak Consulting, and Co-Founder of Oxygen to explore the intersection of self-awareness, behavior change, and organizational culture. Suzi’s journey begins in education, where her experience teaching and coaching middle school students shaped her understanding of human development. What started as a desire to impact students evolved into a deeper curiosity about how people grow—and what prevents them from doing so. That curiosity ultimately led her into leadership development, where she now works with organizations to design cultures that don’t just look good on paper, but actually develop people over time. A central theme of the conversation is the concept of “wet cement”—the idea that while early life experiences shape us, leaders always have the opportunity to return to a more pliable state. Suzi challenges the notion that leadership behaviors are fixed, emphasizing instead that growth requires self-awareness, honesty, and a willingness to revisit formative experiences that continue to influence how we lead. The discussion moves into behavior change, where Suzi reframes it not as correction, but as awareness and control. Leaders are not trying to become someone entirely different; they are learning to understand their tendencies and harness them appropriately depending on the context. This shift from judgment to understanding is what allows behavior change to become sustainable. From there, the conversation expands into leadership architecture—the systems and environments that either enable or inhibit leadership growth. Suzi shares a critical insight: even the healthiest individual leader cannot thrive in an unhealthy system. This realization drove her work beyond individual coaching and into helping organizations intentionally design cultures that support development at scale. The episode highlights what strong cultures actually look like in practice. They invest in people development as a core function, not an afterthought. They operate with clear, lived values that shape behavior. And they maintain a disciplined commitment to protecting those values, even when it requires difficult decisions. The conversation also addresses the current leadership landscape, where uncertainty, social pressure, and constant change have created a sense of paralysis for many leaders. Suzi emphasizes that the answer is not more control or more certainty, but a deeper sense of internal security. Leaders who are grounded in who they are—who can offer calm, clarity, and presence—create stability for others, even in chaotic environments. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about knowing yourself, staying curious, and creating the conditions for others to grow. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Leadership Limbo and Hosts 07:14 – Suzi’s Background in Education and Coaching 13:05 – The “Wet Cement” Concept and Human Development 18:01 – Behavior Change Through Self-Awareness 22:06 – What Is Leadership Architecture? 24:00 – Why Healthy Leaders Struggle in Unhealthy Systems 26:52 – The Current State of Organizational Leadership 31:25 – Leading with Presence, Security, and Calm 35:08 – What Strong Cultures Actually Do Differently 41:10 – The Role of Principles in Leadership Development 47:25 – Leading Through Change and Uncertainty 50:33 – Personal Leadership Advice and Self-Reflection 54:22 – A Leader Who Inspired Suzi 58:00 – Final Reflections and Closing Key Takeaways Leadership development begins with self-awareness, not behavior correction. Past experiences shape leadership, but they do not have to define it. Behavior change is about understanding and harnessing tendencies, not eliminating them. Healthy individuals cannot thrive in unhealthy systems—culture matters. Strong organizations invest in people development as a core strategy. Values must be lived and protected, not just stated. Leaders create stability through presence and internal security, not certainty. Curiosity is one of the most important traits a leader can develop. Listener Homework Identify one behavior you tend to default to under pressure. Instead of labeling it as good or bad, ask: what is driving this behavior? What need is underneath it? Then, practice noticing when that behavior shows up this week. In one moment, choose to respond differently—not by forcing change, but by intentionally adjusting how you express it. Focus on awareness and control, not perfection. Resources Referenced Work from Oxygen and leadership development frameworks Liz Fosslien’s leadership illustrations on change and communication Maya Angelou and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark move from questions to deeper internal work, exploring what it actually means to lead from self in moments of uncertainty, tension, and external disruption. Building directly on their prior episode about ambiguity, this conversation shifts from what leaders should ask to how leaders must show up. At the center of the discussion is a simple but demanding idea: you cannot lead others well if you are not grounded in yourself. When leaders face pressure, anxiety, or emotionally charged situations, they often default into reactive patterns—accommodating, rescuing, avoiding, or controlling. These patterns may feel helpful in the moment, but they ultimately erode trust and limit the growth of others. Josh introduces a deeper framing of “self” versus “pseudo-self,” drawing on concepts from systems thinking and internal family systems. The self represents a grounded, principled core—marked by calmness, clarity, curiosity, compassion, and confidence. The pseudo-self, by contrast, emerges under pressure and leads to reactive leadership behaviors that prioritize short-term relief over long-term effectiveness. The conversation also explores the connection between leadership and spirituality—not in a narrow or prescriptive sense, but as a broader connection to purpose, meaning, and perspective. Leaders who are grounded in something beyond the immediate moment—whether that is purpose, values, or a sense of awe—are better equipped to remain steady and present when circumstances become chaotic. A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of presence. Effective leaders do not eliminate uncertainty; they create calm within it. They maintain consistency, speak from a place of integrity, and resist the urge to over-accommodate or speak on behalf of others. Instead, they create the conditions for people to take responsibility for themselves. The episode ultimately lands on a progression: leadership begins with self, extends to how we show up for others, and culminates in how we move forward together. In uncertain moments, the most powerful thing a leader can do is remain grounded, intentional, and clear—so that others can do the same. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Leadership Limbo and Hosts 03:05 – Five Key Questions for Leaders During Difficult Moments 09:51 – Understanding the Concept of Self in Leadership 15:29 – The Eight Cs of Self and Emotional Reactivity 21:17 – The Dangers of Speaking for Others and the 'We' 24:23 – The Connection Between Spirituality and Leadership Effectiveness 27:00 – The Role of Purpose and Awe in Leadership 33:50 – Presence, Calmness, and Finding Sacredness in the Mundane 36:49 – From Self to Others 44:40 – Final Reflections and Practical Steps for Leaders Key Takeaways Leadership effectiveness begins with the ability to lead from a grounded sense of self. Reactive behaviors often stem from pressure and can undermine trust and ownership. Language matters—speaking for others can unintentionally limit their agency. Spiritual grounding, whether through purpose or perspective, strengthens leadership presence. Calm, clarity, and consistency are more powerful than overreaction in uncertain moments. Leaders create conditions for others to lead themselves rather than solving everything for them. Awareness and intentionality are more valuable than immediate answers. Listener Homework Revisit the five leadership questions from the prior episode and reflect on where you feel most reactive right now. Then take one intentional step to reconnect with yourself—whether through quiet reflection, engaging with something that creates a sense of awe, or simply slowing down enough to notice how you are showing up. This week, practice speaking from self. Notice when you default to “we” and instead ground your statements in what you believe, what you see, and what you are responsible for. Pay attention to how this shifts your presence and your leadership. Resources Referenced Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the concept of “No Bad Parts” The Eight Cs of Self Bowen Family Systems Theory and self-differentiation

Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark take a different approach to leadership in uncertain times. Rather than offering immediate strategies or answers, they focus on something more foundational: the questions leaders must ask themselves when the world outside of work begins to shape what happens inside of it. Framed by global instability, political tension, economic uncertainty, and the everyday realities teams are carrying into the workplace, the conversation explores the intersection between the external world and internal leadership responsibility. Leaders are not operating in a vacuum—and neither are the people they lead. The core of the episode centers on surfacing the often unspoken questions leaders carry in these moments. What do I need right now to lead well? How do I balance empathy with accountability? What is my role in addressing external issues that impact my team? Where do I represent the institution, and where do I show up as myself? How much should I name, and how much should I move forward? Rather than resolving these tensions, Josh and John emphasize that the real risk is not getting the answer wrong—it is failing to ask the question at all. When leaders avoid these internal questions, they default into reactive behaviors: over-functioning, avoidance, premature certainty, or shifting emotional burden onto others. The episode ultimately reframes leadership in complex times as a practice of awareness before action. By slowing down and naming the questions beneath the surface, leaders create the conditions to respond with intention rather than react for relief. This conversation sets up a continuation, where the focus will shift from the questions leaders must ask to the practical ways they can navigate and respond to them. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back and Setting the Context Re-entry after a short break and framing the intensity of the current moment. 04:00 – The World Showing Up at Work Why leadership cannot ignore geopolitical, economic, and social realities. 09:00 – Helplessness and the Limits of Control Naming the feeling of not being able to influence large-scale events. 13:00 – What Leaders Carry Internally How unprocessed thoughts and emotions shape leadership behavior. 17:00 – Question 1: What Do I Need Right Now? Grounding yourself before attempting to lead others. 21:00 – Question 2: Empathy vs. Accountability Balancing care for people with the need to continue the work. 26:00 – Question 3: Politics, Institutions, and Leadership Identity Navigating external issues while representing an organization. 31:00 – Question 4: What Do I Name vs. Move Forward From? Deciding when to acknowledge and when to proceed. 34:00 – What Can I Actually Do? Shifting from helplessness to intentional action. 36:00 – Closing and Looking Ahead Framing next episode: moving from questions to strategies. Key Takeaways Leadership in uncertain times starts with awareness, not answers. Unasked questions often lead to reactive leadership behaviors. Leaders must balance personal identity, team needs, and institutional responsibility. Empathy without boundaries can become over-functioning; avoidance can become disengagement. Not everything must be addressed, but ignoring everything creates disconnection. The question “what can I do?” shifts leaders from helplessness to action. Strong leadership requires choosing response over reaction. Listener Homework Take 10 minutes this week to write down the questions you have been avoiding. Not the answers—the questions. What is creating tension for you right now at the intersection of the world and your work? Where do you feel unclear, conflicted, or reactive? Choose one of those questions and sit with it. Don’t rush to solve it. Notice how simply naming it changes how you show up. Leadership begins by asking better questions, not by forcing faster answers.

Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark return to one of the most defining realities of leadership: ambiguity. Rather than treating uncertainty as something to escape, they challenge leaders—especially middle managers—to see it as the very condition that requires leadership in the first place. The conversation reframes ambiguity as more than just uncertainty. It often shows up as complexity, chaos, or competing priorities that lack clear answers. For middle managers, this tension is amplified as they sit between direction from above and responsibility to execute below—often without full clarity in either direction. A key shift explored in this episode is moving from reacting to ambiguity to responding to it. Reactive leadership shows up as over-functioning, avoidance, or premature certainty. Responsive leadership, on the other hand, requires self-awareness, clarity of principles, and the ability to stay grounded even when pressure rises. This is where the concept of self-differentiation becomes essential—leaders who can remain steady without collapsing under stress or overcompensating to control outcomes. Josh and John also emphasize that ambiguity is not something to “get through,” but something to learn from. Leaders who slow down enough to sit in uncertainty—rather than rush past it—gain deeper insight into themselves, their teams, and the situation at hand. From there, the episode moves into practical ways to lead through ambiguity. Naming uncertainty openly creates clarity and trust. Establishing clear roles and decision rights reduces confusion. Building a culture of feedback, shared language, and real conversations ensures teams can move forward even without perfect answers. And importantly, practicing these behaviors before pressure hits helps teams respond more effectively when it does. The conversation ultimately lands on a simple but challenging truth: leadership is not about eliminating ambiguity—it is about developing the capacity to lead within it. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Opening and Podcast Setup Light intro and framing the return to ambiguity as a core leadership theme. 03:30 – What Ambiguity Really Is Defining ambiguity, complexity, and chaos—and how they show up in leadership. 06:00 – Why Leaders Struggle with Uncertainty The instinct to rush to clarity versus learning to sit in the unknown. 09:00 – The Unique Pressure on Middle Managers Leading with incomplete information while still driving execution. 12:30 – Respond vs. React Self-differentiation and how leaders avoid over-functioning, avoidance, or control. 18:00 – Naming Ambiguity to Create Clarity Why acknowledging uncertainty builds trust and alignment. 25:00 – Building Systems That Reduce Confusion Roles, decision rights, and creating structure inside ambiguity. 30:00 – Culture, Feedback, and Communication How shared language and real conversations help teams navigate uncertainty. 36:00 – Practicing Leadership Before It’s Needed Building muscle memory so teams are ready when ambiguity hits. 39:00 – Closing Reflections and Application Why ambiguity is not something to escape—but something to use. Key Takeaways Ambiguity is not a temporary phase—it is a constant condition of leadership. Strong leaders respond to uncertainty with intention rather than reacting emotionally. Self-differentiation allows leaders to stay grounded under pressure without overcorrecting. Naming ambiguity openly creates alignment and reduces hidden tension. Clear roles and decision rights eliminate unnecessary confusion. A culture of feedback and shared language strengthens teams in uncertain moments. The best leaders don’t avoid ambiguity—they build the capacity to lead through it. Listener Homework Choose one situation this week where you feel unclear, uncertain, or under pressure. Instead of rushing to solve it, pause and name the ambiguity—first for yourself, then for your team if appropriate. Ask: what do we know, what don’t we know, and what principles will guide us forward? Practice responding with intention rather than reacting for relief. Resources Referenced Concept of self-differentiated leadership (Bowen Family Systems) Failure of Nerve (Edwin Friedman)

Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark sit down with Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, Chief Student Affairs Officer at DSST Public Schools, to explore what it truly means to lead in complexity, chaos, and cultural tension. Drawing from over two decades in education—as well as his work as co-editor of Leading in the Midst of It All—Dr. Griffen offers a grounded, experience-driven perspective on leadership that extends far beyond schools. The conversation begins with Dr. Griffen’s early entry into leadership, sparked not by ambition for title, but by frustration with curriculum that failed to reflect the lived experiences of his students. That moment shaped a leadership philosophy centered on relevance, connection, and cultural awareness—principles that translate directly into any organizational context. Whether in education or business, leaders must make their “curriculum” meaningful to the people they serve, or risk disengagement and disconnection. As the discussion deepens, Dr. Griffen reflects on his experience leading through COVID-19 and a period of national racial reckoning. These overlapping crises revealed a fundamental truth: leadership is forged in moments of uncertainty, not stability. When systems broke down, educators were forced to respond without clear guidance, navigating issues ranging from digital access and food insecurity to racial trauma and community trust. In these moments, leadership became less about control and more about responsiveness, humility, and shared problem-solving. A central theme of the episode is the danger of “hero leadership.” Dr. Griffen challenges leaders to resist the instinct to solve problems for others, particularly in moments of crisis. Instead, effective leadership requires listening, curiosity, and collaboration. Leaders must create space for others to exercise agency, contribute solutions, and grow into leadership themselves. The conversation also explores the relationship between ambiguity and leadership. Dr. Griffen offers a powerful reframing: leadership does not create the moment—the moment creates the leader. In times of chaos, strong leaders adapt by recognizing when to step forward, when to step back, and when to elevate others. They embrace discomfort, remain grounded in their values, and are willing to be wrong in service of progress. The episode closes with a reflection on leadership presence, as Dr. Griffen shares the lasting influence of a mentor who embodied confidence, clarity, and service. That presence—rooted in both competence and care—continues to shape how he leads today. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Aaron Griffen Opening conversation and overview of Dr. Griffen’s background and leadership journey. 09:00 – From Curriculum to Leadership Purpose How early experiences with misaligned curriculum shaped a commitment to relevance and engagement. 18:00 – Transforming School Culture Through Leadership Lessons from leading a high school through instability, turnover, and cultural change. 25:00 – Relevance, Culture, and Organizational “Curriculum” Connecting educational practices to broader leadership and organizational development. 32:00 – Leading Through COVID and Racial Reckoning Navigating multiple crises and redefining leadership in real time. 44:00 – Avoiding Hero Leadership and Building Agency Why listening, curiosity, and collaboration outperform control and saviorism. 52:00 – Leadership in Ambiguity and Chaos How strong leaders adapt, empower others, and grow through uncertainty. 01:03:00 – Leadership Influence and Final Reflections The impact of mentorship and the importance of leadership presence. Key Takeaways Leadership is shaped by context; difficult moments reveal and develop true leadership capacity. Relevance drives engagement—whether in classrooms or organizations. Strong leaders resist the urge to “save” others and instead build agency through listening and collaboration. Ambiguity is not something to eliminate; it is the condition that requires leadership. Effective leaders know when to step forward, step back, and elevate others. Crisis exposes both system gaps and leadership opportunities. Leadership presence is built through consistency, confidence, and service to others.   Resources Referenced Leading in the Midst of It All: Surviving and Thriving Through COVID-19 and Racial Reckonings (Alexander, Griffen A., Williams, Griffen K.)

Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark explore one of the most defining — and uncomfortable — realities of leadership: ambiguity. Framed by a listener suggestion and grounded in real-world leadership experiences, the conversation centers on what it actually means to lead when clarity is limited, direction is evolving, and certainty is out of reach. Rather than treating ambiguity as a problem to solve, Josh and John position it as the environment in which leadership truly exists. Whether it’s navigating shifting priorities, incomplete information, competing perspectives, or unclear ownership, ambiguity is not a failure of leadership — it is the condition that requires it. The episode breaks down different forms of ambiguity, from moments where there is genuinely no clear answer to situations where competing voices are equally confident in different paths forward. The discussion highlights how leaders often unintentionally increase ambiguity through lack of clarity, shifting principles, or avoidance of difficult decisions. A key tension explored is the emotional and psychological weight of ambiguity. Leaders are not only managing uncertainty themselves, but also absorbing and translating that uncertainty for their teams. This creates a layered challenge, particularly for middle managers who sit between executive decisions and frontline realities. Josh and John introduce the Stockdale Paradox as a powerful framing tool — the ability to acknowledge the full difficulty of a situation while maintaining confidence that a path forward exists. This balance becomes essential for leaders trying to communicate honestly without creating panic. Ultimately, the episode reinforces a core idea: ambiguity cannot be eliminated, but it can be named, understood, and navigated with intention. Leadership is less about providing answers and more about guiding people through the space between not knowing and moving forward anyway. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Opening and Framing the Conversation on Ambiguity Introduction to the topic and listener inspiration. 05:00 – What Is Ambiguity in Leadership? Defining ambiguity and exploring real-world examples. 10:00 – When Certainty Creates Ambiguity How competing confident perspectives create complexity. 15:00 – Why Ambiguity Shows Up in Leadership Change, incomplete information, and the nature of decision-making. 20:00 – The Role of Leadership in Uncertainty Why ambiguity is the condition that requires leadership. 25:00 – The Middle Manager Challenge Navigating ambiguity both from above and below. 30:00 – Leading Others Through Ambiguity Balancing honesty, confidence, and emotional stability. 35:00 – The Stockdale Paradox and Naming Reality Holding tension between difficulty and hope. 40:00 – Closing Reflections and Homework Preparing for deeper strategies in the next episode. Key Takeaways Ambiguity is not a leadership failure; it is the environment where leadership is required. Leaders often increase ambiguity by avoiding clarity, ownership, or difficult decisions. Uncertainty exists both in the absence of information and in the presence of competing certainty. Middle managers experience amplified ambiguity as it flows through the organization. Effective leadership requires acknowledging uncertainty without creating instability. The ability to hold tension — difficulty and hope at the same time — is a core leadership skill. Naming ambiguity is the first step to navigating it. Listener Homework Pause and identify where you are currently experiencing ambiguity in your leadership or work. Name it directly. Instead of trying to immediately solve it, sit with it and recognize the tension between what you know and what you don’t. Consider how that ambiguity is impacting your decisions, your communication, and your team. Awareness is the first step toward leading through it. Resources Referenced The Stockdale Paradox  Bill Kurtz Substack on leadership and courage Brené Brown concept of “name it to tame it”

  Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark sit down with David Boelens, leader of the Integrated Talent Development organization at Raytheon, to explore what it really takes to develop leaders at scale. Drawing on his experience as a U.S. Army cavalry officer and now as a leader responsible for developing thousands of professionals in operations, supply chain, and quality roles, David shares lessons about leadership that translate across both military and corporate environments. The conversation begins with David reflecting on his early leadership experiences in the Army, including platoon leadership during a deployment to Iraq. Those experiences shaped a philosophy that still guides his leadership today: you cannot afford not to invest deeply in developing people. Leaders must be willing to allow learning, mistakes, and growth because the lessons gained in lower-risk moments often become critical later. From there, the discussion shifts into leadership development inside large organizations. David introduces the concept of leader intent, a military principle that focuses less on dictating every step and more on clearly defining the outcome and the purpose behind it. When people understand the “why” behind the mission, they can adapt, take initiative, and solve problems without waiting for direction. David also shares how his team approaches talent development systems inside a large organization. Effective development programs must balance three priorities: they must be personal, scalable, and sustainable. Programs often fail when leaders optimize them for administrators rather than the people and managers who must interact with them. The conversation closes with practical insights on developing early-career leaders. One of the most common challenges David sees is hesitation to speak up or contribute ideas. Strong leadership development creates safe opportunities for people to practice initiative—whether through networking, experiential learning, or ownership of their own development path. Throughout the episode, the central message remains consistent: great leadership development is not about controlling outcomes or handing people the answers. It is about creating environments where people take ownership, develop confidence, and grow their leadership muscles through real responsibility. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Opening Banter and Introducing David Boelens Josh and John introduce the episode and welcome David, leader of Raytheon’s Integrated Talent Development organization. 05:00 – Military Leadership and the Reality of Learning Through Experience David reflects on leading soldiers early in his career and how real-world responsibility shapes leadership. 12:00 – Lessons from Combat Leadership A story about initiative and learning under pressure illustrates how small leadership lessons become critical later. 20:00 – Leader Intent: A Military Principle for Modern Leadership Why defining the outcome and purpose is more powerful than micromanaging execution. 28:00 – Building Talent Development Systems at Scale Balancing personal development with scalable and sustainable learning systems. 36:00 – Ownership vs. Spoon-Feeding Development Why leaders must resist solving every problem and instead require people to own their growth. 44:00 – Developing Early Career Leaders Helping younger professionals find their voice and confidence to contribute. 47:00 – Leadership Inspiration and Final Reflections David shares leadership influences including Colin Powell and Abraham Lincoln. Key Takeaways Leadership development requires investing deeply in people long before the stakes are high. Clear leader intent enables initiative and adaptability instead of dependence. Development systems must balance personal relevance with scalability and sustainability. Ownership is a critical leadership muscle and must be practiced, not taught theoretically. Early career leaders often need encouragement and structure to speak up and contribute. Great leaders create environments where people can practice initiative safely. Leadership growth happens through experience, responsibility, and reflection. Listener Reflection Where in your leadership are you unintentionally taking ownership away from others? Identify one area this week where you can clarify the outcome you want while leaving space for your team to determine how to achieve it. Leadership development grows when responsibility shifts from the leader to the people being developed.

Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John build on recent conversations about presence, influence, and accountability by introducing a powerful leadership contrast from Liz Wiseman’s book Multipliers: the difference between Multipliers and Diminishers. While overtly destructive leadership behaviors are easy to spot, this conversation focuses on something more subtle — the Accidental Diminisher. These are leaders with good intentions who unknowingly over-function, over-direct, over-protect, or over-communicate in ways that limit their team’s ownership and growth. The episode begins by grounding listeners in the concept of over-functioning — stepping in too quickly, solving too much, and unintentionally creating dependency. From there, Josh and John walk through nine accidental diminisher tendencies, including the Rescuer, Idea Fountain, Rapid Responder, Optimist, Strategist, Perfectionist, Protector, Pace Setter, and Always On leader. Rather than shaming these tendencies, the conversation reframes them as anxiety-driven postures that often show up under pressure. When stress rises, leaders default to familiar patterns — rescuing instead of empowering, answering instead of asking, pushing pace instead of developing capacity. The through-line is clear: leadership is not about doing more. It is about multiplying others. When leaders dominate space, control outcomes, or protect too much, they unintentionally shrink the very people they are meant to develop. This episode invites middle managers to examine their own default tendencies and make intentional adjustments that create more ownership, more debate, and more growth across their teams. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Coffee Mugs and Reconnecting to Presence Light opening before transitioning back to leadership themes. 05:00 – Introducing Multipliers vs. Diminishers The core framework from Liz Wiseman’s research. 08:30 – Over-Functioning Explained Why leaders do too much and how it creates dependency. 12:30 – The Rescuer, Idea Fountain, and Rapid Responder How good intentions quietly limit team ownership. 22:00 – The Optimist and Strategist When positivity and certainty suppress debate and innovation. 27:00 – The Perfectionist and Protector High standards and shielding behaviors that discourage growth. 32:00 – Pace Setter and Always On Leadership How intensity and presence can crowd out others. 36:00 – Homework and Reflection Identifying your dominant accidental diminisher tendency. Key Takeaways Most diminishing leadership habits stem from good intentions, not bad motives. Over-functioning creates under-functioning in others. Rescuing, over-responding, or over-directing may feel helpful but often reduce ownership. High standards are healthy; perfectionism that removes autonomy is not. Moving fast is not the same as developing others. Multiplying leadership requires space, patience, and disciplined restraint. Under pressure, your default tendencies are amplified — awareness is essential. Listener Homework Identify which of the nine accidental diminisher tendencies resonates most with you. Be honest. Notice when it shows up — especially under stress or urgency. Then choose one small behavioral adjustment to practice this week. You might wait before responding, speak last in a meeting, resist rescuing, or invite debate before deciding. Leadership multiplication begins not by adding more techniques, but by subtracting habits that shrink others. Resources Referenced Multipliers by Liz Wiseman The Wiseman Group (wisemangroup.com)

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John sit down with Dr. Brandi Nicole Chin to explore one of leadership’s most avoided but essential responsibilities: accountability. Drawing from her book Hope Is Not a Strategy, Brandi makes a compelling case that strong intentions and motivational language are not enough to produce consistent, high-quality results. Hope matters. It is human and necessary. But as Brandi explains, hope without systems creates uneven performance, pockets of excellence, and persistent gaps. Leaders often assume shared standards without clearly defining them. The result is inconsistency—and inconsistency erodes trust. Dr. Chin challenges leaders to move from aspiration to operational clarity. Values like excellence, respect, and equity only shape culture when they are translated into observable behaviors and reinforced consistently. When expectations are vague, accountability feels personal or punitive. When expectations are clear and upheld, accountability becomes cultural and developmental. The conversation also addresses resistance. Pushback against accountability is rarely about defiance; it is often rooted in fear—fear of failure, exposure, or loss of autonomy. Effective leaders respond not with punishment, but with consistency, coaching, and steady reinforcement of shared standards. This episode serves as both a conversation and an invitation. If you are serious about improving quality, building trust, and strengthening consistency in your organization, Dr. Chin’s work offers a practical roadmap. You can learn more about her book, consulting, and leadership resources at brandichin.com. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Dr. Brandi Chin and the Accountability Conversation Why this topic matters for leaders today. 06:00 – Hope vs. Systems The danger of relying on intention without operational clarity. 14:30 – Translating Values into Action How to turn aspirational language into measurable behaviors. 26:00 – Follow-Through and Consistency Why reinforcement defines leadership credibility. 37:00 – Resistance and Fear Understanding pushback and responding with steadiness. 45:00 – Accountability as the Path to Quality Why consistency separates average organizations from excellent ones. Listener Reflection Where are you relying on hope instead of clarity? Identify one expectation that needs stronger definition and follow-through this week. If this conversation resonated, explore Dr. Brandi Nicole Chin’s work at brandichin.com and consider how her framework could strengthen accountability in your organization.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John continue their series on leadership presence by shifting from definition to diagnosis. After exploring what presence is, they now examine what disrupts it. Drawing from systems theory, personal leadership stories, and practical workplace examples, they unpack the subtle forces that pull leaders out of connection and into reactivity. The core insight is simple: presence is not something you add on. It emerges when you remove what is getting in the way. Josh reintroduces the concept of de-envelopment—a term Andrew Robinson brought into conversation—challenging leaders to strip away reactive habits rather than stack new techniques. When anxiety rises in meetings, conflict, or uncertainty, leaders default into predictable postures. Some over-function, over-explain, and hustle for affirmation. Others defer too quickly, distance themselves from decisions, or avoid discomfort. Still others push agendas forcefully, mistaking control for confidence. Throughout the episode, these patterns are connected to real leadership moments: rescuing instead of empowering, over-talking to secure credibility, withdrawing under pressure, or bulldozing conversations in the name of decisiveness. Each response is understandable, but each reduces presence and erodes trust. The conversation also names practical barriers such as distraction, physical absence, tone, lack of preparation, and disorganization. Presence is both internal and external. It requires emotional regulation and self-awareness, but also visible engagement and structured leadership behavior. The episode closes with practical strategies for cultivating presence in daily leadership: speaking last, limiting airtime, repairing strained relationships early, structuring meetings around learning, and embracing silence. Presence, they remind listeners, is not mystical. It is disciplined, relational, and built through consistent practice. ----more----Key Takeaways: Presence grows when leaders remove anxiety-driven reactions rather than adding performance techniques. Over-functioning and under-functioning are two common but opposite barriers to presence. Agenda-driven behavior often signals insecurity more than confidence. Distraction, tone, and lack of preparation communicate disengagement quickly. Presence requires emotional regulation and visible leadership discipline. Listener Homework: This week, identify your default anxiety response. Do you over-explain, defer too quickly, push harder, or withdraw? Choose one strategy from this episode to counter it. Speak last in your next meeting. Limit your airtime. Repair a strained relationship early. Shift a goal from execution to learning. Presence grows when you intentionally remove what blocks it. ----more----Timestamped Chapters: 00:00 – Recap: What Is Presence? Revisiting the foundation before examining what disrupts it. 05:30 – Reintroducing De-Envelopment Stripping away anxiety-driven reactions instead of layering on new techniques. 12:00 – Over-Functioning and Hustling for Worth How over-explaining and rescuing undermine presence. 19:30 – Distancing and Avoiding Discomfort The subtle cost of under-functioning and chronic deference. 27:00 – Agenda-Driven Leadership When control replaces collaboration. 34:30 – Practical Strategies to Strengthen Presence Speaking last, limiting airtime, repairing early, and prioritizing learning. ----more---- Resources Referenced: Growing Yourself Up by Jenny Brown Bowen Family Systems Theory Multipliers by Liz Wiseman David Whyte essays "Time"  The PIQ Perspective – josh482.substack.com

