Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders

Hosted by Mike LeJeune

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118

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Sep 2026

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About the show

The show for leaders who care about having an engaged, purpose driven workforce. Gallop surveys show that in today's economy 75% of the workforce feels disengaged. Learn from Interviews with industry leaders who understand the importance of how engaged employees impact culture, drive productivity and ignite their teams.

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September 10, 2026Episode 7853 min

Flawless Leadership: How Fighter Pilots Close the Execution Gap

What can fighter pilots teach business leaders about clarity, decision-making and execution under pressure? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, Mike Lejeune sits down with Christian "Boo" Boucousis, former fighter pilot and CEO of Afterburner, to explore flawless leadership, high-performance teams and how leaders can close the execution gap. Boo explains why effective leadership is not about perfect plans or controlling every outcome. It is about staying clear on the mission, focusing on what you can control and adapting as reality changes. Mike and Boo discuss the difference between linear and iterative thinking, why leaders get trapped by busyness and information overload and how clarity becomes even more important in fast-moving environments. A major part of the conversation focuses on debriefing as a leadership development tool. Boo explains why a good debrief is not about blame. It is about understanding what happened, identifying the cause of the gap and deciding what to do differently next time. They also explore emotional intelligence, self-awareness, bias and the growing impact of AI on leadership and decision-making. As leaders gain access to more information and technology, Boo argues that unclear objectives and weak thinking will become easier to expose. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why clarity is one of a leader's most important responsibilities • What flawless leadership means when perfection is impossible • How fighter pilots use iterative thinking • Why teams need to "own the gaps" • How debriefing builds accountability without defensiveness • Why busyness can become a leadership trap • How emotional intelligence and bias affect decision-making • Why leaders need to build capability instead of control everything • How AI may reshape leadership and execution If you lead a team, manage change or are responsible for turning strategy into results, this conversation offers practical ideas for improving clarity, accountability and execution. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Significance of Names 01:12 Diversity and Influence of Houston 02:36 Podcast Production and Book Writing 03:40 Leadership and Mission 06:04 The Story Behind Boo's Call Sign 11:08 Flawless Leadership and Iterative Thinking 14:25 Leadership Challenges and Cognitive Bandwidth 16:15 Clarity and Owning the Gaps 18:31 Fighter Pilot Perspective and AI 22:25 AI, Leadership and Decision-Making 24:20 Emotional Intelligence and Leadership 26:07 Humanity and Bias 28:17 Leadership and Human Behavior 31:17 Debriefing and Growth Mindset 33:25 Building Leadership Capability 35:18 How Debriefing Works 41:02 Facilitating Better Debriefs 44:26 Debriefing Without Blame 53:18 Balancing Future, Present and Past 56:20 Flawless Leadership Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis/ https://afterburner.com/ Learn more about Mike Lejeune and Lighting the Path: https://lightingthepath.net/

August 25, 2026Episode 7743 min

Leadership Self-Awareness: How Your Behavior Under Pressure Affects Your Team

How does your leadership style change when you're frustrated, and what does your team experience on the other side of you? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders , Mike Lejeune talks with executive coach, speaker and Oxley Group founder Andrew Oxley about leadership self-awareness, communication and the behaviors that shape employee engagement and team performance. Andrew explains the Four Faces of Frustration, a behavioral model based on DiSC that helps leaders recognize how different people respond to pressure. The conversation explores emotional intelligence, leadership communication, supportive leadership without coddling, giving effective feedback and the shift from doing the work yourself to coaching others to think and perform. Mike and Andrew also discuss why leaders can become the "lid" on organizational growth, how to break through the "ceiling of complexity" and why leaders need to eliminate, simplify, delegate and automate when they feel stretched too thin. They close with practical perspectives on leading younger generations and using AI as a thought partner without allowing it to do your thinking for you. If you want to become a more self-aware leader, communicate more effectively and create an environment where people can grow and perform, listen to or watch the full conversation. Connect with Andrew Oxley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oxley-tog/ Learn more about The Oxley Group: https://transformingresults.com/

August 14, 2026Episode 7634 min

The Quality of Engagement: How Relationships Shape Performance

What separates high-performing teams from teams that simply get the work done? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders , we explore how leadership development, self-awareness and employee engagement shape team performance and workplace culture. The conversation looks at how stronger relationships, better communication and greater self-awareness can help leaders build high-performing teams that are both productive and sustainable. Guest Introduction Curtis Sprouse is the CEO and president of Eureka Connect. With a background in finance, accounting and organizational leadership, Curtis has spent years working with behavioral science and behavioral data to help leaders better understand why people act and react the way they do. His work focuses on leadership development, communication, self-awareness and improving team performance. What You'll Learn About Leadership, Engagement and Team Performance If you're trying to improve employee engagement, strengthen workplace culture or build a high-performing team without becoming the leader who has to solve every problem, this conversation is for you. Curtis and Mike discuss why great leaders teach people to think instead of telling them what to think, how self-awareness affects communication and why a team can deliver strong results without actually being a healthy team. You'll also hear how behavioral data can support leadership development, why trust and relationships influence team performance and what leaders can do to create stronger employee engagement. If you lead people, develop leaders or want to build a healthier workplace culture, you'll leave with practical ideas you can apply to your team.

