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The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Business & Economics Podcasts

The L3 Leadership Podcast is focused on leadership development and personal growth. We are obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximizing the impact of your leadership. We release a new episode every week to help you grow and develop as a leader. You will hear a mix of personal lessons from our Founder, Doug Smith, and conversations Doug has with world-class leaders from around the world. Doug interviews leaders like Pittsburgh Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Penguins Coach, Mike Sullivan, Tony Horton, Liz Wiseman, Brian Tome, John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Ryan Hawk, Nona Jones, Claude Silver, Ken Coleman, Christy Wright, Rachel Cruze, Mark Cole, and many more. Our hope is that you will not only learn great leadership lessons but that you will catch great leadership from the lives of the leaders that we expose you to.

Location:

United States

Description:

The L3 Leadership Podcast is focused on leadership development and personal growth. We are obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximizing the impact of your leadership. We release a new episode every week to help you grow and develop as a leader. You will hear a mix of personal lessons from our Founder, Doug Smith, and conversations Doug has with world-class leaders from around the world. Doug interviews leaders like Pittsburgh Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Penguins Coach, Mike Sullivan, Tony Horton, Liz Wiseman, Brian Tome, John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Ryan Hawk, Nona Jones, Claude Silver, Ken Coleman, Christy Wright, Rachel Cruze, Mark Cole, and many more. Our hope is that you will not only learn great leadership lessons but that you will catch great leadership from the lives of the leaders that we expose you to.

Twitter:

@l3leader

Language:

English

Contact:

4122971041


Episodes
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The Future Begins with Z with Tim Elmore

2/18/2026
Send a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and bestselling author of The Future Begins with Z: 9 Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the Workplace. After following Tim’s work for nearly two decades, Doug finally gets to have a conversation that every leader needs to hear. Together, they unpack the realities of leading Generation Z, why three out of four managers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage, and how leaders can shift from frustration to opportunity. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Tim wrote The Future Begins with Z 02:00 – The alarming stats about managing Generation Z 03:45 – The “Peter Pan Paradox”: Age of authority ↓, age of maturity ↑ 07:00 – Artificial maturity: Overexposed to information, underexposed to experience 12:00 – Parenting the next generation: Risk, responsibility, and resilience 17:00 – Why leaders must mentor—not just manage 20:00 – The onboarding mistake costing companies Gen Z talent 21:30 – “Everyone has a voice. Not everyone has a vote.” 24:00 – Why Gen Z decides whether to stay on Day One 26:00 – Mental health realities leaders must understand 27:00 – The A.L.E.G. framework for difficult conversations 33:00 – Reverse mentoring: What older leaders must learn from Gen Z 36:00 – Lessons Tim learned from John Maxwell 41:00 – Advice for aspiring authors and speakers 48:00 – Begin with belief: Let people start with an “A” 51:00 – Don’t stereotype—listen before confronting 53:00 – Tim’s life sentence: The legacy he hopes to leave The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrF93uIEB9BusYfpXUPIriU3evdBXjqaL 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:55:00

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The Top Lessons that I Learned in 2025 (Part 2)

2/3/2026
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares Part 2 of his annual reflection series, unpacking the final ten lessons he learned in 2025 and how they are shaping his leadership moving into 2026. Drawing from real conversations, leadership challenges, faith, and personal growth, Doug challenges leaders to rethink success, create margin, embrace hard seasons, and recognize the significance of the work God is doing in and through them. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Doug shares his annual lessons and how they’re selected 01:45 – Lesson 11: You can have everything and still have nothing 03:30 – Lesson 12: In leadership, there are things only you can do 05:00 – Lesson 13: The necessity of people who challenge your perceptions 07:45 – Lesson 14: Follow a proven path when you don’t know what to do 08:45 – Lesson 15: Why AI can be a powerful personal and leadership coach 10:30 – Lesson 16: Margin matters—create it with time and finances 11:45 – Lesson 17: You’re always campaigning, whether you realize it or not 13:30 – Lesson 18: The gospel comes with a house key 15:15 – Lesson 19: Lessons learned in one season prepare you for the next 17:30 – Lesson 20: Don’t minimize the work God is doing in and through you 18:45 – Final encouragement: Don’t quit—your leadership matters more than you think Resources Mentioned: The Ride of a LifetimeThe Gospel Comes with a House KeyThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBHbRL6rJtSXwpKBaamNo?si=ee120ef86cf243ba 🎧 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:20:27

