The Frustrated CEO

Hosted by Patrick Lyons, Patsy Feeman & Leb Tannenbaum

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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Being a CEO is a balancing act. You carry the weight of big decisions, yet hold the power to shape your company’s future. How you lead matters just as much as what you do — and having a clear roadmap can make all the difference. The Frustrated CEO Podcast is your guide on that journey. Each episode dives into proven strategies, processes, and systems to help you boost influence, take confident action, and achieve meaningful success — both professionally and personally. We explore leadership challenges, share actionable insights, and offer practical tools to help you elevate your game while enhancing your well-being. Want to share your leadership experience as a guest? Email us at anya@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com — we’d love to have a friendly conversation and highlight your insights for our audience.

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60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 11349 min

The Avoider vs. The Pleaser | The Hidden Dynamic Killing Your Team’s Execution Pt. 5 | #113

Send us Fan Mail The Silence That Kills Execution | The Avoider vs. The Pleaser In the workplace, silence can be more dangerous than disagreement. In this episode of The Frustrated CEO Podcast, Patrick and Patsy explore two hidden workplace dynamics that quietly undermine leadership, communication, and execution: The Avoider and The Pleaser. The Avoider stays quiet to escape discomfort. The Pleaser says yes to preserve approval. While their behaviors look different, they often lead to the same dangerous outcome: important information goes unsaid, false alignment takes hold, and teams struggle to execute effectively. The challenge for leaders is that these dynamics are easy to miss. Meetings appear productive. Everyone seems aligned. Decisions get made. But beneath the surface, people may be withholding concerns, avoiding difficult conversations, or agreeing to commitments they don't truly support. Patrick and Patsy unpack how these patterns show up at work, why they can go unnoticed, and what leaders can do to build a culture where people feel safe enough to speak honestly—even when the truth is uncomfortable. In this episode, we explore: The Avoider: Why people stay silent rather than risk discomfort or conflict. The Pleaser: Why people say yes when they actually have doubts or concerns. False alignment: How apparent agreement creates problems for teams and business execution. The leadership blind spot: Why CEOs and managers may mistake silence for commitment. Building a culture of candor: How to encourage honest conversations, surface concerns, and address issues before they become bigger problems. The big takeaway Agreement doesn't always mean alignment, and silence doesn't mean everything is okay. Effective leadership isn't about getting everyone to say yes. It's about creating an environment where people can challenge assumptions, raise concerns, and speak up before misalignment damages results. If you're a CEO, founder, executive, or team leader who wants better communication, stronger accountability, and more effective execution, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself: Are the people on your team genuinely aligned—or simply avoiding discomfort and trying to keep everyone happy? If this conversation resonates with you, like the video, subscribe to The Frustrated CEO Podcast, and share your thoughts in the comments. What do you see more often in your organization: The Avoider or The Pleaser? 📲 Follow The Frustrated CEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #TheFrustratedCEO #Leadership #Execution #OrganizationalCulture #TeamLeadership #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #CEO #Management #BusinessPodcast The Frustrated CEO is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. #TheFrustratedCEOPodcast #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #WorkplaceCommunication #TeamPerformance Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

September 16, 2026Episode 11239 min

The Voice of the People: Who’s Really Speaking for the Team? | The Frustrated CEO | #112

