A Leader’s Journey podcast

Phyllis Snodgrass - Investing in People: The Key to Effective Leadership

🌟Are you eager to unlock the secrets of exceptional leadership? 🚀 In this captivating podcast, interviews Phyllis about the power of genuine connection, transparent leadership, and the importance of prioritizing people and relationships. 💪
#ALeadersJourney #AuthenticLeadership #ValuingPeople #TransparencyInLeadership #InvestingInOthers #TrustingYourTeam #GrowingAsALeader #ContributingToValue #Authenticity
Highlights
The Importance of Authenticity and Transparency in Leadership:Phyllis believes that authenticity and transparency are essential for leaders to build trust with their team. She shares that being true to oneself and caring for others is key, while also knowing when to share personal experiences to connect with others.
The Power of Transparency and Vulnerability in Gaining Respect:Phyllis, a former CEO, shares how being transparent and vulnerable with others has gained her respect. She believes in working alongside people and being authentic. She practices vulnerability one-on-one with others and draws on her own experiences to relate to them. She is quick to connect with people and values understanding where they come from.
The Power of Intentional Relationships and Sacrifice:She reflects on the importance of deep relationships and how it is intentionality that leads to having those long-term friends. She mentions that it can be hard to maintain those relationships when physically removed, but it is important to make sacrifices to spend time with those who mean the most. She reflects on how this mindset has become more natural to her due to the influence of a mentor who prioritizes people over process.
The Power of Trust and Delegation in Leadership: Inspiring Team GrowthThe speaker discusses the importance of trust and delegation in leadership, and how to draw out the best in team members by helping them recognize their value and purpose. She also shares her experience with developing skills in this area, such as getting team members to buy into the mission and vision, understanding individual fears, and calling them out to help team members grow.
The Importance of One-on-One Meetings for Effective LeadershipThe leader values one-on-one meetings with their team members to build relationships, understand concerns, and provide support. It's important to make time for these meetings and prioritize them, as they are crucial for effective leadership.

Bill Sitter - Wisdom in Mentorship

In this captivating podcast, we explore the stories and experiences of Bill Sitter, a mentor to CEOs and a former business owner to hear his views on paths to success.
Discover the true essence of leadership, as we discuss core values, faith, and the power of ownership. Learn how to build inspired dreams, honor God, and make a lasting impact on those around you.
#LeadershipJourney #SuccessStories #InspiredDreams #UnleashYourPotential
From Middle-Class Beginnings to Successful Leadership: The Journey of Bill SitterBill shares his background and early mentors. He grew up in a middle-class family of eight and learned valuable work ethic and customer service skills from his father. Sitter went on to play college tennis and football on scholarship. 
From the Military to Ministry: The Journey of Bill, a Veteran Turned Executive CoachBill had a varied career in the military and corporate world, including working for Caterpillar and International Harvester. He started his own executive search firm which he ran for 20 years before selling it at age 70. He now chairs a C12 business forum, a group that provides coaching and resources for Christian CEOs and their key players.
The Inspiring Leadership of CoachBill had a coach in sports that was a humble servant leader who brought out the best in those around him. The coach was patient and his players never felt micromanaged but appreciated the coach's guidance. 
Identifying the Humble Leaders: Breaking Stereotypes of Gen ZThe Stereotype of Gen Z should not be generalized as they have a lot of good qualities. Humble leaders are more effective than proud ones, according to The Ideal Team Player book. Identifying humble people is easy as they are quick to give credit to others and look at successes as a team effort. While some younger generations may not have the same work ethic as baby boomers, Bill believes it's unfair to generalize about all younger generations.
Coaching Humility: Recognizing Blind Spots and Embracing Servant LeadershipBill believes that coaching humility is possible, but the person being coached must be willing to recognize and work on their blind spots. We also discuss the importance of having a strong foundation in God to be a good leader and the example of Jesus Christ as the ultimate portrayal of servant leadership and humility.
The Importance of Teaching, Understanding, and Wisdom in MentorshipSitter believes that there is a difference between teaching, understanding, and wisdom, and that ideally, they should all go together. A good Mentor would use all three to teach and guide their mentees. In terms of teamwork, being coachable is a key trait, as it allows one to continually learn and improve. When coaching a client who is not coachable, it may be helpful to first listen to their perspective and then provide guidance based on their goals and desired outcomes.
The Qualities to Look for When HiringHiring someone who was teachable, humble, hungry, and smart. Bill also highlights the importance of listening to candidates to uncover clues about their past experiences.
Ownership and Faith: Core Values for Successful CompaniesIn hiring processes, companies need to be specific about job requirements and cultural fit. Ownership and faith were two core values that stood out in successful companies.

