Read to Lead Podcast

Jeff Brown
Read to Lead Podcast Podcast

If you believe as I do, that intentional and consistent reading is key to success in business and in life, then this is your podcast. My goal each week is to bring you key thoughts and insights from my conversations with those I consider to be among today's brightest minds: our generation's non-fiction authors. We discuss their latest book, as well as their unique perspectives on Leadership, Business, Personal Development, Marketing, Career, and Entrepreneurship. If you love reading, or desire to do more of it, then consider this podcast your audio Cliff's Notes. The Read to Lead Podcast is a four-time Best Business Podcast nominee.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    546: Overcoming the 8 Fears Holding You Back From Success

    This month, inside the Read to Lead Community online, our theme is FEAR. How to act despite fear, to be even more specific. The fears we dive into today include failure, rejection, success (yes, that’s a fear too), inadequacy (aka imposter syndrome), change, judgment or criticism, discomfort or difficulty, and disappointing others. I also recommend a book to help tackle each of these with links below (you’re not surprised, are you?). In this episode, you’ll learn how specific fears tend to show up, the impact they can have on your life when they go unchecked, methods for tackling each, head on, and specific actions steps you can take this week to push through (Hint: baby steps, and consistent, forward progress). I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about how you can successfully push through your biggest fears. Just keep scrolling, or click the “play” button below. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Fear #1: Fear of Failure How it shows up:We avoid taking risks or setting big goals because we’re afraid of falling short. Example:Let’s say you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business, but you keep putting it off because you’re afraid it’ll fail. So, you stay in a job you don’t enjoy, avoiding the risk altogether. Impact:By letting this fear win, you miss out on growth opportunities and stay stuck in a place that doesn’t fulfill you. You never know what you’re capable of because you never take that first step. Method to Tackle It:Reframe failure as feedback. Instead of seeing failure as the end, look at it as valuable information that brings you closer to success. Action Step:Think of one area in your life where you’re holding back due to fear of failure. Now, take a small step toward that goal. Start by researching, signing up for a course, or even just talking to someone in that field. The key is to move forward. Book Recommendation: You’ve Got This!: The Life-changing Power of Trusting Yourself by Margie Warrell (Episode #311) Fear #2: Fear of Rejection How it shows up:We don’t speak up, share our ideas, or pursue opportunities because we fear others will dismiss or reject us. Example:You’re in a team meeting at work, and you have a great idea, but you keep quiet because you’re afraid your boss or colleagues will think it’s a bad idea. Impact:By staying silent, you lose opportunities to contribute and grow. You don’t get the recognition you deserve, and others might not realize the value you bring. Method to Tackle It:Desensitize yourself to rejecti...

    18 min
  2. 17 SEPT

    545: The Long-Distance Leader Second Edition with Wayne Turmel

    I am delighted to welcome Wayne Turmel to the show. A second edition of the book The Long-Distance Leader, co-written with Kevin Eikenberry, has been released, updated for a post-pandemic world. This new version also has a new title. It’s The Long-Distance Leader: Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership. When The Long-Distance Leader was first published, it was pre-pandemic and remote work was in its infancy, with 30% of managers leading at a distance. Now that number is well over 50%!As more organizations adopt a remote workforce, the challenges of leading at a distance become more urgent than ever. The cofounders of the Remote Leadership Institute, Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel, show you how to guide your team by recalling the foundational principles of leadership whether your teams are remote, hybrid, co-working, or something entirely new! The new edition comes with an updated and enriched framework for the modern workplace. It introduces new principles and retains proven strategies for effective leadership across distances. It also features updated exercises that ensure projects stay on track, keep productivity and morale high, and build lasting relationships, along with a new chapter on hybrid workplaces. I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Wayne, Kevin, and their work. For a summary, just keep scrolling. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Wayne about: * Advice for leaders who are struggling to adapt their leadership style to keep pace with ongoing transformations * Some common misconceptions leaders have about managing hybrid teams, and how can they overcome these misconceptions to lead more effectively * Practical tips for leaders to effectively establish, communicate, and manage expectations with their remote team members to avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone is aligned * And lots more! Order Kevin and Wayne’s Book You can order your copy of The Long-Distance Leader: Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership right now! Consider Ordering My Book Too! Purchase a copy of my new book (written with Jesse Wisnewski) Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career. There, you can also download the introduction and first chapter for free! Note-Making Mastery Cohort AND the Read to Lead Community Note-Making Mastery Cohort i...

