The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Hosted by Doug Smith

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453

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Sep 2026

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About the show

The L3 Leadership Podcast is focused on leadership development and personal growth. We are obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximizing the impact of your leadership. We release a new episode every week to help you grow and develop as a leader. You will hear a mix of personal lessons from our Founder, Doug Smith, and conversations Doug has with world-class leaders from around the world. Doug interviews leaders like Pittsburgh Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Penguins Coach, Mike Sullivan, Tony Horton, Liz Wiseman, Brian Tome, John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Ryan Hawk, Nona Jones, Claude Silver, Ken Coleman, Christy Wright, Rachel Cruze, Mark Cole, and many more. Our hope is that you will not only learn great leadership lessons but that you will catch great leadership from the lives of the leaders that we expose you to.

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October 20, 2026Episode 45245 min

Peace Ike: Why "Soft Skills" Are Actually Your Hardest Business Problem

Send us Fan Mail "Corporate problems need human solutions." - Peace Ike In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Peace Ike, a culture strategist, relational dynamics coach, conflict mediation specialist, and founder of Set The Table Strategies, to explore the leadership skills most of us were never taught: navigating conflict, building trust, reading the room, and communicating with wisdom and grace. Peace shares how bringing strangers with different political beliefs together around a dinner table shaped her work helping organizations build healthier cultures. She introduces her BETTER Method for developing emotional intelligence, explains the gap between our intentions and our impact, and shows why lasting change starts with self-awareness rather than another box to check. Doug and Peace also explore the resilience she learned from her Nigerian immigrant parents, the power of our words, and how losing her brother shaped her faith and calling. Whether you're leading a team, preparing for a hard conversation, or feeling called to start something new, this conversation will challenge you to lead with greater humility, courage, and dignity. LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED Set The Table Strategies / Work with Peace Ike Culturally Unoffendable by Peace Ike / Unoffendable Life How to Know a Person by David Brooks DISC Assessments: Background and Comparison Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Predictive Index Romans 8:28 Frederick Buechner on Vocation The Gathering Place Philly / Dinner & Discussion: Background on Peace's Work OUR SPONSOR The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com . WATCH ON YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/yO_wiajIsbY SUBSCRIBE TO @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

September 22, 2026Episode 4511 hr 10 min

The Hardest Conversation I've Ever Had with Jessi Marsh

Send us Fan Mail “You fight fear with gratitude." In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with his longtime friend and former leader, Jessi Marsh, CEO of the Will Allen Foundation. Doug and Jessi unpack one of the hardest conversations of Doug’s career and the conflict that could have ended their working relationship. Instead, their willingness to have an honest conversation became a turning point in their relationship and taught them both powerful lessons about trust, communication, humility, conflict, and grace. Together, Doug and Jessi discuss how to have courageous conversations, rebuild trust, learn from people who think differently, lead with both capability and empathy, and make the most of the life you’ve been given. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction to Jessi Marsh 02:00 – The hardest conversation of Doug’s career 05:00 – Jessi’s response to Doug’s 360 review 06:00 – Intention vs. impact 11:00 – Learning how to have hard conversations 13:00 – Rebuilding trust 17:00 – The leadership lessons Jessi took from the experience 22:00 – Why avoiding conflict gets you nowhere 24:00 – Having conversations with people who think differently 26:00 – Challenging your own beliefs 30:00 – How Jessi approaches sharing her perspective publicly 37:00 – Jessi’s stage four colon cancer diagnosis 40:00 – Nine years cancer-free 41:00 – Navigating fear and uncertainty 44:00 – “You fight fear with gratitude” 46:00 – Finding gifts in difficult seasons 47:00 – How cancer changed Jessi’s perspective on life 53:00 – Why early detection matters 56:00 – Jessi’s promise to help others facing cancer 57:00 – Lightning Round 01:01:00 – Jessi’s biggest leadership pet peeve 01:04:00 – Being yourself when you can’t please everyone 01:06:00 – The legacy Jessi hopes to leave 🎙 Guest Jessi Marsh – CEO of the Will Allen Foundation Links: Will Allen Foundation - https://www.willallenfdn.org/ Light of Life Rescue Mission - https://www.lightoflife.org/ Function Health - https://www.functionhealth.com/ One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp - https://a.co/d/08HwR1nx Brené Brown - https://brenebrown.com/ Tim Keller sermons - https://gospelinlife.com/sermons/ The Communication Wheel / Information Wheel - https://www.hpsys.com/CW_Home.htm UPMC Hillman Cancer Center - https://hillman.upmc.com/difference 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

