The Leadership Playbook: Lessons Across 18 Conversations

On August 19th, I launched my podcast, THE NEXT INTERVIEW, featuring Matt Levenhagen as guest #1. My vision was to have leaders from different walks of life share lessons from their experiences and journeys on the path to what they view as leadership and success.

Now, with 18 episodes recorded and Season 2 about to debut, I'm excited to share some key highlights from these insightful conversations and the lessons they offer.

The BIG Story

Leadership is not just a position—it's a journey. From building trust to fostering innovation, these interviews revealed actionable strategies that deliver measurable results. These lessons align with four pillars essential to leadership success: Trust, Communication, Growth, and Accountability.

Key Themes from 16 Hours of Conversations

?? The Journey of Leadership

Leadership is marked by pivots, challenges, and continuous learning. Guests emphasize self-awareness, vulnerability, and building meaningful relationships.

?? Self-Awareness and Self-Trust

Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and values is foundational for effective leadership. Many guests shared how recognizing and addressing fears unlocked their potential.

?? Authenticity and Vulnerability

Authentic leadership connects through openness, honesty, and authenticity—not through a facade of perfection.

?? The Power of Relationships

Strong, trust-based relationships with team members, clients, and stakeholders are critical to success.

?? Purpose and Meaning

Purpose acts as a "North Star," guiding decisions and fueling leadership journeys.

?? Continuous Learning

Leadership is an ongoing process of growth. Embracing feedback and learning from successes and failures is key.

?? Navigating Fear and Uncertainty

Leadership often involves facing uncertainty. Guests shared strategies for overcoming fear and leading with resilience.

"The quality of life comes down to relationship capital." – Matthew Biggar

Applying the Four Pillars of Empowerment

Trust and Autonomy: A Catalyst for Innovation

• Key Insight: High-trust teams reduce fear, enhance collaboration, and deliver faster outcomes.
• ROI: High-trust teams report 74% less stress and 50% higher productivity.
• Action Step: Build trust through self-confidence, transparent decision-making, and empowering teams to own outcomes.

"I learned a valuable lesson in coaching and leadership: when you get someone's commitment on the front end, it increases the probability they'll be consistent with that commitment." – Bryce Henson

Communication and Transparency: Elevating Engagement and Retention

• Key Insight: Clear, honest communication builds alignment and reduces inefficiencies.
• ROI: Companies with high transparency report 30% lower turnover rates, saving on recruitment costs and lost productivity.
• Action Step: Foster open communication through constructive feedback, encouraging input, and sharing the "why" behind decisions.

"If you're a leader trying to empower your team, they need a space where it's safe to make mistakes. If I want my team to grow, I have to allow them to make the same mistakes I made." – John Kiss

Growth and Innovation: Fueling Long-Term Success

• Key Insight: Growth-oriented leadership fosters resilience, innovation, and team loyalty.
• ROI: Organizations prioritizing employee growth see 20% higher profitability.
• Action Step: Invest in professional development, celebrate team achievements, and encourage experimentation.

"Growth happens when we lean into resistance. Our biggest challenges become our greatest teachers when we choose to face them head-on." – Joseph Clough

Systems of Accountability: Ensuring Sustainable Impact

• Key Insight: Structured accountability aligns efforts with goals and prevents burnout.
• ROI: Teams with strong accountability systems are 30% more likely to meet deadlines, improving efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Action Step: Implement tools that track progress, set clear metrics, and encourage team ownership.

"Accountability is about aligning decisions with impact—on the team, the business, and the individuals we serve. It's not just about tasks; it's about taking ownership of the outcomes we create together." – Ricardo Boggs

The Bottom Line

Empowered teams don't just perform—they transform organizations. By applying these principles of trust, communication, growth, and accountability, leaders can drive significant returns in performance, engagement, and innovation.

Ready to Empower Your Leadership?

These lessons are just the beginning. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, applying these principles can transform your leadership style and your team's performance.

?? Dive Deeper: Download my book, Lead With Confidence, for actionable strategies based on the four pillars of leadership success.

??? Listen In: Catch the latest episodes of THE NEXT INTERVIEW for insights from top leaders sharing their journeys and lessons.

?? Let's Talk: Schedule a complimentary value call with me to explore how these insights can unlock your team’s potential.

?? Join the Conversation: What lesson resonates most with you? Comment below or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!