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Lessons I Learned in 2025 - Part 1

1/27/2026
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith kicks off part one of his annual reflection series, sharing the most significant lessons he learned in 2025 and how they’re shaping his leadership in 2026. Drawing from his year-end review process, Doug offers honest insights on health, family, leadership presence, fatherhood, faith, and the unseen weight leaders carry. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Doug does a year-end review every year 02:00 – Lesson 1: Taking ownership of your health before it’s too late 05:00 – Lesson 2: Big families are a gift worth fighting for 08:30 – Lesson 3: Your presence as a leader matters more than you think 11:00 – Lesson 4: The lifelong impact of being an intentional parent 14:00 – Lesson 5: The tension between progress and preservation 16:00 – Lesson 6: One day you’ll become a king—but not for the reasons you think 18:30 – Lesson 7: Not every battle deserves your energy 21:00 – Lesson 8: Want more *for* people than you want *from* them 23:00 – Lesson 9: Being the voice of leadership, not just the position 24:00 – Lesson 10: Leading well when life isn’t fair Resources Mentioned: Fathered by God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You by John EldredgeExperience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God by John EldredgeWhy Do Black Christians Vote Democrat? – Phil Vischer (Video)Family TeamsGerald Brooks Leadership PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougsmithlive The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit www.andocia.com to learn more. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsF0cVdRu2oELJGpaHma7Ag SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:26:54

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Building a Ruling Household with Jeremy Pryor

1/13/2026
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith sits down with returning guest Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, family, faith, and legacy. Jeremy shares how viewing the family as a team—not a temporary stage of life—can reshape how leaders think about generational impact. 00:00 – Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast 01:00 – Introducing Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams 04:00 – Multi-generational families and shared rhythms 09:00 – Sabbath dinners, hospitality, and family culture 17:00 – The biblical vision for a ruling household 26:00 – Generational leadership, wealth, and stewardship 36:00 – Why traditional discipleship models struggle 45:00 – Making disciples who make disciples 55:00 – Church, family, and leadership sustainability 1:03:00 – Final thoughts on legacy and long-term impact The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.

Duration:01:05:05

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How I Conduct A Personal Year-End Review

12/16/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares his year-end review process, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth since 2004. Doug discusses the importance of reflecting on the year gone by to foster growth and documents his detailed approach to conducting a comprehensive year-end review. He includes practical tips and encourages creating a personalized review system. Additionally, the episode features a word from the sponsor, Andocia Marketing Solutions. Doug wraps up with thoughtful ways to conclude the review process and the benefits of such reflections. 00:00 - Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast 00:27 - The Importance of Year-End Reviews 00:58 - Sponsor Message: Andocia Marketing Solutions 02:08 - Starting Your Year-End Review 06:05 - Essential Tools for Your Review 08:23 - Creating Your Year-End Report 12:26 - Wrapping Up Your Year-End Review 14:29 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.

Duration:00:15:08

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2025 Holiday Gift Guide

12/2/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith delivers a reflective, practical lesson on leadership gifts worth sharing—especially when life gets busy. Using the backdrop of the holiday season, Doug unpacks a curated gift guide through the lens of leadership, family, personal growth, and mindful presence. He reminds leaders that tools, systems, and intentional habits don’t replace the work of leadership—they strengthen the person doing it. 00:00 Introduction & Doug’s return to personal lessons 01:00 Why sharing resources creates lasting leadership impact 02:15 The finish line thinking that shapes character first 04:45 Finance tools leaders rely on now 07:30 Family routines and training kids in stewardship 09:50 Being present and blocking distractions 14:20 Tech that supports productivity without clutter 18:40 Kitchen tools that encourage hospitality at home 21:10 Learning through business biography, faith, and leadership books 25:35 Expanding impact by inviting the right people into your goals 27:48 Doug’s encouragement to leaders heading into the holidays 29:05 Quote on generosity and finishing well Key Takeaways - Leadership starts with character, systems just support the leader. - Intentional family habits build leadership muscle long before adulthood. - Presence is not passive—it requires guarding focus. - Small tools that reduce friction protect mental bandwidth for what matters. - Investing in durable resources creates compounding value over years, not months. - Leaders grow bigger by asking who, not just how. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id1569987442?i=1000723571859 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive The L3 Leadership Podcast is produced and sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Thanks to Andocia for co-producing and supporting multi-channel leadership storytelling. Want help translating leadership vision into execution? Reach out at Andocia.com "Give generously—even with your ideas. Inspiration is one of the easiest gifts to share and the longest to remember." Leaders don’t quit. Keep leading. The world desperately needs your leadership.