    41 min
  3. 10 SEPT

    544: Discover How You Contribute to the World with Tom Rath (an Encore Presentation of Episode 304)

    It was more than a dozen years ago when a colleague of mine at the time, Teresa White, first introduced me to the work of today’s guest. I’m almost embarrassed to admit I hadn’t already been studying his work. You might say Teresa’s introduction makes this interview today possible. I’m talking about Tom Rath, author of StrengthsFinder 2.0, Amazon’s top-selling nonfiction book of all time, and How Full Is Your Bucket and several others. Today, we dive into two of his latest works: * Life’s Great Question: Discover How You Contribute to the World (out today!) * It’s Not About You: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life We spend the majority of our time on the first of these two works, and attempt to show you how to make your work and life more meaningful, and greatly boost your wellbeing. Click the play button below to join our conversation now, or keep scrolling for a summary. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, Tom and I discuss: * How to redesign the job you have into the job you want * What to put in “place” of ‘follow your passion.’  * Why answering how you can best contribute – versus what are your passions – is really life’s great question * And lots more! Tom’s New Books You can order both Life’s Great Question: Discover How You Contribute to the World and It’s Not About You: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life right now! Tom in Action Books Tom Recommends Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day by Todd Henry Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture In Crisis by J.D. Vance Check Out These Additional Resources Visit Tom’s website here for more about him and his work. Be sure and grab your copy of Tom’s book now. Considering bringing Tom to speak to your group. Connect with Tom on Twitter and LinkedIn. Visit the Contribify website Tom and I mentioned.

    28 min
  4. 3 SEPT

    543: Exceptional Presentation Delivery with Tim Pollard (an Encore Presentation of Episode 294)

    Today’s guest, you might say, takes what he does very seriously. Another way to say it might be that he’s a little extreme. However, no one can deny that he is very good at what he does. That’s why I love talking to him so much. His name is Tim Pollard and his new book is called Mastering the Moment: Perfecting the Skills and Processes of Exceptional Presentation Delivery. Tim first appeared on Read to Lead to talk about The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design. I love his approach to delivering presentations (a topic about which I am very passionate). I ask a question about this topic of nearly every guest I interview. Today, it receives our focus. Click the play button below to join our conversation now, or keep scrolling for a summary. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Tim to share: * The importance of anticipating the mindset of the room * What proper presentation rehearsal should look like and what traps you should try and avoid * The three aspects of a speaker’s style that matter most to the audience * And lots more! This Episode is Sponsored By Cloud Accounting Software FreshBooks FreshBooks cloud accounting software is currently offering a month of unrestricted use to all RtLP listeners – totally free right now. And, you don’t need a credit card for the trial. To claim your free month, click here and be sure and enter ReadToLead in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section. If your business uses Freshbooks, and you’d like to share your experience with the Read to Lead audience, click the contact tab at the top of this page and let us know. Be sure and include “FreshBooks” in the subject line. Tim’s Book You can order Mastering the Moment: Perfecting the Skills and Processes of Exceptional Presentation Delivery right now! Tim in Action Books Tim Recommends The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge Dreamland by Sam Quinones The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson Check Out These Additional Resources Visit Tim’s website here for more about him and his work. Be sure and grab your copy of Tim’s book now.