September 8, 2026Episode 45058 min

The Price of Success: What It Really Takes to Build Something Great | Brian Hess

Send us Fan Mail "Success to me is happiness." –Brian Hess The L3 Podcast is BACK! In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with entrepreneur and business leader Brian Hess, founder of The Pavement Group, Top Contractor School, and 1 Team Media. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to become a better leader, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for the journey. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – L3 Leadership is back: Doug welcomes Brian Hess 01:00 – The impact Brian’s grandmother had on his life 04:00 – Dreaming about entrepreneurship at six years old 06:00 – The price behind success that people don’t see 09:00 – Why God likes to “hit a moving target” 10:00 – Is entrepreneurship really for everyone? 11:00 – Brian’s definition of true success 12:00 – Why Brian waited until 38 to become an entrepreneur 14:00 – Building a company that creates opportunities for others 16:00 – The risk Brian and his wife took to pursue the vision 17:00 – Why Brian wouldn’t change the timing of his journey 19:00 – How to compress time and accelerate your experience 20:00 – The sacrifices required to build something great 23:00 – Helping your family understand what the sacrifice is for 25:00 – What Brian learned about hard work from his father 27:00 – Why leaders need to reject a victim mentality 29:00 – Carrying the weight and responsibility of leadership 31:00 – Building a team that can carry the load with you 32:00 – Why great leaders have to “pull the weeds” 34:00 – Going from being needed everywhere to building a self-sufficient team 35:00 – The leadership lessons Brian has learned over eight years 36:00 – Humility and knowing when to listen 38:00 – Auditing where you invest your time 39:00 – The investments that have produced the greatest growth 40:00 – Studying Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letters 41:00 – Brian’s approach to building meaningful relationships 42:00 – Why cold DMs and transactional networking don’t work 44:00 – Playing the long game with influential leaders 47:00 – How Brian maintains a powerful network 49:00 – What Brian is learning about parenting five children 51:00 – Why being a parent is the most important title you’ll ever have 53:00 – How faith has shaped Brian’s leadership and entrepreneurship 55:00 – The Brian Hess Show and closing thoughts Links: Brian Hess https://realbrianhess.com Brian Hess on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbrianhess/ The Pavement Group https://thepavementgroup.com Top Contractor School https://topcontractorschool.com 1TEAM Media https://1teammedia.com Nothingman / Shiloh Plate & Pour (Pittsburgh) https://www.shilohplateandpour.com The Brian Hess Show — Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brian-hess-show/id1477287951 The Brian Hess Show — Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4OnmaJ1QDjgb2bZcJjrPhK The Brian Hess Show — Website https://realbrianhess.com/podcast/ John Maxwell https://www.johnmaxwell.com Ed Mylett https://www.edmylett.com C12 Group https://www.c12group.com Berkshire Hathaway Letters to Shareholders https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/letters.html The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: SpotifyThe L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith 🎧 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: AppleThe L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

May 19, 2026Episode 4491 hr 10 min

How Great Leaders Accelerate the Next Generation with Pastor John Nuzzo

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Pastor John Nuzzo, founder of Victory Family Church and author of The Acceleration Mandate. Pastor John is also one of the most influential voices in my life — my pastor, mentor, and spiritual father. And honestly… this may be one of the most important conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast. We talked about: • Why most leaders accidentally limit the next generation • The difference between mentoring and true spiritual fathering • How to avoid becoming cynical, isolated, or judgmental as a leader • Why proximity matters more than information • What great leaders do to accelerate others instead of controlling them • How to finish your race with integrity, joy, and impact ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction and The Acceleration Mandate 01:00 – Lessons from Pastor John’s father and upbringing 05:00 – Leadership after 30+ years of ministry 06:00 – Accelerating the next generation 08:00 – Spiritual fathers and mothers 09:00 – The “2%” principle: finishing well 12:00 – The danger of victim mentality in leadership 14:00 – Why proximity matters in mentorship 16:00 – What Pastor John looks for in younger leaders 20:00 – Loving people through difficult seasons 24:00 – Why the Church struggles with restoration 27:00 – Pastor John’s conviction about judging leaders 30:00 – Divorce, heartbreak, and restoration 33:00 – The leader who helped relaunch Pastor John’s future 36:00 – Practical ways to accelerate younger leaders 39:00 – “Don’t ask me about the new wineskin” 43:00 – How anyone can impact the next generation 47:00 – David, Solomon, and succession leadership 49:00 – Why churches shouldn’t stay known for their founders 52:00 – The power of friendship in leadership 55:00 – Accountability and lifelong relationships 59:00 – Lessons learned from John C. Maxwell 01:03:00 – Why leadership is about deeply engaging people 01:05:00 – Final wisdom on acceleration and legacy 01:06:00 – The three truths Pastor John hopes to leave behind 🎙 Guest John Nuzzo – Founder of Victory Family Church and author of The Acceleration Mandate Show Notes Links & Resources People Mentioned John Nuzzo — Senior Pastor of Victory Family Church and author of The Acceleration Mandate Doug Smith John C. Maxwell Henry Cloud Organizations & Ministries Victory Family Church Northway Christian Community Books & Resources Mentioned The Acceleration Mandate by John Nuzzo 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.com The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

