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Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Hosted by Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 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.

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60 recent
August 5, 20262 hr 36 min

The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare w/John Hill and Jesan Sorrells

The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare w/John Hill and Jesan Sorrells---Unpacking Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Coriolanus, this episode draws out timeless leadership insights on integrity, social hierarchies, and the tension between individual values and the demands of the group. The hosts explore how Coriolanus’ unwavering personal code clashes with political and social expectations, what the play reveals about family as the first organizational structure, and why the forces of social conformity remain so powerful for modern leaders. The discussion also connects classic themes to today’s leadership challenges, including sales management, organizational power, and navigating cultural shifts in a digitized world.Play Title: The Tragedy of CoriolanusAuthor: William ShakespeareHosts: Jesan Sorrells (Host); John Hill aka Small Mountain (Co-host)---Time-Stamps:---00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare 02:49 Information overload and war reporting.10:39 European history and colonization context of Coriolanus.25:35 Shakespeare's portrayal of motherhood in Coriolanus.35:15 Discussing a sales coach's priorities.44:53 Historical view on war from Coriolanus as opportunity.55:22 Coriolanus's pride and public perception.01:10:39 Challenges in sales and marketing ethics.01:18:22 Realizing the value of partnership.01:29:00 Redefining the employee-supervisor relationship.01:38:05 Dealing with manipulative conversations.01:49:55 Conversations on genuine apologies.02:02:21 Discussing Volumnia from Coriolanus.02:10:34 Finding Your Own Community.02:28:00 Discussing salesperson job interviews.02:29:48 Encouraging kids to ask why.---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 ★

July 29, 20262 hr 5 min

The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare w/Katie Mestres & Jesan Sorrells

The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare w/Katie Mestres & Jesan Sorrells---Exploring William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this episode examines the enduring power of tragic storytelling in leadership and culture. The conversation focused on why Macbeth continues to resonate with modern audiences, the complexities of Lady Macbeth’s ambition and gender roles, and how marriage dynamics shape decision-making under pressure. Key themes include the absence of redemption in tragedy, lessons for leaders about ambition and balance, and the timeless human struggle to make meaning from adversity.Book: MacbethAuthor: William ShakespeareGuest: Jesan Sorrells (Host) Katie Mestres (Guest)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Battle update for King Duncan06:33 Exploring Macbeth's tragedy and relevance today11:17 Analyzing A.C. Bradley's perspective on Macbeth17:47 Modern interpretation of Macbeth's design and themes26:29 Modernizing Shakespeare for Today's Audience31:43 Shakespeare's Role in Historical Popular Entertainment37:50 Lady Macbeth learns of the prophecy43:55 Lady Macbeth and expectations of women leaders48:04 Lady Macbeth's challenge to gender norms51:35 Discussing European History and Enlightenment Origins01:00:10 Lady Macbeth, gender roles, and ambition01:05:56 Exploring Enlightenment ideas and assumptions01:10:31 Struggling with narrative amid tragedy---ResourcesFeatured Book: William Shakespeare: A Brief Life by Paul Menzer.The best primer for understanding the man behind the plays. 37:01Performance Picks:Macbeth (dir. Justin Kurzel; Michael Fassbender & Marion Cotillard). Available on Amazon Prime.BBC Macbeth (David Tennant)---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 ★

July 22, 20261 hr 30 min

The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - What Lies at the Bottom of Our Constitutional Order w/Dorollo Nixon

