Best Leadership Quotes And Reflections Podcasts (2025)

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Why Not Me? How Women Can Powerfully Advocate for Themselves at Work | Bridgett McMahan - E7 59:18

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2d ago59:18

59:18

Dusty welcomes Bridgett McMahan, President of BESCO, for a powerful conversation about leadership, confidence, and community. Bridgett shares the transformative impact of the book Gravitas and how it empowered her as a new leader in a male-dominated industry. She discusses the importance of assembling a trusted "Gold Team" to lead collaboratively, …

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1984 by George Orwell - Introduction w/Jesan Sorrells 30:41

2d ago30:41

30:41

1984 by George Orwell w/Jesan Sorrells --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - 1984 by George Orwell 01:30 Mid-20th Century Cultural Shifts 04:56 "Discussing Orwell’s 1984 Themes" 08:24 George Orwell: Complex Personal Legacy 12:08 "1984: Orwell's Protest Literature" 18:43 "Revisiting Orwell's Language Politics" 23:52 "Living in a Managed Dystopia" 26:…

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Shorts #180 - What a Vibe Shift Looks Like 7:12

3d ago7:12

7:12

Leaders, I recommend you pay less attention to the vibe shift and pay more attention to the energy underneath it. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Gre…

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The Art of War by Sun-Tzu (Translated by Thomas Cleary) w/Jesan Sorrells & Zac Stucki 1:29:31

9d ago1:29:31

1:29:31

The Art of War by Sun-Tzu (Translated by Thomas Cleary) with Jesan Sorrells & Zac Stucki --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Art of War by Sun-Tzu (Translated by Thomas Cleary) 01:00 "Revisiting The Art of War by Sun-Tzu 05:16 Category Errors and Communication 12:11 Understanding Tao: Translation Challenges 17:40 "Defining and Achieving Victor…

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3 Leadership Blind Spots That Sabotage Team Performance - E6 18:42

9d ago18:42

18:42

Dusty Holcomb breaks down three of the most common leadership blind spots he sees every week in coaching sessions with high-performing teams, seasoned executives, and fast-scaling founders. With clarity and conviction, he unpacks how these often-unseen patterns quietly derail execution, dilute energy, and create frustration. Drawing from real-world…

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Shorts #179 - Apocalypse for all Seasons 6:35

10d ago6:35

6:35

Leaders, let go of the anchor of fear in your eschatology that's holding you back. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! …

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Leadership Lessons From The Great Books (Bonus) - D-Day Message 9:28

14d ago9:28

9:28

Order of the Day (1944) by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! Listen to our Veterans Day Message here-->https://share.transistor.fm/s/00d87512 --- Chec…

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Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Part Two w/Tom Libby 1:45:25

16d ago1:45:25

1:45:25

Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Part One w/Tom Libby --- 00:00 Exploring the Lost Generation's Legacy 07:23 Fitzgerald and Hollywood's Early Era 11:55 Fitzgerald's Struggles with Bestseller Status 16:29 "Grandfather's Post-War Ritual" 25:18 Fitzgerald's Artistic Struggle 28:29 Creative Process Is Over-Systematized 33:54 Art and Ownersh…

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Why Leaders Need to Worry Less and Trust More | Gene Boehm - E5 49:33

16d ago49:33

49:33

Today on Leadership Unlocked, Gene Boehm, President and CEO of AAA, joins Dusty and shares the experiences, values, and lessons that shape his leadership philosophy, emphasizing clarity, empowerment, and authenticity. From childhood stories and career setbacks to learning resilience during the Enron scandal and embracing feedback, Boehm highlights …

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Shorts #178 - Critical Thinking Skills 5:12

17d ago5:12

5:12

Leaders are critical thinkers. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subscribe to…

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Calling Out BS & Creating Accountability on High-Trust Teams - E4 12:59

23d ago12:59

12:59

In this episode of Leadership Unlocked, we explore the powerful concept of the “BS flag” — a simple, symbolic tool used to build a culture of candor, clarity, and accountability on leadership teams. Drawing inspiration from football, where a penalty flag stops play and signals a rule violation, the BS flag empowers team members to safely and respec…

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RE-BROADCAST - Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston w/Tom Libby 1:37:53