Duration:00:30:24

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Creating Spaces for Men to Thrive with Peter Ostapko

9/23/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith talks with Peter Ostapko, co-founder of Kinsman Journal and leader of the growing Kinsman community in Springfield, Missouri. Peter shares his journey from a career in banking to launching gatherings designed to help men find authentic brotherhood, friendship, and faith-driven connection. Together they discuss the loneliness epidemic among leaders, why local community is essential, and how intentional gatherings can transform lives. Peter also opens up about parenting, navigating career transitions, and the importance of slowing down and creating space for what matters most. Whether you’re a leader longing for deeper friendships, a father seeking wisdom, or someone discerning your next step, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Peter’s passion for community 02:00 How Kinsman gatherings began and why men said, “I didn’t know how much I needed this” 06:00 The power of local connection vs. national networks 09:00 Structuring meaningful gatherings with intentionality 13:00 Friendship, brotherhood, and why men struggle to connect 17:00 Moving beyond transactional relationships 20:00 The annual Kinsman Summit and why environment matters 22:00 Publishing Kinsman Journal and the story behind it 25:00 Fatherhood lessons: being intentional, dealing with your stuff, and prioritizing your marriage 30:00 Discerning career transitions and leaning into curiosity 35:00 Why Kinsman became a nonprofit and Peter’s approach to fundraising 40:00 The importance of slowing down and creating space to rest 42:00 Best advice Peter has ever received 47:00 Bucket list dreams: Italy and visiting every MLB stadium with his kids 48:00 What Peter would tell his younger self 49:00 Legacy: being remembered as a faithful servant, husband, and father 🌐 https://kinsmen.org/ – A high-quality publication for men exploring themes of faith, fatherhood, and work. 🌐 https://kinsmen.org/gatherings – Community events and annual summit hosted by Kinsman to foster brotherhood and authentic friendships. The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id1569987442?i=1000723571859 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:51:10

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Carrying the Weight of Leadership with Matt Higgins

9/9/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug sits down with Matt Higgins, Executive Director of Hope Children’s Home in Tampa, Florida. Matt shares the powerful mission of providing a loving home and education to children from difficult circumstances, along with their new Bundles of Hope initiative that gives mothers in crisis pregnancies the gift of time and support. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Doug introduces Matt Higgins and the story of how they connected 04:00 The mission and model of Hope Children’s Home 08:00 Four pillars: physical needs, family environment, education, and faith 14:00 Stories of transformation from children at Hope 17:00 Aftercare and staying connected with alumni 18:00 Bundles of Hope initiative and no-cost adoption vision 25:00 Matt on taking over as CEO after his father’s leadership 28:00 The unseen weight of leadership and why encouragement matters 31:00 How to become the obvious choice for leadership roles 33:00 Dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome 34:00 The power of mastermind groups and surrounding yourself with stronger leaders 39:00 Cutting meetings in half and lessons on leadership rhythms 44:00 What went well and what went wrong in succession planning 47:00 Best advice, parenting wisdom, and Matt’s legacy vision The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: [Link coming soon] 🎙️ LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: [Link coming soon] 🎙️ LISTEN ON APPLE: [Link coming soon] 🎙️ ALL PLATFORMS: [Buzzsprout link coming soon] SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:54:48

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9 Ways to Develop Your Character

8/26/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a personal lesson on 9 Ways to Develop Your Character. As Doug explains, character development is the most important development for any leader—because without integrity, everything else eventually crumbles. Drawing from his own journey and the wisdom of mentors, Doug outlines nine practical and powerful ways to strengthen your character so that you can lead well, finish well, and live with integrity in every area of life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Doug’s personal journey in character development 01:00 Why only 2% of leaders finish well—and how to be one of them 02:00 Step 1: Get a vision for your finish line 03:00 Step 2: Follow God and allow Him to shape your character 05:00 Step 3: The most dangerous prayer you can pray for growth 06:00 Step 4: Surround yourself with people of high character 07:00 Step 5: Listen to the small checks and convictions in your heart 10:00 Step 6: Admit it, quit it, forget it 13:00 Step 7: Get some real friends who love you enough to challenge you 15:00 Step 8: Confess temptations before they become failures 17:00 Step 9: Realize you are always an example—whether you want to be or not 19:00 Doug’s hope: that every leader makes it to their finish line intact The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:21:07

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Rob Dube on How to Achieve True Entrepreneurial Freedom

8/13/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Rob Dube, author of Shine: How Looking Inward is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom, co-written with Gino Wickman. Rob shares powerful insights on how leaders can balance their drive with inner peace, manage their energy, and lead with humility. From understanding the nature of being “driven,” to implementing the 10 Disciplines that protect your boundaries and amplify your impact, Rob offers practical steps to help leaders align their inner and outer worlds. 00:00 Introduction to Rob Dube and Shine 01:00 Why looking inward fuels greater outer-world success 02:20 The power of sharing your inner story 04:55 Recognizing you’re not alone in leadership challenges 05:43 Discovery #1 – You’re driven: strengths, pitfalls, and management 07:52 Discovery #2 – Decisions from love vs. fear 11:23 Discovery #3 – It’s possible to be driven and have peace 14:55 The True Self Assessment and protecting your boundaries 17:10 Discipline #1 – 10-year thinking and living in the present moment 23:32 Discipline #5 – Knowing your 100% and working at your optimal capacity 27:35 Discipline #3 – Saying no with grace and setting mentoring boundaries 30:45 Discipline #10 – Being humble and practicing daily gratitude 35:02 Final encouragement to leaders: free your true self and shine The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:38:19

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Are Leaders Made or Born?

7/29/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith flips roles as he is interviewed by Ron Moore on the Living Grounded Podcast. The conversation delves into a variety of leadership topics, including whether leaders are born or made, the importance of failure in growth, and the value of mentorship and personal development. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Episode 00:41 Starting the Interview with Ron Moore 01:28 Defining Leadership 04:19 Born Leaders vs. Made Leaders 11:55 The Role of Failure in Leadership 16:32 Parenting and Leadership 24:25 Authenticity and Character in Leadership 26:15 Foundations of Leadership 26:40 The Role of Vision and Inspiration 28:02 Team Building and Execution 29:04 Generational Leadership Challenges 37:33 Servant Leadership Defined 42:52 The Importance of Mentorship and Community 49:03 Final Thoughts and Prayer The Living Grounded Podcast - Real stories. Genuine faith. Through triumph and tragedy, The Living Grounded Podcast shares powerful stories of lives transformed by Jesus, even through the highs and lows. You can find The Living Grounded Podcast: On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@living-grounded On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3yOO6tq4QgnGd2blHJJiWh?si=3bab186664b941b2 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-living-grounded-podcast/id1703404695 ▶️ WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/-XOpbQwlFxs 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/b6ehe4ea 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://tinyurl.com/5n6mc6z7 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/16831008 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.

Duration:00:53:12

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I'm 40 and I Have Something to Say!

7/15/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares personal reflections and insights gained from turning 40. From expressing gratitude for life, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, to highlighting the significance of family and faith, Doug offers a comprehensive summary of his key takeaways over the years. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:32 Turning 40: Reflections and Gratitude 01:40 Life Lessons and Personal Growth 04:43 Finding Your Voice and Platform 12:34 The Importance of Family 15:53 Community and Personal Well-being 17:42 Health, Fitness, and Faith 21:11 Financial Foundations and Future Goals 22:36 Conclusion and Encouragement The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episo... SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:24:23

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Lessons Learned from Being the Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain with Kent Chevalier

7/1/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Kent Chevalier, Chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kent discusses his journey from a campus pastor to serving in the NFL, emphasizing the unique role he and his wife play in supporting players and coaches spiritually and emotionally. 00:00 Welcome Back, Kent Chevalier! 00:41 Role of a Chaplain in the NFL 02:00 First Year Experiences 08:06 Building Trust in the NFL 12:50 Leadership Lessons from Coach Tomlin 17:21 The Human Side of the NFL 28:15 Addressing Accountability Among Peers 28:39 Deflect the Glory Campaign 33:06 The Origin Story of Becoming a Chaplain 39:37 Do It Afraid: Embracing Faith Over Fear 44:15 The Importance of Community and Brotherhood 48:12 Encouragement for Church Leaders 53:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episo... SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:57:30