May 12, 2026Episode 44838 min

Take Control of Your Health: A Leader's Guide to Finishing Strong

Send us Fan Mail Only 2% of Christian leaders make it to their finish line with their families, faith, and calling intact — and Doug Smith believes your health is one of the biggest reasons why. In this powerful talk, Doug shares his personal journey from "Fat Dougie" to fit at 40, the wake-up call he got from his dad's triple bypass surgery, and the practical steps every leader can take to extend their life, energy, and impact. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why only 2% of Christian leaders make it to their finish line — and how to be one of them The two questions every leader needs to answer about their health vision Doug's transformation story from overweight kid to fit at 40 (and what finally clicked) Why nutrition is 80% of the battle — and the simple food swaps that make the biggest difference How to use ChatGPT as a free, world-class nutrition and health coach The "one system away" principle and how to find workouts you'll actually do What Function Health blood testing revealed about Doug's heart — and why every leader over 40 should "look under the hood" The hidden home toxins (mold and radon) that could be silently destroying your health Why lipoprotein(a) is the genetic biomarker most doctors don't test for — but should How day-to-day intensity and week-to-week consistency build champions Resources & Links Mentioned Health Testing & Biomarkers Function Health Outlive by Peter Attia Dr. Mark Hyman Workouts & Fitness Beachbody / BODi Peloton Nutrition & Tracking MyFitnessPal Yuka App ChatGPT Wearables & Recovery Bevel app Books & Influences Today Matters by John Maxwell Global Leadership Summit Book Doug for your next conference or event: DougSmithLive.com ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why health matters for leaders 02:00 – The “2%” vision: finishing well 04:00 – Creating a vision for your health 05:00 – Where your current habits are leading 07:00 – Defining health and fitness 08:00 – Longevity, legacy, and stewardship 11:00 – Doug’s weight-loss and fitness journey 14:00 – Discovering P90X 16:00 – The hard conversation that changed everything 17:00 – Why nutrition matters 19:00 – Tracking food and using ChatGPT for accountability 20:00 – Rethinking alcohol and drinks 21:00 – Finding workouts you’ll actually do 23:00 – Consistency and daily habits 24:00 – Why accountability partners help 26:00 – Health scares, anxiety, and unexpected weight gain 27:00 – Discovering mold exposure 28:00 – Looking under the hood with bloodwork 30:00 – Genetic risks and heart health 31:00 – Medicine 2.0 vs. Medicine 3.0 32:00 – Radon, toxins, and environmental health 34:00 – Tools and resources for long-term health 36:00 – Start now and create a new ending 37:00 – Final challenge: Don’t leave your health to chance Support the show

April 21, 2026Episode 44727 min

Advice for the 60+ Crowd

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful message titled Advice for the 60+ Crowd: How to Make the Most of the Final Season of Your Life. After speaking to a group of seniors at a local church in Pittsburgh, Doug realized this message applies to every leader—no matter their age. This episode is a call to live with intention, finish well, and invest your life into what matters most. Doug challenges listeners to think deeply about legacy, transitions, and the role they play in shaping future generations. Through personal stories and practical questions, he equips you to shift your priorities, strengthen your disciplines, and maximize your impact in the time you have left. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction and why this message matters 02:00 – Honoring the generation that came before us 04:00 – Doug’s story and the impact of mentorship 07:00 – Your legacy is what you set into motion 09:00 – The question: What do you want said at your funeral? 10:30 – Why transitions can leave people stuck or bitter 11:30 – What priorities need to shift in this season 14:00 – Thinking in terms of multi-generational impact 17:00 – Upgrading your spiritual disciplines 19:00 – The power of prayer and investing in others 22:00 – Why the next generation needs spiritual fathers and mothers 24:00 – Guarding against the wrong temptations in this season 25:00 – Reconciling relationships while there’s still time 27:00 – Practicing gratitude for what God has already done 28:00 – God is bigger than your last season 29:00 – “It will be better than it’s ever been” 30:00 – Final challenge: Will you spend your life or invest it? 🎙 Guest Doug Smith – Host, L3 Leadership Podcast 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.com The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

