Episodios

  • 263: 2025 Year End Review
    Jan 6 2026

    This episode is a raw, reflective breakdown of the 10 most important leadership and business lessons learned over the past year, surfaced through intentional self-reflection and unexpected insights from AI tools like ChatGPT.

    Rather than chasing more activity, this episode explores what actually moves the needle: clarity, alignment, structure, emotional intelligence, boundaries, and long-term thinking.

    If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or executive who feels stretched thin, emotionally drained, or stuck between growth and burnout, this episode will hit home.

    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 263 | 01.06.2025

    Episode Title: 2025 Year End Review

    Key Moments

    00:00 – Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t 00:41 – Using AI to surface leadership lessons 01:45 – Lesson 1: Clarity beats activity 04:04 – Lesson 2: Premium positioning requires discipline 06:22 – Lesson 3: Not every paying client is a good client 08:57 – Lesson 4: Leadership work is emotional work 10:49 – Lesson 5: Structure creates freedom 13:01 – Lesson 6: Personal brand is a long game 17:05 – Lesson 7: You can’t save everyone 19:24 – Lesson 8: Your voice matters more than perfect delivery 21:57 – Lesson 9: Growth often feels lonely before it’s rewarding 24:57 – Lesson 10: You’re building something bigger than you intended 28:29 – Final reflection on becoming your best self

    Key Takeaways

    1. Doing more isn’t the answer, doing what matters is.
      • Clarity and focus create momentum, not constant motion.
    2. Alignment matters more than revenue.
      • Misaligned clients, relationships, and commitments cost more than they pay.
    3. Leadership growth is emotional, lonely, and worth it.
      • The hardest seasons are often forging the strongest leaders.

    Host: Sean Barnes

    Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

    https://www.seanbarnes.com

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

    LinkedIn Newsletter:

    https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

    The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

    YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://x.com/wolfexecutives

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

    https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

    Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • 262: Why Giving Matters More Than You Think!
    Dec 30 2025
    In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes sits down with entrepreneur James Rasmussen to unpack the real story behind building, scaling, and exiting a business in the oil and gas services industry. James shares how he and his brothers launched a company out of necessity, scaled revenue aggressively in the first year, and navigated the realities most entrepreneurs are never warned about, including cash flow strain, slow-paying customers, payroll pressure, and the emotional weight of being responsible for employees’ livelihoods. The conversation goes deep into hard-earned lessons on saying no to customers, structuring credit, building trust with buyers, negotiating an exit without ego, and why timing can matter more than valuation. James also reflects on leadership during downturns, the impact of COVID, and what he would do differently if he were building again today. This episode is an unfiltered look at entrepreneurship, leadership, and exit planning from someone who has lived it. Podcast Show Notes – Episode 262 | 12.30.2025 Episode Title: Why Giving Matters More Than You Think! Key Moments 00:00 – Sean introduces James Rasmussen and why he respects his character 01:05 – The real reason James started a business: “We were tired of getting laid off.” 02:12 – Discovering a market gap: API standards and non-destructive testing 03:16 – Educating the industry and building a niche with little competition 04:53 – The bank story: asking for $80K and getting a $17K line of credit instead 06:30 – Bringing family in: James hires his mom to get the books right 07:32 – The certification grind and becoming “unstoppable” once trained 08:36 – Integrity moment: choosing people over money because his brothers use the equipment 09:41 – Six months in: ramping to $150K–$200K/month revenue 10:08 – How he scaled fast: part-time help, hiring smart, and paperwork discipline 11:25 – The cash-flow reality: customers dragging payments out to 180–190 days 12:42 – The hard skill: saying no and setting credit limits 13:33 – Sean’s “worst customer” story and why cash flow is survival 14:58 – “It’s a gift until they pay you.” (game-changing mindset) 16:18 – Corporate vs field tension in oil & gas—and why it hurts vendors 18:06 – Exit wasn’t planned: how the opportunity “fell in their laps” 19:48 – Trust builds the deal: friendships formed before negotiation 21:23 – Negotiation: low offer vs “I want $10M” and then getting serious fast 23:32 – Why it worked: alignment, not greed, and they really wanted the people 25:17 – The hidden stress of leadership: 15 families depending on you 29:26 – Biggest lesson: buy assets to increase valuation 30:29 – Exit advice: negotiate employee contracts like your future depends on it 31:02 – Timing matters: sold in Nov 2019, COVID hit months later 33:44 – COVID layoffs + whiplash rehiring: brutal leadership reality 38:09 – Final advice: be goal-oriented, be fair, and make sure both sides win Key Takeaways Scaling a business quickly without losing integrityManaging cash flow and receivables under pressureWhy relationships matter more than leverage in an exitLeadership responsibility and the weight of payrollLessons learned from selling at the right time Guest: James Rasmussen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rasmussen-374847257/ Host: Sean Barnes Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com https://www.seanbarnes.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/ LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/ The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/ YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes https://x.com/wolfexecutives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
    Más Menos
    40 m
  • 261: How to Work the Room: 3 Networking Skills Every Leader Needs
    Dec 23 2025