Episode Overview: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John explore one of the most essential yet misunderstood leadership capacities: presence. Moving beyond the idea of executive polish or charisma, they reframe presence as the ability to create safety, clarity, and forward movement simply by how a leader shows up with others. The conversation builds on recent discussions about influence, self-preservation, and development, grounding the idea of presence in lived experience rather than theory. Josh introduces a powerful reflection from poet and philosopher David Whyte, connecting presence to gravity and mass—the idea that true presence slows time, opens possibility, and invites others toward deeper engagement rather than resistance. John and Josh unpack how presence shows up in everyday leadership moments: listening without rushing to respond, resisting the urge to fix or dominate, and creating space for others to step forward at their own pace. Through a personal story about parenting and coaching, John illustrates how walls of self-preservation—fear, ego, and the need to prove something—can block presence, and how removing those walls creates growth and confidence. The episode also clarifies what presence is not. It is not positional authority, charisma without care, physical proximity without intention, or oversharing personal struggle in ways that burden others. Presence is not paralysis or endless collaboration, nor is it speed for the sake of productivity. Instead, presence is grounded, curious, and disciplined. It allows leaders to listen deeply, make decisions confidently, and move teams forward together. The conversation closes by emphasizing that presence is not a switch you flip, but a continual internal practice. In a culture that rewards constant motion and urgency, choosing presence is countercultural work. Leaders who cultivate it slow time for others, reduce unnecessary friction, and create the conditions for trust, development, and meaningful progress. Timestamped Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Framing the Conversation Josh and John set the stage for a deeper exploration of leadership presence and why it matters now. 03:15 – Influence, Self-Preservation, and a Personal Leadership Story A reflection on walls of self-preservation and how fear and ego show up in leadership and parenting. 09:45 – Defining Presence and Why It Changes Everything Introducing presence as gravity that slows time and invites others toward growth. 13:30 – Presence, Time, and the Work of Deep Listening Exploring how presence creates flow, reduces tension, and accelerates real progress. 18:45 – What Presence Is Not Clarifying common misconceptions around charisma, authority, visibility, and oversharing. 32:00 – Presence in Meetings, Decisions, and Daily Leadership Why meetings, priorities, and one-to-ones either create presence or quietly destroy it. 44:00 – Reflection and Homework Practical guidance for becoming more present with priorities or people this week. Listener Homework: This week, identify one place where your presence matters most right now. It may be a key priority that needs focused attention, or a person who needs deeper listening and understanding. Choose one and be deliberate. Slow yourself down. Ask better questions. Notice whether time feels different—whether tension eases, clarity increases, or progress accelerates. That shift is your signal that presence is taking root. Resources Referenced: David Whyte, Time and Consolations David Brooks, How to Know a Person Leadership Limbo frameworks on presence, influence, and developing others

Summary In this episode of Leadership Limbo, hosts Josh Hugo and John Clark engage with Andrew Robinson, a leader in organizational development, to explore the limitations of traditional management practices and the need for a shift towards a development mindset. Andrew discusses his new venture, Oxygen, which aims to create sustainable leadership development systems that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. The conversation delves into the etymology of management, the impact of AI on leadership, and practical steps leaders can take to foster growth and presence within their teams. Read more about Andrew's work at www.andrewfrobinson.com and read his work at https://andrewfrobinson.substack.com/ and be sure to follow his exciting new venture, Oxygen! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Limbo 03:17 Introducing Andrew Robinson and His Work 04:50 The Launch of Oxygen: A New Approach to Leadership Development 08:24 Challenging the Management Mindset 19:15 The Etymology of Management and Its Implications 29:05 The Intersection of AI and Human Development 30:17 Practical Applications of Oxygen's Approach 34:31 Questions for Leaders to Reflect On 39:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections Keywords leadership, management, development, organizational growth, self-awareness, presence, human potential, leadership mindset, Oxygen, Andrew Robinson

Summary In this episode of Leadership Limbo, hosts John Clark and Josh Hugo explore the complexities of influence and relationships in leadership. They discuss the importance of trust, the distinction between kindness and niceness, and the role of feedback in fostering healthy professional relationships. The conversation delves into the challenges of self-preservation and cynicism, emphasizing the need for managers to lower their own walls of self-preservation to effectively influence their teams. Practical applications and homework are provided to help listeners reflect on their own leadership styles and improve their influence. Takeaways Leadership is about embracing discomfort and self-awareness. Building relationships in the workplace requires trust and clarity. Kindness is more impactful than mere niceness in professional settings. Feedback is essential for growth and trust in relationships. Self-preservation can hinder effective influence and communication. Cynicism often arises from fear of vulnerability and loss. Empowering others is more effective than rescuing them. Understanding individual communication styles is crucial for influence. Balancing character and competence is key to effective leadership. Good leadership involves making space for tension and growth. You can find an image of The Influence Model here: https://share.google/rWqf9vR40eVEZFXJX)  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Limbo 02:53 The Power of Influence 04:41 Understanding Relationships in Leadership 07:55 The Difference Between Kindness and Niceness 11:42 Influence and Self-Preservation 15:38 Navigating Cynicism and Trust 19:03 Understanding Cynicism and Self-Preservation 23:16 Influence in Manager-Employee Relationships 29:02 Balancing Character and Competence 35:16 The Role of Self-Preservation in Leadership

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John turn their focus to one of the most critical and misunderstood leadership capabilities for middle managers: influence. Building on the previous conversation about the pressures and possibilities of middle management, they explore why influence—not authority, control, or coercion—is the currency that allows leaders to move people, ideas, and organizations forward in today’s fast-moving workplace. The conversation begins by distinguishing influence from power. Josh and John argue that modern organizations can no longer rely on positional authority or top-down control to drive results. As work becomes faster, flatter, and more relational, managers must learn how to influence through trust, credibility, and care. Influence, they emphasize, is inseparable from development. Leaders who approach management as a way to grow people, rather than extract output, are far more likely to earn followership and sustain performance. The episode introduces a set of nine common influence styles, not as a hierarchy of good and bad behaviors, but as tools that can be used wisely or poorly depending on motive, context, and overuse. From data-driven rational appeals to relational, values-based, and personal appeals, Josh and John unpack how each style works, where it can be effective, and how it can break down when leaders rely on it too heavily or without self-awareness. Throughout the discussion, they return to a central theme: posture matters. Influence that is rooted in control, avoidance, or self-protection is often sensed, even if it sounds supportive on the surface. By contrast, influence grounded in genuine care for another person’s growth creates trust, accountability, and learning. The episode challenges managers to examine not just how they influence, but why. The conversation closes with a reframing of influence as an ongoing practice rather than a momentary tactic. Effective influence begins long before a decision is announced. It is built through curiosity, listening, understanding people’s motivations, and asking better questions. When leaders invest in knowing their people and their organization deeply, influence becomes more natural, adaptive, and human. Key Takeaways: Influence is more effective than authority in modern organizations, especially for middle managers operating without full control or decision-making power. Leadership influence is inseparable from development. People are more likely to follow leaders they respect, trust, and believe are invested in their growth. There are multiple influence styles, and no single approach works in every situation. Over-reliance on one style often creates blind spots. Posture matters as much as technique. Influence rooted in care and accountability feels different than influence driven by control or convenience. Asking thoughtful questions is often more powerful than issuing directives when it comes to motivating and aligning others. Listener Homework: Take time this week to reflect on your default influence style. Consider which approaches you rely on most and where that reliance may be limiting your effectiveness. Identify one influence style you tend to underuse and experiment with it intentionally in an upcoming conversation. Pay attention not just to outcomes, but to how people respond and what it reveals about trust and connection.  

Episode Overview: In the Season Two premiere of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John return to the core reason this podcast exists: the often overlooked and overburdened role of the middle manager. Instead of starting the year with goals or resolutions, they examine a more urgent question facing organizations today—why middle management has become a major driver of disengagement, burnout, and organizational underperformance. The conversation centers on a striking reality. While middle managers have the greatest influence on employee engagement, only a small percentage of them report being engaged themselves. This disconnect points to a systemic issue rather than individual failure. Managers are expected to execute strategy without shaping it, lead people without sufficient support, and drive engagement while carrying increasing pressure from all sides. Josh and John challenge how organizations typically respond to engagement problems. Too often, companies bypass managers by adding new initiatives, surveys, or programs instead of investing in manager development. This approach compounds the problem by increasing workload and stress without strengthening leadership capacity. They also explore why traditional management training falls short. Many programs focus on process and compliance while neglecting the identity shift required to move from individual contributor to people developer. Leadership, they argue, is less about passing along directives and more about cultivating trust, clarity, and growth. The episode closes with a call for both personal responsibility and organizational reflection. Healthy workplaces are built when managers are developed, supported, and trusted to do the relational work leadership requires. This conversation sets the foundation for Season Two, which will move from diagnosing the problem to offering practical solutions. Key Takeaways: Middle managers play the most influential role in engagement but are often the least supported and least developed. Engagement issues are rarely solved through broad initiatives and are most effectively addressed through manager development. Transactional cultures undermine trust, while relational leadership builds sustainable performance. Psychological safety for managers is essential for psychological safety across teams. Leadership development requires mindset and identity growth, not just technical skill building. Listener Homework: Before setting new goals this year, pause and assess whether you—or the managers you support—are truly equipped for the role being asked of you. Reflect on clarity of expectations, access to development, and whether people leadership is being treated as a core responsibility or an afterthought. Start there before adding new initiatives. Resources Referenced: Gallup workplace engagement research  Harvard Business Review research on psychological safety

