The John Barrett Leadership Podcast

Hosted by John Barrett

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Hear great ideas, insight, and inspiration to level up your leadership ability

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 2, 202630 min

JBLP Episode 60: Why Teams Resist & What To Do About It

Session Summary: As a leader, it can be frustrating when people push back against new ideas, initiatives, or organizational changes. But what if resistance isn’t the real problem? In this episode, we explore a powerful leadership principle: the issue is rarely the issue—it’s the issue behind the issue that matters most. You’ll learn how to move beyond surface-level reactions and uncover the root causes driving resistance within your team. By examining six critical areas—who, what, when, where, why, and how—you can gain deeper insight into what’s really happening and address the true barriers to engagement. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 60: Why Teams Resist & What To Do About It first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

May 5, 202639 min

JBLP Episode 59: Leadership Interview With Mark Sanborn

Session Summary: What if being extraordinary was simply a choice you could make today? Leadership expert Mark Sanborn reveals that nobody can prevent you from choosing to be extraordinary – you might not be rewarded for it, but it’s always your choice. Are you learning from your failures or languishing in them? Discover the three questions that transform setbacks into growth opportunities and why AI might be the most important skill for future leaders. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 59: Leadership Interview With Mark Sanborn first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

March 3, 202630 min

JBLP Episode 58: Crushing Insecurity And Leading With Confidence

Session Summary: You can’t lead confidently if you’re constantly battling insecurity. Every leader wrestles with self-doubt. The difference isn’t who struggles. It’s who learns to control it before it controls them. In this episode, we unpack imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the hidden triggers that quietly sabotage your influence. You’ll learn how to reframe negative self-talk, build real confidence, and strengthen your leadership by empowering others. Because leading from insecurity comes at a cost — it limits creativity, creates tension, and stalls growth. But when you lead from clarity and confidence, everything changes. Step into the leader you’re capable of becoming. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 58: Crushing Insecurity And Leading With Confidence first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

February 10, 202630 min

JBLP Episode 57: The Optimistic Advantage

Session Summary: What if one mindset shift could dramatically change the way you lead—and the way your team responds? In this episode, you’ll explore the optimistic advantage that separates good leaders from great ones. You’ll discover why optimism isn’t about ignoring problems, sugarcoating reality, or pretending everything is fine—but about learning how to see possibilities where others only see obstacles. You’ll be challenged to rethink your role as a leader and consider whether you’ve been spending most of your time fixing problems instead of creating opportunity. When you lead with optimism, you don’t just solve issues—you elevate people. Teams become more engaged, energy increases, and productivity rises because hope fuels effort. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 57: The Optimistic Advantage first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

December 2, 202527 min

JBLP Episode 56: The Symphony Orchestra

Session Summary: What if the secret to extraordinary leadership has been sitting right in front of you—hidden inside every orchestra, symphony, and musical performance you’ve ever experienced? In this episode, we explore a powerful metaphor that reveals the true difference between average leaders and exceptional ones. Anyone can pick out a few notes on an instrument, but a real musician brings out the best in every part of the ensemble. Leadership works the same way. You’ll discover why great leaders don’t micromanage, why they refuse to play every part, and how they elevate each “musician” on their team to perform at their highest level. This episode will challenge the way you think about delegation, empowerment, and your role as the conductor of your organization’s success. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 56: The Symphony Orchestra first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

November 4, 202530 min

JBLP Episode 55: 5 Ways To Lead Like You’re In Customer Service

Session Summary: What if you treated your leadership like a customer service experience? In this episode, you’ll discover 5 powerful strategies to boost engagement, build loyalty, and create a team fully invested in your vision. You’ll learn why leadership is more like chess than checkers, how to close communication gaps with over-communication, and why dealing hope and leading with a growth mindset are critical during challenging times. You’ll also uncover how to create raving fans of your leadership through trust, respect, and development—while balancing encouragement with correction so your team members can grow to their full potential. Whether you’re leading a small team or a large organization, these insights will help you build a culture where people don’t just stay—they thrive. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 55: 5 Ways To Lead Like You’re In Customer Service first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

October 7, 202530 min

JBLP Episode 54: The Strength Zone Circle

Session Summary: Are you stuck doing too much and still feeling like it’s not enough? In this episode, you’ll uncover a powerful framework that will help you stop wasting energy on the wrong things and start maximizing your leadership impact. You’ll learn why the best leaders don’t focus on fixing weaknesses—but on leveraging their unique strengths to create influence, prevent burnout, and lead with greater fulfillment. This episode will challenge the way you think about your time, your priorities, and your leadership effectiveness. If you’re ready to discover the key to doing more of what only you can do, you don’t want to miss this conversation. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 54: The Strength Zone Circle first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

September 2, 202530 min

JBLP Episode 53: Why Great Leaders Aren’t Always Available

Session Summary: Great leadership isn’t about being constantly available—it’s about knowing when to step back so your team can step up. If you’re always rescuing, you unintentionally keep people dependent and rob them of the growth that only comes through struggle. By practicing strategic unavailability, you give your team the chance to problem-solve, take ownership, and build resilience. At the same time, you create margin to focus on your highest priorities as a leader. This isn’t about abandoning your team—it’s about leading in a way that develops them rather than directing every move. When you strike this balance, you’ll discover that your influence expands, your team grows stronger, and your leadership becomes far more effective. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 53: Why Great Leaders Aren’t Always Available first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

August 5, 202530 min

JBLP Episode 52: How To Receive Hard Feedback

Session Summary: In this episode, you’ll discover why receiving hard feedback is one of the most powerful skills a leader can develop—and how to do it well. We unpack the real reasons feedback stings, the two ways leaders tend to respond, and what separates those who grow from those who stay stuck. You’ll learn practical strategies for turning tough conversations into breakthrough moments, including how to respond with confidence, ask clarifying questions, and build a team culture where feedback fuels development. If you’re serious about becoming a stronger, more effective leader, this episode is a must-listen! Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 52: How To Receive Hard Feedback first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

July 1, 202530 min

JBLP Episode 51: 6 Pitfalls Every Leader Should Avoid

Session Summary: Are you holding yourself back as a leader without even realizing it? Over the past 25 years of coaching leaders across all kinds of industries, I’ve noticed there are six subtle pitfalls that can seriously sabotage your influence. We’ll talk about how to actually support your team with the resources they need to succeed, not just dump tasks on them. You’ll learn why checking in with your team relationally, not just focusing on the to-do list, makes a huge difference. I’ll also show you how to develop people through questions, not constant direction, and how to coach based on their strengths instead of trying to control every move. We’ll cover authentic motivation—because one-size-fits-all just doesn’t cut it—and the power of bringing clarity instead of complexity. If you want to identify your biggest leadership blind spot and grow into a more impactful, trusted leader, this one’s for you. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 51: 6 Pitfalls Every Leader Should Avoid first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.