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John introduces Will Sampson, Coach and Author. Will discusses challenges of conventional leadership wisdom, revealing why great leaders succeed not through control but by empowering others to shine. Drawing from his experience as a former director of change for a 53,000-person organization leading a $12 billion merger, Sampson shares how his personal journey through addiction recovery transformed his understanding of leadership resilience.

The conversation explores Sampson's groundbreaking "Resilience Stack" methodology—a five-layer approach to building leadership from the inside out. Starting with rewriting internal narratives, he guides leaders through radical self-ownership, interdependence, systems for growth, and finally, leading from an internally transformed state. This approach stands in stark contrast to the "hack culture" promising quick fixes that Sampson's research with 200 C-level executives revealed as deeply unsatisfying.

Particularly compelling is Sampson's perspective on leadership potential across all age groups. Rejecting the narrative that innovation belongs only to the young, he shares how his own professional reinvention in his mid-50s taught him that meaningful contribution can happen at any life stage. "Walk out to your driveway, get in your car, put your hands on the steering wheel—where do you want to go?" This thought experiment helps his clients recognize they still have agency and purpose, regardless of age.

The discussion also tackles AI anxiety, with Sampson offering a calming perspective based on his two decades of experience with neural networks. Rather than seeing technology as threatening, he encourages leaders to view it as simply another tool humans have invented—one that creates extraordinary new possibilities for those willing to embrace it with creativity rather than fear.

Whether you're leading a team through technological transformation, seeking greater resilience in your leadership approach, or contemplating your next professional chapter, Sampson's insights offer a refreshing alternative to conventional leadership development. Follow his work at willsampson.co to learn more about his upcoming book, "The Resilience Stack," and leadership programs.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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Ever been blindsided during a performance review when your boss asks about KPIs you didn't even know existed? You're not alone. The world of Key Performance Indicators can seem mysterious and intimidating, but mastering these metrics is essential for leadership success.

In this revealing discussion, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell demystify the often misunderstood concept of KPIs. They break down exactly what these quantifiable measurements are and why they matter: driving performance improvements, enabling data-driven decisions, and ensuring your daily work aligns with broader organizational goals. Far from being abstract corporate jargon, KPIs directly impact your compensation, career trajectory, and effectiveness as a leader.

The hosts share candid stories about their own experiences, including John's eye-opening moment when he was asked about KPIs after a year on the job—without ever having discussed them previously. They explore how these metrics are used in various industries, from electrical management to healthcare, and provide practical examples that bring these concepts to life.

Perhaps most importantly, they offer actionable strategies for taking ownership of your KPIs rather than playing victim to them. You'll learn the five key steps of an effective KPI process, how to approach management about metrics that don't make sense, and why creating artificially easy KPIs to "game the system" is a strategy that will ultimately backfire. The conversation emphasizes that regular monitoring—not just annual reviews—is crucial for meaningful performance management.

Whether you're new to leadership or looking to enhance your strategic approach to performance metrics, this episode provides the knowledge and tools you need to confidently navigate the world of KPIs. Remember: these numbers shouldn't be a surprise, but rather a compass that guides your leadership journey.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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Accountability transforms organizations, but creating a culture where everyone takes genuine ownership is challenging. In this thought-provoking discussion, John and Greg break down Management by Responsibility (MBR) - the leadership philosophy that revolutionizes how teams approach challenges and results.

At its core, MBR hinges on a powerful premise: individuals are 100% responsible for their experiences and reactions to life events. This isn't about blame, but about embracing the freedom that comes with taking full ownership. We explore the three foundational pillars that make MBR work: internalizing personal responsibility, empowering others to own their roles, and shifting to a solution-focused approach that addresses non-productive behaviors.

What makes this episode particularly valuable are the practical techniques we share for implementation. From fostering self-awareness to establishing clear performance standards, providing constructive feedback, and removing obstacles to success - we offer a comprehensive roadmap. We don't shy away from addressing resistance either, tackling common challenges like fear of consequences and the comfort of the blame game. The wisdom of Admiral Rickover resonates throughout: "Responsibility is a unique concept. It can only reside within a single individual. You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished."

Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, these insights will help you create an environment where accountability thrives and excuses disappear. Ready to transform your workplace culture? This episode is your starting point. Share your experiences with accountability in leadership, and don't forget to check out successgrowthacademy.com for more resources on the MBR approach.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell