The Limitless Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Josh Parnell

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189

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Nov 2026

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About the show

The Limitless Leadership Podcast was created to help automotive repair shops learn how to lead, coach, train, and manage people better by sharing proven techniques and thought provoking interviews from industry leaders. The key to sustainable growth and profitability lies in the perfect synergy of leadership and performance, and we're dedicated to helping aspiring leaders in the automotive repair industry tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. People + Process = Profit.

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November 5, 202641 min

Ep 188: How Do You Turn AI Experiments Into Real Business Results with Eric Joern

In this episode, Josh Parnell welcomes returning guest Eric Joern, partner and chief revenue officer at Kaizen CPAs and Advisors, to discuss how AI is changing the way businesses operate and how to approach adoption the right way. Eric shares how Kaizen supports independent automotive repair shops through monthly financials, tax planning, payroll, fractional CFO services, and long-term financial planning. He also explains how the firm is using AI to accelerate data compilation and deliver deeper financial insights across nearly 300 shop rooftops. Eric previews his upcoming PASBA conference session on taking AI from a small pilot program to firm-wide adoption, sharing how Kaizen addressed concerns around data security and accuracy through a protected ChatGPT team environment, an internal AI policy, and a commitment to fact-checking results. He breaks down how the firm encourages adoption through small wins, an internal AI challenge, and a continuous-improvement mindset rooted in the Kaizen philosophy. The conversation also explores the importance of moving beyond constant busyness, leading through curiosity, and using the “And what else?” question to uncover better insights and opportunities for growth. Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com . Timestamps: 00:00 AI Slop Warning 00:27 Podcast Intro 01:01 Meet Eric Joern 02:02 Foundational Reset 03:40 Sponsor Break 05:11 Kaizen Services Overview 09:21 Kaizen Sponsorship 10:15 More Sponsor Spots 12:10 AI Impact at Kaizen 14:53 PASBA AI Talk 18:09 Adoption ACT Framework 19:53 Security and AI Policy 24:21 AI Summer Challenge 26:09 Kaizen Mindset Explained 28:32 Reject the Grind 30:47 AWE Question Method 35:09 How to Find Kaizen 37:39 Reset Takeaways 40:51 Final Thanks and Outro I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

November 3, 202632 min

Ep 187: Your Business Might Be Growing, But Are You? with Andy Brown

In this episode of Limitless Leadership, Josh Parnell sits down with Andy Brown, co-founder of LULO Coaching, to discuss faith driven leadership, personal growth, and the role of coaching in building stronger businesses and better lives. Andy shares how LULO Coaching began after an unexpected career setback and explains why connection, humility, hunger, and vulnerability are essential to effective leadership. He also breaks down the difference between coaching and consulting, why leaders need outside perspective, and why relying on AI alone cannot replace the value of a personal coach. Their conversation explores self leadership, organizational health, and the importance of making room for marriage and family while pursuing business growth. Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com . Timestamps: 00:00 Humility, Hunger, and Vulnerability 00:18 Podcast Intro and Guest 01:38 Faith Driven Coaching 05:10 From Layoff to Launch 08:38 Connection Builds Growth 13:36 Why Hire a Coach? 18:51 Self Leadership First 24:31 The Best Advice: Simple Scales 29:17 What Leadership Means 31:35 Wrap Up and Next Steps I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

October 29, 202646 min

Ep 186: What If Your Leadership Problem Starts With Your Reactions with Dan Taylor

In this episode, Josh Parnell welcomes Dan Taylor back to the Limitless Leadership Podcast, now as an official Limitless Leadership coach, to discuss leadership power skills, emotional intelligence, and how thoughts and self-identity shape results at work and home. Dan previews his eight-hour Vision Conference workshop in Kansas City on March 4, “Leadership Power Skills: Fix Your Identity On Success,” explaining how cognition, emotions, cognitive dissonance, and distorted thinking can influence behavior and lead to self-sabotage. He shares practical tools for recognizing thoughts before they spiral into inaccurate feelings and unproductive patterns. The conversation then shifts to employee disengagement, exploring why team members go quiet and how the brain’s fight, flight, freeze, and ignore responses can affect workplace relationships. Dan and Josh discuss how leaders can rebuild safety and trust through open-ended questions, the SBI (situation, observation, impact) feedback model, and consistent one-on-ones. They also emphasize the importance of authenticity, humility, and sincere, specific recognition in strengthening relationships, improving engagement, and helping people feel valued. Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com . Timestamps: 00:00 Why Identity Matters 00:20 Podcast Intro and Guest 01:46 Sponsors and Partners 03:17 Power Skills and Vision 07:31 Workshop Overview Identity 08:53 Thoughts Feelings Loop 11:36 Identity Examples Lottery 14:44 Emotions and Distortions 17:56 Ruminating and Disengagement 18:44 Turning Flaws to Strengths 21:06 Four Steps to Lead 27:06 Authenticity Builds Engagement 27:40 Why Employees Shut Down 28:02 Fight Flight Freeze Ignore 30:49 Open Ended Check Ins 31:23 SBI Feedback Framework 33:12 Trust And One Offs 35:44 Restarting One On Ones 37:38 Body Language And Humility 39:36 Loving Not Liking People 42:22 Recognition And Vision Plug 43:31 Sincere Specific Affirmations 45:38 Final Gratitude And Sendoff I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