    53 min
  5. 27 AUG

    542: Future-Proofing You with Jay Samit (an Encore Presentation of Episode 369)

    I always enjoy welcoming a returning guest. In this instance, it’s been nearly six years since he last appeared. I’m talking about author Jay Samit, who wrote one of my favorite books of 2015. It’s called Disrupt You!: Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in an Endless Era of Innovation. The book we’re diving into this time around is another stellar read. It’s called Future-Proofing You: Twelve Truths for Creating Opportunity, Maximizing Wealth, and Controlling your Destiny in an Uncertain World. It’s perfect for anyone who is tired of jobs with no security (amen!), hopes to truly realize their professional and personal potential (where do I sign up?), and is looking for a way to build a better life for them and their family (yes, please!).  I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Jay and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, Jay and I chat about: * What he means when he says, “Wealth comes from creating money, not from earning and saving it.” * A simple method you can leverage to find new problems to solve * Why he believes fear is good * And plenty more! Jay’s New Book You can order your copy of Future-Proofing You: Twelve Truths for Creating Opportunity, Maximizing Wealth, and Controlling Your Destiny in an Uncertain World right now. Consider Pre-Ordering My New Book Too! Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski, coming August 31, 2021! Jay in Action Books Jay Recommends The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong by Lawrence J. Peter and Raymond Hull Check Out These Additional Resources Grab a copy of Jay’s book now. Visit Jay‘s website to grab the free wor...

    41 min
  6. 20 AUG

    541: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking with Jon Acuff (an Encore Presentation of Episode 365)

    Today’s guest makes his fourth visit to the podcast. That puts him in very elite company. Jon Acuff joins Jeff Goins and Todd Henry as the only guests to have appeared as many times. If you think that must mean I like his work, well, you’d be right. Previous books I’ve featured from Jon include: Start, Do Over, and Finish, all three excellent books, and Soundtracks is no exception. Jon says that “Overthinking is when what you think gets in the way of what you want.” Jon says the solution to overthinking isn’t to stop thinking but to change the soundtrack to something better – more positive, more encouraging, and ultimately, more productive. Once we learn how to choose our soundtracks, thoughts become our best friend, propelling us toward our goals. Get the book that Seth Godin calls, “A simple, powerful, and generous book, one that you’ll remember every day for the rest of your life.” Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking, is out now! I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Jon and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, Jon and I chat about: * The 3 R’s that will change your thoughts from a super problem into a superpower * How to make sure your company’s culture is setting you up for success. * What his research reveals about who among us suffers from overthinking * And plenty more! Jon’s New Book You can order your copy of Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking right now. Consider Pre-Ordering My New Book Too! Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski, coming August 31, 2021! Jon in Action Check Out These Additional Resources Grab a copy of Jon’s book now. Visit Jon‘s a href="https://soundtracksbook.com" title="Soundtracks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer no...