23d ago1:37:53

1:37:53

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston with Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. 02:00 Catching Up With Tom Libby. 05:29 Their Eyes Were Watching God - Chapters 1-4 Summary. 08:00 The Literary Life of Zora Neale Hurston. 13:08 The Impact of Dialects and Langu…

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Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Part One) w/Libby Unger 1:40:50

30d ago1:40:50

1:40:50

Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Part One w/Jesan Sorrells & Libby Unger --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 02:00 Seeking Authenticity in a Curated World. 07:38 Tender is the Night: Golden Innocence in Paris. 14:32 Emergence of Celebrity Culture. 17:27 Reflections on Writing Challenges. 21:4…

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The Day Everything Changed: My Leadership Wake-Up Call - E1 24:20

1M ago24:20

24:20

Dusty reflects on his leadership journey which began in 1998 as a third shift supervisor in a call center. At the young age of 22, he initially focused on personal career growth but had a pivotal moment when his mentor, Colonel Greg Camp, introduced him to the principles of servant leadership. Through book clubs and personal mentorship, Greg taught…

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The Power of Being Unapologetically You: Identity, Intuition, and Impact | Claudia Caballero - E3 1:01:25

1M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Dusty Holcomb speaks with Claudia Caballero, CEO of Centro Hispano, about her powerful journey from Honduras to leading a thriving nonprofit in Knoxville. Claudia shares how she grew from second-guessing her instincts as a young Latina immigrant to confidently integrating intuition, data, and self-awareness in her leadership. Drawing from her upbri…

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Vice Admiral on Navigating Complex, High-Stakes Environments as a Leader | Mike LeFever - E2 1:02:54

1M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Dusty and Jeremy sit down with retired Vice Admiral Mike LeFever to explore the defining moments and lessons from his distinguished career in the US Navy. Vice Admiral LeFever shares his journey, from his time at the Naval Academy to leading complex operations and joint task forces in high-stakes environments. He emphasizes the importance of resili…

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Shorts #177 - Climbing from Values to Vision 2:01

1M ago2:01

2:01

Leaders, don't make a category error. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subsc…

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Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Introduction w/Jesan Sorrells 32:27

1M ago32:27

32:27

Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Introduction w/Jesan Sorrells --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald 01:30 New Format for the Show 05:37 F. Scott Fitzgerald: An Overview 07:23 F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Literary Legacy 13:39 Cynicism and Fitzgerald's Duality 16:01 Hemingway and Fitzgerald: A Complex…

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Shorts #176 - On the Unserious Among Us 4:57

1M ago4:57

4:57

Leaders, the work will not save you... --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subs…

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AI Hallucinations, Business Lessons in 90 Days, and A Voice Crying in the Wilderness with Tom Libby 1:51:44

1M ago1:51:44

1:51:44

AI Hallucinations, Business Lessons in 90 Days, and A Voice Crying in the Wilderness w/Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - A Check Up from the Neck Up Episode 05:00 Unchecked Information Fuels AI Misinformation 10:09 Overcomplicating Communication 12:30 Seth Godin's Publishing Paradox 18:55 Local Podcast Media Venture …

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Leadership Unlocked: The Stories That Shape Great Leaders 3:09

1M ago3:09

3:09

What does it truly mean to unlock leadership? At Leadership Unlocked, we believe leadership isn't defined by titles—it's forged through stories, influence, and the unwavering commitment to serve others. Each week, we delve into candid conversations with real people who've navigated the crucibles of leadership, emerging with scars, wisdom, and a des…

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Shorts #175 - The Insignificance of Work 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

Leaders, the workplace wasn't meant to hold the weight of significance we place on it. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading li…

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Shorts #174 - The End of the Enlightenment 6:03

2M ago6:03

6:03

Leaders, ignore the appeals of the unserious people here at the end of the Enlightenment. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading…

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Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford w/Libby Unger 1:56:35

2M ago1:56:35

1:56:35

Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford with Libby Unger --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford. 02:00 Parade's End and the 19th Century's Third Turning: An Era of Unraveling. 08:10 Lost Paradise Post-WWI Reflections. 10:26 WW1 Resentment and WW2 Post-Colonial Aftermaths. 18:10 Modern French Ghetto Issues Ignored. 25:05 Modern…