Sergio Luna - Igniting Vibrant Cultures and Unveiling Value

In this episode of “A Leader’s Journey“, we delve into the passion of Sergio Luna, a renowned expert in creating positive work environments. Discover how over the last 23 years, Sergio and his team ignited vibrant cultures in well known companies like Coca-Cola and Hilton Hotels and hundreds of smaller businesses and non-profits. Hear how you can apply his strategies to your own business.
#ALeadersJourney #Culture #BrandStrategy #FulfillingPurpose #LeadershipTraits #YoungLeaders  
Unveiling Value:We help organizations identify and communicate their unique value through branding and marketing strategies. Our approach includes exploring the essence of a brand and extracting its core values to create a clear and compelling message that resonates with customers. We work as consultants and marketing experts, providing a comprehensive range of services to help organizations achieve their goals.
Serving as a Strategic and Conscious Servant Leader:The speaker discusses his belief in serving as a servant leader and the importance of time and talent. Sergio mentions how they have walked away from opportunities that don't align with their values and that they look for leaders who are strategic and conscious, not just charismatic. They also mention resistance to change but how it can be overcome through communication and engagement.
Involving Young Leaders:The consultancy company has successfully involved young leaders in their projects, causing emotional reactions of joy and excitement from the participants. Some people may be hesitant to share their successes, but Sergio emphasizes the importance of finding the right positioning and being transparent about his clients' companies strengths in the market.
Fulfilling Our Purpose: We should focus on fulfilling our purpose and not just being the best at something.
Leadership Traits for Success:The key leadership traits or principles that successful leaders do are: focusing on making their people grow, asking questions instead of giving orders, helping their team realize the bigger picture, staying on top of things through reading and quiet time, and hearing from God.
The Importance of Respectful Leadership and Positive Work Culture:Great leaders treat their people with respect and dignity, equipping them with the right tools and environment to do their work well. They also reward good behavior and weed out bad apples to create a positive work culture.
The Importance of Values, Culture, and Environment in Employee Excellence:In a company with the right values, people automatically excel at their tasks. Money is not the only motivator, and culture, growth opportunities, and environment are crucial for employee satisfaction. Flexibility in remote work during the pandemic has allowed some companies to maintain high productivity.

Josh Arrington - Leading Without Losing Your Humanity

Embark on an intellectual expedition with #ALeadersJourney podcast as host Joel Gunn converses with Josh Arrington, a seasoned HR consultant and former Aggie, who sheds light on going beyond the veil of accomplishments and roles. 
Highlights:* Debunk popular leadership misconceptions, asserting that true leadership is about guiding others towards a brighter future and cultivating relationships instead of wielding influence.* Navigate the delicate balance of feedback and criticism as a leader with Josh Arrington.* Emphasize humility and openness to unlock creativity and originality.* Distinguish between complaints and legitimate feedback for constructive growth.* Avoid commitment to changes you're not fully prepared to implement.* Introspection and faith play key roles in the life of a leader.* Leadership transcends influence, it's about guiding others towards improvement, fostering relational over transactional bonds.* Evaluate leadership by the growth and development of people, not just by product outcomes.* Define success as the progress of those around you, not just personal achievements.
#leadershipinsights #CriticismIsGrowth #IdentityAndLeadership #RedefiningSuccess #FiveCapitalsOfLegacy #InnovationInLeadership #LeadershipTransformation

