The Impact of Leadership

Impact of Leadership

People look to you for guidance and vision. Regardless of your title, YOU ARE A LEADER. Powered by CCB Technology®, this podcast features inspiring and entertaining interviews with influential business leaders passionate about achieving success, having an impact, and developing people. You’ll hear real-world advice, practical tips, and inspirational stories to help you improve your leadership in business and life. Join host Steve Scherer on his leadership journey as he identifies the keys to leading with excellence and a positive impact.

  1. FEB 2

    185 | Rewiring Your Brain – G.R.A.S.P. – Tara LaFon Gooch

    Today we dive into Part 2 of my conversation with Tara Lafon Gooch — an episode centered on what it really means to rewire your brain. This isn’t just positive thinking. It’s restructuring your mindset, reshaping your beliefs, and building a stronger foundation for your leadership and your life. Tara brings us back to the starting point of the GRASP Method: Gratitude. Gratitude isn’t soft — it’s hardwiring. It forms new beliefs, and when you form new beliefs, the old lies lose their power. From there comes Responsibility, the essence of self leadership. As Tara says, “You can’t lead a team of many if you can’t lead a team of one.” It starts with us. No victim mindset. No excuses. Own your choices, and you begin to transform your future. Then comes Action — the step none of us can skip. Tara reminds us: “An ounce of doing is worth more than a pound of theorizing.” Ideas don’t change your life. Action does. “Hopes and dreams,” as I said — and Tara added, “Castles built with sand” — can only stand when you build on responsibility and intention. We also dig into vision and purpose. You can’t know your purpose if you can’t see where you’re going. Too many of us live in the rearview mirror, replaying what already happened. Tara says it perfectly: you can’t drive 70 mph while looking backwards. Your power as a leader is in the next step you take, not the step you regret. We talk about forgiveness, too — why we hold onto hurt to feel in control, and why real control actually comes from letting go. And Tara shares her own transformation — hitting rock bottom, surrendering, and finally hearing gratitude in a way that changed everything. “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” And from that moment, she was never the same. Finally, Tara gives us a glimpse into her daily grounding: prayer, gratitude, Scripture, protecting her mind from comparison, and choosing family over scrolling. Small habits — 1% a day — that create long term transformation. This conversation will challenge and encourage you. It’s about rewiring your thinking, reclaiming your power as a leader, and choosing the reality you want to build. Let’s jump in.

    36 min
  2. JAN 5

    183 | Embrace 2026 & Pick Your Word For The Year – Patrick Booth

    This is the 2026 kick off, where Patrick talks about the art of choosing a single word to guide your year—a word that serves as an anchor and intention rather than a rigid resolution. The conversation begins with a look back at previous years: Consistency in 2023, which helped overcome the “light switch” tendency of starting strong and then stopping, and the lessons learned through building routines and discipline. The episode then reflects on the significance of words in shaping identity and relationships, sharing a family tradition of speaking affirmations over children each night: “We love you. We are proud of you. We believe in you.” This practice underscores the transformative power of intentional words in leadership, family, and personal growth. For 2026, Patrick's chosen word is EMBRACE—a word that calls for openness, intentionality, and wholehearted living. The host breaks down how EMBRACE aligns with the five pillars of life and leadership: Faith: Embrace trust, surrender, and God’s timing. Family: Embrace presence, connection, and imperfect moments. Foundation: Embrace stability, structure, and stewardship. Leadership: Embrace influence, responsibility, and growth. Work: Embrace purpose, discipline, and opportunity. Listeners are encouraged to identify their own word for the year—a word that resonates deeply and sets the tone for growth, leadership, and impact. EMBRACE is not passive; it’s an active choice to lean in, receive, and grow. Key Takeaway: Your word for the year can become a powerful compass for how you live, lead, and love. What will your word be for 2026?

