The Rising Leader

What does true freedom really mean for leaders, and how can it shape the way we show up in our lives and work? In this episode, I explore True Freedom as a living, breathing leadership principle. I share my journey of discovering freedom through learning to focus my attention, mastering my emotional responses, and making intentional, values-driven choices that cut through old patterns and people-pleasing habits. I’m Mark Silverman, executive coach, leadership mentor, and author of Only Tens. As someone diagnosed with ADD in adulthood, I know what it’s like to wrestle with distraction, the need for approval, and the challenge of honoring my own boundaries. Over years of personal work and professional practice, I’ve learned that true freedom is less about external circumstances and more about your inner game, the discipline, courage, and presence you bring to every situation. “True Freedom is love in every situation” ~Mark This week on The Rising Leader: · How directing your attention is foundational to genuine freedom · Ways our triggers and preferences can keep us stuck, and practical steps to release them · The evolution from setting boundaries for approval to embracing authentic choices · The freedom that comes from not being controlled by the need for credit or validation · Why admitting mistakes and cleaning up your messes is core to leadership freedom · The relationship between discipline and authentic freedom · How practicing emotional equanimity transforms reactivity into power · Why real freedom means showing up with love, even amid disagreement or challenge Resources Mentioned: Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Ever wondered if personal achievement and career ambition can be a genuine path to spiritual and personal growth? As someone who’s helped high achievers chase big dreams without losing their soul in the game, I know the tension firsthand. This week, I’m joined by Scott Britton—a leader, entrepreneur, and fellow explorer of consciousness—who has turned a relentless drive for success into a vehicle for deep fulfillment. Together, we dig into what it really means to integrate external accomplishment with inner transformation, and how you don’t have to trade one for the other. Scott Britton is the former co-founder of Troops, which was acquired by Salesforce in 2022. Today, he’s the CEO of Conscious Talent, hosts Evolution FM, and is the author of the upcoming book, “Conscious: How to Use Personal Achievement for Spiritual Growth.” Scott brings a unique lens to the table: he’s walked the traditional path of achievement, faced burnout and loss of joy, and then courageously shifted towards a life and career built on meaning, presence, and consciousness. His grounded approach shows that you can still have ambition—and let it be clean, powerful fuel for real transformation. “The practice is making your entire life a spiritual practice, not just 20 minutes in the morning. It’s a deep integration that cascades through every minute of every day.” ~Scott Britton This Week on The Rising Leader: · Achievement without awareness can lead to joylessness, even when you “have it all.” · True spiritual growth isn’t about checking out of the world or your career, but about transforming your relationship with everything around you. · There’s a powerful difference between clean fuel (ambition from joy, contribution, alignment) and dirty fuel (ambition from lack, need for validation, or old wounds). · Surrender isn’t passive; it’s being okay with things as they are in the present moment, without giving up your agency or drive. · Practical spiritual growth for leaders means using every trigger, reaction, and setback as an opportunity for insight and transformation. · Fulfillment and sustainable success come from integrating consciousness into your work, not just leaving everything behind for a spiritual path. · When you shift from reactivity to awareness, you gain influence, creativity, and power in any setting—even the boardroom. · The willingness to trust, face discomfort, and stay open, even when you’re scared, is what actually leads to lasting freedom. Connect with Scott Britton: Scott Britton on Substack@brittonconscioustalent.comEvolution FM Resources Mentioned: Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

What does it really mean to be a great leader? After being asked this question during a recent interview, I found myself reflecting deeply on the guests I’ve brought onto The Rising Leader and the mentors who made a lasting impact on my own journey. In this episode, I share the single thread connecting truly great leaders, not their personal achievements, but in how they uplifted and transformed the people around them. I unpack why legacy, impact, and service matter more than accolades and examine what happens when leaders focus solely on numbers and ego. “The people who… focused on the numbers, were focused on the revenue, were focused on the accolades for themselves… ended up with something kind of empty.” Today on The Rising Leader: · True leaders focus on team and community impact, not individual accomplishments. · Service, humility, and lifting others up are consistent traits among the most respected leaders. · Prioritizing numbers and personal accolades may lead to bitterness and emptiness later in life. · Long-term fulfillment comes from building relationships, supporting others, and creating lasting legacies. · Leadership influences not just professional relationships, but personal ones with family and friends. · How you treat people throughout your career determines who will show up for you when it matters most, at celebrations, retirements, and even funerals. · Great leaders derive motivation from serving others, seeing their team thrive, and enabling the successes of others. · Pursuing success is valuable but connecting it to relationship-building and positive impact ensures a richer, more meaningful life and career. Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