Christina Gunn - How Isolation, Bullying, and Loss Influenced Her Leadership

Our host Joel Gunn interviews his wife Christina Gunn about her decades of leadership experience! Christina is always eager to share her stories, tips, and advice to help you be the best leader you can be. Her insight will help you learn how to build relationships, foster trust, and be your authentic self in any leadership role.
#ALeadersJourney #Leadership #GrowYourSkills #LearnFromExperience
Isolation and Bullying Influenced LeadershipChristina was raised as a Jehovah Witness which isolated her from her peers. She was bullied due to her beliefs, which influenced her leadership roles in later years.
Early Experiences Impacting LeadershipLife-changing events, such as being bullied, the death of her father at age 16, and trusting in God at 17, shaped the leadership of our guest. These events created a mindset to stay out of victimhood and pushed her to find something better.
Servant LeadershipAs a child, compassion for those without a big brother or sister to stand up for them led to the realization of servant leadership, where success is defined by being in the trenches with those you lead.
Leading by ExampleLeaders should get in the trenches with their employees to understand their job better and build trust. This could include cleaning floors beside them, doing paperwork together, or other roles. This helps build confidence and understanding.
Leadership DevelopmentDetermining when someone is ready to take on more responsibility and jump off the diving board.
Organic TailoringLeadership development must be tailored to the individual, as no two people are the same.
Misconceptions of LeadershipLeaders should not be dictatorial, task-oriented, and unapproachable. Instead, they should be humble, serve others, and build relationships with their team.
Multiple InterestChristina was feeling like she may be broken because of all the hats she was wearing. After attending a retreat with her mentor, she realized that God had given her many talents and gifts to be used for the glory of God. This realization freed her from the feeling of having so many interests being a negative.
Finding Balance in LifeSpending intentional time with family, God, and celebrating holidays brings joy. Taking on multiple roles can be difficult, but it's important to take breaks and learn from mistakes. Enjoying hospitality and serving others is a gift.
Building Relationships and Being AuthenticBe open and vulnerable to build relationships and lead authentically. Invite people to gatherings, understand their family dynamics, and find ways to connect with people on a deeper level.

Bo Carrington - Leadership Comes From Within

Join us for a unique conversation on leadership and faith with guest, Bo Carrington on A Leader's Journey podcast! Learn how to balance humility and confidence to make the right decisions for your team, and discover how to make your business a true ministry. Discover the impact of decisions, both positive and negative, and learn how to drive success for your business.
#ALeadersJourney #Business #Faith #Leadership #Humility #confidence 
Ego Led LeadersEgo is a challenge for leaders and can manifest as either too much or too little. Our brains are adept at adapting to protect us and this can lead to overcompensation in leadership roles.
Humility is Key to LeadershipHumility is more important than confidence when it comes to leadership. Admitting that you are not confident and taking a step out of faith is key to success. Humility is the central element of servant leadership and successful leaders have done amazing things with it.
Leadership Comes From WithinLeadership is not about a set of actions, it's about heart. It comes from within and has to come out. Good leadership is not about language or outward behaviors, it's about connecting with people and being authentic. It's simple but not easy to love God and others.
Ownership and ResponsibilityBo discusses the idea of success and ownership, how it is not one-dimensional, understanding what is in our control and what is not, and using our influence to help others achieve desired outcomes.
Taking Responsibility for Tough DecisionsMaking tough decisions requires prayer, wise counsel, and scenario planning to mitigate potential negative impacts. Leaders must be prepared to own their decisions and communicate with employees throughout the process.
Biblical Definition of SuccessSpreading the gospel and sharing the love of Jesus with all people. Christian CEOs add elements to this definition, but must examine motives.
Ministry in Business ContextBusinesses can use their funds and resources to serve the community, but true Ministry starts with employees, customers, and vendors. Business can become an idol that takes away from family.