May 6, 2026Episode 7555 min

The Mindset That Changes Everything

The conversation explores the concept of mindset and its impact on health, wellness, and business success. It delves into the power of belief, visualization, and effort in shaping outcomes. The discussion also touches on the role of positivity, energy, and alignment in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. The conversation covers topics such as overcoming fear, taking risks, building confidence, and the importance of physical training for mental edge. It also delves into the power of mindset, gratitude, and the impact of a healthy routine on overall well-being. About the Guest: Dan Staggs is the founding partner of iMatch, a premier executive search and recruiting firm serving the technology and financial sectors. He is also the founder of Stags Performance, where he focuses on mindset, wellness, performance optimization, and helping others create sustainable systems for health, discipline, and high performance. Dan’s personal journey through major health challenges reshaped his perspective on leadership, energy, resilience, and the connection between physical wellness and mental performance. His passion today is helping others unlock greater clarity, focus, discipline, and purpose in both business and life. Takeaways Mindset is the foundation that drives everything in life. Effort and belief in oneself are key to achieving success. Alignment, energy, and intuition play a significant role in shaping outcomes. Overcoming fear and taking risks The power of mindset and gratitude Chapters 00:00 The Power of Mindset 21:34 Navigating Business Challenges with Mindset 36:51 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks 42:39 The Importance of Physical Training for Mental Edge 50:12 The Power of Mindset and Gratitude Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danstaggs/ Learn more about iMatch: https://www.imatch.com/

April 21, 2026Episode 7440 min

Why Most Leaders Fail at Change (And What to Do Instead)

The conversation explores the theme of change management and its impact on individuals and organizations. It delves into the challenges of change, the importance of psychological safety, and the need for effective leadership during change. Naomi Hardy shares her insights on the dynamics of change and the role of leaders in championing change. Takeaways Change is an experience that people go through, and understanding the cycles of change can help reduce feelings of isolation and resistance. Psychological safety is crucial in creating an environment where individuals feel safe to think and speak differently, fostering engagement and productivity during change. Effective change management requires a marriage of process and behaviors, with a focus on understanding the impact of change on individuals and the organization. Chapters 00:00 The Dynamics of Change 07:40 Change Leadership and People Management 19:40 Unique Challenges in Offshore Work Environments 30:53 Psychological Safety and Engagement 38:15 Measuring the Impact of Change Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomijhardy/ Learn more about Dunamis: https://dunamischange.com/

August 28, 2019Episode 1130 min

011: How Do You Unlock Success?

No matter what your productivity has been year-to-date, the last months of the year will define your productivity. It can be filled with great achievement, momentum-building activities to finish the year strong and lay groundwork for launching the new year. Are you focused on the key results you want to achieve? Are you committed to making them a reality? Are you willing to grade how successful you were?

November 24, 202527 min

Building a Business in Uncertain Times: KPIs, Mindset, and Follow-Through

In a world where the word most leaders use is "uncertain," what does it really take to build something that lasts? In this episode, Mike talks with Sarah Englade , Founder and CEO of Monarch Talent Solutions , about launching and growing a recruiting firm in 2020—when companies were laying people off, not hiring. Sarah shares how a COVID layoff pushed her to bet on herself, why KPIs and processes are non-negotiable, and how she built a relationship-first recruiting brand in a noisy, skeptical market. They dig into the mindset shifts that separate entrepreneurs who keep going from those who quietly quit, the role of belief when the numbers aren't there yet, and how time blocking keeps you out of "tension-relieving" activity and focused on what truly moves the ball. If you're leading a business, a team, or your own career through uncertainty, this conversation gives you practical handles—not theories—you can put to work this week. Highlights How a COVID layoff became the catalyst for Sarah to launch Monarch Talent Solutions The difference between working in KPI-driven environments vs. "no metrics, total chaos" Why Sarah "lives for KPIs and processes" and how they actually protect culture and standards The candidate and client follow-through processes that turn transactions into long-term relationships Building a credible brand without "infomercial" content or constant self-promotion Using market intel and real conversations to position yourself as a trusted guide The biggest early hurdle: mindset, not circumstance How time blocking keeps you out of the swirl and focused on goal-achieving work Starting each day with the task you least want to do — and why that moves the needle most Next Steps for Listeners Audit your KPIs: Ask yourself, "What are the 3–5 activities that actually drive results for my team or business?" Turn those into visible, trackable KPIs. Design one follow-through process: Choose either candidates, clients, or customers and map a simple sequence: How often will you touch them? Through which channels? What value will you bring each time? Time block your week: Take Sarah's playbook and dedicate specific days or blocks to different priorities (e.g., candidates early in the week, business development later). Start tomorrow with the hard thing: Before you end your day, write down the one task you're resisting — and commit to tackling it first thing. Connect with Sarah: Reach out to Sarah Englade on LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-englade/) or email her at sarah@monarchtalentsolutions.com if you want to go deeper on recruiting, branding, or building a relationship-first search firm. Stay in the conversation: Follow Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders and share this episode with another entrepreneur or leader who's navigating uncertainty right now