This week, I’m stepping into a deeply personal space and sharing where I am right now: feeling both empty and fulfilled after the huge milestone of seeing my youngest son married, followed almost immediately by my older son’s engagement. In this solo episode, I get raw and vulnerable about the aftermath of big life transitions, the feeling of completion that can leave us unexpectedly blank, and what it really means to reinvent yourself when your old roles shift or disappear. “I have a blank canvas all over again. I can reinvent myself. I can double down on what I’m doing. I can do anything. It’s my choice to create who I want to be.” ~Mark This Week on The Rising Leader: · Life’s biggest milestones can leave us feeling oddly empty after the excitement settles; this is a natural part of closure and change. · Our sense of self is deeply tied to our roles, parent, worker, leader, and losing those roles means facing a blank slate. · It’s critical to pause and take stock, to ask yourself why you’re doing what you do and whether you’re actively choosing your path or simply following inertia. · There is power in choosing every aspect of your life, from your job to your family to your daily actions. · Who you are isn’t fixed; it’s something you create, continuously, through your choices and commitments. · A shift in identity—such as children leaving home or losing a job can be terrifying, but it opens up space to deliberately craft your next chapter. · Bringing intentionality to how you show up at work, in your family, and in your relationships can renew your sense of purpose and energy. · The blank page of “what’s next” isn’t a crisis; it’s an invitation to imagination, reinvention, and growth. Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Delegation. Agreements. Deep listening. These aren’t just leadership buzzwords, they’re the bedrock of the impact we can create as rising leaders. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Bennett to discuss the real art of successful delegation, the foundation of honest agreements, and how self-awareness and intentional connection are required to grow both people and organizations. Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company or stepping into your first management role, this conversation is brimming with actionable wisdom to help you foster trust, empower your teams, and show up as the best (and realest) version of yourself. Jonathan Bennett is an author, advisor, and executive coach for purpose-driven leaders. With over 25 years drawn from his roles as a CEO, board member, and founder, Jonathan’s experience has spanned urban, rural, remote, and First Nations communities. He is known for his deep listening, breakthrough solutions, and his unwavering belief that leadership should be inclusive, ethical, and intentional. Jonathan helps leaders deepen their integrity, compassion, and long-term impact—one honest conversation at a time. “Leaders who learn deep listening and metacognition, it’s like they’ve cracked a cheat code to a whole other way of being.” ~Jonathan Bennett Today on The Rising Leader: · Most leaders don’t struggle with what to do—they struggle with how to get out of their own way and execute. · True delegation isn’t simply “handing off,” it’s building slow, intentional agreements rooted in open inquiry and shared ownership. · The doer, not the delegator, should own notetaking and documentation to reinforce accountability. · Upfront, explicit agreements with clear deliverables, milestones, and mechanisms for course correction are essential for autonomy and trust. · These practices do not just apply to junior team members; great CEOs and senior leaders cascade these habits to align organizations. · Hard conversations about mistakes must be rooted in curiosity and agreement about how to clean up and move forward, never blame. · The best leaders continually work on self-awareness, emotional management, and their capacity to truly listen—inside and outside the boardroom. · Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal, but clarity and intentionality amplify its power. Ask directly and be transparent about what you need. Connect with Jonathan Bennett: LinkedIn Listen to Jonathan’s private podcast Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Most of us look at confident people and assume they have something we don’t: a mysterious inner certainty that lets them walk into any room, take the stage, or tackle a new challenge without missing a beat. In reality, confidence and courage aren’t feelings you wait to have—they’re qualities you build by showing up scared and doing the hard thing anyway. In this episode, I share my personal journey from self-doubt and fear, through years spent faking it until it became real, and how true courage means stepping up even when your insides are shaking. "Every single thing I’ve ever done in my life is because of the courage to do something scared." ~Mark Silverman Today on The Rising Leader: · Courage is not about the absence of fear but about taking