Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Weekly

Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    Henry V by Shakespeare — Legitimate Authority and the Leader Who Rebuilds (w/Zac Stucki)

    The Life of Henry V by William Shakespeare w/Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki---Delving into William Shakespeare’s The Life of Henry V, Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki analyze the cultural foundation of leadership, the decline of cultural confidence in Western societies, and the complex responsibilities leaders face when making consequential decisions. They connect Shakespeare’s lessons on accountability and mentorship to today’s leadership crises—highlighting generational gaps, the impact of cultural narratives, and how leaders can prepare to uphold a standard in turbulent times. Play: The Life of Henry VAuthor: William ShakespeareGuest: Zac StuckiHost: Jesan Sorrells---Time-Stamped Outline:---00:00 Debating France's royal succession 21:07 Discussing OK Boomer Cultural Dynamics 24:34 Emergence of New Political Powers 42:06 Discussing future Shakespeare episodes 43:58 Portraying the French as complex characters 01:00:11 The thin red line of America 01:05:25 Shakespeare's historical context and audience 01:23:28 Defining true intelligence beyond academics 01:31:32 Child's simple requests for water 01:46:11 Current insurgency tactics and alliances 01:55:04 Post-War Nuremberg Trials Discussion 02:00:40 Discussing moral standards and politics 02:15:59 Discussing King Harry's Agincourt dilemma 02:28:08 Learning from older generations 02:35:29 Wrapping up the podcast episode --- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Henry V by Shakespeare — Legitimate Authority and the Leader Who Rebuilds (w/Zac Stucki)

  2. Aug 5 ·  Video

    Coriolanus by Shakespeare — Pride, the Crowd, and the General Who Couldn't Bend (w/John Hill)

    The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare w/John Hill and Jesan Sorrells---Unpacking Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Coriolanus, this episode draws out timeless leadership insights on integrity, social hierarchies, and the tension between individual values and the demands of the group. The hosts explore how Coriolanus’ unwavering personal code clashes with political and social expectations, what the play reveals about family as the first organizational structure, and why the forces of social conformity remain so powerful for modern leaders. The discussion also connects classic themes to today’s leadership challenges, including sales management, organizational power, and navigating cultural shifts in a digitized world. Play Title: The Tragedy of CoriolanusAuthor: William ShakespeareHosts: Jesan Sorrells (Host); John Hill aka Small Mountain (Co-host)---Time-Stamps:---00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare 02:49 Information overload and war reporting. 10:39 European history and colonization context of Coriolanus. 25:35 Shakespeare's portrayal of motherhood in Coriolanus. 35:15 Discussing a sales coach's priorities. 44:53 Historical view on war from Coriolanus as opportunity. 55:22 Coriolanus's pride and public perception. 01:10:39 Challenges in sales and marketing ethics. 01:18:22 Realizing the value of partnership. 01:29:00 Redefining the employee-supervisor relationship. 01:38:05 Dealing with manipulative conversations. 01:49:55 Conversations on genuine apologies. 02:02:21 Discussing Volumnia from Coriolanus. 02:10:34 Finding Your Own Community. 02:28:00 Discussing salesperson job interviews. 02:29:48 Encouraging kids to ask why. --- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Coriolanus by Shakespeare — Pride, the Crowd, and the General Who Couldn't Bend (w/John Hill)

  3. Jul 29 ·  Video

    Macbeth by Shakespeare — Ambition, Tyranny, and the Ruin of a Leader (w/Katie Mestres)

    The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare w/Katie Mestres & Jesan Sorrells---Exploring William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this episode examines the enduring power of tragic storytelling in leadership and culture. The conversation focused on why Macbeth continues to resonate with modern audiences, the complexities of Lady Macbeth’s ambition and gender roles, and how marriage dynamics shape decision-making under pressure. Key themes include the absence of redemption in tragedy, lessons for leaders about ambition and balance, and the timeless human struggle to make meaning from adversity. Book: MacbethAuthor: William ShakespeareGuest: Jesan Sorrells (Host) Katie Mestres (Guest)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Battle update for King Duncan 06:33 Exploring Macbeth's tragedy and relevance today 11:17 Analyzing A.C. Bradley's perspective on Macbeth 17:47 Modern interpretation of Macbeth's design and themes 26:29 Modernizing Shakespeare for Today's Audience 31:43 Shakespeare's Role in Historical Popular Entertainment 37:50 Lady Macbeth learns of the prophecy 43:55 Lady Macbeth and expectations of women leaders 48:04 Lady Macbeth's challenge to gender norms 51:35 Discussing European History and Enlightenment Origins 01:00:10 Lady Macbeth, gender roles, and ambition 01:05:56 Exploring Enlightenment ideas and assumptions 01:10:31 Struggling with narrative amid tragedy ---Resources Featured Book: William Shakespeare: A Brief Life by Paul Menzer.The best primer for understanding the man behind the plays. 37:01Performance Picks:Macbeth (dir. Justin Kurzel; Michael Fassbender & Marion Cotillard). Available on Amazon Prime.BBC Macbeth (David Tennant)--- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Macbeth by Shakespeare — Ambition, Tyranny, and the Ruin of a Leader (w/Katie Mestres)

  4. Jul 22 ·  Video

    The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - What Lies at the Bottom of Our Constitutional Order w/Dorollo Nixon