October 27, 202642 min

Ep 185: How Are You Leading Your Team While Running on Empty With Bobby McGraw

In this episode, recorded live at the 2026 ASTA Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina, Josh Parnell sits down with fellow Limitless Leadership coach Bobby McGraw to discuss his session “Running on Empty, Leading a Shop That Never Stops” and why leaders must learn to lead themselves first. Bobby explains how leaders can have limitless potential but limited energy, exploring decision fatigue and why feeling depleted should be treated as an energy issue rather than a character flaw. He introduces the ACT framework of awareness, courage, and tenacity, emphasizing the importance of taking action before confidence arrives and using the “be the buffalo” mindset to face challenges head-on. Bobby also breaks down four key leadership shifts: leading yourself, bringing clarity, building accountability through a conversation ladder of curiosity, concern, and confronting, and multiplying yourself by developing others. He compares effective leaders to Sherpas who guide people toward their goals while helping them grow along the way. The conversation closes with practical lessons on personal growth, small daily habits, and how Limitless Leadership coaching and the Foundational Reset can help leaders build sustainable leadership practices. Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com . Timestamps: 00:00 Limitless Leadership Intro 00:52 Live From ASTA Expo 02:06 Meet Bobby McGraw 02:15 Sponsor Break 03:41 Running On Empty 06:18 Decision Fatigue Battery 07:18 Awareness Courage Tenacity 08:13 Tools And Marketing Sponsors 09:26 Courage Before Confidence 12:41 Be The Buffalo 15:53 Thermostat Leadership 18:58 Coaching Whole Person 21:29 Personal Growth First 22:34 Defining Tenacity 24:34 Small Habits Big Wins 27:12 Quitters Day Lessons 29:16 Running on Empty Shifts 33:18 Conversation Ladder 38:05 Multiply Through People 40:16 Coaching Reset Wrap Up I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

October 21, 202645 min

Ep 184: How to Lead Under Pressure Without Losing Your Team with David Boyd

In this episode, live from the 2026 ASTA Expo, Josh Parnell sits down with David Boyd, founder and CEO of Call Inbound, to discuss leadership, trust, and communication. David explains how lessons from aviation, including planning, prioritization, stress management, and preparing for contingencies, can help leaders build a clear vision and execute more effectively. He also introduces Call Inbound’s communication platform and its tools for call recording, integrations, AI powered training, and coaching. The conversation explores how leaders build trust through genuine relationships, consistent actions, availability, and servant leadership. David shares lessons from his mentor, Jeff Matt, and reflects on how his own example inspired his son to seek meaningful relationships with other men. They also discuss core values, owning mistakes, handling stress, and leading both at work and at home. Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com. Timestamps: 00:00 Warm Welcome 00:16 Podcast Intro 00:49 Live at ASTA Expo 01:13 Meet David Boyd 02:59 Sponsor Break 04:27 David’s Leadership Origins 05:15 Pilot Lessons for Leaders 07:36 The Vision and Flight Plan Framework 10:37 Tools and Sponsor Break 11:51 Vision, Mission, and Purpose 12:34 What Is Call Inbound? 14:42 Building Trust With Customers 19:06 Defining Leadership Today 22:02 Servant Leadership in Action 24:31 A Smile Builds Connection 24:45 Lead by Example 27:07 Core Values in Action 27:40 Mentor Spotlight: Jeff Matt 29:42 A Son Learns by Watching 33:55 The MAWL Parenting Framework 37:31 Stress, Fairness, and Owning Mistakes 40:02 Negotiation: Getting to No 43:52 Contact and Closing Thoughts I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

October 15, 202649 min

Ep 183: Turn Your Diagnostic Problems Into Training Opportunities with Brandon Steckler

