Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network

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. The Third Man by Graham Greene w/Jesan Sorrells & Ryan J. Stout

    MAR 18

    The Third Man by Graham Greene w/Jesan Sorrells & Ryan J. Stout

    The Third Man by Graham Greene---Exploring Graham Greene’s postwar classic, The Third Man, Jesan Sorrells and Ryan J. Stout unravel the psychology of unreliable narrators, leadership in times of nihilism, and the timeless challenge of ethical decision-making amid a world of grifters and cons. They dive into Greene’s cinematic writing style, his nuanced character portrayals, and how postwar Vienna mirrors our own era of skepticism and manipulation. The conversation draws out practical leadership lessons—particularly the need for sincerity and humility—in a landscape shaped by both history and human nature. Book Title: The Third ManAuthor: Graham GreeneGuests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Ryan J. Stout (guest).---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 "The Myth of Modern Nihilism." 07:55 Graham Greene's Mastery of Characterization. 12:38 "Relatable Characters and the Appeal of Dark Humor." 20:30 "Graham Greene's Cinematic Legacy." 24:03 "Post-War Struggles and Black Markets." 31:58 Post-War Deals, Distrust, and Vienna. 34:01 "Vienna's Loss and Legacy in The Third Man." 39:21 "Friendship, Loneliness, and Keen Observation." 48:00 "Observations, Language, and Hidden Motives." 54:59 "AI Scams: Bots and Deception." 59:01 "Children, Leadership, Ethics, and Modern Challenges." 01:04:17 "Making Others Feel Heard & Valued." 01:06:28 "Critiquing the 'Citizen of the World' Ideal." 01:12:01 "Finding Meaningful and Spiritual Connections." 01:18:18 "Harry Lime’s Iconic Ferris Wheel Scene." 01:26:27 "Recognizing Transformation Through Self-Love." 01:29:33 "The Importance of Open-Minded Humility." 01:37:47 "Moral Choices, Lost Knowledge, and Invention." 01:42:29 Defending Free Speech and Objective Truth. 01:45:51 "Film Versions and Orson Welles Radio."---Opening 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!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 50m
  2. Oil! by Upton Sinclair w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells

    MAR 11

    Oil! by Upton Sinclair w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells

    Oil! by Upton Sinclair ---Exploring the first 100 pages of Oil! by Upton Sinclair, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby dive into the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, the evolving concept of work-life balance, and how leadership demands both killer instinct and humility. They draw parallels between entrepreneurship and film direction, critique society’s shifting attitudes toward work and success, and dissect how true leaders mentor others amidst competitive challenges. Hear lively debates on generational expectations, lessons from pop culture, and the importance of intent and teachability on the entrepreneurial journey. Book: Oil! Author: Upton SinclairGuests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Tom Libby (co-host)---Time Stamped Overview--- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Oil! by Upton Sinclair. 10:21 "There Will Be Blood Overview." 13:12 "Upton Sinclair's Influence on There Will Be Blood." 20:17 Startup Founder as Visionary Director. 24:26 "Track Record Drives Investment." 30:28 Rethinking Work-Life Balance. 33:28 Work-Life Balance and Societal Evolution. 38:57 "Rethinking Work and Its Role." 44:48 Defining Human Nature and Oil Exploration. 53:36 "Success Requires Sustained Effort." 58:04 "Confronting Uncertainty with Resilience." 01:03:00 "Embracing Uncertainty Through Learning." 01:09:11 Entrepreneurship: Ten Years to be an 'Overnight' Success. 01:12:26 "Defining Legacy: Provider or Visionary?" 01:19:04 "Evolution of NBA Eras." 01:26:18 "Art School: Talent, Drive, and Killer Instinct." 01:31:09 "Fostering Competitive Spirit in Youth." 01:33:54 The Role of Social Media in Opportunity. 01:43:04 Humbling Arrogance Through Jiu-Jitsu. 01:48:11 "Elevating Others Through Leadership." 01:53:12 Staying on the Leadership Path with Oil! by Upton Sinclair. --- Opening 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!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 58m
  3. Stomping the Blues by Albert L. Murray w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells

    MAR 4

    Stomping the Blues by Albert L. Murray w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells

    Stomping the Blues by Albert L. Murray---Exploring Albert Murray’s landmark book, Stomping the Blues, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the true roots of jazz and blues as uniquely American art forms. The hosts break down how Murray distinguishes the blues idiom from jazz, the importance of improvisation in both music and leadership, and why understanding America’s cultural “soundtrack” is vital for restoring meaning and moral direction in turbulent times. Book Title: Stomping the BluesAuthor: Albert MurrayGuest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Tom Libby (Guest Host)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 "Elements of Blues Composition." 07:35 "Albert Murray's Nuanced Legacy." 15:54 "Blues: An Expression of Duality." 19:37 "Blues: Music’s Deep Cultural Impact." 23:24 Unexpected Pathways to Country Music. 29:43 "Discovering Quality Writing." 34:40 "Beatles, Rebellion, and Influence." 40:10 "Blues: An American Synthesis." 46:39 "Hearing vs. Listening to Music." 49:32 "Globalization, Rugby, and Hockey." 54:28 "Data Overload and Decision-Making." 01:02:47 "Blues, Dance, and Sacred Tensions." 01:05:20 "Blues, Church, and Cultural Tensions." 01:10:31 "Temptations Shaped by the Internet." 01:19:05 "Stop Fighting, Start Riffing." 01:21:37 "Experience Over Technology in Life."---Opening 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! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 28m

Trailer

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

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.