    Many leaders believe networking is about being outgoing, charismatic, or naturally confident. In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes breaks that myth wide open.

    Drawing from his own journey as a lifelong introvert, Sean shares how he learned to work the room not by changing who he was, but by adding structure, intention, and curiosity to how he connected with people.

    This episode walks through three simple, practical strategies that help leaders build genuine relationships at conferences, events, and professional settings, without the awkward small talk, forced energy, or anxiety spiral.

    At its core, this conversation is about building trust, strengthening your personal brand, and creating opportunities long before you actually need them.

    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 261 | 12.23.2025

    Episode Title: How to Work the Room: 3 Networking Skills Every Leader Needs

    Key Moments

    00:00 – 01:05 | From Extreme Introvert to HR Leader

    01:05 – 01:35 | Why Watching From the Back of the Room Wasn’t Enough

    01:35 – 04:22 | Skill #1: Remember Their Name

    04:22 – 05:53 | Skill #2: Match Their Energy

    05:53 – 07:53 | Skill #3: Ask Better Questions

    07:53 – 08:53 | Why People Walk Away Trusting You

    08:53 – 09:58 | Relationships Create Opportunity

    Key Takeaways

    1. Working the room is a learned leadership skill, not a personality trait
    2. Trust is built through small, intentional moments
    3. Curiosity beats charisma every time
    4. Strong relationships create long-term opportunity and career security

    Host: Sean Barnes

    Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

    https://www.seanbarnes.com

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

    LinkedIn Newsletter:

    https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

    The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

    YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://x.com/wolfexecutives

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

    https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

    Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

    Más Menos
    10 m
  • 260: Leadership Mistake Too Many Entrepreneurs Make When Hiring
    Dec 16 2025
    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 260 | 12.16.2025 Episode Title: Leadership Mistake Too Many Entrepreneurs Make When Hiring Hiring the wrong person isn’t just a bad business decision, it can quietly damage your credibility as a leader. In this episode, Sean Barnes breaks down one of the most common traps leaders and entrepreneurs fall into as their teams grow: hiring people they trust instead of people who are qualified. From workout buddies to close friends, familiarity can create blind spots that lead to costly mistakes. Sean explains why slowing down the interview process, involving your team, and asking real, technical questions upfront is not optional, it’s leadership. He also tackles the uncomfortable truth about ego, reputation, and why admitting a bad hire is often harder than making one. If you’re building a team, scaling a business, or carrying the weight of leadership decisions, this conversation will sharpen how you think about hiring before it costs you more than money. Key Moments 00:00 – Why hiring the right person is critical as a leader 00:31 – The danger of hiring friends and workout buddies 01:09 – Why urgency and trust can cloud judgment 01:41 – The importance of panel interviews and team input 02:13 – The real risk: salary burden and reputation damage 02:46 – Ego, denial, and giving someone “too many chances” 03:18 – Why slowing down the hiring process is a leadership skill Key Takeaways Trust isn’t the same as qualification. Liking someone, knowing them personally, or trusting their character does not mean they have the skills required to succeed in the role.Rushing a hire creates long-term damage. Filling a role quickly to relieve pressure often leads to performance issues, reputation risk, and far more time spent fixing the mistake later.Ego is what keeps bad hires in place. Leaders often give too many chances because admitting a hiring mistake feels personal—but accountability is a leadership responsibility, not a failure. Key Takeaways Trust isn’t the same as qualification. Liking someone, knowing them personally, or trusting their character does not mean they have the skills required to succeed in the role.Rushing a hire creates long-term damage. Filling a role quickly to relieve pressure often leads to performance issues, reputation risk, and far more time spent fixing the mistake later.Ego is what keeps bad hires in place. Leaders often give too many chances because admitting a hiring mistake feels personal—but accountability is a leadership responsibility, not a failure. Host: Sean Barnes Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com https://www.seanbarnes.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/ LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/ The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/ YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes https://x.com/wolfexecutives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
    Más Menos
    4 m
  • 259: Stop Wasting Your Life: What Most People Realize Too Late
    Dec 9 2025