The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - What Lies at the Bottom of Our Constitutional Order w/Dorollo Nixon---Jesan Sorrells and Dorollo Nixon, Jr. examine the foundational debates framing citizenship, rights, and law in the United States through readings from The Federalist Papers and recent (2026) Supreme Court case analysis. They discuss the evolving meanings of “a more perfect union,” birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age, and the challenges of culture and authority facing contemporary American leadership. Supreme Court rulings on mass migration, surveillance, and biological reality take center stage as turning points shaping the future of the republic and the prospects for building strong, resilient communities.Book Title: The Federalist PapersAuthor: Alexander Hamilton (and others)Guest Names: Jesan Sorrells, Dorollo Nixon, Jr.---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Federal government's defense authority - Federalist No.23 05:31 Founders' views on human nature11:34 Birthright citizenship and legal debates20:44 Discussing elite influence on legislation26:21 Justice Jackson's modern writing style30:38 Discussing Virginia Convention Amendments35:27 Discussion on privacy rights43:59 Justice Frankfurter's memoirs discussion49:47 Discussing crime and lack of protests52:08 Artificial intelligence and tech giants01:01:16 Judicial tenure and good behavior01:03:43 Discussing Supreme Court cases and biological reality01:08:41 Worldviews and legislative influence01:16:14 Christian communities and leadership dynamics01:22:57 Social media spectacle and republic concerns01:29:37 Building Community and Support Systems01:30:40 Discussing what America is not---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 ★

July 17, 20261 hr 8 min

The Odyssey by Homer translation by T.E. Shaw (Lawrence of Arabia) w/Jesan Sorrells

The Odyssey by Homer, translation by T.E. Shaw (Lawrence of Arabia) w/Jesan Sorrells---Examining Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, this episode dives into timeless leadership lessons for modern managers and entrepreneurs. The conversation focused on the decline from heroic responsibility to entitlement in Western culture, the enduring value of facing challenges head-on, and the need for leaders to reclaim meaning by embracing tradition and personal accountability. Insights from translator T.E. Lawrence’s life and work sharpen the discussion on navigating today’s cultural shifts with courage and clarity.Book Title: The OdysseyAuthor: Homer (T.E. Lawrence translation)Guest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 Critique of modern society's values07:01 Public institutions and heroism decline15:33 Odysseus receives gifts and journey22:31 Understanding the author's limitations24:43 Lawrence of Arabia's wartime role31:21 Odysseus arrives at the Cyclops' island40:29 Blinding the Cyclops42:19 Impact of Nietzschean philosophy49:27 Odysseus doubts he's home57:33 Understanding the Odyssey's broader impact01:01:10 Lessons for leaders from The Odyssey01:06:50 Conclusion and book promotion---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 ★ ---

July 15, 20261 hr 45 min

Project Hail Mary, Masters of the Universe and Sunsetting the Dark Knight w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells

Project Hail Mary, Masters of the Universe, and Sunsetting the Dark Knight w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells--- Explore the cultural impact and evolution of superhero films as Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby compare the archetypes of Batman and Superman, analyze changing generational tastes in cinema, and dig into new millennial-focused heroic narratives in movies like Project Hail Mary and Masters of the Universe. They discuss the importance of sincerity in modern heroism, debate whether Gen X or Millennial values dominate current film, and reflect on the future of movie storytelling in the age of AI and streaming. This lively, in-depth conversation connects film trends to broader cultural and generational shifts, offering fresh insight for leaders and movie-lovers alike.Book & Film Titles Discussed:The Dark Knight Returns by Frank MillerProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirWatchmen by Alan MooreMasters of the Universe (film adaptation)Superman (various film adaptations)Guests:Jesan Sorrells - HostTom Libby - Co-Host---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Batman films' evolution and iconic portrayals.05:48 Lessons from Writing and Collaboration.14:27 Movie acting, script quality and its Discontents.15:57 On Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, and the Hulk on TV.26:01 Exploring Batman's psychological motivations.31:48 The Dark Knight's billion-dollar cultural impact.35:50 Choosing superheroes for problem-solving skills.40:17 Evaluating Superman Returns vs. Man of Steel.46:03 Comparing Superman and Batman personalities.51:55 Superman's logical consistency and character integrity.55:21 Watching Project: Hail Mary again with kids.01:02:25 Millennials and Gen Z are now driving film culture.01:06:53 Method acting and its impact on actors.01:12:43 Millennial cynicism and need for sincerity.01:19:58 Evolution of hero archetypes in cinema.01:25:55 Generational differences in workplace expectations.01:29:11 Impact of the Internet on generational culture and tech.01:33:42 Staying on the Leadership Path - With Movies! ---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 ★ ---