    20 min
  3. 12/15/2025

    182 | 2025 Recap: Looking Back & Moving Forward – Patrick Booth

    As we wrap up 2025, this episode dives deep into the lessons, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped the year for leaders everywhere. This episode reflects on the highs and lows—not just the wins, but the crashes that taught resilience and growth. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about how you respond in the shock moments of life. This episode revisits some of the most impactful conversations from this year: John Greenwood (Ep. 161) – The Five Driver Model: People, Culture, Strategy, Structure, Process. Kevin Calhoun (Ep. 165) – Buy vs. Build: Two paths to business growth. Steve Black (Ep. 168 & 169) – Unmasking fear and overcoming the people-pleasing trap. Steve Bowie (Ep. 171 & 172) – Burnout and finding balance through intentional wins. Kathy Pinero (Ep. 178) – People before profits and leading with empathy. This episode also introduces the Five Pillars of IOL—Faith, Family, Foundation, Leadership, and Work—as a compass for navigating uncertainty and leading with purpose. These pillars aren’t just words; they’re a way of life that shapes how we show up for our teams, families, and communities. Key Takeaways: Leadership starts with how you respond in tough moments. People come before profits—empathy matters. No one drifts into excellence; growth requires intention. Faith and family are the foundation for everything else. Join us as we reflect on 2025 and gear up for an incredible 2026. Because at IOL, we believe you are loved—not just by us, but by the Lord.

    15 min
  4. 11/03/2025

    179 | Lead with Conviction & Compassion – Patrick Booth

    In this powerful episode, we explore what it truly means to lead with unwavering conviction and Christ-centered grace. This theme runs throughout the stories and insights shared—from Jack Phillips’ courageous stand for religious freedom to Deborah Dishong’s transformative message on countercultural leadership. Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, opens the episode with a keynote that’s both sobering and inspiring. His business became the center of a Supreme Court case after he declined to design a custom cake for a same-sex wedding, citing his religious beliefs. Jack’s story is not one of exclusion, but of integrity—he offered other services, but couldn’t cross a line that violated his conscience. The Supreme Court’s 7-2 ruling in his favor affirmed that the government cannot compel artists to express messages they don’t believe in. Jack’s journey reminds us that leadership often demands courage, especially when the stakes are high. We then hear from Deborah Dishong, whose session on countercultural leadership challenges us to live and lead with Christ at the center. She breaks down her message into three powerful principles: live like Christ, lead others to their God-given potential, and leave a legacy that reflects Him. Her insights are practical and profound—balancing grace and truth, coaching with intention, and making decisions that echo into eternity. Lead with Conviction & Compassion is more than a title—it’s a call to action. Whether you're navigating tough decisions, mentoring your team, or shaping your workplace culture, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose, grace, and eternal perspective. Links: Impact Conference 2025 - Cedarville University  Jack Phillips Story  Email patrick.booth@impactofleadership.com if you need prayer.

    17 min
  5. 10/20/2025

    178 | People Over Profits & Reflection Time – Kathy Panaro

    Kathy Panaro, founder and CEO of Panaro Group, who’s marking an incredible milestone: 30 years in business. From launching her company with nothing but a newborn in her arms and a vision in her heart, Kathy has built more than just a business—she’s built a legacy rooted in purpose. Her personal mantra, “People Before Profits,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the foundation of every decision she makes. Kathy leads with empathy, always pulling back to reflect on culture, values, and the people who make it all possible. When one of her employees lost a spouse, the entire company paused—not to chase more business, but to support each other through grief. That moment wasn’t just about compassion—it was a living example of how love and leadership can coexist in a high-performance culture. What started as a bold leap into entrepreneurship has grown into a thriving, 100% woman-owned firm in the tech space for manufacturing and construction. Kathy’s journey is one of resilience, learning, and leadership. She’s not just a recruiter—she’s a culture builder, a mentor, and a champion of meaningful impact. In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to build something from scratch, the power of asking the right questions, and how Kathy’s leadership philosophy has shaped lives—both inside and outside her company. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Kathy’s insights will inspire you to lead with heart, live with intention, and never forget why you started.

    48 min
5
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

People look to you for guidance and vision. Regardless of your title, YOU ARE A LEADER. Powered by CCB Technology®, this podcast features inspiring and entertaining interviews with influential business leaders passionate about achieving success, having an impact, and developing people. You’ll hear real-world advice, practical tips, and inspirational stories to help you improve your leadership in business and life. Join host Steve Scherer on his leadership journey as he identifies the keys to leading with excellence and a positive impact.