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Giving Firm Feedback in a Fragile World with Jeff Hancher

6/17/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Jeff Hancher, author of 'Firm Feedback in a Fragile World.' Jeff shares his journey from growing up in poverty to a successful 24-year career, emphasizing the pivotal moments shaped by firm feedback and strong leadership. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:35 The Journey to Writing a Book 01:14 Overcoming Personal Struggles 03:05 The Impact of Leadership 05:16 The Role of Faith and Mentors 06:40 The Importance of Firm Feedback 10:00 Transforming Visions into Results 12:54 Balancing Love and Accountability in Leadership 14:47 The Power of Feedback 24:20 Building a Leadership Brand 25:50 Speed Limits and Accountability 26:59 Setting Realistic Expectations 28:26 Techniques for Accountability 32:27 The Importance of Time in Leadership 35:34 The Fragility of Feedback 38:56 The Journey to Writing a Book 44:23 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Advice 48:06 Connecting with Jeff and Final Thoughts The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episo... SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:51:14

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How to Create a Life Plan that Drives Your Growth

6/10/2025
Send us a text In this episode, Doug Smith joins Nick Poole on the Calvary Leadership Podcast. Doug shares his journey from being unaware of personal development to becoming a champion of continuous growth is highlighted through his impactful story. Doug shares his life plan approach for setting long-term goals in various life areas—spirituality, marriage, family, finances, friendships, and health—and emphasizes the value of feedback, resilience, and effective mentorship. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:17 First Encounter and Early Memories 00:47 Doug's Work and Personal Life 00:54 The Importance of Personal Development 02:02 Daily Disciplines for Growth 04:01 Staying Connected to God 05:15 Maintaining Hunger and Vision 10:35 Seeking and Responding to Feedback 15:39 Balancing Personal Development and Leadership 17:03 The Value of Real-World Experience 19:20 The Importance of Accountability 20:58 Finding and Engaging with Mentors 24:36 Preparing for Mentor Meetings 27:43 Fostering Resilience and Adaptability 30:44 Final Thoughts and Encouragement The Calvary Leadership Podcast Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calvary-leadership-podcast/id1547285159 The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episo... SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:33:53

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When Your Family Can't Compete with Standing Ovations with Ryan Leak

5/27/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith and guest Ryan Leak discuss Ryan's journey as a New York Times bestselling author and speaker. Ryan shares his extensive experience of speaking at over 120 events annually and reaching millions through his work. They delve into the importance of stewardship over opportunism, balancing faith in God with personal hustle, and the need for character development and accountability among leaders. The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3YwUQby8H0S64Kwc2lX?si=33162b5d5b4b436c 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888?i=1000706493702 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17088527 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:54:35

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Breaking the Cycle: Larry Hagner on Healing Father Wounds and Building an Epic Family Legacy

5/20/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge, about his mission to create legendary marriages, epic relationships with kids, personal financial mastery, optimized health, and leadership within families. Larry shares his personal journey growing up in a dysfunctional household, the challenges he faced in his early fatherhood, and his moment of transformation when he decided to become a better dad. He discusses the importance of continuous learning, the impact of community, and how to overcome common struggles like impatience and anger. 00:00 Introduction and Epic Podcast Intros 01:00 Larry's Childhood and Family Struggles 04:46 Reconnecting with Biological Father 07:50 The Turning Point: Becoming a Better Dad 09:09 Creating the Good Dad Project 15:26 The Power of Community and Mastermind Groups 22:41 Dealing with Anger and Impatience as a Parent 24:40 Confronting the Misunderstanding 26:03 Weathering the Storm Together 28:22 Implementing Family Systems 29:35 Mission-Oriented Parenting 35:09 Rite of Passage for Sons 36:34 The Importance of Leading by Example 36:52 Staying Present and Focused 39:11 Top Advice for Dads 46:36 Connecting with the Community 48:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. WATCH THE EPISODE: https://youtu.be/XhQZltLiLsY 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBHbRL6rJtSXwpKBaamNo?si=966fa5e7adfb4d5a 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 CONNECT: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:50:43

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Running for Office While Raising a Family: Lessons from Team Mercuri

5/6/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Rob and Kelsey Mercuri to discuss their experiences in politics, leadership, and parenting. Rob, a former State Representative and candidate for Congress, shares his journey through six elections, offering insights into the challenges of campaigning, the importance of great teams, and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. He reflects on the personal and professional aspects of serving in office and emphasizes the need for an engaged and informed electorate. Kelsey offers her perspective on the balancing act of supporting Rob’s political career while raising a family, and both share their approach to leadership, community involvement, and family dynamics. 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:04 The Demands of Running for Office 04:45 The Role of Campaign Teams 06:12 The Importance of Community Engagement 09:50 Lessons Learned from Election Losses 12:38 Staying Involved in Politics After a Loss 15:06 The Complexities of Serving in Office 17:22 Managing a Full-Time Role as a State Representative 20:30 Building Relationships Across the Aisle 23:45 The Impact of Social Media on Politics 25:12 The Need for an Engaged Electorate 27:45 Parenting Tips and Leading a Family Team 30:15 Communication and Involvement with Kids 32:00 Raising Kids with Responsibility and Gratitude 34:21 Balancing Political and Family Life 36:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Parenting The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. ▶️ WATCH FULL EPISODE: [Link to Video] 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: [Link to Spotify] 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: [Link to Apple Podcast] 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: [Link to All Platforms] SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:54:14

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From Drug Dealer to Nonprofit Leader: Doug Smith's Remarkable Journey of Transformation

4/22/2025
Send us a text In this episode, Doug Smith, host of the L3 Leadership Podcast, joins the Lunch Break series of the Boss Juice Podcast to discuss his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful podcaster and leader in the Pittsburgh community. Doug shares insights on how he was inspired by mentors, the importance of community, and how no leader should do life alone. He also delves into his work with Light of Life Rescue Mission, focusing on addressing homelessness and helping people find employment. Additionally, Doug emphasizes the significance of teachability, generosity, and integrating faith with business. This conversation shows the value of resilience, supportive relationships, and intentional living in shaping effective leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Doug Smith's Background and Podcasting Journey 02:52 First Big Interview and Lessons Learned 03:58 Common Characteristics of Leaders 05:52 The Importance of Community in Leadership 11:59 Light of Life: Mission and Impact 18:34 Pittsburgh's Support for Second Chances 22:29 Doug Smith's Personal Story 23:39 A Troubled Youth and Turning Point 24:42 A Life-Changing Revelation 25:58 The Start of a Leadership Journey 26:34 Impact of Mentorship and Faith 27:26 The Power of Social Media and Content Creation 30:41 Balancing Faith and Entrepreneurship 33:16 Generosity and Community 37:00 Podcasting and Media in Pittsburgh 40:18 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters 42:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Boss Juice Podcast - No matter how successful someone may be, they always have their story to tell. Boss Juice is a podcast that interviews small business owners, entrepreneurs, founders and the like to let them tell their story. Not just their stories of success, but their stories of failures. We all can learn a lot about business and life by listening to the stories of others! You can find the Boss Juice Podcast: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BossJuicePodcast/podcasts On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4gGizC9jrTUf4GyTRDHKLt?si=a0062791bf574914 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boss-juice-podcast/id1669114003 ▶️ WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/-XOpbQwlFxs 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/b6ehe4ea 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://tinyurl.com/5n6mc6z7 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/16831008 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.

Duration:00:44:23

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The Critical Impact of Fathers: Dr. Meg Meeker on Why Dads Matter More Than They Know

4/8/2025
Send us a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician and author who focuses on the critical role of fathers in parenting. Dr. Meeker discusses the impact of fatherhood on children's mental health, the challenges fathers face, and the importance of strong father-child relationships. She offers practical advice for parents, including how to handle discipline, talk to kids about sex, and maintain connections after divorce. The conversation also covers healing father-child relationships and raising confident, well-adjusted children. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:53 The Importance of Dads 01:28 Challenges and Cultural Shifts 02:24 NFL and Fatherhood 08:08 Encouragement for Single Fathers 11:03 Healing from Past Wounds 16:41 Reconciliation and Apologies 21:13 Coaching and Resources for Dads 22:18 Understanding Kids' Needs from Dads 23:35 Forming Strong Attachments in Early Childhood 27:34 Effective Discipline and Boundaries 30:27 Talking to Kids About Sexuality 34:59 Parenting Beyond Childhood 37:12 Raising Confident Kids 40:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Dads The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. ▶️ WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://tinyurl.com/mr2453vf 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/w5x47kba 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://tinyurl.com/3my9zhtk 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://tinyurl.com/2d2vmn5m SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Duration:00:44:05