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Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Hosted by Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
June 6, 202610 min

Order of the Day, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower - June 6, 1944 (D-Day) - 82nd Anniversary

Order of the Day (1944) by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander.---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

June 2, 202611 min

The Challenge of Human Change

Books overcome the challenges of human change.---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

May 27, 20261 hr 18 min

RE-BROADCAST - The Gulag Archipelago/One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn w/Jesan Sorrells

The Gulag Archipelago/One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn---Exploring Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s The Gulag Archipelago and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Hasan Sorrells delves into the catastrophic effects of suppressing free speech in totalitarian regimes. This episode examines the necessity of robust free speech for effective leadership, the dangers of totalizing ideologies, and the role of literature in preserving individual liberty and truth. Listeners will gain insights on how intentional leaders can resist cultural and political pressures to protect both speech and societal integrity.Book Titles: The Gulag Archipelago, One Day in the Life of Ivan DenisovichAuthor: Aleksandr SolzhenitsynGuest: Jesan Sorrells ---Time-Stamped Overview---Welcome and Introduction - 1:00The Gulag Archipelago - 2:0005:07 Nighttime arrests and their rituals14:39 Books on freedom of speech20:28 Outlawing political parties and arrests27:37 Jordan Peterson on Solzhenitsyn30:12 Early Soviet class warfare ideals36:22 Importance of Protecting Free Speech41:14 Shukov's survival tactics46:50 Leadership and emotional intelligence55:35 Freedom of speech and censorship59:47 Arrest and accusations of treason01:06:06 The power of social proof01:12:56 The role of truth in society01:17:20 Importance of Cultural Confidence01:21:42 Importance of Diverse Viewpoints01:22:00 Staying on the Leadership Path with The Gulag Archipelago, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

May 26, 202610 min

Resacralizing the Profane World

Leaders, it's time to start performing the long, hard work of resacralizing the Western world. ---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

May 20, 20261 hr 42 min

Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion w/ Nicky Billou & Jesan Sorrells

Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion  ---Exploring Joan Didion's classic Slouching Towards Bethlehem, hosts delve into the unraveling of American culture, the evolution of masculine-coded communication in leadership, and strategies for grounding meaning and tradition in turbulent times. Special guest Nikki Ballou joins Hasan Sorrells to discuss the importance of personal reflection, myth-making in modern culture, and practical steps for rebuilding trust and community in a fragmented world.Book Title: Slouching Towards BethlehemAuthor: Joan DidionGuest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Nicky Billou (Guest Co-Host)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Introducing: Slouching Towards Bethlehem11:40 Discussing Click Clack Moo 17:06 John Wayne's strong presence18:44 Discussing masculine communication styles28:32 Challenges in modern communication29:59 Analyzing a successful campaign strategy37:25 Comparing Dana White to John Ford44:05 Dana White's narrative strategy49:54 Interviewing in a New York blizzard51:06 Critique of Didion's solipsism57:52 Solzhenitsyn's observations on the Gulag01:03:15 Starting a religious journey01:10:59 Walking your own path01:13:59 Planning next season's book list01:23:22 Discussing the impact of Haight Ashbury01:24:50 Reflecting on 1960s counterculture01:33:12 Critique of progressivism and socialism01:34:56 Discussing Trump's impact on America01:40:27 Staying on the Path with Slouching Towards Bethlehem.---Connect with Nicky Billou everywhere:Books: https://www.amazon.com/Thought-Leaders-Journey-Fable-Life/dp/179219384X/Podcast: https://www.thethoughtleaderrevolution.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickybillou/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicky.billou/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickybillou/ ---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

May 19, 20266 min

Books Smuggle Ideas Across Time

Books smuggle ideas across time. ---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

May 13, 20261 hr 29 min

A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells

A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells---Delving into Joan Didion’s A Book of Common Prayer, Jesan Sorrells and guest Tom Libby analyze the intersections of perception, privilege, and empathy within leadership. They discuss the pitfalls of solipsism, the evolving role of journalistic language, and how understanding regional and cultural context is essential for authentic engagement. The conversation expands to address practical empathy in business, the impact of technology on communication, and the necessity of fostering grounded values at home and in organizations.Book Title: A Book of Common PrayerAuthor: Joan DidionGuest: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Tom Libby (Co-Host)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Introducing A Book of Common Prayer07:44 A challenging day so far12:28 Winning a Vogue essay contest19:28 Discussing an underrated author26:48 Discussing editors and literary history30:45 Discussing LLMs and word precision36:26 Charlotte at Boca Grande airport39:28 Joan Didion and Central American conflicts44:03 Objective reporting in conflict zones53:59 WNBA pay and revenue discussion58:28 Nature versus nurture discussion01:01:57 Self-improvement and career inspiration01:05:51 Money's Impact on Boca Grande01:14:35 Discussing sympathy versus empathy01:21:43 Discussion on failed assassination attempt01:25:31 Business lessons from the book01:27:57 Ending the conversation---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

May 12, 202612 min

Solipsism at the Center of the Modern Mind

Leaders, the scourge of our time, is one Joan Didion spotted, because it lay deep within herself. ---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

May 6, 20261 hr 42 min

The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells

The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells---Explore how Eudora Welty’s The Optimist’s Daughter delves into themes of grief, regional identity, and the challenge of preserving cultural memory in a rapidly globalizing world. Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby discuss the impact of community traditions, the evolving role of observation in literature, and the struggle to find objective meaning amid today’s digital noise. They highlight the contrast between sincere storytelling and modern content creation, drawing leadership lessons from Welty’s keen insight into relationships and local culture.Book Title: The Optimist’s DaughterAuthor: Eudora WeltyGuests: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Tom Libby(Co-Host)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 Exploring existential themes in media10:46 Discussing a lesser-known author14:13 Discussing influential female authors21:13 Discussing African American Identity24:16 Global access to regional language28:08 Taylor Sheridan and rural storytelling36:00 Future writers' digital observations41:56 Funeral and community support46:31 Laurel's perspective and social commentary53:22 Discussing early misconceptions of truth58:02 Muddied information and confusion01:04:35 Boxer confronts online critic01:09:58 Handling past failures in marketing01:11:41 Lessons in leadership and kindness01:15:56 Losing traditional learning methods01:22:08 Star Wars fandom and cultural shifts01:30:00 Generational conflicts and technology gaps01:35:42 Observing before taking action01:38:14 Concluding a discussion without resolution---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ---

May 5, 202611 min

Leadership Values

Leaders, we are in the midst of a cultural transition as we head into a generational Spring.---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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