In this episode, live from ASTA Expo 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Josh Parnell sits down with technical trainer Brandon Steckler to discuss SWAT Training and Diagnostics and why training is an investment that pays off. Brandon explains how SWAT helps technicians solve diagnostic challenges by identifying gaps in process, tools, and information, then creating customized training plans with service information, diagrams, and step by step guidance. He emphasizes mastering the fundamentals, avoiding shortcuts, and building confidence through intentional practice. The conversation also covers on site training, virtual sessions, waveform and data analysis, and specialized training for technicians at different skill levels. Brandon shares his career journey, the value of coaching, and how investing in training and the right tools can save time and improve diagnostic results. Visit http://swatdiag.com/limitlessleadership to get $50 off your SWAT training class. Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Visit https://www.thebeardedbrotherhood.co to grab your grooming essentials from The Bearded Brotherhood. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com . Timestamps: 00:00 Training Pays Off 00:15 Podcast Intro and Live Expo Setup 01:49 Sponsor Breaks 03:21 What SWAT Training Does 05:34 Teaching, Not Just Fixing 06:48 Why Techs Avoid Training 10:10 Brandon’s Origin Story 13:19 Sharpen the Axe Mindset 18:40 Sweat the Fundamentals 24:23 How to Work With SWAT 26:24 Custom Battle Plan Workflow 27:41 Money Back Diagnosis 28:32 Waveform and Data Analysis 29:58 Tier One Boot Camp 32:23 Tier Two Sniper Skills 36:28 Virtual Training Sessions 38:36 Trust, Relationships, and ROI 40:47 Buy Back Your Time 45:20 Tools, Delegation, and Momentum 47:07 Websites, Portal, and Contact 48:27 Final Send Off I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

October 13, 202653 min

Ep 182: How Better Leadership Created Record Breaking Growth with Adam Rath

In this episode recorded live at ASTA Expo 2026, Josh Parnell and Bret Beitler of Limitless Leadership sit down with Adam Rath of Allied Automotive to discuss leadership development, team culture, and business growth. Adam shares how leadership coaching and the Limitless Leadership Blueprint helped him develop his leadership team, strengthen communication, and address the “Peter Principle.” He explains how connecting team decisions to core values helped retain a key leader and create stronger buy in. The conversation also covers putting people before profits, turning conference ideas into action, and Adam’s favorite leadership book, Extreme Ownership . Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Visit https://www.thebeardedbrotherhood.co to grab your grooming essentials from The Bearded Brotherhood. Timestamps: 00:00 Gratitude and Growth 00:30 Podcast Intro at ASTA 01:07 Meet Adam and Brett 02:11 Sponsor Break 03:47 Adam’s Origin Story 05:58 Why Leadership Coaching 09:48 Scott’s Breakthrough 12:41 Core Values Keep Talent 18:38 Buy In and EOS Wins 23:42 Defining Leadership 26:20 Conference Ideas to Execution 28:23 IDS Decision Process 29:20 Team Buy In Culture 32:10 Quarterly State Updates 35:42 Foundational Reset Framework 39:04 Seek to Understand 41:36 August Breakthrough Results 46:25 People Before Profits 48:58 Leadership Book Picks 51:17 Retention and Recruiting Edge 52:39 Closing Thanks and Farewell I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

October 7, 202623 min

Ep 181: Your Profit Problem Might Actually Be a Leadership Problem with Michael Rosenberger

In this episode, recorded live at the 2026 ASTA Expo in Raleigh, NC, Josh Parnell sits down with Michael Rosenberger, CEO of ShopFix Academy and a two-shop owner in Dallas with 30 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. Michael shares his journey from ShopFix member to coach to CEO, including how ShopFix training helped him rapidly increase sales during a cash crisis. He also discusses the leadership challenges that followed the tragic death of ShopFix founder Aaron Stokes and what it meant to step up during a difficult season. Michael breaks down his “Profit Pitfalls” session, explaining how profitability is shaped by daily decisions and how common pitfalls often come down to leadership, discipline, and accountability. He shares why advisors should be held accountable for gross profit per hour, pricing, and turning marketing efforts into car count, while owners need to maintain consistent financial rhythms. Michael also defines leadership as doing the right things when no one is watching and shares Aaron Stokes’ powerful mantra: “I will lend you confidence at 0% interest forever.” Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com. Timestamps: 00:00 Pressure Reveals Leaders 00:30 Podcast Liftoff Intro 01:03 Live Expo Guest Intro 01:57 Sponsor Break Hiring Marketing 03:27 Michael Background ShopFix 04:26 From Broke to Breakthrough 06:23 Stepping Up After Tragedy 10:04 Sponsor Break Shop Tools 12:37 Profit Pitfalls Accountability 14:46 Fear Avoiding Hard Talks 16:19 Owner Rhythms Discipline 19:04 Fix Owner Fix Shop 19:44 Connect With ShopFix 20:32 Leadership Rapid Fire 21:34 Lending Confidence Quote 23:10 Closing Thanks Signoff I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