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Frustrated CEO, we continue our Hidden Dynamics Killing Execution series by unpacking a common, and often overlooked, organizational dynamic: “The Voice of the People.” Who speaks for your team when leadership isn’t in the room? Every organization has someone who takes it upon themselves to tell leadership what “everyone” is thinking, feeling, or saying. Sometimes, this person is genuinely trying to help. They may care deeply about the team and believe they are providing leadership with valuable insight. But when this dynamic goes unchecked, it can create a very different outcome. Gossip can replace direct communication. Assumptions can become “facts.” Leaders can begin receiving filtered versions of what employees actually think, and team members may become increasingly comfortable communicating through a representative rather than having the conversations that need to happen directly. In Episode 112, we explore: What the “Voice of the People” dynamic looks like inside an organization. Why people step into this role, even when their intentions are good. How this behavior can unintentionally fuel gossip and distorted information. The impact it can have on trust, accountability, and execution. How leaders can recognize and redirect the behavior. Why employees may feel they need someone to speak for them. And the bigger leadership question: Why does your organization need a “Voice of the People” in the first place? If your organization relies on informal messengers, hallway conversations, or one person to tell leadership what the team “really thinks,” this episode is worth a listen. Strong execution requires more than getting people to communicate. It requires creating an environment where people feel safe, responsible, and empowered to communicate directly. 🎧 Listen now, and ask yourself: Is your “Voice of the People” helping your organization, or revealing a deeper leadership issue? 📲 Follow The Frustrated CEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #TheFrustratedCEO #Leadership #Execution #OrganizationalCulture #TeamLeadership #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #CEO #Management #BusinessPodcast The Frustrated CEO is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

August 18, 2026Episode 11141 min

Divide and Conquer: The Hidden Dynamic Killing Your Team’s Execution Pt. 3 | #111

Send us Fan Mail In Part 3 of our Hidden Dynamics That Are Killing Execution series, Patrick and Patsy uncover one of the most damaging relationship dynamics inside organizations: Divide and Conquer . When leaders and team members build alliances instead of alignment, teams become fragmented, trust erodes, and execution slows down. Meetings happen before the meeting, and again after the meeting, while people take sides instead of moving forward together. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: • Recognize the warning signs of divide-and-conquer dynamics • Understand how alliances can quietly undermine alignment • Break down silos and rebuild trust • Create real alignment across your team • Build a culture where people solve problems together instead of taking sides If your organization is struggling with stalled decisions, siloed teams, or conversations that happen everywhere except in the actual meeting, this episode is for you. The Frustrated CEO is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. #TheFrustratedCEOPodcast #Leadership #TeamAlignment #Execution #CompanyCulture #LeadershipDynamics #PatrickAndPatsy Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

July 29, 2026Episode 11042 min

Hidden Dynamics That Are Killing Execution Part 2: The Rescuer Leadership Trap | #110

Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of our series, Hidden Dynamics That Are Killing Execution, Patrick and Patsy unpack one of leadership's most overlooked patterns: The Rescuer. While rescuing often comes from a place of genuine care, it can quietly create dependency, stifle growth, and leave leaders exhausted. In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize this hidden dynamic, shift from solving every problem yourself, and build the capability your team needs to think critically and take ownership. Discover practical strategies to break the cycle of dependence, empower your people, and create the conditions for sustainable execution—without always having to step in and save the day. If you're a leader who wants to develop stronger, more self-sufficient teams, this conversation is for you. Topics covered: -The hidden cost of the Rescuer dynamic -Why good intentions can undermine execution -How to build capability instead of dependency -Practical ways to empower your team to solve problems independently 👍 If you found this episode valuable, like, subscribe, and share it with other leaders looking to build healthier, higher-performing teams. 📲 Follow The Frustrated CEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #TheFrustratedCEO #Leadership #Execution #OrganizationalCulture #TeamLeadership #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #CEO #Management #BusinessPodcast The Frustrated CEO is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

July 10, 2026Episode 10955 min

Hidden Dynamics That Are Killing Your Execution | The Frustrated CEO | #109

Send us Fan Mail Why do great strategies so often fail in execution? In this episode of The Frustrated CEO, Patrick and Patsy uncover the hidden dynamics that quietly derail teams, damage culture, and prevent organizations from achieving their goals. While many execution problems are blamed on processes or strategy, the real obstacles are often rooted in human behavior. They explore how both intentional and unintentional behaviors can undermine trust, weaken relationships, and create cultural patterns that make effective execution nearly impossible when left unaddressed. Patrick also shares why leadership begins with genuine care and concern for people—and how leaders who recognize and manage these hidden behaviors create healthier, higher-performing teams. You'll also hear why periods of growth don't create new problems—they expose the ones that have always been there, making self-awareness and intentional leadership more important than ever. In this episode, you'll learn: -Why execution problems often start with hidden team dynamics -How unmanaged behaviors quietly erode culture and performance -The leadership mindset that builds trust and accountability -Why growth exposes existing organizational issues -Practical insights for creating teams that execute with excellence If you're a CEO, business owner, or leader looking to improve execution and build a stronger culture, this episode is for you. 👍 Like this video, subscribe for more leadership insights, and share it with a leader who needs to hear this conversation. 📲 Follow The Frustrated CEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #TheFrustratedCEO #Leadership #Execution #OrganizationalCulture #TeamLeadership #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #CEO #Management #BusinessPodcast Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

