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. 3h ago ·  Video

    Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells

    Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells---Dive into Don DeLillo’s Cosmopolis as Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the novel’s critique of leadership in an era of wealth, technology, and cultural upheaval. They discuss the dangers of disconnected leadership, the ongoing crisis of accountability among elites, and the pitfalls of managing strictly by data and dashboards. The episode draws sharp parallels between fictional failures and real-world leadership challenges, offering actionable lessons for those navigating today’s ever-shifting leadership landscape. Book Title: CosmopolisAuthor: Don DeLilloHosts: Jesan Sorrells, Tom Libby---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Eric Packer's limousine journey. 09:54 Discussing a prolific modernist author. 16:00 DeLillo's risk-taking in writing. 17:47 Reflecting on character minimalism. 25:36 Discussing key themes in book and movie. 28:33 Early AI's impact on finance. 35:52 Challenges of Leadership Disconnect. 41:42 Billionaires don't live in my town. 49:38 Reflecting on 9/11 emotions. 55:27 Catharsis in Cosmopolis. 56:19 Reflections on WWII veterans' honor. 01:06:32 AI accountability in decision-making. 01:09:49 Wealth Redistribution for Global Issues. 01:15:24 Discussing money and character. 01:18:23 Exploring Worldview and Character Development. 01:27:08 Discussing a retirement plan. 01:31:38 The crisis of tech outpacing morality. 01:35:09 Gut feeling vs data in decisions. 01:40:30 Leadership lessons from Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo. --- 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 ★

    Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells

  2. 6d ago ·  Video

    "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger

    "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger---Diving into Kurt Vonnegut’s Welcome to the Monkey House, Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger examine the prophetic warnings about conformity, institutional control, and the battle over language and individual agency. The conversation connects the stories “Harrison Bergeron,” “Report on the Barnhouse Effect,” and “Where I Live” to today’s challenges for leaders navigating a culture of safetyism, linguistic manipulation, and technological disruption. Practical takeaways center around preserving individual responsibility, resisting institutional overreach, and regrounding leadership in local, real-world community. Book title: Welcome to the Monkey HouseAuthor: Kurt VonnegutHost: Jesan Sorrells, Guest: Libby Unger---Time-Stamped Overview:---00:00 Discussing 20th-century sci-fi authors 08:46 Kurt Vonnegut's literary journey 12:12 High school memories and Vonnegut 18:13 Publication dates and context of stories 26:07 Lindsay Clancy's controversial trial 27:31 Jury deadlock in Lindsey Clancy case 34:20 Reflecting on Gloria Steinem's Impact 42:31 Authors and technology of books 47:38 Vonnegut's views on language usage 52:27 Technology, communication, and culture overlap 58:36 Hourglass analogy and chaotic transitions 01:01:24 Impact of 2020 lockdowns 01:05:56 Barnhouse effect report analysis 01:16:06 Discussing global conflict and climate agendas 01:19:58 American culture and equality debate 01:27:48 Reflecting on personal growth 01:32:19 Exploring an abandoned harbor clubhouse 01:34:09 Wendell Berry and localism themes 01:43:28 Local community and cultural shift ---- 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 ★

    "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger

  3. Sep 2 ·  Video

    A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World

    A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World---The panel examines the meaning and crisis of literacy in a post-literate society and what it means for 21st-century leadership. The discussion highlights how declining long-form reading impacts critical thinking, decision-making, and social cohesion, while exploring the evolving responsibilities of leaders as communicators, teachers, and curators of insight in a digital, short-attention world. Practical strategies and perspectives are shared for bridging generational gaps, fostering book-based conversation, and adapting leadership to new realities. Mentioned Book Titles and Authors: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklLeadership Lessons from the Five Books of Moses by Jonathan SacksThe Odyssey by Homer (referencing Emily Wilson’s translation)Notes from Underground by Fyodor DostoevskyHeart of Darkness by Joseph ConradThings Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeUlysses by Alfred, Lord TennysonMere Christianity by C.S. LewisThe Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist PapersCrime and Punishment by Fyodor DostoevskyOutwitting the Devil by Napoleon HillHost:  Jesan SorrellsGuest Panelists: Richard MessingJohn HillTom LibbyBrian BagleyHana Kabele GalaNeal KalechofskyDorollo Nixon, Jr.David BaumruckerChristen B. HorneDr. Moumin QuaziHana Kabele Gala---The Articles that Inspired the Conversation: The End of Reading is Here by Rose Horowich - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/08/reading-crisis-postliterate-age/687618/Leading in the Post-Literate West by Jesan Sorrells - https://jesanmsorrells.micro.blog/2026/07/16/leading-in-the-postliterate-west.html--- 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 ★

    A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World

  4. Aug 26 ·  Bonus Video

    The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells

    The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells---Exploring Václav Havel’s influential essay, The Power of the Powerless, Jesan Sorrells and Harvey Seifter unpack what it means for leaders to “live in truth” in the face of societal conformity. They examine the dangers of moral and cultural hollowness, the practical implications of dissidence, and how authentic leadership begins with individual conscience rather than systemic change. The episode also connects Havel’s ideas to modern challenges in leadership, ethics, and the search for a transcendent anchor in turbulent times. Book: The Power of the PowerlessAuthor: Václav HavelGuest: Harvey Seifter Host: Jesan Sorrells---Time-Stamped Outline:---00:00 Discussing "The Power of the Powerless" 11:43 Forming and Scaling Arts-Based Organizations 17:12 Raising kids as future leaders 23:11 Discussing LLMs and historical figures 24:37 Discovering Vaclav Havel's Plays 30:48 Generational challenges in Hollywood writing 37:13 The need for societal self-reflection 42:12 Rereading a book in Prague 46:35 Reflecting on 9/11 and authenticity 52:32 Weekly Bible discussion lunch 57:36 Relatable job struggles and realities 01:05:45 Feeling disconnected from larger systems 01:08:49 Havel's philosophy on private pursuits 01:16:14 Turning to Biblical truth 01:23:22 Exploring the concept of truth 01:28:10 Value of truth in oppressive regimes 01:34:33 Differentiating ethics from morals 01:40:03 Connection between arts and ethical leadership 01:42:09 Empowering leaders for innovation ---Connect with Harvey Seifter by clicking on the links below: Creating Futures That Work - https://futuresthatwork.com/The Art of Science Learning - https://www.artofsciencelearning.org/Harvey Seifter LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hseifter/--- 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 Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells

  5. Aug 21 ·  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)

  6. 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)

  7. 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)

  8. 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
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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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