The Daily LEAD

Hosted by Brad Otto

Business Education Health Fitness

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Episodes

349

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A leadership podcast for any leader who is passionate about leadership development and self-care, and relationships. It consists of two segments a week: Mental Health Mondays, and Everyday Leaders on Thursdays.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 10, 2026Episode 60124 min

Episode 601 The Hidden: You Don't Know What You Don't Know

What if one of the greatest dangers in leadership is what you don’t know? As we begin a new season, we’re turning to the leadership lessons found inside one of the most creative organizations in the world: Pixar. Drawing from Ed Catmull’s Creativity, Inc. , this episode explores his powerful warning: “If you don’t strive to uncover what is unseen and understand its nature, you will be ill prepared to lead.” We’ll talk about leadership blind spots, why success can sometimes hide dysfunction, how our position can actually limit what we see, and why the people closest to the work may understand things we don’t. Great leaders don’t assume they have the whole picture—they stay curious enough to ask, “What am I not seeing?”

August 20, 2026Episode 56139 min

Episode 561 When The Church Gets In the Way

What happens when the systems we build to support the mission of the church actually begin getting in the way of it? In this episode, Pastor Brad sits down with Pastor Ryan Dockery for an honest conversation sparked by a provocative reflection on some of the systemic challenges facing organized Christianity. From our obsession with bigger and better to celebrity leadership, constant programming, institutional self-preservation, image management, and the difference between activity and genuine community, we wrestle with some uncomfortable questions about the church we love. This isn’t an anti-church conversation—it’s a conversation born out of a desire for the church to become more faithful to its calling. What if instead of asking only whether our churches are growing, we started asking whether the people within them are actually being transformed?

August 17, 2026Episode 56017 min

Episode 560 Be a Goldfish: When Your Brain Won’t Let It Go

Ever replay a five-minute conversation for the next five hours? Inspired by Ted Lasso’s advice to “be a goldfish,” this Mental Health Monday explores why our brains get stuck replaying mistakes, rejection, and difficult moments—and how to take the lesson without carrying the shame. We’ll talk rumination, parenting, leadership, relationships, and four practical ways to help your brain finally move forward.

August 13, 2026Episode 55925 min

Episode 559 The Leader Who Makes Others Matter

What if the greatest measure of your leadership isn’t the impact you make, but the impact others discover they can make because of you? Inspired by a powerful insight from Vanessa Van Edwards at the Global Leadership Summit, this episode explores the difference between being the leader everyone needs and becoming the leader who empowers others to lead. We’ll talk about trust, giving away ownership, asking better questions, and why great leadership isn’t about becoming the most important person in the room—it’s about creating a room full of people who know they matter.

August 10, 2026Episode 55819 min

Believe — Finding Hope When You Can’t See What Comes Next

What do you hold on to when life hasn’t given you much reason to believe things will get better? Inspired by Ted Lasso’s simple message to “Believe,” this episode explores realistic hope, the psychology behind it, why stress can make possibilities harder to see, and how parents, leaders, and helpers can keep moving forward without pretending everything is okay.

August 6, 2026Episode 55715 min

Episode 557 Honoring Tradition While Innovating The Method

How do we honor our history while still trying to reach a changing world? How do we preserve our mission without becoming captive to our methods? This episode explores why innovation isn't the enemy of tradtion, why healthy organizations distinguish between mission and method, and how leaders can faithfully guide change while honoring the traditional foundation.

August 3, 2026Episode 55616 min

Episode 556 Curiosity Creates Connection

What if one question could change your relationships? This week, we're exploring the powerful quote, "Be curious, not judgmental," and how choosing curiosity over assumptions can strengthen leadership, parenting, counseling, and everyday relationships. We'll discuss the neuroscience behind judgment, why our brains jump to conclusions, and practical ways to create more empathy and connection in a divided world.

July 31, 2026Episode 55517 min

Episode 555 Leadership and Hard Conversations

In this episode we explore having those difficult conversations. The ones we want to avoid. These conversations are never easy, but leaders owe people honesty, clarity, and dignity regardless. In this episode we will explore why avoiding these conversations often creates greater harm, how honesty can be an act of compassion, and how courageous leaders speak the truth.

July 27, 2026Episode 55426 min

Episode 554 Back-to-School Anxiety Starts Earlier Than You Think

School may not have started yet, but your brain already knows change is coming. In this episode, we explore why back-to-school anxiety often begins weeks before the first bell rings. Learn the neuroscience behind anticipatory anxiety, practical ways to calm your nervous system, and encouragement for teachers, school counselors, school leaders, parents, and helpers entering a new season with confidence and compassion.

July 23, 2026Episode 55315 min

Episode 553 Why Relationships Matter

In this episode we continue to look at leadership lessons from Bob Iger and his book "The Ride of a Lifetime". Today we discuss the importance of relationships in leadership. For pastors and nonprofit leaders, this lesson carries special weight. Leadership can be isolating, and without healthy relationships, leaders often find themselves exhausted, disconnected, and vulnerable to burnout. This episode explores why trust is the foundation of leadership, how relationships move vision forward, and why investing in people is never a distraction from the mission—it is part of the mission.