March 31, 2026Episode 44649 min

Most People Don’t Build a Great Life—They Accept One (Here’s How to Change That)

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful talk he gave for Keller Williams titled How to Build a Great Life. Doug walks through the principles that have shaped his own journey—from a difficult upbringing to leading a nonprofit, raising a family, and developing leaders—and challenges listeners to stop simply “accepting” life and start intentionally building one that truly matters. This episode goes beyond career success and focuses on what it really means to win in life: strong relationships, purpose, growth, and intentional leadership. Doug provides practical frameworks and actionable steps to help you clarify your vision, grow daily, build meaningful connections, and become the leader you’re capable of being. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions or unsure how to reach your full potential, this episode will challenge you to take ownership and start building a life you’re proud of. Doug Smith – Host, L3 Leadership Podcast What You’ll Learn Why most people accept life instead of leading it The difference between success vs. a great life How to create a life plan that actually works The “ dream big + pay the price ” framework How to become the obvious choice in your career The power of mentorship (and how to get it) A simple system to handle failure: Admit it. Quit it. Forget it. Why teachability is your ultimate competitive advantage 💡 Key Takeaways You don’t find a great life—you build one intentionally Big dreams require a clear price—and the willingness to pay it Your daily habits are campaigning for your future Feedback is uncomfortable—but it’s the fastest path to growth Who you surround yourself with will determine your trajectory 📚 Resources & Mentions Living Forward Today Matters Tuesdays with Morrie The Ride of a Lifetime L3 Leadership Light of Life Rescue Mission 🤝 Connect & Learn More Speaking & Coaching: DougSmithLive.com Podcast: L3 Leadership Podcast 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.com The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

March 17, 2026Episode 44548 min

Why 90% of Leaders Plateau (And How to Break Out of It) | Chris Robinson

Send us Fan Mail Most leaders think they’re growing—but in reality, they’re just repeating the same year over and over again. In this powerful conversation, Doug sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, to unpack why over 90% of leaders plateau—and what it actually takes to reach your potential. Chris shares the mindset shift that changed his life from chasing success to developing others, how to become a “star maker” leader, and the hidden danger of complacency he calls “the secret place of satisfactory success.” If you want to get promoted, multiply your impact, and avoid drifting through your career, this episode is a must-listen. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why most leaders plateau (and don’t even realize it) The difference between being the star vs. creating stars The question that will fast-track your promotion How to respond when you get passed over Why complacency is killing your potential The role of family, discipline, and intentional growth in leadership How top leaders invest in themselves to stay ahead ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction to Chris Robinson and his leadership journey 02:00 – Getting into personal growth for the wrong reasons 03:30 – The Law of the Lid and becoming a “star maker” 06:00 – The mindset shift required to truly develop others 08:30 – What to do when you get passed over for a promotion 11:00 – “The phrase that pays” for career growth 12:30 – From Drift to Drive: Why Chris wrote the book 13:30 – The danger of “satisfactory success” 14:30 – Why most leaders plateau 15:30 – Experience vs. repetition in leadership growth 16:00 – Balancing leadership and raising six kids 19:00 – Structuring your life around what matters most 21:00 – Inside Maxwell Leadership and developing leaders 23:00 – How to get out of the pile: results, service, and growth 26:00 – Lessons learned from working with John Maxwell 28:00 – Chris’s story: DUI, second chances, and transformation 32:00 – Leadership and alcohol: influence and responsibility 35:00 – The power of environment: people, places, and habits 37:00 – Best advice: “You have to get on a lot of airplanes.” 38:00 – How to read for growth (problems vs. passions) 40:00 – Leadership philosophy: Treat people like people 41:00 – Biggest pet peeve: inconsistent leadership 43:00 – Parenting lessons and prioritizing family 46:00 – Advice to his younger self 47:00 – The legacy Chris hopes to leave 🔗 Resources & Links: Chris Robinson Maxwell Leadership: https://maxwellleadership.com Book: From Drift to Drive by Chris Robinson The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/18858838 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

