Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders

Mike LeJeune
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The show for leaders who care about having an engaged, purpose driven workforce. Gallop surveys show that in today's economy 75% of the workforce feels disengaged. Learn from Interviews with industry leaders who understand the importance of how engaged employees impact culture, drive productivity and ignite their teams.

  1. Part II: Unrecruitable: How to Build a Team Your Competitors Can't Steal

    FEB 27

    Part II: Unrecruitable: How to Build a Team Your Competitors Can't Steal

    What actually makes someone stay? In Part 2, Mike Lejeune and Jonathan Whistman move from hiring strategy to leadership execution — how to deeply care, coach hard, and build an identity people won't walk away from. Jonathan shares practical examples of: Recruiting the spouse Earning the right to have difficult conversations Designing onboarding that shapes identity Creating championship-level rituals inside organizations This conversation goes beyond retention strategies — it's about building people. In This Episode: How to show people they matter (beyond surface-level care) Why leaders must earn the right to deliver hard feedback How to coach performance tied to personal identity Identity rituals that cement belonging Why champions don't need micromanagement — they need standards Key Takeaways: People stay where they feel seen and developed. Difficult conversations only work when trust is established. Identity is stronger than compensation. Leaders must raise their benchmark before raising expectations. Next Steps: Have one deeper conversation this week that goes beyond KPIs. Evaluate your onboarding — does it shape identity? Raise your standard — and communicate it clearly. Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanwhistman/ 🎁 Special Bonus for Listeners Jonathan has extended a special offer exclusively for listeners of this episode. If you purchase a copy of Unrecruitable and message Mike with a photo of you holding the book, Jonathan will personally provide: Two complimentary tickets to his live, two-day training event in Scottsdale, Arizona. At this intensive session, you'll learn: How to conduct a Talent Reveal Interview How to run effective group interviews How to lead executive-level interviews How to implement the Think–Feel–Act audit inside your organization Practical systems for building an unrecruitable team You can bring a member of your leadership team with you — both tickets are courtesy of this podcast. To claim your tickets: Purchase Unrecruitable on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unrecruitable-Build-Team-Competition-Steal/dp/B0GNKXFTQQ Send a photo of you with the book to Mike. We'll provide next steps for the Scottsdale event.

    27 min
  2. Part I: Unrecruitable: How to Build a Team Your Competitors Can't Steal

    FEB 27

    Part I: Unrecruitable: How to Build a Team Your Competitors Can't Steal

    What makes someone truly unrecruitable? In Part 1 of this conversation, Mike Lejeune sits down with Jonathan Whistman, CEO of WhoHire and author of Unrecruitable: How to Build a Team Your Competitors Can't Steal. Jonathan has built and sold companies, authored The Sales Boss, and now helps organizations use data and identity-driven leadership to build high-performance teams that competitors can't poach. This episode challenges conventional thinking about hiring, retention, and culture. In This Episode: Why every business is actually in the human business The biggest mistake leaders make in hiring Why "gut instinct" fails more often than we admit The Think–Feel–Act framework for engineering culture Why identity determines whether someone stays or leaves The real math behind finding top 5% performers Key Takeaways: Culture doesn't happen accidentally — it can be engineered. If you want different behavior, shape thinking first. Hiring is not an administrative task — it's a half-million-dollar decision. People don't leave jobs. They leave environments that don't fit their identity. Next Steps: Audit your hiring process — are you using data or gut? Define clearly: What do you want your people to think about your organization? Share this episode with a leader who is struggling with retention. Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanwhistman/ 🎁 Special Bonus for Listeners Jonathan has extended a special offer exclusively for listeners of this episode. If you purchase a copy of Unrecruitable and message Mike with a photo of you holding the book, Jonathan will personally provide: Two complimentary tickets to his live, two-day training event in Scottsdale, Arizona. At this intensive session, you'll learn: How to conduct a Talent Reveal Interview How to run effective group interviews How to lead executive-level interviews How to implement the Think–Feel–Act audit inside your organization Practical systems for building an unrecruitable team You can bring a member of your leadership team with you — both tickets are courtesy of this podcast. To claim your tickets: Purchase Unrecruitable. Send a photo of you with the book to Mike. We'll provide next steps for the Scottsdale event.