action despite it. · Confidence grows through repeated experience, not through waiting to feel ready. · Preparation is the foundation—true confidence is earned through putting in the work and practicing beforehand. · Failure is inevitable; what matters is surviving it, which builds resilience and a stronger sense of self-confidence. · Success isn’t about never being scared—it’s about consistently showing up, even when you want to pull the covers over your head. · Many highly accomplished people still feel fear inside; outward signs of confidence can be built through courage and consistent effort. · The willingness to “do it anyway” is more important than feeling brave or believing you’re exceptional. · Reflecting on your track record—surviving challenges and bouncing back—can bolster your faith in your ability to handle future fear. Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

When it comes to leading others, frustration is often an unavoidable part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. In this episode, I dive deep into the humanity of leadership with Andrew Oxley, exploring how frustration shows up in our lives and organizations, and how understanding different communication styles can turn frustration into collaboration, delight, and results. We discuss the four faces of frustration, recognizing your reactions under stress, and explore practical ways to transition from “hero” or “villain” leadership to the truly impactful role of guide. Andrew Oxley is a nationally recognized author, executive coach, and the founder of the Oxley Group. His consulting work has impacted tens of thousands of leaders at companies like Coca-Cola, Progressive Insurance, Turner Broadcasting, the Weather Channel, and many more. Andrew’s mission is to help leaders and organizations cut through the noise, return to simplicity, and truly accelerate performance. His allegorical book, “The Four Faces of Frustration: How to Turn Frustration into Delight,” has served as a blueprint for understanding and mastering the complexities of leadership and interpersonal communication. “It is easiest to understand someone's communication style when you observe them when they're frustrated, because it's like their real selves come out.” ~Andrew Oxley Today On The Rising Leader: · The four faces of frustration: Red (passionate/driver), Yellow (optimist/networker), Blue (analytical/pessimist), and Green (steady/quiet), each handle challenge and stress in unique ways. · Recognition and understanding of these communication styles is the first step to diffusing conflict and building stronger teams. · No one is just one color; we all have a range, but stress often pushes us into default patterns that may not serve us or others well. · As leaders, developing self-awareness (often through asking for feedback from others) is critical—how we think we show up is not always how others experience us. · It’s easy to fall into the roles of “hero” (overhelping) or “villain” (overcorrecting) as a leader, but the true goal is to become a “guide” who fosters autonomy and ownership in others. · Healthy teams benefit from a mix of these personality types; friction, managed well, creates progress. · Strengths become weaknesses if not managed—what got you here may not get you where you want to go. · Shifting limiting beliefs and assumptions is vital for leadership growth—it’s not just about behavior, but the beliefs that drive it. Resources & Guest Contact Information: Book: The Four Faces of Frustration: How to Turn Frustration into Delight by Andrew Oxley 90-Minute Live Leadership Blueprint Workshop: Oxley Group Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website

When someone asks, “Would you like a little feedback?”, do you cringe inside, even as you force a smile and nod eagerly? If so, you’re not alone. Today I’m diving deep into the uncomfortable yet transformative experience of receiving feedback, and why, despite its sting, it’s the single most valuable tool for growth. I get personal about my own struggles with taking feedback (even as a coach!), map out the emotional journey most of us go through, and share how to process criticism in a way that actually moves us forward. “Getting feedback is not easy. And again, I admit it, I don’t like it. But it’s invaluable and will change your life.” ~Mark Today on The Rising Leader: · You’re not alone in dreading feedback—even those dedicated to growth can find it deeply uncomfortable. · It’s normal for feedback to trigger discomfort physically and emotionally; breathe through it rather than avoid it. · Saying “thank you” is a powerful way to receive feedback, creating space for clarity and reflection. · Active listening and asking for examples or clarification makes feedback actionable, not just emotional. · Not all feedback is equally relevant; seek trusted allies to help discern what to take on and what to set aside. · If someone takes the time to give you feedback (and they’re not just critical by nature), it’s a powerful sign they value your growth and contribution. · Focus your efforts—pick one new behavior or habit to address at a time for real, lasting growth. · Sharing feedback with someone who knows your worth can help you separate projection from genuine opportunities for improvement. Resources Mentioned: Book: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Have you ever felt the tension between maintaining high standards as a leader and relinquishing control to let your team truly thrive? Today, I dive deep into