March 3, 2026Episode 44426 min

7 Leadership Lessons I Learned at the Most Powerful Memorial Service I’ve Ever Attended

Send us Fan Mail What would people say about your life at your memorial service? In this deeply personal episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares the powerful leadership lessons he learned after attending the memorial service of legendary pastor and leader Jeff Leake. For over two hours, story after story was shared about a man who finished his race with his faith, family, character, and calling intact. The experience forced Doug to ask a question every leader must wrestle with: Am I living in a way that will lead to a life well lived? ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why this memorial service deeply moved Doug 02:00 – Doug’s relationship with Jeff and the impact of mentorship 04:00 – The 2% principle: Finishing with family, character, and calling intact 08:00 – “Nobody has a dad like my dad” — intentional parenting that lasts 12:00 – Why family must come before success 14:30 – The urgency of spiritual fathers and mothers 18:00 – Becoming a spiritual parent to the next generation 20:30 – “Calm always wins” — emotional steadiness in leadership 25:00 – Teaching leadership lessons at home 27:00 – First Samuel 20 friendships: Anything, anytime, anywhere 31:00 – Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion 35:00 – Resume building vs. people building 38:00 – Why documenting your content is a gift to your family 42:00 – One day it will be your memorial service 45:00 – What are you doing with your life? 48:00 – Long obedience in the same direction 50:00 – Don’t quit. Finish well. In this episode, Doug breaks down the leadership principles he took away from that unforgettable service and how they can help you lead with greater purpose, clarity, and legacy. If you want to become a leader who finishes well , this conversation will challenge and inspire you. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why only 2% of leaders finish their race with their faith, family, and character intact • The parenting goal every leader should pursue: “Nobody has a dad like my dad.” • Why great leaders learn to live by the principle “Calm always wins.” • The importance of spiritual fathers, mentors, and leadership relationships • The powerful legacy principle: Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion • Why documenting your life and leadership content is a gift to future generations • How reflecting on your own mortality can help you lead a more intentional life It's finishing well. Resources Mentioned • Jeff Leek Memorial Service • Jeff Leek – Allison Park Church • L3 Leadership Podcast Connect with Doug Smith Follow Doug Smith for leadership content and resources to help you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the impact of your leadership. Subscribe to the Podcast If this episode added value to your life, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach and develop more leaders around the world . 👥 Leaders Referenced Henry Cloud – https://drcloud.com Eugene Peterson – https://www.navpress.com Jeff Leake (Legacy referenced throughout episode) 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrF93uIEB9BusYfpXUPIriU3evdBXjqaL 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

February 18, 2026Episode 44355 min

How to Lead Generation Z: 9 Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know | Dr. Tim Elmore

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and bestselling author of The Future Begins with Z: 9 Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the Workplace. After following Tim’s work for nearly two decades, Doug finally gets to have a conversation that every leader needs to hear. Together, they unpack the realities of leading Generation Z, why three out of four managers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage, and how leaders can shift from frustration to opportunity. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Tim wrote The Future Begins with Z 02:00 – The alarming stats about managing Generation Z 03:45 – The “Peter Pan Paradox”: Age of authority ↓, age of maturity ↑ 07:00 – Artificial maturity: Overexposed to information, underexposed to experience 12:00 – Parenting the next generation: Risk, responsibility, and resilience 17:00 – Why leaders must mentor—not just manage 20:00 – The onboarding mistake costing companies Gen Z talent 21:30 – “Everyone has a voice. Not everyone has a vote.” 24:00 – Why Gen Z decides whether to stay on Day One 26:00 – Mental health realities leaders must understand 27:00 – The A.L.E.G. framework for difficult conversations 33:00 – Reverse mentoring: What older leaders must learn from Gen Z 36:00 – Lessons Tim learned from John Maxwell 41:00 – Advice for aspiring authors and speakers 48:00 – Begin with belief: Let people start with an “A” 51:00 – Don’t stereotype—listen before confronting 53:00 – Tim’s life sentence: The legacy he hopes to leave 🎙 Guest Dr. Tim Elmore – https://www.timelmore.com The Future Begins with Z – https://www.timelmore.com/books A Book in a Weekend – https://www.abookinaweekend.com 📚 Books Mentioned The Future Begins with Z – https://www.timelmore.com/books Leadership and Self-Deception – https://arbinger.com From Strength to Strength – https://arthurbrooks.com/books 👥 Leaders Referenced John C. Maxwell – https://johnmaxwell.com Henry Cloud – https://drcloud.com Arthur C. Brooks – https://arthurbrooks.com 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.com The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrF93uIEB9BusYfpXUPIriU3evdBXjqaL 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show