In the last of our Season 1 Redux - the Best of 2025 - we are re-sharing an episode all about a Development System: The Development Square.  We know that organizations who value development approach it systematically. It cannot be an idea, concept or belief by itself. It requires a paradigm and framework. If you are going into 2026 with goals for greater success in people development, this is a must-listen. Starting the week of January 12th, we'll be sharing out new episodes from Season 2!   Original Episode Description Below: Episode Summary: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John dive deeper into their ongoing series on developing others, introducing a practical and powerful framework known as the Development Square from The Voice-Driven Leader by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram. Building on last week’s conversation about mindset (“To Me” vs. “By Me”), this episode explores how leaders can translate self-awareness into actionable systems for developing people. The duo walk through the four stages of development—Foundation, Immersion, Empowerment, and Multiplication—and unpack how each represents a distinct phase of learning and growth. Josh explains how the model builds on Maslow’s hierarchy of competence (from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence) and helps leaders identify where each team member is on their learning journey. Together, they emphasize that development is not an event—it’s a continual process of awareness, feedback, and adaptation. They also highlight the emotional side of development: the “pit of despair” when confidence collapses, and the “green room” where skill mastery can become comfort or complacency. Through humor, stories, and practical examples—from new teachers to medical dramas—Josh and John make the case that great leaders must not only recognize these stages but actively guide others through them. Key Takeaways: Development isn’t management—and it isn’t an event. True growth is woven into daily leadership, not reserved for workshops or annual reviews. Everyone learns differently. What worked for you may not work for them. Development requires empathy, flexibility, and intentionality. The Four Stages of Development: Foundation (Unconscious Incompetence): “I do, you watch.” Excitement is high, competence is low. Immersion (Conscious Incompetence): “I do, you help.” Mistakes rise, confidence dips—learning begins. Empowerment (Conscious Competence): “You do, I help.” Skill is growing, autonomy increases. Multiplication (Unconscious Competence): “You do, I watch.” Mastery emerges—and it’s time to develop others. Beware the “pit of despair.” When confidence collapses, leaders must support—not rescue—those they lead. Don’t get stuck in the “green room.” Competence can lead to complacency; stretch high performers by challenging them to multiply others. Your mindset still drives your method. Even with a strong framework, self-preservation and ego can derail development. Stay other-oriented. Listener Homework: Think about one person you’re developing right now—a colleague, direct report, or team member. Identify which stage of development they’re currently in: Foundation, Immersion, Empowerment, or Multiplication. Ask yourself: What do they need from me at this stage? More modeling and demonstration? Shoulder-to-shoulder feedback? Space to practice with support? Stretch opportunities to mentor others? Bonus reflection: Where are you in your own development journey—and what kind of support would help you grow next? Resources Mentioned: The Voice-Driven Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram The 100X Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram The Drama Triangle — Dr. Stephen Karpman Sacred Hoops — Phil Jackson (with Hugh Delehanty) Conscious Leadership: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership — Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, & Kaley Warner Klemp The Pit (TV Series) — referenced as an analogy for teaching and skill progression

To wrap up 2025, we're re-posting a few of our favorite episodes from this past year. This week's redux is Episode 9 - Communication: Are You Trying to Be Interested or Interesting? As we spend time with family and friends during this holiday season, ask yourself, am I taking part in conversations in which I'm trying to be interesting or interested in others? We hope you enjoy this "Top Hit" as we wrap up 2025! And if you haven't done so yet, please Subscribe and Share our podcast with friends and family you might believe would enjoy and benefit from listening to our show.   Episode Overview (Original Notes) In this episode, Josh and John take a second pass at one of leadership’s most defining skills — communication. Moving beyond what we say to how and why we say it, they explore the motives, tendencies, and patterns that shape our words and impact our teams. Through real examples and archetypes, they help listeners identify what drives their communication habits and how self-awareness transforms connection and clarity. Key Themes & Takeaways Motives and tendencies: Awareness doesn’t erase them, but it helps leaders recognize and redirect them. Patterns and behavior: You can’t always change your wiring, but you can change your actions. Communication archetypes: The visionary, the perfectionist, and the over-talker — and what they reveal about leadership motives. Transmission and receiving: Great communication is both speaking and listening with intention. Be interested, not interesting: Curiosity builds trust more than charisma ever will. Memorable Quotes or Moments “Are you trying to be more interesting or more interested?” “Your motives aren’t going anywhere — but your patterns can change.” “You can’t delegate responsibility and still hold all the authority.” “Communication equals transmission plus receiving.” Homework / Reflection Take ten minutes this week to reflect — and write it down. Name one behavior you notice in the way you communicate (talking over, holding back, over-explaining, etc.). Ask yourself why: What’s the motive beneath it? What are you afraid of, avoiding, or trying to prove? Get feedback: Ask one trusted colleague or friend to describe how they experience your communication. Set an intention: Choose one way to practice being more interested than interesting in your next conversation.

Episode Overview To wrap up 2025, we're re-posting a few of our favorite episodes from this past year. This week's redux is Episode 3 - The "Rebrand" Episode when we moved from our earlier title (that shall go unnamed) to the current title, Leadership Limbo! If you haven't listened to this episode it's a great way to ground in the purpose of our show and understand the vision for what we're aiming to do. We hope you enjoy this "Top Hit" as we wrap up 2025! And if you haven't done so yet, please Subscribe and Share our podcast with friends and family you might believe would enjoy and benefit from listening to our show.   Original Show Notes Here: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, John and Josh explore what it means to lead from the middle—especially when the word manager often carries a negative connotation. After sharing the backstory of the podcast’s rebrand (and a trademark dispute that nudged them into “Leadership Limbo”), they dive into how leaders can reclaim management as a powerful and positive form of leadership. Drawing from Gallup’s First, Break All the Rules, they unpack the metaphor of the manager as a catalyst—someone who accelerates growth by connecting people’s talents to organizational goals. They challenge leaders to: Reframe “manager” not as a lesser version of leadership, but as a distinct and powerful form of it. Too often, the term carries negative baggage, but John and Josh argue that great management is an active, catalytic force that turns vision into reality. Prioritize knowing people’s strengths rather than over-focusing on weaknesses. Distinguish between managing versus doing, resisting the urge to “just do it yourself” or create clones of your own style. The conversation is both practical and reflective, with reminders that turnover is costly, management is active, and leaders must be intentional about setting their teams up to thrive. The episode closes with a reflection challenge: Identify 2–3 people on your team, name their strengths without condition, and ask yourself whether their current work fully leverages those strengths in service of your organization’s goals. Because in the end, being a manager isn’t about being stuck in limbo—it’s about catalyzing people and purpose. You can find copies of First, Break All of the Rules here on Amazon or wherever else you purchase your books!

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John introduce the Peace Index, a simple framework leaders can use to assess their overall health and leadership capacity. Rather than treating health as a personal side project or a physical fitness goal, the conversation reframes well-being as a foundational leadership skill that directly impacts clarity, presence, and sustainability. The Peace Index invites leaders to pause and take a holistic snapshot of their current reality across five interconnected areas: place, provision, personal health, people, and purpose. Josh explains that leadership breakdowns often begin long before performance slips appear. Mental fog, emotional reactivity, and chronic stress are usually signals that one or more of these areas is out of alignment. John adds that the value of the tool is not in perfection or scoring well, but in awareness. Leaders are often surprised by what rises to the surface when they slow down long enough to notice their environment, relationships, financial stressors, physical habits, and sense of meaning. The inventory becomes a mirror that helps leaders identify where peace is present and where strain has quietly accumulated. The conversation also explores how leadership culture often minimizes mental and emotional health, encouraging leaders to push through discomfort rather than address root causes. Josh and John challenge that norm, offering a different approach: start small, respond intentionally, and restore order where you have the most control. Sustainable leadership is not built through constant optimization, but through simple, repeatable practices that create stability over time. The episode closes by reinforcing a core idea of Leadership Limbo: leaders who tend to their own health lead with greater calm, empathy, and effectiveness. When leaders are grounded and aligned, they create healthier systems, stronger relationships, and teams that thrive rather than burn out. Key Takeaways: Leadership health is holistic, not just physical. A leader’s environment, relationships, resources, and sense of purpose shape how they show up just as much as sleep or exercise. The Peace Index works best as a routine. Its power comes from being revisited regularly, not from a single moment of reflection. Place matters more than most leaders admit. Physical spaces, digital clutter, and environmental chaos can quietly drain energy and focus. Provision affects peace. Financial stress or scarcity thinking often spills into decision-making, relationships, and leadership posture. Personal health is about progress, not perfection. Small, consistent habits matter more than ideal routines that never happen. People are central to leadership health. Disconnection, unresolved tension, or lack of community reduces capacity and resilience. Purpose takes the longest to address but has the deepest impact. When meaning feels misaligned, leaders feel it everywhere. Mental health is a whole-system signal. Feeling mentally “off” is often a cue that one or more life categories needs attention. Listener Homework: Set aside five minutes this week to walk yourself through the Peace Index. Reflect honestly on your place, provision, personal health, people, and purpose. Notice which area feels most strained right now. Choose one small, concrete action that would restore a sense of peace or order in that area. The goal is not to fix everything, but to take one step that increases clarity and capacity. Resources Referenced: GiANT Worldwide Peace Index Framework (You can read more in here in a previous blog Josh wrote about this and see the image of the tool itself)