how you can create an environment of bold influence, build real autonomy, and drive powerful cultural change—without micromanaging. This conversation goes to the heart of how we move from burnout to high performance, and what it actually takes to inspire people to think for themselves and step into accountability. My guest this week is Andrea Wanerstrand, a seasoned leadership strategist, executive coach, and founder of A3 Culture Lab. With more than 25 years of experience leading talent and performance initiatives at Microsoft, Meta, T-Mobile, and Hitachi, Andrea has helped organizations shift from traditional command-and-control leadership to human-centric, high-performing cultures. She’s the creator of the Mindset Maven Method and the A3 (Authentic, Autonomous, Accountable) philosophy, and has impacted leaders in more than 100 countries through her neuroscience-backed strategies for culture transformation. “The gap that occurs is between telling someone what they need to do and having them actually do that and seeing the outcome, is whether they even heard exactly what you said or did they hear something different.” ~Andrea Wanerstrand Today on The Rising Leader: · Moving from being “in the weeds” to true leadership means learning to drive results through others—not by gripping the wheel, but by guiding, supporting, and validating. · Clarity starts with how you set expectations—and real understanding happens when you validate comprehension, not just assume others “get it.” · Curiosity-led conversations foster genuine autonomy; asking people to articulate their plan is more effective than asking them to “repeat back” your instructions. · Command-and-control leadership stifles innovation and slows growth. Teams need to feel accountable both for outcomes and for sharing in the wins. · Autonomy is only sustainable when leaders create agreements, not just set expectations—turning check-ins into co-designed touchpoints. · Emotional intelligence is physical as much as mental: top leaders notice tension, triggers, and energy shifts in themselves before they become reactive. · Practical tools like breath work, intentional pauses, and body awareness are crucial for managing stress and leading from a place of steadiness. · Building a culture where people think for themselves requires “untraining” over-dependence—letting others experiment, share their thinking, and take ownership. Guest Contact Information Website: a3culturelab.com Resources Mentioned Book: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier Book: Mindset by Carol Dweck (growth mindset referenced) Andrea’s Mindset Maven Method and A3 philosophy Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive...

Some days, the world feels especially heavy. I sat down today with a list of topics to discuss, but none of them felt right—until I decided to throw out the script entirely and talk honestly about something more urgent: what to do when you're feeling stuck, helpless, or weighed down by tough times. Today, I’m sharing a deeply personal reflection on overcoming setbacks, navigating depression, and the practical steps that have brought me—and so many others—back from the brink. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this is a love letter to remind you: you’re not alone, and there’s a way through. “I said, you know what? I'm going to be the change I want to see in the world and I'm going to go look for people who need help, people who need me. And that pulled me out of my funk, out of my depression.” ~Mark Today on The Rising Leader: · Many people, no matter how good they look on the outside, are quietly struggling. You’re not alone. · Helping others, even in small, anonymous ways, can be a powerful tool to lift yourself out of a dark place. · Exercise, journaling, positive influences, and reaching out to people all help shift your state of mind. · It’s easy to fall for the narrative that everyone else is doing fine; in truth, most people have something heavy weighing on them. · Don’t believe everything that goes on in your mind; so much of our negativity is amplified by society, media, and old stories from our past. · If you’re a helper, take care of yourself first; you’ll have more to give when you’re whole. · Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. · Small steps forward, taken consistently, are the way through tough times—there’s always something to learn or gain on the other side. Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

When you think of leadership, how often do you consider the wiring of your own brain? Today, I sit down with Dr. Phillipe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist, two-time kidney transplant recipient, and champion of neuroplasticity, to explore the science behind change, resilience, and finding genuine purpose. From personal adversity to guiding others toward powerful, purpose-driven lives, Dr. Douyon connects what’s happening in our heads to the way we show up as leaders, parents, and human beings. Dr. Phillipe Douyon’s journey into neurology was inspired by witnessing epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease within his own family. After surviving two kidney transplants (one from his father, another from a cousin-in-law), he founded the In Life Brain Fit Institute and wrote, “Neuroplasticity: Your Brain’s Superpower.” Dr. Douyon is devoted to teaching people how to change their minds—literally and figuratively, by harnessing the everyday power and potential of their brains. “If you're not taking