    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 259 | 12.09.2025

    Episode Title: Stop Wasting Your Life: What Most People Realize Too Late

    This episode isn’t about simple goal setting; it’s about confronting how much of your life you spend working without ever questioning whether it leads to fulfillment. Sean Barnes breaks down the hard truth behind chasing titles, money, and the corporate ladder, and why so many people wake up later in life feeling unfulfilled. This reflection pushes you to look honestly at where you are on your life timeline, what truly matters, and whether you’re living in a way you won’t regret.

    Key Moments

    00:00 - Reflecting on the year and your life

    00:26 - Mapping your life timeline

    01:57 - Why high achievers feel unfulfilled

    03:00 - Discovering purpose at 40

    03:55 - Advice for your 20s and 30s

    04:24 - Try everything and work hard early

    05:08 - Seasons of grind vs seasons of rest

    05:39 - How to evaluate your timeline

    06:17 - Why you must start before you're ready

    06:44 - Avoiding lifelong regret

    07:28 - Final challenge: step into what you’re meant to do

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chasing titles and money won’t create fulfillment, the real legacy is the impact you have on others.
    2. Starting something meaningful will feel uncomfortable and imperfect, but the only true regret is never trying.
    3. Take time to intentionally assess where you are in your life timeline, and if you’re not where you want to be, start changing it now.

    Host: Sean Barnes

    Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

    https://www.seanbarnes.com

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

    LinkedIn Newsletter:

    https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

    The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

    YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://x.com/wolfexecutives

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

    https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

    Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

    Más Menos
    8 m
  • 258: Stop Chasing Degrees - Start Chasing Results
    Dec 2 2025

    Sean breaks down a conversation he had with a young professional who believed the only path to a better job was earning more letters behind his name. MBA, certifications, extra degrees… we talk about why those things rarely move the needle the way people think they do.

    This episode is all about:

    • Why your reputation matters more than your credentials
    • How to get “time in the seat” when you feel stuck
    • Why networking, showing up, and lifting others up is far more valuable than another degree
    • How to build real leverage by becoming known for results
    • The mindset shift that opens doors faster than any title ever could

    If you're early in your career, in transition, or questioning your next move, this is the reset you probably need.

    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 258 | 12.02.2025

    Episode Title: Stop Chasing Degrees – Start Chasing Results

    Key Moments

    00:00 – The conversation that sparked this episode 00:34 – The myth of “get another degree” 01:02 – Why letters behind your name don’t matter 01:33 – The credibility catch-22 01:52 – Getting your foot in the door 02:26 – How lifting others changes everything 02:57 – Stop chasing degrees. Start chasing results.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Most companies don’t care about the letters behind your name, they care about whether you can deliver.
    2. Success comes from experience, consistency, and being the person people want to work with.
    3. You don’t become great overnight; you grow through showing up, learning the environment, and helping others succeed.
    4. Stop chasing credentials you don’t need. Start chasing the kind of impact you want to have.

    Host: Sean Barnes

    Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

    https://www.seanbarnes.com

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

    LinkedIn Newsletter:

    https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

    The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

    YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://x.com/wolfexecutives

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

    https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

    Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

    Más Menos
    3 m
  • 257: From Introverted IT Nerd to Executive Leader: Building a Powerful Personal Brand
    Nov 25 2025
    Sean Barnes, President of Wolf Executives and former VP of IT, HR, ESG, and Leadership Development in oil and gas, shares how building a personal brand became the biggest unlock of his life. From introverted “IT nerd” hiding behind a keyboard… …to an executive leading multiple functions and launching his own company… Sean walks through the exact mindset shifts and strategies that helped him build a reputation as a problem solver, leader builder, and trusted executive partner. Using examples from brands like Nike, Lamborghini, and Louis Vuitton, Sean breaks personal branding down to its simplest form: What are you known for when you’re not in the room? Podcast Show Notes – Episode 257 | 11.25.2025 Episode Title: From Introverted IT Nerd to Executive Leader: Building a Powerful Personal Brand Key Moments 00:00 – Opening and introduction 01:14 – Who actually has a personal brand? 01:53 – Nike vs. Reebok: what brand really is 03:29 – The introverted kid in the corner 04:21 – Discovering technology and drive 05:48 – Ladder climbed… purpose missing 07:06 – “I think I can lead HR” (and getting shut down) 10:39 – The email that changed everything 11:44 – Becoming VP of IT and HR overnight 12:08 – Learning to lead people, not just systems 13:11 – “All ships rise with the tide” 13:36 – Adding PMO and ESG to the mix 14:00 – Stacking domains: IT, HR, PMO, ESG, HSE, leadership development 15:08 – Entrepreneurship and adversity 15:40 – What this has to do with personal brand 16:06 – Lamborghini and Louis Vuitton: one-word associations 16:37 – Brand in its simplest form 17:20 – The three pillars: Clarity, Visibility, Value 17:37 – Clarity: getting real feedback (even from your nemesis) 18:55 – Aim your brand: who do you want to become? 19:29 – Visibility: how you show up in rooms and inboxes 20:28 – LinkedIn done simply 21:21 – Turning events into content 21:38 – Value: give more than you take 22:22 – The results: reputation, influence, and invitations 23:50 – Why this is a marathon, not a sprint 24:23 – Being spoiled for choice 25:33 – The playbook & closing challenge Key Takeaways Everyone already has a personal brand — it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room, whether you’ve been intentional about it or not.Clarity comes first: you need to know what you’re known for today and what you want to be known for tomorrow, then close that gap with deliberate growth.Visibility matters: how you show up in meetings, emails, conferences, and on LinkedIn shapes your executive presence and reputation.Value is the engine: approach every interaction by giving more than you take, even when it’s tiring, that’s how trust and reputation are built.Adversity and stretch roles are brand accelerators: saying yes to hard, unfamiliar opportunities forces growth and creates powerful stories about who you are as a leader.A strong personal brand gives you options: when you’re known and trusted, you’re no longer trapped in toxic cultures, you’re “spoiled for choice” in your career. Host: Sean Barnes Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com https://www.seanbarnes.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/ LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/ The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/ YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes https://x.com/wolfexecutives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • 256: Becoming a Paid Speaker: What No On Tells You
    Nov 18 2025

    Sean Barnes pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to become a paid public speaker. Forget the “get rich from keynotes fast” promises, Sean shares the real story behind building influence, stepping on 100+ stages, and developing a clear, compelling message that event organizers actually want.

    He breaks down the discipline behind effective communication, storytelling, audience connection, and what separates aspiring speakers from the ones who earn their place on stage. If you're working to grow your leadership voice, build a personal brand, or become a paid speaker, this episode gives you the roadmap most people won’t tell you.

    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 256 | 11.18.2025

    Episode Title: Becoming a Paid Speaker: What No One Tells You

    Key Moments

    00:00 – Opening in Vancouver 00:33 – The “Spaceship Moment” 01:05 – Reflecting on 5 Years of Speaking 01:41 – The truth behind paid speaking 02:04 – The power of repetition 02:29 – What event organizers look for 02:57 – How to craft a compelling message 03:25 – Finding your life story

    Key Takeaways

    1. Paid speaking is a marathon, you earn your place through reps, not shortcuts.
    2. Stepping on as many stages as possible is the fastest way to grow your skillset.
    3. Event organizers are overwhelmed with requests, differentiation and relationships matter.
    4. Your story is your power: clarity, storytelling, and emotional resonance are non-negotiable.
    5. Influence is built over time through consistency, credibility, and the courage to share your message.

    Host: Sean Barnes

    Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

    https://www.seanbarnes.com

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

    LinkedIn Newsletter:

    https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

    The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

    YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://x.com/wolfexecutives

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

    https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

    Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

    Más Menos
    4 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_DT_webcro_1694_expandible_banner_T1