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RE-BROADCAST - The Tragedy of King Lear by William Shakespeare w/Libby Unger 2:20:20

2M ago2:20:20

2:20:20

RE-BROADCAST: The Tragedy of King Lear by William Shakespeare w/Libby Unger --- Welcome & Introduction - 0:01:35 CEOs Building Stronger Companies with Common Touch Leadership Lessons from Shakespeare's King Lear for Modern Leaders Never Forget Your Roots: Lessons in Humility and Servant Leadership Challenge Assumptions Cultivate Servant Leadership …

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Shorts #173 - Once to Die... 4:40

2M ago4:40

4:40

I don't believe in reincarnation. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subscribe…

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Considering Genius: Writings on Jazz by Stanley Crouch 40:25

2M ago40:25

40:25

Considering Genius: Writings on Jazz by Stanley Crouch --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Considering Genius: Writings on Jazz by Stanley Crouch 01:00 Jazz, Music, and Chaos as Leadership 06:40 Leontyne Price: Breaking Musical Barriers 07:56 Stanley Crouch: Jazz Critic Remembered 11:05 Stanley Crouch on Louis Armstrong 18:24 Louis Armstrong: Jazz…

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Shorts #172 - The Book of Judges 4:23

2M ago4:23

4:23

Leaders, in those days, there were no leaders in the United States of America, and every man was a leader in his own eyes. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons Fro…

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The Collected Poetry of Ogden Nash w/Ryan J. Stout 1:22:19

3M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

The Collected Poetry of Ogden Nash by Ogden Nash w/Ryan J. Stout --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Collected Poetry of Ogden Nash 02:00 Misconceptions of Ogden Nash 06:05 Ogden Nash's Career Transformation 14:02 Differentiating Poems from Songs 19:32 Radio's Role in Early Marketing 25:38 Monday Dread and Weekend Relief 28:54 "Tech Reveals, D…

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Shorts #171 - We Must Come to Grips with Endings 4:08

3M ago4:08

4:08

Leaders must have language to deal with the fact of endings. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this pod…

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The Count of Monte Cristo - Part 2 by Alexandre Dumas w/Christen Blair Horne 1:50:47

3M ago1:50:47

1:50:47

The Count of Monte Cristo - Part 2 by Alexandre Dumas w/Christen Blair Horne --- 00:00 Welcome and Open - "The Tuileries Cabinet Prelude" 09:56 Louis XVIII and Napoleonic Era 11:11 King Louis XVIII: Exile and Challenges 17:34 "Highlighting Human Ridiculousness" 22:52 "Beware of Preachy Narratives" 28:07 Understanding Trump and Obama's Humanity 33:5…

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Shorts #170 - Great Men of History 5:41

3M ago5:41

5:41

Leaders, it's time to stand astride history, yet again. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast …

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The Color Purple by Alice Walker 31:46

3M ago31:46

31:46

The Color Purple by Alice Walker --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subscribe …

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Shorts #169 - They That Make Them Are Like Unto Them 4:52

3M ago4:52

4:52

Leaders, become not the tools you use. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subs…

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Spring: A Season that Reminds Us to Embrace a Leadership Growth Mindset 8:15

3M ago8:15

8:15

Spring is a season of renewal, preparation, and growth—just like leadership. In this episode, Dusty Holcomb explores how leaders must invest in growth long before they see results, cultivating relationships, building culture, and trusting the process. Just as a farmer faithfully plants seeds without immediate reward, great leaders embrace a leaders…

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The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is the Hand That Leads the World... 1:01:41

3M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is the Hand That Leads the World... --- There’s No Book to Read Today on the Podcast - 00:05 Mothers, and Motherhood, are Fundamental in our Society and in our Culture - 00:25 Things I Hear About the Podcast From You the Listener - 00:35 How Can You Hope to Make a Dent in Leadership with a Podcast? - 00:40 Who Do I Li…

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Shorts #168 - Our Eyes Are Watching the First Turning 7:12

3M ago7:12

7:12

Leaders, our eyes are watching the future. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ …

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The Will to Win – How to Build a Legacy That Lasts 7:20

3M ago7:20

7:20

Episode Summary: What truly defines your leadership legacy—your wins, your losses, or how you show up every day? In this episode, we explore the enduring power of the will to win and why resilience, character, and intentional self-leadership far outlast any single event. Through real-world leadership examples and powerful takeaways, you’ll learn ho…

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BONUS - Interview with Brian Morgan - Think Deeply, Write Clearly 1:25:01

4M ago1:25:01

1:25:01

Interview with Brian Morgan, Founder of Think Deeply, Write Clearly --- 00:00 Introduction to Brian Morgan, Founder of Think Deeply, Write Clearly. 08:44 The Kardashians vs. Meaningful Influence. 13:09 Craving Authentic, Thoughtful Content. 20:02 "Focus on Audience, Not Virality." 26:41 Identification Is Not Power. 30:47 Everyday Unspoken Choices. …

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Doubt is Lying to You: How to Reclaim Your Confidence and Take Bold Action 8:13

4M ago8:13

8:13

Doubt is one of the biggest obstacles to confident leadership. It whispers hesitation, fuels overthinking, and convinces you that you're not ready. But here’s the truth—doubt is lying to you. Confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build by taking bold action. In this episode, we unpack: How to overcome doubt and break free from…

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The Hidden Cost of Compromise: Will You Trade Integrity for Approval? 6:38

4M ago6:38

6:38

Leadership isn’t about power or position—it’s about the choices you make when no one is watching. In this episode, we dive deep into virtue in leadership, exploring why integrity, trust, and honor are essential for leaders who want to make a lasting impact. Have you ever faced a moment where cutting a small corner felt easier than standing firm in …

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The Omni-Americans by Albert L. Murray w/Tom Libby 1:38:47

4M ago1:38:47

1:38:47

The Omni-Americans by Albert L. Murray w/Tom Libby --- 00:00 Insightful African-American Narrative 08:55 "Generational Ethnic Awakenings in America" 16:49 Critique of Moynihan Report Impacts 19:14 White Perceptions of Black Defiance 27:41 Unconditional Embrace Beyond Color 30:18 Talent Overcomes Boundaries 37:56 Debating Ancestry and Identity Perce…

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Shorts #167 - Feelings Strike Back 5:18

4M ago5:18

5:18

Leaders, start your comments with the words, "I think..." --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcas…

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How Leaders Find Purpose: The Key to Meaningful Work and Impact 7:17

4M ago7:17

7:17

In this episode of The Leadership Quotient, Dusty explores the essence of leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-leadership and the pursuit of meaningful work. He discusses the tension leaders face between comfort and purpose, the significance of viewing current roles as opportunities for growth, and the necessity of taking intentional acti…

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BONUS - The Storyteller - Reflections on the Works of Nikolai Leskov by Walter Benjamin 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

The Storyteller - Reflections on the Works of Nikolai Leskov by Walter Benjamin. --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Decoding Walter Benjamin's "The Storyteller" 05:21 The Decline of Human Experience 07:16 Walter Benjamin's Influence on Philosophy 13:11 Exploring Life's Perplexity through Novels 14:24 Storytelling vs. Technology Disruption 17:45 H…

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Shorts #166 - Wisdom from all the Wrong Places 6:06

4M ago6:06

6:06

Leaders, wisdom in a fragmented communication environment is hard to come by. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★…

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Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver w/Dorollo Nixon 1:54:02

4M ago1:54:02

1:54:02

#138 - Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver w/Dorollo Nixon --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast o…

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Shorts #165 - Resist or Obey 4:09

4M ago4:09

4:09

Leaders, be careful who you serve. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subscrib…

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Confessions of an Advertising Man by David Ogilvy w/Chris Widner and John Hill aka Small Mountain 2:04:24

4M ago2:04:24

2:04:24

#137 - Confessions of an Advertising Man by David Ogilvy w/Chris Widner and John Hill aka Small Mountain. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books…

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Shorts #164 - Competence and Feelings 6:21

5M ago6:21

6:21

Leaders, how you feel about competence isn't particularly interesting. --- Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music. --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- ★ Suppor…