charge of your own brain, somebody else for damn sure is.” ~ Dr. Phillipe Douyon Today on The Rising Leader: · Adversity can be a catalyst for discovering one's purpose and shifting focus from self-pity to making a greater impact. · Helping others isn’t just morally right—the brain’s dopamine response rewards supporting those around us. · Neuroplasticity is a lifelong superpower; our brains can continue to change and adapt, enabling personal growth at any age. · Purpose is crucial: When people lose their sense of purpose, there is a measurable decline in their health and cognitive function. · Exercise is the most powerful promoter of neuroplasticity and is an effective antidepressant and anti-anxiety intervention. · Connection, with ourselves and with others, remains at the very heart of well-being and brain health. · Be mindful of your mental “diet:” What you read, watch, and the people you surround yourself with all impact your mindset. · Take responsibility for your mindset and emotional health, or risk letting external forces shape your thoughts and actions. Resources Mentioned: Neuroplasticity: Your Brain’s Superpower by Dr. Phillipe Douyonhttps://www.inlebrainfitinstitute.com/ Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by nerves before a big meeting, new venture, or bold conversation, wishing you could just overcome the fear? In today’s episode, I share the story of my spirit animal: a tiny rubber chicken named Chicken Shit. Inspired by a lesson from the first shaman I ever met, this episode is all about embracing fear, owning our “chicken shit,” and charging ahead anyway. I break down why being afraid isn’t a flaw; it’s a part of leadership and human experience, and why anything worth doing is worth doing scared. This episode is inspired by Rafael Bejarano, the first shaman I ever met. An unforgettable figure with his South American accent, dazzling beads, and long flowing hair, Raphael led circles of coaches and leaders and proudly proclaimed that his spirit animal was not the mighty eagle or buffalo, but a squeaky rubber chicken. His courage and authenticity deeply impacted me, and his legacy lives on in the lessons—and the chicken—he passed to me. “Chicken Shit is my spirit animal because whatever I do in the world, I do scared.” ~Mark Today on The Rising Leader: · Your fear is not a flaw—it’s proof that you care about doing big, important things. · Every leader, even the most accomplished and confident, experiences fear before stepping into a new challenge. · “Chicken Shit” can be a powerful symbol for embracing, not fighting, your nerves. · From promotions and new jobs to hard conversations and creative risks, bold moves almost always come with butterflies. · The nervous system gets used to the familiar feeling of fear; you can learn to move forward even when afraid. · Icons like Bono and Bruce Springsteen still get nervous before performances, proving that fear never truly disappears. · The exhilaration of facing your fear—and jumping off that metaphorical cliff—can be transformative. · Remember, it’s not about eliminating fear; it’s about doing it anyway, step by step. Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Sometimes life, and business, just isn’t fair. For every leader who has felt the sting of setbacks, seen the politics at work, and found themselves navigating an unfair system, this conversation will resonate. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Chung, a woman whose journey through the aviation industry was literally missing rungs on the ladder. We explore what it truly takes to build resilience, maintain a sense of purpose in the face of adversity, and become the kind of leader who brings out the best in others, regardless of the obstacles. We get real about handling discouragement, growing thick skin, and leading while staying true to your core values and faith. Stephanie Chung has paved a remarkable path as the first African American president of a major private aviation company. With decades of experience as a sales leader, executive, and now a keynote speaker and advisor, Stephanie’s approach centers around faith, authenticity, and transformation. Her story is one of perseverance, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others, both in business and in life. “Leadership is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re called into it… you have the ability to impact people’s lives beyond what you could ever imagine.” ~Stephanie Chung This week on The Rising Leader: · How to build (and keep) resilience in an unfair world · Growing thick skin by facing challenges head-on · Letting go of negativity and protecting your mental space · The role of setbacks in shaping who we become as leaders · Why you should let your kids (and yourself) struggle—it’s vital for growth · The power of an honest support system that pushes you back into the ring · Integrating faith with leadership through authentic action, not just words · Understanding the universal need to be seen, heard, and to provide for those we love Connect with Stephanie Chung: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniechung/ Website: https://stephaniechung.com/ Resources Mentioned: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You by Stephanie Chung Michael Bungay Stanier, How to Work With (Almost) AnyoneHarvard Business ReviewDeloitteMcKinseyGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Trying to have it all as an ambitious leader, a thriving career, a rich family life, and good mental health