Aaron Banks - Common Threads for Unity

Have you ever questioned why we look at people and put them into different buckets? Join us in this podcast to uncover the image of God inside of each person and find out what it takes to look beyond titles, dress, and appearance. Uncover a new perspective of seeing the world and what the Bible has to offer. 
Our guest Aaron Banks recently wrapped up his Colson Fellows program and offers an insightful perspective on how to live out faith in all areas of life.
#ALeadersJourney #LookBeyond #BiblicalWorldview #C12Forums
Societal OffenseSociety has become easily offended, creating barriers between people and their differing opinions. Jesus extended Grace to us, so we should extend the same to others. We should focus on what we agree on and not be distracted by the minutia.
Common Threads for UnitySociety has lost its ability to disagree without hostility. 200 years ago, a common cause was found to unite people and achieve a goal. We need to remember our common goals and open our minds to alternative paths.
The Good Old Days?Society in the 40s and 50s may have been more civil, cordial, forgiving, and understanding than today. There may have been more things that united people than opposed them. Today, digital age distractions and distrust are higher than ever.
Truth and TrustPeople are looking for the truth and trust in today's culture; people need to be willing to hear each other in order to understand.
Earn the Right to be HeardBuilding trust and relationships is key to having deeper conversations about identity and beliefs. Planting seeds and knowing when to go deep or walk away are important for guiding these conversations.

Robert Vogel - Simplicity of Leadership

Are you a leader looking for an ah-ha moment? Join us on A Leader's Journey podcast with our special guest Robert Vogel, who has been a mentor of mine for 8 years! Hear how he simplifies the complexities of leading and unlocks the keys to success. 
#ALeadersJourney #Leadership #Success #C12Forums
Simplicity of LeadershipGod gave us a job to do in the garden and it was clear. We tend to overcomplicate leadership, but God is complex yet not complicated. Everyone has the capacity to lead, and it can be learned.
Leadership: Investing in OthersLeadership is not just about leading large organizations, but also leading a family, being a good neighbor, and inspiring others. We all have the ability to influence another person. 
Bad Hiring DecisionsMaking bad hires due to lack of diversity in skills, personalities, and abilities. Needing to recognize the value of different perspectives and respect them to move forward.
Diversity of Thought and HiringCreating systems to take the human element out of hiring may create diversity of thought and strengthen teams. One out of 5,000 people had a track record of predicting success for new hires. C-suite should allow other people to do the hiring.
Team InterviewsInterviewing with a team of people can be successful if the team is hiring the individual to be on the team, but can be awkward if the person is not. CEOs tend to hold the people side of the process too closely.
Relationships Trump CommunicationCommunication is a problem in many organizations, but the root cause may be strained relationships. Unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment can lead to communication issues and need to be addressed. Even if communication is present, relationships are key to understanding one another.
Integrated Human BeingsWe are fully integrated human beings, and our experiences from home and work follow us throughout our lifetime. To build relationships, we must be vulnerable enough to understand how others tick and where they need grace.
Unforgiveness in BusinessRecognizing and processing unforgiveness in business circles is not often discussed. Leaders make mistakes when they act in isolation and forget their decisions affect others.
People Business: Business exists because of people. People buy, make, serve, and survive businesses. Leaders must ensure people are buying into their mission and word.
Finding SuccessExploring the idea of success and how it is often wrongly defined. Examining the importance of understanding one's fears and stumbling blocks to achieve true success. Looking at intrinsic values such as peace, security, joy and freedom. Challenging leaders to find their identity in this.