    26 min
  3. Part II: How to Hire A-Players and Build a Growth Mindset Team

    FEB 12

    Part II: How to Hire A-Players and Build a Growth Mindset Team

    Scaling the Right Way: Integrity, Tough Conversations & Eliminating Leadership Noise What separates leaders who scale sustainably from those who burn out their culture? In Part 2 of this conversation, Jeremy Jenson shares the deeper leadership evolution behind building a $12M+ organization — and why integrity became the turning point in his journey. We move beyond strategy and into self-leadership. In this episode, we explore: • Why revenue alone is a dangerous focus • Letting go of high producers who lack integrity • The power of tough, honest conversations • Why leaders must eliminate "noise" to stay focused • Using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for clarity • How to give feedback that elevates performance • Why great leaders motivate through example, not fear • Building systems that protect your culture Jeremy also shares a powerful perspective shift: Success stops being about what you achieve — and starts being about what you help others achieve. If you're leading a team, scaling a company, or navigating growth, this episode will challenge how you think about clarity, accountability, and long-term success. If you haven't watched Part 1, start there to understand the foundation of the growth story. Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjenson/

    19 min
  4. Part I: How to Hire A-Players and Build a Growth Mindset Team

    FEB 12

    Part I: How to Hire A-Players and Build a Growth Mindset Team

    How to Build a High-Performance Team That Scales (Without Losing Your Culture)  How do you scale a business from startup to millions in revenue — without losing your culture? In Part 1 of this conversation, Mike sits down with Jeremy Jenson, CEO of Encore Search Partners, to unpack the foundational principles behind building a high-performance team. Jeremy shares how he transitioned from running a marketing company to building one of Houston's top executive search firms — and what leaders must understand about scaling the right way. In this episode, we discuss: • How Jeremy went from startup to $12M+ in revenue • The leadership mistakes that slow down growth • Why loyalty without performance can stall your company • Raising performance standards ("raising the floor") • Building a KPI-driven culture without micromanaging • Why growth mindset is non-negotiable in hiring • How to attract A-players through content and visibility If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or team leader trying to scale your organization, this episode will challenge how you think about accountability, performance, and culture. 👉 In Part 2, we dive into integrity, tough leadership conversations, eliminating "noise," and the real transformation behind sustainable growth. Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjenson/

    23 min
  5. Part II: Why Most Leaders Don't Have a Focus Problem — They Have a Time Problem

    JAN 15

    Part II: Why Most Leaders Don't Have a Focus Problem — They Have a Time Problem

    Turning Vision Into Action: A Better Way to Execute Part 2 shifts from insight to application. Dan breaks down how leaders can translate long-term vision into focused, repeatable execution — without burning out or losing adaptability. Summary Dan walks through the structure and mindset of the 12-Week Year, explaining how shorter planning cycles, weekly scorekeeping, and fewer priorities help leaders move faster and smarter. Mike connects the framework to leadership behaviors, strategic thinking, and real-world performance in uncertain environments. Key Discussion Points Why shrinking timeframes increases energy and focus How weekly feedback loops improve performance The danger of treating plans as to-do lists Why strategic thinking requires protected time Highlights The 12-Week Year as a leadership mindset Why five priorities outperform ten How weekly reviews replace annual frustration Intensity paired with recovery sustains performance Key Takeaways Strategy lives in execution, not intention Shorter cycles create faster learning Planning is leadership work, not admin work Focused systems outperform motivated chaos Suggested Next Steps Define 3–5 priorities for your next 12 weeks Schedule a weekly 10–15 minute review Protect time for thinking, not just doing Connect with Dan Mintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mintz/ Ready to execute at a higher level? Learn more about Dan and how to Perform Like The Top 1% through 12-Week Execution Cycles: https://12week-breakthrough.com/

    21 min
  6. Part I: Why Most Leaders Don't Have a Focus Problem — They Have a Time Problem

    JAN 15

    Part I: Why Most Leaders Don't Have a Focus Problem — They Have a Time Problem

    Why Leaders Feel Busy — But Still Fall Behind   In Part 1, Mike and Dan explore why capable, driven leaders still struggle to execute — especially in a world defined by speed, uncertainty, and constant change. This episode reframes productivity as a leadership challenge, not a time-management problem. Summary Dan shares his experience as a CEO who felt stuck on a treadmill — planning, reacting, and falling short despite deep expertise. Together, they unpack why annual and quarterly planning fail to create urgency, how uncertainty amplifies execution gaps, and why feedback is now one of the most critical leadership tools. Key Discussion Points Why knowledge and effort aren't enough The illusion of progress created by long planning cycles How uncertainty affects focus and confidence Why feedback is tied directly to engagement and retention Highlights "Busy" doesn't mean effective Annual thinking delays accountability Uncertainty demands clarity, not paralysis Feedback helps people understand their value Key Takeaways Execution breaks down when timelines are too long Leaders need shorter cycles to stay grounded Feedback is no longer optional — it's foundational Focus creates confidence in uncertain environments Suggested Next Steps Identify where your plans lose momentum Reflect on how often you receive or give feedback Ask: What would change if progress was reviewed weekly instead of yearly? Connect with Dan Mintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mintz/ Learn more about Dan and the 12-Week Execution Cycles: https://12week-breakthrough.com/