can seem impossible. This week, I sit down with world-renowned executive, author, and leadership powerhouse Stephanie Chung for a fireside chat about her personal and professional journey, as well as her trailblazing work in business, aviation, and human capital. Together, we get real about the hard-won lessons, mistakes, and wisdom that come from decades at the top—and how anyone can cultivate success and fulfillment, without sacrificing what matters most. Stephanie Chung has over 30 years of experience as an innovator and leader in business growth and human capital development. She became the first African American (and woman) to helm a private jet company, worked across industry giants like American Airlines, Flexjet, and Bombardier, and is a #1 international bestselling author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. Known for her sought-after expertise in sales, business management, and DEI, Stephanie’s lived experience and deep, practical wisdom have inspired leaders around the globe. “Curiosity comes before empathy. Be curious about others, really ask questions you don’t know the answers to.” ~Stephanie Chung Today on The Rising Leader: · You can truly have it all—career, family, and health—but it requires intention, discipline, and learning from your mistakes. · The modern workforce is radically diverse. To lead and to win, you must know how to lead people across generations, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. · Making everyone on your team feel seen and heard isn’t just human—it’s a competitive edge. · The best leaders ask questions with genuine curiosity, listen deeply, learn, and act on what they discover. · Presence is more important than perfect balance—be 100% focused wherever you are, whether at work or at home. · Set boundaries with your time and communicate expectations up, down, and across within your organization. · For women, learning to say “no” firmly—but kindly—is an essential leadership skill, especially outside work. · Practical tips (like gift routines for children) can ease family transitions and support work-life integration for working parents. Get in Touch with Stephanie Chung: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniechung/https://stephaniechung.com/Resources Mentioned: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You by Stephanie ChungMichael Bungay Stanier, How to Work With (Almost) AnyoneHarvard Business ReviewDeloitteMcKinsey Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Have you ever looked up to a superstar, admired a successful public figure, or taken guidance from an influential leader, only to later learn about the human struggles, messy realities, and hidden challenges behind their public persona? In this episode, “I Was Selling a Lie,” I dive into why we put successful people on pedestals, the inevitable letdown when their humanity comes to light, and why real leadership means embracing imperfection. I draw on stories from famous artists, coaches, influencers, and even my chocolate chip cravings to reveal the essential truth: no one is above being hopelessly human. "My aim isn’t to sell perfection but to invite you into honest conversations about growth, failure, and what it really takes to lead while being human." ~Mark This week on The Rising Leader: · The hidden struggles behind fame, success, and leadership. · Why perfection in role models is an unhelpful illusion. · Real stories from influential figures like Boy George, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Jay Shetty, Andrew Huberman, and others. · The myth that personal development riders to perfection. · Real leadership advice: learning by embracing your full humanity. · My own vulnerabilities—chocolate chip confessions and being “Mark Mark” vs. “Coach Mark”. · The distinction between performative vulnerability and genuine openness. · The true cost of greatness, with reflections on Michael Jordan and Stevie Nicks. Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Ever wondered what it looks like to build an impactful business from nothing—starting at age 22—and still keep your soul, care for your team, and navigate personal struggles most never see? In this conversation, I sit down with Alex Strathdee, founder and CEO of Shelf Life, the company behind the marketing success of my own Rising Leader handbook and numerous bestselling authors. We dig into Alex’s unconventional entrepreneurial journey, the power of resilience, what it actually takes to build a thriving team, and how embracing vulnerability and our own mental health challenges can become a hidden strength in leadership. Alex Strathdee founded Shelf Life at just 22, growing it into a million-dollar company with 17 employees and a remarkable 90% employee retention rate. Working alongside renowned authors like Mike Michalowicz and Michael Bungay Stanier, and having clients such as Reid Hoffman and Gay Hendricks, he has become the go-to expert for authors looking to turn their ideas into impact. But Alex’s real superpower isn’t just marketing wizardry—it’s his relentless honesty, deep empathy (inspired by his remarkable grandmother), and unwavering commitment to building a business that’s as healthy on the inside as it appears from the outside. “If this woman [my grandma] can stay happy and positive, then come on, I gotta find some positivity here.” ~Alex Strathdee Today on The Rising Leader: · The seeds of leadership can come from unexpected places. Alex’s primary inspiration is his grandmother, whose resilience and