July 10, 202626 min

The Coming Millennial Superhero

Millennials are beginning to be heroic at the movies. ---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 ★

July 4, 202617 min

The Declaration of Independence by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, July 4, 1776

The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, July 4, 1776.---Music: Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa, Performed by European Archive (https://musopen.org/)---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 ★

July 1, 20261 hr 50 min

The Declaration of Independence at 250 w/Dorollo Nixon, Jr. and Jesan Sorrells

The Declaration of Independence at 250 w/Dorollo Nixon, Jr. and Jesan Sorrells---In this special 250th anniversary episode, Jesan Sorrells and Dorollo Nixon, Jr. dive into the enduring leadership lessons from the U.S. Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson and the Founding Fathers. They debate whether the U.S. is now in its “sixth republic,” explore the generational and ideological shifts shaping America’s future, and analyze how the founding document’s principles, evidence, and vision still frame leadership in a turbulent political climate. The episode also discusses how changing expectations of government, evolving party structures, and generational archetypes will impact the next phase of the American experiment.Book Title: Declaration of IndependenceAuthor: Thomas Jefferson and the Founding FathersGuests: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Dorollo Nixon, Jr. (Guest)---Time-Stamped Overview----00:00 Reflecting on the Declaration's impact05:36 Discussing America's founding ideals16:02 Reflections on the American Republic17:57 Debate on America's Christian roots24:23 Post-Civil War Changes31:40 Discussion on a Sixth Republic35:11 Discussing America's new secular cycle41:43 Understanding Marxism and Modern Socialism45:28 Shift from Production to Discussion54:31 Discussing socialism in American politics55:43 Discussing political extremism and consequences01:02:13 Discussing socialism vs. capitalism movement01:07:09 Struggles of democratic leadership01:11:33 Comparing vision and embodiment01:16:47 Discussing political strategies01:26:50 Discussing Articles 6 and 1001:31:32 Discussing generational archetypes01:37:01 Analyzing crisis-driven constitutional change01:41:47 Third-party dynamics in US history01:45:02 Concerns about immigration and integration01:50:01 Influence of Wendell Berry----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 25, 202612 min

The Architecture of a Republic - American at 250

Leaders, never bet against the American people. ---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 24, 20261 hr 50 min

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo w/Jesan Sorrells & Libby Unger

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo w/Jesan Sorrells & Libby Unger---Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger explore Victor Hugo's masterpiece Les Misérables, examining its insights on moral authority, the impact of historical trauma, and the power of redemption in leadership. They discuss Hugo's romanticism, the enduring influence of French history on civic institutions, and how individual heroism still inspires contemporary audiences. The episode also draws parallels between Les Misérables' characters, modern social issues, and the necessity of aligning leadership values with virtuous action.Book Title: Les MisérablesAuthor: Victor HugoGuests: Jesan Sorrells, Libby Unger---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Introduction to a Classic Book06:31 Discovering French history through Les Mis13:15 European influence and historical trends17:10 Victor Hugo's impact on France26:14 Moral authority in leaders and characters27:34 Ben Hur and themes of revenge36:57 Monsignor Bienvenue's isolating virtue42:19 Life after prison struggles42:58 The power of small kindnesses49:50 Perceptions of America through the FIFA World Cup (2026)58:02 Discussing political candidates' solutions59:35 Consequences in a democratic republic01:07:35 Populism and public sacrifice01:12:55 Valjean's transformation through grace01:17:16 Reflections on Waterloo's aftermath01:23:54 Impact of Waterloo on French psyche01:28:57 Napoleon crowns himself emperor01:33:13 Understanding homelessness as a human issue01:39:34 Discussing poverty in Les Misérables01:45:57 Unexpected performance sparks epiphany01:48:24 Lessons on being heroic---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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