Episode Overview: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John shift from last week’s conversation about being developed as a leader into a new and equally essential theme: health as a leadership practice. Rather than focusing on personal goals, New Year’s resolutions, or exercise alone, they expand the idea of leadership health into a multidimensional reality. Health includes your physical state, but it also encompasses mental clarity, spiritual grounding, emotional balance, and communal connection. The hosts explore how leaders often think of health as something to “get to later,” somewhere after the deadlines, decision-making, or team management. But leadership does not pause so you can get healthy. Health is the basis from which leadership decisions, influence, connection, and clarity flow. When you are not healthy, you are more reactive, more stressed, more scattered, and less able to show up with the calm, grounded presence your team needs. Josh and John walk through why health matters both for the leader and for the team. Health is not only about self-preservation. When you are at your best, you are more attuned to the people you lead, better able to sense their stress, notice their energy, and create conditions where collective performance feels sustainable rather than depleting. A healthy leader models integration rather than martyrdom, and this subtle modeling creates permission and clarity for others to pursue healthy, integrated habits as well. They also unpack why leaders often neglect health, not intentionally but accidentally. Busyness, pressure, and habit shape our daily operating system, and when life gets chaotic we default to whatever has been baked into our history: overwork, proving ourselves, numbing distractions, and performance behaviors that feel urgent in the moment but quietly erode long-term well-being. The episode explores how industries, expectations, ego, and culture normalize unhealthy rhythms and turn exhaustion into a badge of honor. The conversation ends with a clear worldview: leadership is relational, and health is relational. When leaders are at their best, they can perceive what their teams need, stay grounded in complexity, and create conditions where people thrive rather than survive. The episode sets up next week’s conversation, which will focus entirely on practical strategies, healthy rhythms, and crowd-sourced examples from listeners. Key Insights: Health is multidimensional. Leadership requires more than physical stamina. It requires curiosity, spiritual grounding, mental clarity, communal belonging, and the emotional steadiness that makes space for others. A leader’s health creates a ripple effect. When you are grounded, clear, attuned, and integrated, your team feels safer, more focused, and more confident. When you are depleted or reactive, your team absorbs more than you realize and begins compensating for you, resenting you, or disorganizing around you. Most leaders neglect health accidentally. When pressure mounts, we revert to old habits: over-functioning, proving, staying late, numbing, hustling for worth, taking on too much, or confusing urgency for leadership. These patterns feel productive in the moment but undermine presence, clarity, and relational trust. Healthy leadership is integrative, not comparative. It is not about being healthier than everyone else or earning a wellness score. It is about aligning your personal practices, relationships, and rhythms so that leadership feels sustainable rather than sacrificial. Work-life balance is often the wrong frame. Integration—connecting your identity, well-being, work, purpose, and relationships—is a healthier lens than trying to keep them separate or competing. Listener Homework: Reflect on one question this week: What is the single biggest barrier to becoming the healthiest version of yourself as a leader? Share it with the show so Josh and John can surface real examples from listeners and address them directly in next week’s episode. You are also invited to share one strategy you currently use that genuinely supports your health and positively affects your team. These practices will be highlighted in the next conversation, creating a community-driven library of ideas. Resources Referenced: Brené Brown — Dare to Lead (particularly the framework on armored vs. daring leadership)

Episode Summary: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John turn the conversation inward. After several weeks focused on how to develop others, they explore the other side of the equation—how to be developed. Whether you’re a middle manager, senior leader, or individual contributor, your willingness to be coached, challenged, and stretched is the foundation of your growth. The hosts unpack what it looks like to approach development with openness rather than defensiveness, curiosity rather than cynicism. They revisit the pursuer–distancer dynamic from previous episodes, this time flipping the lens: instead of chasing reluctant team members, how can you stop distancing yourself from the people trying to help you grow? The conversation dives into the role of ego, exploring how skepticism (“they don’t understand my work”) and excuses (“my boss doesn’t develop me”) often mask insecurity or fear. Josh and John walk through ways to reframe these stories, run small mindset experiments, and re-engage in genuine learning. They also emphasize humble curiosity—not asking questions to prove a point, but asking to discover something new. Alongside this mindset, they talk about the importance of advocating for what you need and building a collaborative relationship with your manager. The episode closes with a seasonal reminder about gratitude—both expressing and receiving it—as one of the most powerful yet underused tools for sustaining healthy development relationships. Key Takeaways: Being developed is a choice. You can’t control your manager’s skill level, but you can control your posture and curiosity. Watch for cynicism and defensiveness. Phrases like “they don’t get it” or “this won’t work for me” usually reveal ego, not truth. Run the reframe experiment. Instead of “my boss doesn’t care,” try “my boss might care in ways I don’t yet see.” Look for small evidence of their effort. Development is a two-way relationship. Managers can’t read your mind—advocate for what you need, clarify what helps, and initiate feedback loops. Model what you expect from others. You can’t give what you don’t possess. Showing up as a learner sets the tone for your team. Gratitude multiplies development. Leaders who express genuine appreciation build trust, retention, and resilience in their teams. Listener Homework: Reflect on your posture toward being developed. Are you open, curious, and receptive—or defensive, cynical, and closed? Identify one relationship where you might be distancing yourself from feedback or growth. This week, take one small step to re-engage: Ask a question instead of making an assumption. Invite feedback rather than waiting for it. Express gratitude to someone who has invested in your growth. Lean toward curiosity and connection—it’s where learning begins. Resources Mentioned: How to Know a Person — David Brooks The Coaching Habit — Michael Bungay Stanier Humble Inquiry — Edgar H. Schein The Voice-Driven Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram The 100X Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram Conscious Leadership: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership — Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, & Kaley Warner Klemp

Episode Summary: In this follow-up to last week’s discussion on the Development Square, Josh and John explore what happens after you’ve identified where someone is on their growth journey. Once you know where a team member stands—whether they’re in the foundation, immersion, empowerment, or multiplication stage—the next step is figuring out how to coach, teach, and lead them toward mastery. The hosts dig into two essential relationship dynamics that can either fuel or frustrate development: Pursuer vs. Distancer, where one person chases growth while the other avoids it, and Over-functioner vs. Under-functioner, where a leader tries to “save” others or a learner waits passively to be rescued. Drawing from David Brooks’ book How to Know a Person, they discuss what it means to practice accompaniment—walking alongside someone rather than solving problems for them. They pair this with practical frameworks from The Coaching Habit (Michael Bungay Stanier) and Humble Inquiry (Edgar Schein), showing how asking the right questions can rebalance responsibility and deepen learning. The episode then transitions into “gradual release”—a core concept in education that applies powerfully to leadership. Josh and John break down each stage of the model (“I do, you watch” → “I do, you help” → “You do, I help” → “You do, I watch”), explaining how leaders can adjust their coaching, feedback, and proximity as people grow in competence and confidence. Along the way, they tackle the tension between personalizing learning and maintaining accountability, and remind listeners that development requires both structure and stretch. Key Takeaways: Accompaniment builds trust and ownership. True development happens when leaders walk with others, not ahead of them. Beware of over- or under-functioning. Over-functioners rescue; under-functioners retreat. Both limit growth. Ask more, tell less. Use inquiry to invite thinking and responsibility—especially as people gain competence. Name the criteria for success. Learners need to know what “good” looks like before they can reach it. Gradual release is the art of letting go. Effective leaders fade their support as skill and confidence rise. Balance personalization with accountability. Adapt your approach, but don’t avoid necessary discomfort—growth lives there. Feedback loops sustain progress. Check for understanding early and often. Real-time coaching prevents drift. Listener Homework: Return to the team member you identified last week in the Development Square exercise. Ask yourself: Are you over-functioning or under-functioning in your support? Are you telling too much—or asking too little? Identify one way to rebalance your dynamic this week—whether it’s using a coaching question, creating clearer criteria for success, or scheduling a real-time feedback moment. Resources Mentioned: How to Know a Person — David Brooks The Coaching Habit — Michael Bungay Stanier Humble Inquiry — Edgar H. Schein The Voice-Driven Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram The 100X Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram Concept: “Gradual Release of Responsibility” (Pearson & Gallagher, 1983)

Episode Summary: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John dive deeper into their ongoing series on developing others, introducing a practical and powerful framework known as the Development Square from The Voice-Driven Leader by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram. Building on last week’s conversation about mindset (“To Me” vs. “By Me”), this episode explores how leaders can translate self-awareness into actionable systems for developing people. The duo walk through the four stages of development—Foundation, Immersion, Empowerment, and Multiplication—and unpack how each represents a distinct phase of learning and growth. Josh explains how the model builds on Maslow’s hierarchy of competence (from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence) and helps leaders identify where each team member is on their learning journey. Together, they emphasize that development is not an event—it’s a continual process of awareness, feedback, and adaptation. They also highlight the emotional side of development: the “pit of despair” when confidence collapses, and the “green room” where skill mastery can become comfort or complacency. Through humor, stories, and practical examples—from new teachers to medical dramas—Josh and John make the case that great leaders must not only recognize these stages but actively guide others through them. Key Takeaways: Development isn’t management—and it isn’t an event. True growth is woven into daily leadership, not reserved for workshops or annual reviews. Everyone learns differently. What worked for you may not work for them. Development requires empathy, flexibility, and intentionality. The Four Stages of Development: Foundation (Unconscious Incompetence): “I do, you watch.” Excitement is high, competence is low. Immersion (Conscious Incompetence): “I do, you help.” Mistakes rise, confidence dips—learning begins. Empowerment (Conscious Competence): “You do, I help.” Skill is growing, autonomy increases. Multiplication (Unconscious Competence): “You do, I watch.” Mastery emerges—and it’s time to develop others. Beware the “pit of despair.” When confidence collapses, leaders must support—not rescue—those they lead. Don’t get stuck in the “green room.” Competence can lead to complacency; stretch high performers by challenging them to multiply others. Your mindset still drives your method. Even with a strong framework, self-preservation and ego can derail development. Stay other-oriented. Listener Homework: Think about one person you’re developing right now—a colleague, direct report, or team member. Identify which stage of development they’re currently in: Foundation, Immersion, Empowerment, or Multiplication. Ask yourself: What do they need from me at this stage? More modeling and demonstration? Shoulder-to-shoulder feedback? Space to practice with support? Stretch opportunities to mentor others? Bonus reflection: Where are you in your own development journey—and what kind of support would help you grow next? Resources Mentioned: The Voice-Driven Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram The 100X Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram The Drama Triangle — Dr. Stephen Karpman Sacred Hoops — Phil Jackson (with Hugh Delehanty) Conscious Leadership: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership — Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, & Kaley Warner Klemp The Pit (TV Series) — referenced as an analogy for teaching and skill progression