June 23, 2026Episode 10833 min

Building The Team Your Future Requires | The Frustrated CEO | #108

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Frustrated CEO Podcast, Patrick and Patsy tackle a challenge they see in organizations of every size: leadership teams that are working hard together but aren't intentionally developing the leadership capacity needed for future growth. As organizations grow, existing leadership structures are often stretched beyond their limits, exposing gaps that can slow momentum and create frustration. Patrick and Patsy discuss why growth demands a different level of leadership, the importance of healthy conflict in building stronger teams, and how leaders can identify whether their current team is equipped for what's next. They also explore a critical question every leader should be asking: Do we have the leadership team needed for the organization we're trying to become? If you're leading a growing business and want to build a leadership team that can scale with your vision, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking discussion to help you prepare for the future. 📲 Follow The Frustrated CEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #Leadership #BusinessNetworking #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Entrepreneurship #CEO #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #Networking #FutureOfWork #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #TheFrustratedCEOPodcast Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

May 12, 2026Episode 1071 hr 13 min

Authentic Networking, AI & the Future of Leadership | Luis Carbo | The Frustrated CEO | #107

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ The Frustrated CEO Podcast | Episode 107 Authentic Networking, AI & the Future of Leadership with Luis Carbo In Episode 107 of The Frustrated CEO Podcast, Patrick and Patsy sit down with Luis Carbo of ProVisors to explore the growing disconnect in today’s hyperconnected world and why meaningful human connection is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage in business. This conversation dives into authentic networking, purpose-driven leadership, generational shifts in workplace culture, emotional intelligence, and the impact artificial intelligence is having on the future workforce. In this episode: • Authentic networking vs. transactional relationships • Leadership in the age of AI • The future of work and workplace culture • Generational communication differences • Emotional intelligence in leadership • Building meaningful business relationships • Why human connection still matters in a digital world • Purpose-driven leadership strategies for entrepreneurs and executives Whether you're an entrepreneur, CEO, executive leader, sales professional, or business owner, this episode delivers practical insights on leadership development, networking strategies, business growth, and navigating the rapidly changing business landscape. Connect with Luis Carbo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luiscarbo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luis.carbo.792066?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=159vSaEpXbgsyyTB&share_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252Fshare%252F1FzZWhkmK4%252F%253Fmibextid%253DwwXIfr&checkpoint_src=any Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luiscarbo76?igsh=dHh4cjJlc2hjYm01&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luiscarbo7?_r=1&_t=ZT-96AxIaTn7TZ Follow The Frustrated CEO Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #TheFrustratedCEOPodcast #Leadership #BusinessNetworking #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #CEO #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #BusinessGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

April 22, 2026Episode 10612 min

FROSTING MY COOKIES (Part 2): Why “Venting” Is Actually Killing Your Culture | The Frustrated CEO | 106

