The Leadership Playbook

Hosted by Albers School of Business and Economics

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May 2026

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About the show

Ever wondered about the journeys successful business leaders took to get to where they are? Looking to learn more about leadership to build a better team or advance your own career? Going through work challenges and want to know how top executives resolved similar situations? The Leadership Playbook podcast asks top executives from the business world’s most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they’ve faced and overcome. Candid, often humorous, and always inspiring, the Leadership Playbook is hosted by the Dean of the Albers School of Business and Economics, Joe Phillips.

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35 recent

May 8, 2026Episode 331 hr 9 min

Game Changers: How Sports Shape Seattle’s Future

Seattle’s identity has long been intertwined with sports, from passionate fan bases and iconic teams to major events that bring the city onto the global stage. As the region continues to grow, the impact of the sports industry extends far beyond the stadium walls—fueling economic development, strengthening community connections, and shaping the city's future. The final Albers Executive Speaker Series of the academic year invites students, professionals, and community members to explore the evolving role sports play in shaping Seattle’s economy, culture, and reputation. Moderated by Karen Bryant, Sports Advisor and Founder of Suite J Consulting, the conversation will feature Lynnette Buffington, Chief of Staff at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce; Joy Hollingsworth, Seattle City Councilmember and Council President; and Pamela Quadros, Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Sports Commission. Together, they will share insights into how sports drive economic impact across the region and what lies ahead for Seattle as a growing hub for major sporting events and sports industry innovation. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

February 17, 2026Episode 3253 min

The Journey of a Leader: Lessons from the Navy

In this engaging conversation, Tom McAndrew shares his journey from a Navy veteran to the CEO of cybersecurity company Coalfire, emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership, resilience, and community impact. He reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, the challenges faced in both military and business environments, and the significance of giving back to the community through initiatives like Gold Star Gamers. Tom's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring leaders on building a strong foundation, navigating challenges, and creating a positive culture in organizations. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

January 2, 2026Episode 317 min

The Mustang, the Minivan, and the Man Who Saw Both Coming

Welcome to Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks: How Great Leaders Turned Setbacks into Success—the podcast where we uncover the true stories of visionary leaders who hit rock bottom … then rewrote the ending. Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks is an offshoot of The Leadership Playbook, the podcast of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics and the Center for Leadership Formation. In this episode, we tell the story of Hal Sperlich, the quiet visionary who saw how people really lived and imagined a car no one else believed in: the minivan. Rejected at Ford, embraced at Chrysler, Sperlich’s persistence reshaped the auto industry and changed family life forever. It’s a story about vision, power, and what happens when the right idea meets the wrong boss—and why believing in it anyway can change the world. Credit goes to the Wall Street Journal and Capital One Auto Navigator for providing details that went into this podcast episode—writing by Alicia Kan and music/production by Alvarez Audio. Follow Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now and join Viviane Lopuch as we explore the fall, the fight, and the rise of the world’s greatest leaders. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show.

November 26, 2025Episode 3055 min

Unlimited Opportunity: Leading with Humility, Grit, and Care

What happens when someone who never planned on college ends up leading a global logistics company? In this episode, Dan Wall, President and CEO of Expeditors International and alum of Seattle University's Leadership Executive MBA program, reflects on his unlikely path from airport courier to the C-suite. Dan talks about Expeditors' "unlimited opportunity" culture, why titles don't define importance, and how he stays grounded while overseeing operations in more than 100 countries. He shares real stories of navigating constant supply chain disruption, cyberattacks, and regulatory complexity—while keeping people's livelihoods at the center of every decision. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

October 16, 2025Episode 2956 min

The Pivot to CEO: Why Authenticity, Courage, and AI are the New Leadership Playbook

Beverly Anderson, President and CEO of BECU—the fourth-largest credit union in the United States—shares her 30-year leadership journey in financial services on the Albers Executive Speaker Series. From her Kentucky small-town roots learning credit fundamentals at a local corner store to leading a major financial institution, Anderson reveals the career strategies and leadership principles that shaped her path to the C-suite. In this conversation, Anderson discusses her leadership philosophy built on three pillars: authenticity, excellence, and courage. She offers practical advice for women executives navigating corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in career advancement. Anderson details a pivotal career decision that changed her trajectory: leaving a toxic leadership environment, a bold move which ultimately positioned her for the CEO appointment at BECU. Her experience demonstrates how strategic career pivots can accelerate executive success in the financial services industry. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

May 19, 2025Episode 2856 min

Proceed Until Apprehended

This live recording of the Albers Executive Speaker Series features Swedish Health Services President and CEO Elizabeth Wako, who outlines her career trajectory in the context of the five leadership principles that have guided her. In the fireside chat with Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver, she talks about the impact of AI on healthcare, the business challenges generated by tariffs and the value of mentors. More than anything, Wako emphasizes being strategic in making life choices. "You only have one life," she advises the audience. "Make sure you experience the life that you want. If you're unhappy, make a change." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

March 17, 2025Episode 2755 min

Culture is the Only Priority

Recorded in front of a live audience in February 2025, Costco CEO Ron Vachris talks at length about how the organization's culture is the bedrock for the retailer's success. "We always do what's right" is not an arrogant statement, he says, but a commitment to their stakeholders, whether they are customers, shareholders or the communities where they operate. Vachris, the third CEO to helm Costco, demonstrates the firm's commitment to growing talent from within. Starting as a forklift driver in 1982 at Price Club, which merged with Costco in 1993, he worked his way up through the company over the years, becoming CEO in January 2024. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

October 25, 2024Episode 2655 min

Let Your Life Unfold

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Sunny Gurpreet Singh kicked off the 2024-25 season of the Albers Executive Speaker Series with this recorded fireside chat with Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver. Singh is the founder of global healthcare technology company Edifecs and the Roundglass organization that supports programs and initiatives in India promoting health, wellness, the environment and more. In this conversation, he talked about his journey from India to Montana and Seattle, what he learned in jobs as varied as engineering to working in an Alaskan fishing boat, and how he realized his calling as an entrepreneur at 32. Key to his success was his openness to what each day would bring him. "Let every day, every job, everything you do be an experience in figuring out who you are," Singh advised the audience made up mostly of students. "Find your purpose." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

May 23, 2024Episode 2555 min

People, Planet, Profit—and Purpose

PCC Community Markets CEO Krish Srinivasan closed out the 2023-24 season of the Albers Executive Speaker Series talking about the co-op's history; the challenges they overcame during the pandemic; their mission, vision, and values, and why a statement of equity and inclusion—which may seem rote in today's business world—is particularly meaningful to their business. "The food supply chain in this country, for centuries, has been extremely exploitative, has been built on the backs of enslaved labor," Srinivasan said. "It is one area where, as a grocer, we decided we needed to make it clear that it's a long journey ... we acknowledge that they exist, we acknowledge that we have a role to play ... and anything that falls under our purview, we will take steps to ensure that we have a safe and inclusive environment." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.

March 8, 2024Episode 2450 min

Math and Magic

It was a packed Pigott Auditorium when Taco Bell CEO and MBA alum Sean Tresvant spoke at the Albers Executive Speaker Series. Tresvant, the first Black CEO of the $16 billion QSR brand, talked about his journey from university to the top position at Taco Bell, lessons he learned along the way, and how he saw marketing for the future: "It's both math and magic." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.