Episode Summary: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John continue their mini-series on developing others, widening the lens to explore the deeper mindsets that shape how leaders respond to challenges. Drawing from the model in Conscious Leadership, they unpack the four mindsets—To Me, By Me, Through Me, and As Me—and examine how each one influences the way we navigate difficulty, communicate, and develop the people around us. The conversation explores how easy it is for leaders to slip into a reactive To Me posture, especially in seasons of uncertainty or self-preservation. From there, they highlight how shifting toward By Me opens the door to agency, responsibility, and creativity—breaking the cycle of blame or helplessness. Josh and John also reflect on higher levels of leadership consciousness—operating Through Me or As Me—and what it means to move from control to presence, from tension to groundedness, and from reactivity to intentionality. They share personal stories, real-life examples, and moments of self-awareness that reveal the subtle but powerful nature of mindset shifts. The episode ultimately reminds leaders that developing others begins with developing ourselves. How we interpret our circumstances shapes how we show up, how we listen, and how we build capacity in the people we influence. Key Takeaways: Most leaders operate in “To Me” more than they realize. This reactive mindset amplifies stress and reduces agency, setting the tone for how we lead and develop others. Shifting to “By Me” unlocks creativity and ownership. The combination of responsibility, curiosity, and intentional choice breaks the Drama Triangle and restores empowerment. “Through Me” and “As Me” represent deeper, grounded presence. These states help leaders move from controlling outcomes to participating in them with clarity and calm. Self-preservation keeps leaders from developing others. When fear, fatigue, or insecurity take over, development gets replaced by protection, avoidance, or withdrawal. Small, consistent reframes create meaningful change. Leaders don’t need enlightenment—they need awareness in the moment and a willingness to take the next small step. Listener Homework: Identify one challenge you’re facing right now—something that feels heavy, unfair, frustrating, or stuck. Write down the story you are currently telling yourself about it (the “To Me” version). Then choose one small shift toward a “By Me” mindset. What question could you ask? What action is within your control? What perspective could open up agency instead of helplessness? Keep it small. Keep it honest. Keep it doable. Resources Mentioned: Conscious Leadership: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership — Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, Kaley Warner Klemp The Drama Triangle — Dr. Stephen Karpman The 100X Leader — Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram Sacred Hoops — Phil Jackson (with Hugh Delehanty) What About Bob? — Frank Oz (Director)

Episode Summary: In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John kick off a new mini-series on one of the most essential—and misunderstood—skills of leadership: developing others. Building on their recent conversations about communication and self-awareness, they explore how our intentions to help can sometimes derail growth when we lead from the wrong mindset. Drawing from the Drama Triangle framework, they unpack three common leadership archetypes that show up under stress: the Persecutor (Villain), the Rescuer (Hero), and the Victim. Each has good intentions but can end up disempowering others, creating dependency, or spreading frustration. Through stories, humor, and reflection, they reveal what’s really happening beneath these patterns and how to shift toward healthier, growth-oriented postures: The Challenger (instead of the Persecutor) The Coach (instead of the Rescuer) The Creator (instead of the Victim) The episode reframes development as the act of fighting for others’ highest good. It challenges leaders to move from control to empowerment, from rescuing to equipping, and from “woe is me” to “what can we create together?” Key Takeaways: Awareness is the first act of development. Every leader can slip into the Drama Triangle. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s noticing when it happens and choosing a better response. Persecutors become Challengers. Replace micromanagement and blame with curiosity and accountability. Challenge others to own their growth. Rescuers become Coaches. Stop over-helping. Use questions and patience to guide others toward their own solutions instead of fixing for them. Victims become Creators. Trade helplessness for agency. Acknowledge the challenge, then focus on what’s within your power to move forward. Leadership development is love in action. Great leaders don’t remove struggle—they walk with others through it, building confidence and autonomy along the way. Listener Homework: Reflect on one person you currently lead, coach, or collaborate with. Which of the three Drama Triangle tendencies (Persecutor, Rescuer, Victim) do you most often fall into with them? What would it look like to flip that pattern this week—by becoming a Challenger, Coach, or Creator instead? Notice how that shift changes both your mindset and their engagement. If you’re not managing people right now, try this reflection with a teammate, family member, or friend. The same dynamics apply everywhere we influence others. Resources Mentioned: The Drama Triangle (Stephen Karpman) – the foundational model discussed in this episode. Radical Candor by Kim Scott – on the balance between care and challenge (“ruinous empathy” connects to the Rescuer pattern). A Failure of Nerve by Edwin H. Friedman – referenced by Josh for its insight on leadership courage and the “non-anxious presence.” The 100X Leader by Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram – for the “Sherpa mindset” of fighting for the highest good of others.

In this special episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John welcome their very first guest — Michael Sykes, founder and CEO of Equitable Solutions and author of Easy Equity. Michael brings warmth, wisdom, and candor to a conversation that explores what it truly means to lead from love. Together, they unpack how leadership begins with self-awareness and healing — and how that inner work ripples outward into teams, organizations, and communities. Michael shares stories from his own journey as a middle manager navigating conflicting expectations, and how mistakes, reflection, and intentionality helped him transform his approach to leadership. The conversation explores themes of affirmation, mindfulness, and manifestation, inviting leaders to align their “future self” with present actions. Michael challenges the idea that leadership is about control or charisma, instead defining it as removing barriers so others can thrive. From burnout to belonging, from self-denial to authenticity, this episode reminds us that the most sustainable and equitable leadership starts with loving ourselves well — so we can lead others with compassion, presence, and purpose. Check out Michael's work at https://equitablesolutions.net/ and follow him on LinkedIn as well. You can find his book Easy Equity for purchase on his site, too.  Key Takeaways Include: Leadership is about supporting your team, not just producing results. Finding joy requires intentionality and can be found in small moments. Authentic relationships are crucial for leveraging team strengths. Self-affirmation is key to effective leadership and personal growth. Manifestation involves aligning current actions with future goals. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important than intellectual intelligence (IQ) in leadership. Burnout often stems from misalignment with personal values and overextension. Leaders should prioritize self-care to avoid resentment and burnout. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and should be owned by leaders. Creating a positive environment starts with self-love and validation.

In this episode, Josh and John continue their exploration of communication—this time shifting from what we say to how we listen. Building on last week’s focus on the Communication Code, they unpack how defensiveness, distractions, and the pressure to sound competent can quietly sabotage genuine connection. Through personal stories and honest reflection, they explore how slowing down, summarizing, and removing noise are all acts of leadership, not just courtesy. They discuss the ripple effects of poor listening on trust, culture, and team engagement, and how small changes—like a pause before responding or a quick summary of what you heard—can completely reshape how people experience being led. Together, they reframe listening as a core leadership discipline that drives clarity, confidence, and connection. Key Takeaways: Silence communicates attentiveness and respect. Summarizing before responding builds alignment and trust. Leaders model active listening by removing distractions and creating space for others’ voices. Homework for Listeners: Take a few minutes this week to complete a quick Active Listening Audit. Rate yourself 1–5 on each statement and identify one area to strengthen. I let others finish speaking before I respond. I summarize what I heard before offering my view. I ask open-ended questions that deepen understanding. I minimize distractions—no screens, no multitasking. I clarify what the other person needs: empathy or solutions. I pause before speaking to fully process what I’ve heard. I follow up when needed to close the communication loop. Reflection Prompt: When was the last time you felt truly heard—and what might it take to create that experience for others? Mentioned in This Episode: The Communication Code – Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram, GiANT Worldwide  

In this episode, Josh and John unpack a deceptively simple but powerful truth: communication is both transmission and reception — and most leaders focus too heavily on the former. Drawing from the Communication Codeframework by GiANT Worldwide, they explore how intention, clarity, and receptivity shape every conversation — at work, at home, and in the spaces in between. They open with reflections on personal rhythms, learning events, and the importance of walking (for knees and for clarity) before diving into the art of setting conditions for effective communication. John shares insights from Simon Sinek’s “Know Your Why” and The Atlantic’s piece on distracted parenting, illustrating how modern distractions erode our ability to truly listen and receive. Josh introduces the five core intentions of communication — to care, celebrate, critique, clarify, and collaborate — and how naming these purposes can transform meetings, relationships, and team culture. Together, they break down how misalignment between intention and perception can derail trust, and how explicit communication framing helps teams stay connected and emotionally attuned. Key Takeaways: Communication is not complete without both transmission and reception. Setting the conditions for communication (minimizing distraction, clarifying intent) is foundational. The five communication codes—Care, Celebrate, Critique, Clarify, Collaborate—help leaders name the whybehind what they say. Explicitly naming your communication intent improves trust and reduces misinterpretation. Celebration and care are often undervalued but essential forms of communication that sustain team health. Homework for Listeners: In your next team meeting or 1:1, name the type of communication you’re using: Are you collaborating, clarifying, or critiquing? Are you showing care or celebration? Use this awareness to align your intent with how others receive it. And for an extra challenge — find a way to intentionally celebrate someone or something this week. Reflection Prompt: How often do you name your intention before communicating — and how might doing so change the way your message lands? Mentioned in This Episode: Simon Sinek – “Know Your Why” (video clip) The Atlantic (2018) – “The Dangers of Distracted Parenting” The Communication Code – Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram, GiANT Worldwide Closing Quote: “Your job as a leader isn’t just to say what you mean — it’s to make sure it lands with your team.” – Josh Hugo

In this episode, Josh and John take a second pass at one of leadership’s most defining skills — communication. Moving beyond what we say to how and why we say it, they explore the motives, tendencies, and patterns that shape our words and impact our teams. Through real examples and archetypes, they help listeners identify what drives their communication habits and how self-awareness transforms connection and clarity. Key Themes & Takeaways Motives and tendencies: Awareness doesn’t erase them, but it helps leaders recognize and redirect them. Patterns and behavior: You can’t always change your wiring, but you can change your actions. Communication archetypes: The visionary, the perfectionist, and the over-talker — and what they reveal about leadership motives. Transmission and receiving: Great communication is both speaking and listening with intention. Be interested, not interesting: Curiosity builds trust more than charisma ever will. Memorable Quotes or Moments “Are you trying to be more interesting or more interested?” “Your motives aren’t going anywhere — but your patterns can change.” “You can’t delegate responsibility and still hold all the authority.” “Communication equals transmission plus receiving.” Homework / Reflection Take ten minutes this week to reflect — and write it down. Name one behavior you notice in the way you communicate (talking over, holding back, over-explaining, etc.). Ask yourself why: What’s the motive beneath it? What are you afraid of, avoiding, or trying to prove? Get feedback: Ask one trusted colleague or friend to describe how they experience your communication. Set an intention: Choose one way to practice being more interested than interesting in your next conversation.