    The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - What Lies at the Bottom of Our Constitutional Order w/Dorollo Nixon--- Jesan Sorrells and Dorollo Nixon, Jr. examine the foundational debates framing citizenship, rights, and law in the United States through readings from The Federalist Papers and recent (2026) Supreme Court case analysis. They discuss the evolving meanings of “a more perfect union,” birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age, and the challenges of culture and authority facing contemporary American leadership. Supreme Court rulings on mass migration, surveillance, and biological reality take center stage as turning points shaping the future of the republic and the prospects for building strong, resilient communities. Book Title: The Federalist PapersAuthor: Alexander Hamilton (and others)Guest Names: Jesan Sorrells, Dorollo Nixon, Jr.---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Federal government's defense authority - Federalist No.23  05:31 Founders' views on human nature 11:34 Birthright citizenship and legal debates 20:44 Discussing elite influence on legislation 26:21 Justice Jackson's modern writing style 30:38 Discussing Virginia Convention Amendments 35:27 Discussion on privacy rights 43:59 Justice Frankfurter's memoirs discussion 49:47 Discussing crime and lack of protests 52:08 Artificial intelligence and tech giants 01:01:16 Judicial tenure and good behavior 01:03:43 Discussing Supreme Court cases and biological reality 01:08:41 Worldviews and legislative influence 01:16:14 Christian communities and leadership dynamics 01:22:57 Social media spectacle and republic concerns 01:29:37 Building Community and Support Systems 01:30:40 Discussing what America is not --- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - What Lies at the Bottom of Our Constitutional Order w/Dorollo Nixon

  5. Jul 17 ·  Bonus Video

    The Odyssey by Homer translation by T.E. Shaw (Lawrence of Arabia) w/Jesan Sorrells

    The Odyssey by Homer, translation by T.E. Shaw (Lawrence of Arabia) w/Jesan Sorrells---Examining Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, this episode dives into timeless leadership lessons for modern managers and entrepreneurs. The conversation focused on the decline from heroic responsibility to entitlement in Western culture, the enduring value of facing challenges head-on, and the need for leaders to reclaim meaning by embracing tradition and personal accountability. Insights from translator T.E. Lawrence’s life and work sharpen the discussion on navigating today’s cultural shifts with courage and clarity. Book Title: The OdysseyAuthor: Homer (T.E. Lawrence translation)Guest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 Critique of modern society's values 07:01 Public institutions and heroism decline 15:33 Odysseus receives gifts and journey 22:31 Understanding the author's limitations 24:43 Lawrence of Arabia's wartime role 31:21 Odysseus arrives at the Cyclops' island 40:29 Blinding the Cyclops 42:19 Impact of Nietzschean philosophy 49:27 Odysseus doubts he's home 57:33 Understanding the Odyssey's broader impact 01:01:10 Lessons for leaders from The Odyssey 01:06:50 Conclusion and book promotion --- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ---

    The Odyssey by Homer translation by T.E. Shaw (Lawrence of Arabia) w/Jesan Sorrells

  6. Jul 15 ·  Bonus Video

    Project Hail Mary and The Dark Knight Returns — Sincerity, Heroism, and the Millennial Rewrite of the Superhero (w/Tom Libby)

    Project Hail Mary, Masters of the Universe, and Sunsetting the Dark Knight w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells--- Explore the cultural impact and evolution of superhero films as Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby compare the archetypes of Batman and Superman, analyze changing generational tastes in cinema, and dig into new millennial-focused heroic narratives in movies like Project Hail Mary and Masters of the Universe. They discuss the importance of sincerity in modern heroism, debate whether Gen X or Millennial values dominate current film, and reflect on the future of movie storytelling in the age of AI and streaming. This lively, in-depth conversation connects film trends to broader cultural and generational shifts, offering fresh insight for leaders and movie-lovers alike. Book & Film Titles Discussed: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank MillerProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirWatchmen by Alan MooreMasters of the Universe (film adaptation)Superman (various film adaptations)Guests: Jesan Sorrells - HostTom Libby - Co-Host---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Batman films' evolution and iconic portrayals. 05:48 Lessons from Writing and Collaboration. 14:27 Movie acting, script quality and its Discontents. 15:57 On Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, and the Hulk on TV. 26:01 Exploring Batman's psychological motivations. 31:48 The Dark Knight's billion-dollar cultural impact. 35:50 Choosing superheroes for problem-solving skills. 40:17 Evaluating Superman Returns vs. Man of Steel. 46:03 Comparing Superman and Batman personalities. 51:55 Superman's logical consistency and character integrity. 55:21 Watching Project: Hail Mary again with kids. 01:02:25 Millennials and Gen Z are now driving film culture. 01:06:53 Method acting and its impact on actors. 01:12:43 Millennial cynicism and need for sincerity. 01:19:58 Evolution of hero archetypes in cinema. 01:25:55 Generational differences in workplace expectations. 01:29:11 Impact of the Internet on generational culture and tech. 01:33:42 Staying on the Leadership Path - With Movies!  --- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ---

    Project Hail Mary and The Dark Knight Returns — Sincerity, Heroism, and the Millennial Rewrite of the Superhero (w/Tom Libby)

  7. Jul 10 ·  Bonus Video

    The Coming Millennial Superhero

    Millennials are beginning to be heroic at the movies. --- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Coming Millennial Superhero

  8. Jul 4 ·  Bonus Video

    The Declaration of Independence by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, July 4, 1776

    The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, July 4, 1776.---Music: Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa, Performed by European Archive (https://musopen.org/) --- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.--- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Declaration of Independence by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, July 4, 1776
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Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.

Information

  • Creator
    Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (c)2021-2035, HSCT Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

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