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to The Frustrated CEO with Patrick Lyons and Patsy Feeman—where we say the things leaders are thinking but don’t always say out loud. In this second edition of “Frosting My Cookies,” Patrick and Patsy dive into one of the most common (and accepted) workplace habits… that might actually be doing serious damage: 👉 “Venting.” It feels harmless. It even feels good in the moment. But what if venting is just gossip in disguise —and slowly destroying trust, accountability, and team culture? This episode gets real about the difference between healthy conflict and toxic divisiveness—and why most leaders are handling it wrong. In this episode: • Why venting is often just socially acceptable gossip • How “blowing off steam” creates division and erodes trust • The difference between conflict (healthy) and divisiveness (destructive) • What leaders should do when employees come to “vent” • How avoiding hard conversations damages culture long-term • Why taking personal responsibility is the real leadership move Key Takeaway: Venting might feel good in the moment—but it solves nothing. Real leadership means stepping up, owning the conversation, and addressing issues directly. 🔥 If you’ve ever: Complained about a coworker to someone else Felt frustrated but avoided the real conversation Seen gossip quietly damage a team …this episode will hit home. 📲 Follow The Frustrated CEO for more real leadership conversations: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Management #Relatable #CorporateLife Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

April 20, 2026Episode 10527 min

FROSTING MY COOKIES | Leadership Fails, & Broken Accountability | The Frustrated CEO | #105

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Frustrated CEO with Patrick Lyons and Patsy Feeman , where we explore the real workplace frustrations leaders don’t always say out loud. In this episode, we unpack what’s really driving frustration in today’s workplace—from leaders who ask for fresh perspectives but shut them down, to the everyday communication breakdowns that quietly erode team performance. If you’ve ever experienced a bait-and-switch in leadership, unclear expectations, or felt like your ideas didn’t matter, this conversation will resonate. In this episode, we discuss: • Why leaders say they want feedback—but often reject it in practice • The hidden cost of poor communication and unclear expectations • How lack of clarity leads to missed accountability and team frustration • Why employees who challenge the status quo are often the most committed • The real reason accountability breaks down in organizations Patrick Lyons and Patsy Feeman bring real-world leadership experience and candid conversation to help you rethink how you lead, communicate, and build stronger teams. 💡 Bottom line: Most workplace frustration isn’t about people—it’s about leadership gaps, unclear communication, and broken accountability systems. 📲 Follow The Frustrated CEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Management #Relatable #CorporateLife Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

February 9, 2026Episode 10321 min

Unshakable Leadership in Uncertain Times | Rome Madison | Lets Get Practical | 103

Send us Fan Mail Real CEO Confidence in Uncertain Times | Leading Through Chaos with Rome Madison What does real CEO confidence look like when the pressure is high, the answers aren’t clear, and uncertainty feels constant? In this episode of The Frustrated CEO Podcast , Patrick and Patsy sit down with executive coach and leadership strategist Rome Madison to unpack how today’s CEOs and founders can stay grounded, decisive, and confident—even while navigating chaos, complexity, and rapid change. Rome shares a practical leadership framework built on self-acceptance, competence, and strategy , and explains why humility, customer proximity, and embracing uncertainty are not weaknesses—but competitive advantages. This conversation offers real-world guidance for leaders who feel stretched thin, stuck in complexity, or overwhelmed by constant demands. Whether you’re leading a fast-growing company or steering an organization through turbulent times, this episode delivers clarity, perspective, and actionable insights for leading with confidence when certainty is off the table. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode What real CEO confidence looks like during uncertainty How self-acceptance strengthens executive decision-making Why humility is a competitive advantage for leaders How staying close to customers sharpens strategy How to lead effectively when there are no clear answers ⬇️ Follow The Frustrated CEO Podcast ⬇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrustratedceop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefrustratedceopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lyons-Group-Consulting Email: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com 🔗 Follow Rome Madison Want more insights on executive leadership, CEO confidence, and leading through uncertainty? Connect with Rome: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genomicsellingsolutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEverydaySuperstar YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RomeMadison Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romemadisoneverydaysuperstar/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/RomeMadison Follow Rome for leadership strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world coaching insights designed for CEOs navigating growth, pressure, and change. 🎧 About the Show The Frustrated CEO Podcast helps founders and CEOs cut through the noise, gain perspective, and lead with clarity through growth, complexity, and uncertainty. #CEOConfidence #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessGrowth #LeadingThroughUncertainty Website: Frustrated CEO Social: LinkedIn instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast tiktok: @thefrustratedceopodcast

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