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John dive into one of the most foundational—and often overlooked—skills of leadership: communication. Picking up from their exploration of performance and management, they shift focus to the ways leaders communicate with their teams, their peers, and their managers. The conversation unpacks a simple but powerful formula: Communication = Transmission + Reception. It’s not enough to just speak or listen—both have to work in tandem for true understanding. Josh and John frame today’s tension as the gap between accidental communication and intentional communication. Too often, leaders over-invest in the intentional while overlooking how much influence their “accidental” moments - or overall lack of self-awareness and intentionality about their communication - can have on team trust, alignment, and culture. Along the way, they share personal reflections on their own communication gaps—Josh’s tendency to over-talk as a verbal processor, John’s habit of letting facial expressions betray his thoughts—and highlight why building self-awareness is essential. They also introduce practical tools, linked below: Blindspotting – A model for uncovering motives and tendencies that drive leadership behaviors. The Five Voices – A personality-based framework for understanding your natural communication style and how others receive it. The big takeaway? Leaders need to narrow the gap between formal and informal communication by increasing self-awareness and choosing intentionality in both. Communication is the foundation of alignment, execution, and trust—and without it, even the best strategies fall flat.   Resources: Free 5 Voice Assessment and Report:  Click Here Blindspotting: Click Here

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John reflect on the central thesis of their podcast—leadership is about navigating polarities, not choosing sides. From transparency versus discretion to friendship versus professionalism, they dig into the tensions leaders constantly toggle between and how these dynamics shape team culture and effectiveness. Josh shares insights from Edwin Friedman’s A Failure of Nerve and the concept of self-differentiation, while John highlights the practical realities of leading through both collaboration and decisive direction. They also explore the Sherpa mentality from The 100X Leader, reframing leadership success as helping others reach the summit rather than chasing individual achievement. The conversation surfaces four key relational tensions managers face with their teams: Transparency vs. Discretion Friendship/Friendliness vs. Professionalism Collaboration vs. Decision-Making Advocacy vs. Directive Management Josh and John remind listeners that effective leaders don’t settle on one side of these spectrums—they learn to toggle with intentionality. The episode closes with a reflective exercise using two “thermometers”: one measuring how well you’re performing, and the other how well you’re leading performers. The challenge: notice gaps and identify where your leadership toggle might need to shift. Resources Mentioned: Feel free to check out two books referenced in this episode, as well: A Failure of Nerve, by Edwin Friedman  The 100x Leader,  by Steve Cockram and Jeremie Kubicek

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh Hugo and John Clark continue their multi-part series on identity shifts in leadership. Building on last week’s focus on how stepping into management reshapes relationships, today’s conversation zeroes in on one of the most critical dynamics for any middle manager: your relationship with your own manager. Josh and John explore what makes this relationship healthy and productive, starting with the foundation of trust and moving into practical elements like: High Support + High Challenge: Creating a liberating environment through balanced accountability and encouragement. Intentional Two-Way Communication: Ensuring not just that information is transmitted, but also truly received and understood. Autonomy + Accountability: Striking the right balance between independence and responsibility to your boss. Mutual Belief: Not just expecting your manager to believe in you, but actively showing belief in them. Managing Up: Bringing forward the realities of your team so your manager has the visibility needed to lead effectively. They also highlight common pitfalls that can derail this relationship—like unclear communication systems, falling into a “what have you done for me lately” mindset, or passively waiting to be developed—and offer strategies to avoid them. The episode closes with practical reflection tools for listeners: Conduct a two-way communication audit to identify and close gaps. Apply the Red-Yellow-Green framework to your current projects to clarify decision-making authority and opportunities for growth in autonomy. Several helpful resources were referenced in this episode.  See the links below for more information: Cory Scheer's book: Closing the Trust Gap.  Patrick Lencioni's book: The Advantage.      

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John dive into one of the most significant transitions leaders face: the shift in identity that comes with moving into management. Building on last week’s discussion around vision and internalization, they explore how stepping into leadership changes relationships with yourself, your peers, and your work. The conversation covers four key dynamics: The weight of authority – how new leaders experience both the responsibility and temptations of positional power. Stress and tendencies – why under pressure, managers often revert to old habits, and how intentional development can prevent missteps. “TIDKWIDT” (The I Don’t Know What I Did Today challenge) – the common struggle of defining success when the work shifts from doing tasks to guiding people. Vertical shifts in relationships – the reality that becoming “the manager” alters how peers and teams perceive and engage with you. Josh and John offer practical tools to navigate these changes, including the “Leader Mirror” (a framework for reflecting on reactivity, intentionality, and consistency) and the importance of building a trusted circle to provide honest feedback. They also invite listeners to share their own experiences with identity shifts in leadership, setting up future episodes on relationships with managers and direct reports. As always, the episode blends lived experience with practical strategies, making space for the tension of leadership while equipping mid-level leaders to grow with awareness and purpose.

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John explore the role of vision in leadership, especially for middle managers who often inherit rather than create vision. They emphasize the importance of fully internalizing and integrating vision into daily practices, even when you are already aligned. The conversation dives into the tension that arises when managers don’t fully agree with a vision. Josh shares a framework for self-reflection through the lens of self-preservation behaviors: asking What am I afraid of losing? What am I trying to hide? What am I trying to prove? John introduces the principle of “disagree and commit,” highlighting how leaders can create space for healthy debate, then unite in full commitment once a decision is made. The episode closes with four practical takeaways for managers: Internalize your organization’s vision so you can teach it. Integrate vision into daily conversations and priorities. Reflect on self-preservation tendencies that may cause resistance. Disagree and commit to build trust, alignment, and follow-through.

In this episode of Leadership Limbo, John and Josh explore what it means to lead from the middle—especially when the word manager often carries a negative connotation. After sharing the backstory of the podcast’s rebrand (and a trademark dispute that nudged them into “Leadership Limbo”), they dive into how leaders can reclaim management as a powerful and positive form of leadership. Drawing from Gallup’s First, Break All the Rules, they unpack the metaphor of the manager as a catalyst—someone who accelerates growth by connecting people’s talents to organizational goals. They challenge leaders to: Reframe “manager” not as a lesser version of leadership, but as a distinct and powerful form of it. Too often, the term carries negative baggage, but John and Josh argue that great management is an active, catalytic force that turns vision into reality. Prioritize knowing people’s strengths rather than over-focusing on weaknesses. Distinguish between managing versus doing, resisting the urge to “just do it yourself” or create clones of your own style. The conversation is both practical and reflective, with reminders that turnover is costly, management is active, and leaders must be intentional about setting their teams up to thrive. The episode closes with a reflection challenge: Identify 2–3 people on your team, name their strengths without condition, and ask yourself whether their current work fully leverages those strengths in service of your organization’s goals. Because in the end, being a manager isn’t about being stuck in limbo—it’s about catalyzing people and purpose. You can find copies of First, Break All of the Rules here on Amazon or wherever else you purchase your books!

Episode Summary – Leadership Limbo In this episode of Leadership Limbo, Josh and John dig into the realities of “the middle” in leadership—focusing especially on middle management. They frame leadership through three paradigms: being in the middle of the org chart, navigating career transitions, and balancing the internal work of leading yourself while leading others. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities of middle management, from building credibility and shifting relationships, to getting results through others without falling into micromanagement. They also explore the tension of carrying out someone else’s vision, managing up while still supporting your team, and the identity shifts that come with moving into leadership roles. The hosts emphasize that management and leadership are not separate—managers must lead, and when done well, the role can be life-giving. They leave listeners with a reflective “3-2-1” exercise: 3 leadership successes, 2 current opportunities/challenges, 1 action step for next week. This episode offers practical insights, thought-provoking questions, and a reminder that leadership is about unlocking the potential of others while navigating the tensions of the in-between

In our very first episode, hosts Josh Hugo and John Clark unpack the concept of Leadership Limbo —leading from the “in-betwixt and in-between” spaces where most leadership actually happens. We explore why leadership from the middle matters, what “limbo” really means, and how to navigate the tensions of being responsible without full authority. Whether you’re an emerging leader, a middle manager, or a senior leader working to better support your team, this episode blends self-awareness, purpose-driven leadership, and practical tools to help you lead with clarity and influence. We share our personal journeys, reflect on lessons learned, and set the stage for the conversations and strategies to come. Key topics in this episode: Defining “limbo” and the in-betwixt and in-between of leadership Why leadership in the middle is different—and critical How influence matters more than authority Balancing self-reflection with actionable leadership strategies If you’ve ever felt caught between managing up and leading down, or you’re looking for ways to lead more effectively from where you are, this is where your journey starts.