positivity shaped his approach to people and business. · Entrepreneurial success ultimately hinges on persistence, learning from failures, and seeking mentorship. · Alex highlights the importance of asking for help and surrounding yourself with people who have already solved similar problems. · Relationships are everything; from first opportunities to company-saving advice, success, and new directions are rooted in genuine connections. · Vulnerability isn’t a liability; sharing mental health struggles (from OCD to intrusive thoughts) opened doors for Alex to get the help and tools he needed, transforming a challenge into a leadership strength. · Hiring and scaling require both toughness and care; having a strong “number two” (like Laura, his COO) is key to growth and balances out your own blind spots. · Letting go of being the “nice guy” is sometimes necessary—hard conversations and holding the team accountable keep the mission intact. · Systems matter: Alex and his leadership team leverage frameworks like Gino Wickman’s Traction to set rocks, build accountability, and keep everyone rowing in the same direction. · Helping your team thrive doesn’t mean coddling—it’s about setting high standards and supporting people to level up, all while keeping the company’s core mission at the center. Connect with Alex Strathdee: · Shelf Life and author marketing services: getshelflife.com · Book: Before the Bestseller – Alex’s comprehensive guide to marketing your book · LinkedIn: Alex Strathdee Resources and Mentions: · Book: Before the Bestseller by Alex Strathdee · Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie · Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi · Book: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill · Book: Who by Geoff Smart & Randy Street · Book: Traction by Gino Wickman · International OCD Foundation · Book: Needing to Know for Sure by Dr. Sally Winston & Dr. Martin Seif · Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts · Authors Unite (Tyler Wagner’s company) Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built...

Ever feel like the things you’re sharing as a leader are just “Captain Obvious” moments—messages that have been repeated endlessly, but still need to be heard? I woke up this morning with a clear urge to discuss something that’s not just essential, but foundational for every leader: perspective. No matter how often it’s discussed, perspective is the tool that brings clarity, emotional intelligence, and coaching power to every conversation, every conflict, and every team you lead. In today’s episode, I delve into why perspective is your responsibility as a leader, how it helps others navigate and resolve challenges, and why giving—and requesting—perspective is crucial to keeping your organization on track. “Your job as a leader is to be the adult, to have the perspective, to have the emotional perspective that this is a disagreement, this isn't personal, and it's for you to get perspective as soon as possible.” ~Mark Today on The Rising Leader: · Perspective is the fundamental gift and duty of every leader—it’s your lived experience, information, and oversight that others don’t have. · As adults and leaders, we often find ourselves in situations where we see more than those we lead, and it is our responsibility to remind others of the bigger picture. · Emotional intelligence is essential for stepping back from reactive, defensive modes and regaining perspective in heated moments. · Coaching isn’t just about hour-long sessions; sometimes the most valuable support is a quick call that offers a grounded perspective. · People get emotionally triggered and lose sight of reality or consequences; your job is to help them regain balance and hope. · Just like children “borrow” your emotional regulation, team members often need to “borrow” your perspective to stabilize during chaos. · Regularly check in and ask for clarity yourself—“Am I being a jerk in this?” or “Am I seeing this clearly?”—no leader goes it alone. · Offering your regulated, big-picture view can help team members see the vision, reconnect to purpose, and solve problems more effectively. Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

We all talk about how a strong relationship with your significant other is crucial, but how often do we really sit down to discuss the ground rules that hold it all together? In today’s episode, I take a thoughtful look at the different kinds of agreements we make with our partners, especially when high-pressure careers, kids, and life’s unpredictability enter the mix. I discuss setting clear expectations, negotiating roles, and effective communication, so your relationship can be the greatest asset to your leadership journey, not a detractor. This episode highlights insights from my conversation with John Sapone, a seasoned VP of Sales with an impressive track record at several of the world’s fastest-growing startups. John's approach with his spouse offers a real-world example of how crafting intentional agreements in a demanding household leads to clarity, understanding, and a sense of team, both at home and at work. “Fences make good neighbors. Ground rules and agreements make really strong relationships.” ~Mark Silverman Today on The Rising Leader: · High-performing jobs can be "greedy," often bleeding into evenings and weekends, so it’s critical to have explicit agreements about time and expectations at home. · Clear ground rules are the foundation of strong partnerships, especially when both