The Lost and Found Leadership Podcast

Jim Desmond and Randy Fields
  • 4.9 (10)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Leadership is tough... it takes courage and patience. We are here to Explore, Edify and Entertain you on the subject of leadership. Your hosts will tackle tough leadership subjects, mix in some wisdom and sprinkle it with some laughs.

  1. 4D AGO

    Coder to C-Suite: Barry Vandevier on Building Leaders and Teams

    Hey there leader! Today in Leadership Lost and Found join Randy and Jim as they talk with Barry Vandeveer about his journey from software developer to CTO, CIO and now COO, and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. We cover practical topics like transitioning from individual contributor to people leader, hiring and mentoring talent, navigating cultural change after acquisitions, making data-driven spend decisions, and the importance of listening and being available for your team. Barry also shares personal anecdotes — founding Travelocity, a brief stint as a flight attendant, earning an MBA while raising a family, recovering from burnout, and his current focus on integrating AI at Datacore — giving real-world examples of leadership in action.

    35 min

  2. JAN 29

    Burnout: The Last French Fry

    In this episode, hosts Jim Desmond and Randy Fields define burnout as depleted physical, emotional, or spiritual energy, explain how it shows up in work and life, and highlight the contagious risk of running on empty. They offer practical fixes for leaders: set courageous boundaries, protect margin and time, empower your people to say no, and provide structure and space for recovery so teams and individuals can recharge and perform sustainably.   Get your coffee and join us for Leadership Lost and Found!

    29 min

  3. JAN 19

    Name that Theme! The Secret to Engagement in 2026

    Hosts Randy Fields and Jim Desmond explain what a leadership theme is, why it matters, and how a single word or phrase can focus decisions and boost team engagement (and with a theme song). They share examples like “Strong” and “Establish the Work,” and discuss how themes help prioritize, protect time, align teams, and prevent drift. Listeners are encouraged to choose and communicate a clear theme for the year to lead with consistency, care, and lasting impact.

    24 min

  4. 11/22/2025

    Leadership vs. Politics: Shining Truth on Turf Wars

    This episode of Leadership Lost and Found explores what workplace politics really are—competition for scarce resources, status, and influence—and how they show up as turf battles, obfuscation, and hidden agendas. The hosts discuss the real costs: lost trust, stalled innovation, lower productivity, and damaged morale. They share practical advice for leaders: use truth and transparency, assess whether you’re contributing to the problem, pick your fights wisely, document facts and business impact, manage emotion, and communicate value clearly to get organizational action.

    24 min
  5. Everyday Leadership

    10/28/2025

    Everyday Leadership

    Hosts Randy and Jim explore what everyday leadership really looks like — consistent, intentional behaviors that make teams better. Through stories and practical tips they emphasize valuing others’ time, showing up visibly, giving in-the-moment feedback and gratitude, protecting focus time, and practicing servant leadership. The episode breaks everyday leadership into simple habits you can adopt daily to build trust, boost confidence, and create space for people to do their best work.

    31 min

  6. 10/11/2025

    Calm Command: How Mindfulness Strengthens Leadership

    * Apologies for the sound issues!  It was trivia night at the bar!  This episode explores how mindfulness and self-awareness improve leadership, sharing personal stories and practical techniques like body scans, grounding, morning meditation, and closing distractions. Listeners will learn how being present, admitting when you9re emotionally compromised, and modeling focus and care builds psychological safety, better decisions, and stronger team performance.

    28 min

  7. 05/08/2025

    Servant Leadership Unveiled: The True Guide to Impactful Leadership

    In this engaging episode of Leadership Lost and Found, hosts Jim Desmond and Randy Field dive deep into the concept of servant leadership. They explore its significance, historical context, and practical application in today's corporate world. The discussion moves from a light-hearted start, acknowledging May historical moments, to a profound analysis of leadership styles, using the analogy of a hero's journey. The hosts draw inspiration from thinkers like Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, and John Maxwell, contrasting traditional authoritarian leadership with a more empathetic, people-focused approach. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they reveal how being a guide rather than a hero can multiply leadership influence and enhance team productivity. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring leaders who wish to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment, ensuring their teams thrive by aligning individual motivations with organizational goals. Their conversation offers not only a deep understanding of servant leadership but also practical advice on embracing humility, resilience, and empathy as key leadership traits.

    30 min

  8. 03/18/2025

    The Art of Knowing When to Lead

    In this episode of Leadership Lost and Found, we dive into the intricacies of effective leadership, exploring the importance of understanding when to step up and how core values influence leadership decisions. Recorded at Jonathan’s Grill, this episode delves into historical leadership examples and personal anecdotes, including the founding of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and valuable lessons from Rosa Parks. Join Randy and Jim as we unravel the complexities of leadership, discussing the distinction between management and leadership, and the defining moments that shape leaders. Whether it's knowing when to speak up or the importance of standing firm on your values, this episode provides insights for leaders at all levels.

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Leadership is tough... it takes courage and patience. We are here to Explore, Edify and Entertain you on the subject of leadership. Your hosts will tackle tough leadership subjects, mix in some wisdom and sprinkle it with some laughs.

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