October 1, 202636 min

Ep 180: You Can’t Lead Others Until You Lead Yourself with J'anvieu Parnell and Lola Schmidt

Live from ASTA Expo 2026, Josh Parnell sits down with Lola Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care and J'anvieu Parnell, founder of Limitless Ladies, to talk about self leadership, identity, relationships, and leading with purpose. J'anvieu Parnell shares her journey from counseling to creating a community where women can support and encourage one another. Lola offers practical advice for working with a spouse, including setting boundaries, defining roles, creating separate workspaces, and knowing when to seek outside help. They also reflect on the Refuge women’s retreat in Montana, choosing faith over fear, staying connected intentionally, and taking the first step toward purpose. The episode also includes details about an upcoming two day leadership training at Schmidt Auto Care on April 9 and 10, 2027. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.thebeardedbrotherhood.co to grab your grooming essentials from The Bearded Brotherhood. Timestamps: 00:00 Lead Yourself First 00:17 Podcast Intro 00:50 Live at ASTA Expo 02:39 Meet Lauralee Schmidt 03:25 Limitless Leadership Sponsor 04:11 Genevieve and Limitless Ladies 05:02 Behind the Scenes Struggles 07:20 Self Care and Empty Cup 09:04 Bearded Brotherhood Sponsor 10:05 Working With Your Spouse 12:57 Boundaries and Respect Styles 14:56 Join Limitless Ladies 15:50 Women Supporting Women 17:42 Montana Refuge Retreat 19:46 Mountains Sparked the Vision 21:12 Faith Over Fear 22:00 Purpose Fuels Discipline 23:35 Serving Others Daily 24:32 Just Take the Step 25:19 Culture and Leading Teams 26:51 Staying Connected After Retreat 28:12 Building Safe Community 28:57 Intentional Friendship 29:36 Springboro Leadership Training 31:35 Defining Real Leadership 33:15 Lola in Two Words 34:45 Worth the Hard Journey 35:10 Calls to Action and Sign Off I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .

September 23, 202639 min

Ep 179: The Leadership Secret to Better Difficult Conversations with Amy P. Kelly

In this episode, Josh Parnell sits down with Amy P. Kelly, USA Today best-selling author and VP of consulting for Jon Gordon’s companies, to discuss purpose-driven leadership, workplace culture, and why difficult conversations don’t have to be difficult. Amy shares her story and explains how the “P” in her name represents purpose, including how people can discover their purpose through serving others, recognizing patterns, identifying strengths, and paying attention to what brings fulfillment. She also discusses her book Work Is Personal and challenges the idea that leadership and business should not be personal, sharing an HR-informed framework for creating workplaces that attract and retain great people. Amy and Josh then explore her co-authored book Difficult Conversations Don’t Have to Be Difficult , covering the importance of preparation, practice, reducing defensiveness, choosing a small ego and big mission mindset, and addressing issues proactively instead of relying on repair. The conversation closes with leadership lessons about teamwork, shared success, and putting the mission ahead of the individual. Auto Mastery helps make sure the right customers find you on Google, your team converts those opportunities, and you know exactly what your marketing is producing. Visit https://automastery.com/limitless/ to book a complimentary audit today. Stop managing chaos and start leading with purpose. Visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co to learn more about Limitless Leadership coaching, training, and speaking. Visit https://www.tekmetric.com to book a demo and see how Tekmetric can help you run your shop with more clarity and confidence. Learn more about Promotive or start your next search at https://www.gopromotive.com . Timestamps: 00:00 What Makes a Leader 00:45 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:27 Sponsors and Partners 03:55 Amy P Story and Purpose 09:21 Finding Your Purpose 12:52 Work Is Personal Book 18:27 Difficult Conversations Framework 26:04 Preparation Over Repair 30:52 Mechanics and Leadership Lessons 34:10 Rapid Fire Leadership Questions 38:15 Final Thanks and Sendoff I'm Josh Parnell, Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. With a team of leadership coaches, trainers, and speakers, Limitless Leadership helps aspiring leaders tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. For more information, please visit https://www.limitlessleadership.co .