George Black - Living Truly Free

Discover the secrets of living truly free with my guest George Black on A Leader's Journey podcast. George shares his experience in leading 19 companies, and his insights on being an entrepreneur guide. 
#ALeadersJourney #EntrepreneurGuide #LivingTrulyFree
Struggling to Balance Life and BusinessGeorge recounts his experience of leading a company to success, only to be cut due to budget cuts. He also talks about how he has had to negotiate deals on vacation and how he has learned from his mistakes. 
Biggest Pain PointGeorge Black has led 19 companies over 25 years and experienced 26 industries. His biggest pain point was a project to build a mega shredder that cost millions of dollars. Navigating hard decisions, leveraging debt, and making tough calls to recover steel prices and grow business to 150 million.
Making a Difficult DecisionA father is faced with a difficult decision between leading a successful tech startup and spending time with his family. After weeks of contemplation, he decides to prioritize his family and forgo the opportunity.
Living Truly FreeA lifestyle of choice and passion, living into one's priorities and deepest desires. A journey to discover the true self and bring it to the world. Process outlined in "The Next Level Entrepreneur" book. Finding direction by discovering passions and using them to map out a direction for life, family, and business. 
Go Back to Your Dreams of YouthExplore what you wanted to be as a child and use that to discover your passions.
BiographyGeorge Black guides entrepreneurs, business leaders, and those aspiring to be: along the best pathways to navigate the world of business by increasing their Business Savvy! He is a business expert with 25+ years of experience, helping lead 19 companies to $1 Bn in combined revenues with 5x average growth. He is the author of The Next Level Entrepreneur which contains his proven, strategic process. Ultimately, George is passionate about enlightening men and women to find greater fulfillment and prosperity, especially through Free Enterprise.
You can connect with George every week on his podcast: Live Truly Free or on his YouTube channel @LiveTrulyFree. 
Plus, George guides people 1 on 1 or in mastermind groups. 
Find out more at LiveTrulyFree.com

Dr. John Raimondo - Innovative Medicine and Healing Acceleration

Join us for "A Leader's Journey" podcast with host Joel Gunn and special guest Dr. John Raimondo. Learn how #PhotoBioModulationTherapy is revolutionizing healthcare and how a small group of doctors are leading the way. 
#healthcarerevolution #MedicalTechnology #AdvancingMedicine #photoBioModulation #ALeadersJourney #DrJohnRaimondo #podcast 
Photo Bio Modulation Therapy: Light therapy used to treat various medical conditions, has been around for a long time.
Dr. Raimondo's Backstory: His pain management doctor treated John with light therapy, resulting in quick relief from pain and spasms after two 40-minute treatments in less than 48 hours. Beginning of his journey of discovery to understand what the therapy does to cells.
Reduced Inflammation and Faster Healing: Technology reduces inflammation and accelerates healing of cells by stimulating mitochondria to produce ATP, which feeds the cell. An anecdote of swollen ankles being reduced by 90% in a few hours is shared. Doctors are surprised by the effectiveness of the technology, which works on all cells.
Healing Acceleration: Joel's wife had severe pancreatitis and was in hospital for 5-6 days. Used new device with frequencies to treat her 4 times in 24-48 hours. At her checkup, the surgeon was surprised at how fast she healed, thinking it was 3 weeks instead of a week since the surgery.
Covid-19 Required New Ideas: Covid-19 has opened the door to new treatments, such as LED technology, that have been successful in treating hundreds of patients. The medical community is now more open to out-of-the-box treatments.
The Dissension Between Doctors: Doctors outside of hospitals wanted to do things that weren't allowed when their loved ones were admitted, leading to a dissension between hospital and outside doctors. Doctors are trained in procedures and pharmacologicals, but not nutrition, leading to the need to ask the right people the right questions.
Shift in Healthcare System: Society has allowed a system where it's okay to spend 30 minutes getting hair done and 7 minutes with a doctor. There is a positive shift happening with concierge doctors and those outside of the system not having to follow the bureaucracies.
Innovative Medicine: Society is ready to receive new ideas and technologies in medicine, driven by doctors and patients. Star Trek foreshadowed the use of light and frequency in medical tools.
Keeping Up with Science: With the rapid advancement of technology and medicine, it is difficult to keep up with the new literature. Scientists are researching different colors of light and power sources to get energy to cells.