    34 min
  7. 13 AUG

    540: The 4 AI Tools I Use Everyday

    Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s changing the way we live and work—artificial intelligence. Whether you’re in tech, education, or the creative arts, AI tools have transformed how we approach tasks and solve problems. They offer efficiencies and enhancements that were unthinkable just a few years ago. In this episode, we’ll explore how integrating AI into our daily routines can simplify our lives, boost productivity, and foster creativity. We’ll highlight four AI tools that I personally find indispensable: Midjourney for creating stunning images, Beautiful.ai for crafting impactful slide presentations, Google’s NotebookLM for deep research and reading, and ChatGPT for brainstorming and writing assistance. These tools are game-changers in my work, and I’m excited to share how they can elevate your projects too. So, whether you’re a seasoned AI user or a curious newcomer, stick around as we dive into the fascinating world of AI tools. For more, continue scrolling or click the ‘play’ button below. Click the play button below to listen to the episode Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS 1. Midjourney First up is Midjourney, a tool that’s making waves in the realm of digital art and imagery. Midjourney harnesses the power of AI to generate incredible images from simple text prompts. It’s like having a personal artist ready to bring your ideas to life. What I love about Midjourney is its ability to translate abstract ideas into vivid, detailed images. Whether you’re a marketer looking to create eye-catching visuals, a content creator needing original artwork, or just someone who enjoys exploring creative ideas, Midjourney is incredibly versatile. In my work, I use Midjourney to create visual content for my courses and social media. The ability to quickly generate high-quality images allows me to maintain a strong visual presence without the need for extensive design skills. Using Midjourney is simple. You start by entering a description of what you want to see. The AI then processes your input and generates several images based on your description. You can refine the results further by providing more detailed prompts or selecting and modifying the generated images. This tool saves me hours I would have spent on traditional design processes. It’s like having a virtual team member who specializes in visual creativity. If you’re looking for free alternatives to Midjourney, here are some great options: * DALL-E by OpenAI: Offers a free trial with powerful image generation capabilities. * DeepArt: Transforms your photos into artworks using styles of famous artists. * RunwayML: Provides various AI tools for creative projects, including image generation. 2. Beautiful.ai Next on our list is Beautiful.ai,

    12 min
  8. 6 AUG

    539: Why You Need to Read Multiple Books at the Same Time

    Have you ever found yourself stuck with a book that just doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? You pick it up, hoping to power through, but instead, it feels like you’re wading through molasses. We’ve all been there, and it can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you have a pile of unread books waiting for you. But what if I told you that there’s a way to keep your reading momentum going without abandoning books altogether? That’s where the idea of interleaving books comes in. It’s a concept that suggests reading multiple books at the same time—say, three to five—and switching between them regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. This isn’t about multitasking; it’s about maximizing engagement and motivation. So, let’s explore how this works and why it might be just what you need to reignite your love for reading. For more, continue scrolling or click the ‘play’ button below. Click the play button below to listen to the episode Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Why Do We Get Stuck? Let’s first acknowledge why we sometimes hit a wall with our reading. There are several reasons. Some books are dense, requiring more cognitive effort to understand, while others might be a bit dry or less engaging than we hoped. These hurdles can make reading feel like a chore rather than a joy. And when we encounter these challenges, our motivation can take a hit. At times, you might decide that a book isn’t worth finishing, and that’s perfectly fine. But other times, this dip in motivation can lead to an unfortunate outcome: we stop reading altogether. It’s sad to think that a single difficult book can deter us from all the other adventures waiting on our shelves. What is Interleaving? Interleaving is a method that can help mitigate these challenges. The idea is simple: instead of committing to one book at a time, you read several books concurrently. You can switch between them based on your mood, interest, or level of engagement at any given moment. Think of it as a buffet of books. You sample a bit of one dish, then move on to the next, savoring a variety of flavors without overloading on any single one. This approach can keep your reading experience fresh and engaging, allowing you to approach each book with renewed interest. The Benefits of Interleaving Books There are several benefits to this method: * Increased Motivation: By allowing yourself the flexibility to switch books, you can avoid the motivation slump that often comes with a single, challenging book. If one book feels tedious, you can pivot to another that might reignite your enthusiasm. * Broader Learning: Interleaving can expose you to diverse ideas and perspectives in a shorter span of time. You might read a historical non-fiction book alongside a sci-fi novel and a business strategy guide, gaining insights from each genre that might influence ...

    10 min

About

If you believe as I do, that intentional and consistent reading is key to success in business and in life, then this is your podcast. My goal each week is to bring you key thoughts and insights from my conversations with those I consider to be among today's brightest minds: our generation's non-fiction authors. We discuss their latest book, as well as their unique perspectives on Leadership, Business, Personal Development, Marketing, Career, and Entrepreneurship. If you love reading, or desire to do more of it, then consider this podcast your audio Cliff's Notes. The Read to Lead Podcast is a four-time Best Business Podcast nominee.

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