partners face significant demands from their careers and families. · Openly discussing what each person needs to feel valued, seen, and secure makes negotiation possible and resentment less likely. · It’s vital to regularly update your agreements and check in with your partner as circumstances and feelings inevitably shift. · Joint understanding about who handles what—especially in crisis or when competing demands arise—prevents conflict and promotes teamwork. · Using tools like the enneagram or personality assessments helps couples better understand one another and navigate differences. · Left unspoken, unmet expectations quickly metastasize into frustration, distance, and potential relationship breakdown. · Coming together intentionally as a team—striving for win-win rather than “getting yours”—builds resilience and success at home and professionally. Resources Mentioned: · Enneagram and other personality testing tools (for couples and teams) · To receive my agreement versus expectations guide, send me a note! Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Devon Bandison is an author, coach, and speaker. He is the go-to mind coach of the NBA and one of the most sought-after personal and business coaches in the world. As a coach, Devon works with Fortune 100 Companies and people from all walks of life, from professional athletes and teams, CEOs and executives, salespeople and small business owners to filmmakers, producers, and the world’s leading business and life coaches. He is the author of Fatherhood is Leadership and is a contributing writer for Inc. Magazine. Devon holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Devon joins me today to discuss how words shape your thoughts, leadership, and world. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your starting point. He explains why leaders need to define their three cornerstones, focus on what truly matters, and prioritize accordingly. Devon also highlights the difference between “keeping” and “being” your word and underscores how creativity and great leadership happen when we create space. “Your word creates your world. When I look at the greatest leaders, I see commitment and integrity.” - Devon Bandison This week on The Rising Leader Podcast: ● Devon’s two-minute wisdom drop ● Understanding your starting point ● Distinguishing between what’s true and what your mind believes to be true ● Self-forgiveness and rewiring your mind to break free from self-judgment ● Why “slowly” is the fastest way ● Warren Buffett on being busy ● Slowing down and knowing your three cornerstones as a leader ● Entering the "zone" or “flow state” in sports and how it's achieved through slowing down and being present ● The most dangerous phrase in the human language ● How not being able to keep your word to yourself develops an inner critic ● “Keeping” your word versus “being” your word ● “Default” cultures and creating a culture of agreements through language and integrity ● How Devon learned a life-changing lesson about the power of one's word and integrity ● The Game Changer Experience Resources Mentioned: ● The most important question a father can ask himself | Devon Bandison | TEDxBocaRaton Related Episode: ● Fatherhood, Leadership and Legacy with Devon Bandison ● Playing the Bigger Game with Dr. Jeff Spencer ● Slowing Down to Speed Up Connect with Devon Bandison: ● Devon Bandison Website ● Book: Fatherhood Is Leadership: Your Playbook for Success, Self-Leadership, and a Richer Life ● Devon Bandison on LinkedIn ● Devon Bandison on Instagram Grab Your Advanced Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through the ranks of your company so fast that you wish you had a manual to becoming an effective leader? Then The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. The Rising Leader Handbook officially releases in October 2023, but you don’t have to wait! Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your advanced copy and get started on mastering the skills you need to become the leader your team needs you to be. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners, like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Are you chasing external markers of success, or are you genuinely growing into the leader you want to become? Today, I challenge you to stop and really feel where your drive is coming from. In this episode, I deeply reflect on the difference between being driven by the endless pursuit of success and embracing the sometimes messy, enriching journey of growth. We’ll take a closer look at what it costs to achieve your goals if you’re coming from a place of lack and discuss how marrying ambition with inner development is the key to lasting fulfillment. “I’ve spent time with people who have reached all their goals, and they’re still not satisfied, they’re still not happy.” ~Mark This week on The Rising Leader: · How to distinguish between chasing success and pursuing growth · Why proving yourself to others can lead to burnout and emptiness · The warning signs that you’re “climbing the ladder on the wrong wall” · The hidden costs of goal-oriented living—on family, health, and fulfillment · Why growth-oriented leaders are more fulfilled, not just more successful · A coaching approach that marries achievement with personal evolution · How to set values-based goals and measure your fulfillment · The emptiness of endless achievement without inner satisfaction Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself. Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.