    20 min
  7. How Leaders Can Rewire Fear, Uncertainty, and Limiting Beliefs

    12/18/2025

    How Leaders Can Rewire Fear, Uncertainty, and Limiting Beliefs

    What happens when fear, uncertainty, and limiting beliefs start driving leadership decisions? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, we explore how leaders can rewire fear, shift their thinking, and lead themselves more effectively — especially in times of change. This conversation looks beneath strategy and tactics and focuses on the inner work that shapes how leaders show up. We talk about fear and curiosity, how language rewires the brain, why labels quietly limit growth, and what it really means to lead from awareness instead of reaction. Rather than pushing motivation or quick fixes, this episode offers grounded insights and practical reflections leaders can apply immediately — at work and in life. If you're navigating uncertainty, pressure, or self-doubt, this episode will help you slow down, ask better questions, and make decisions from clarity instead of fear. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why fear doesn't exist in the present moment — and why that matters for leaders How curiosity helps leaders overcome fear and uncertainty The hidden cost of labels and limiting beliefs in leadership Why the words leaders use shape how they think and decide How self-awareness strengthens leadership confidence and choice About the Guest Martine Cohen is a transformational life strategist, leadership coach, and award-winning author of No More Layers. Her work focuses on self-leadership, awareness, and helping leaders reclaim personal power from the inside out. Why This Episode Matters Leadership isn't just about having answers — it's about understanding what's driving your decisions. This episode helps leaders step out of fear-based patterns and into intentional, values-driven leadership. Connect with Martine Cohen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinecohennml/ Email: martine@martinecohen.com

    28 min
  8. Building a Business in Uncertain Times: KPIs, Mindset, and Follow-Through

    11/24/2025

    Building a Business in Uncertain Times: KPIs, Mindset, and Follow-Through

    In a world where the word most leaders use is "uncertain," what does it really take to build something that lasts? In this episode, Mike talks with Sarah Englade, Founder and CEO of Monarch Talent Solutions, about launching and growing a recruiting firm in 2020—when companies were laying people off, not hiring. Sarah shares how a COVID layoff pushed her to bet on herself, why KPIs and processes are non-negotiable, and how she built a relationship-first recruiting brand in a noisy, skeptical market. They dig into the mindset shifts that separate entrepreneurs who keep going from those who quietly quit, the role of belief when the numbers aren't there yet, and how time blocking keeps you out of "tension-relieving" activity and focused on what truly moves the ball. If you're leading a business, a team, or your own career through uncertainty, this conversation gives you practical handles—not theories—you can put to work this week. Highlights How a COVID layoff became the catalyst for Sarah to launch Monarch Talent Solutions The difference between working in KPI-driven environments vs. "no metrics, total chaos" Why Sarah "lives for KPIs and processes" and how they actually protect culture and standards The candidate and client follow-through processes that turn transactions into long-term relationships Building a credible brand without "infomercial" content or constant self-promotion Using market intel and real conversations to position yourself as a trusted guide The biggest early hurdle: mindset, not circumstance How time blocking keeps you out of the swirl and focused on goal-achieving work Starting each day with the task you least want to do — and why that moves the needle most Next Steps for Listeners Audit your KPIs: Ask yourself, "What are the 3–5 activities that actually drive results for my team or business?" Turn those into visible, trackable KPIs. Design one follow-through process: Choose either candidates, clients, or customers and map a simple sequence: How often will you touch them? Through which channels? What value will you bring each time? Time block your week: Take Sarah's playbook and dedicate specific days or blocks to different priorities (e.g., candidates early in the week, business development later). Start tomorrow with the hard thing: Before you end your day, write down the one task you're resisting — and commit to tackling it first thing. Connect with Sarah: Reach out to Sarah Englade on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-englade/) or email her at sarah@monarchtalentsolutions.com if you want to go deeper on recruiting, branding, or building a relationship-first search firm. Stay in the conversation: Follow Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders and share this episode with another entrepreneur or leader who's navigating uncertainty right now

    27 min
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The show for leaders who care about having an engaged, purpose driven workforce. Gallop surveys show that in today's economy 75% of the workforce feels disengaged. Learn from Interviews with industry leaders who understand the importance of how engaged employees impact culture, drive productivity and ignite their teams.

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