May 12, 2025Episode 5823 min

Part II: From Fear to Feedback: Rewiring Your Team's Communication DNA

Mike and Stephen dive deeper into what makes a team consistently excel. They explore why humility is such a powerful trait in a leader and how staying curious can unlock new ideas from your team. Stephen shares how genuine listening – not just hearing words – builds trust and uncovers issues leaders might otherwise miss. The discussion shifts to the art of asking great questions. Stephen explains that sometimes posing the right question can lead your team to find the answer themselves, which empowers everyone. They also talk about getting your whole team involved in problem-solving, instead of the leader tackling every challenge alone. Throughout the conversation, Stephen highlights the often underestimated impact of appreciation. He reveals how something as simple as a heartfelt "thank you" can energize your team and motivate people to go the extra mile. It's a down-to-earth, insight-packed conversation that leaves you with practical ideas you can start using with your own team right away. Highlights The surprising way humility makes a team perform better How a leader's genuine curiosity can spark creativity in their team What "listening like a leader" really means in practice Why asking questions often works better than giving your team answers Engaging your team in problem-solving instead of tackling every issue alone A fresh take on showing appreciation – how a sincere thank-you boosts morale Key Takeaways Embrace humility: Admit you don't have all the answers and ask your team for input. Stay curious: Keep asking "why?" and learning from your team members every day. Listen actively: Give your full attention, and ask follow-up questions to truly understand your people. Ask rather than tell: Guide your team with thoughtful questions instead of just issuing orders. Solve problems together: Involve your team in brainstorming solutions to build buy-in and confidence. Show genuine appreciation: Let people know you value their work – small thank-yous go a long way. Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevengaffneycompany/

May 6, 2025Episode 5824 min

Part I: From Fear to Feedback: Rewiring Your Team's Communication DNA

In Part 1 of Mike Lejeune's interview with Stephen Gaffney on Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, they delve into what it takes to build a consistently high-achieving team. Stephen emphasizes that trust and honest communication are essential for great teamwork. He and Mike discuss how leaders can create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns and real feedback—without fear. Stephen explains that when people feel emotionally safe, they're more likely to speak up about problems and contribute ideas, which ultimately drives better results. In fact, he shares a story of a struggling team that turned their performance around once they made open, honest conversations a daily habit. Another key theme of this episode is the importance of focusing on outcomes instead of just effort. Stephen challenges leaders to rethink how they define success: it's not about how hard people try, but what they actually accomplish. He offers practical tips for shifting a team's mindset toward results, like setting clear goals and rewarding achievements. Throughout the conversation, you'll hear real-world examples and simple strategies that any leader can use to boost trust, encourage open dialogue, and keep their team focused on what really matters. Highlights Why people don't tell the truth at work: Stephen shares the top reason and how to fix it A team transformed: How a struggling team turned around once honest feedback became the norm Results vs. effort: The culture shift that happens when you reward outcomes instead of hours worked Inviting tough feedback: Stephen's tips for making it safe for your team to speak up (even with bad news) No more "shooting the messenger": What to do as a leader when you hear uncomfortable truths Consistency in performance: Why high-achieving teams focus on repeated wins, not one-off successes Key Takeaways Create psychological safety for honesty. Teams perform best when people feel safe to speak up with the truth. Measure success by results, not effort. Emphasize outcomes achieved instead of hours spent or "trying hard." Invite candid feedback often. Regularly ask your team for honest input and listen without getting defensive. Lead by example. Admit your own mistakes and share your honest thoughts respectfully – it sets the tone for everyone else. Make accountability a team effort. Encourage team members to hold each other responsible for results, not just rely on the boss. Focus on solutions, not blame. When things go wrong, discuss how to improve and reach the goal next time rather than pointing fingers. Connect with Steven Gaffney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevengaffneycompany/ Your Free Leadership Gravitational Pull Assessment: https://stevengaffney.com/leadership-gravitational-pull/

July 3, 2024Episode 4323 min

Part I: The Heart of Leadership: Purpose and Influence with Jim Juling

In this insightful episode, host Mike Lejeune engages in a deep conversation with Jim Huling, renowned author, speaker, and leadership expert. They explore the profound impact of leadership on personal and professional growth, highlighting the significance of effective communication, the shift from authority-based leadership to engagement-based leadership, and the importance of fostering a sense of purpose among team members. Show Notes: 00:42 Introduction to Jim Huling 2:50 The Influence of Leadership on Success 03:45 Current Leadership Challenges 05:45 Shift from Authority to Engagement 09: 40 Creating a Sense of Value and Purpose 11:50 Effective Listening and Communication 20:44 Personal Growth and Legacy Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhuling/ #Leadership #LeadershipTips #ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #EffectiveCommunication #LeadershipSkills #TeamLeadership #CareerAdvice #LeadershipChallenges #GrowthMindset