Leading Across Boundaries

Scott Acker
  • 5.0 (1)
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The Long Journey to Leadership is a podcast for those who understand that leadership is not a destination, but a lifelong process of growth, reflection, and action. In this series, we explore what it truly means to become an effective leader—drawing from personal experiences, diverse leadership styles, and lessons learned in the field. Each episode dives into leadership through a new lens, whether examining a high-profile decision made on the world stage, unpacking a leadership failure in the news, or exploring how different styles—transformational, servant, adaptive—play out in today’s complex environments. We bring in practical insights, thought-provoking questions, and real-world examples to guide current and aspiring leaders in navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape. Whether you're leading a team, managing change, or striving to lead from within, this podcast helps illuminate the journey—with honesty, humility, and purpose.

  1. 6d ago

    S6 - Special Episode - When Leadership Breaks Down: Can Leadership Principles Help Restore Global Harmony

    What happens when leadership breaks down—not just within organizations, but across communities, institutions, and the world? In this special episode of Leading Across Boundaries, I explore the role leadership can play in navigating a world increasingly shaped by conflict, division, distrust, uncertainty, and competing interests. Rather than focusing on individual political leaders or taking sides, this episode looks at the fundamental principles of effective leadership: self-awareness, listening, empathy, trust, accountability, humility, values, responsible decision-making, and the ability to manage conflict without losing sight of our shared humanity. I ask an important question: If these principles can help individuals and organizations navigate difficult situations, could they also help us address some of the challenges facing the world? The conversation explores why leadership under pressure matters, why trust is so difficult to build and so easy to lose, why understanding does not require agreement, and why strength and control are not the same thing. Most importantly, the episode turns the question back toward each of us. Because better leadership isn't only something we should expect from people in positions of power. It begins with how we lead ourselves, how we treat people with whom we disagree, and the choices we make every day. Leadership doesn't begin at the top. It begins within. Join me for this thought-provoking special episode of Leading Across Boundaries and consider one final question: What leadership principle does the world need most right now? Subscribe, share the episode, and join the conversation.

    S6 - Special Episode - When Leadership Breaks Down: Can Leadership Principles Help Restore Global Harmony

  2. Sep 4

    S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E5 - Leadership and Identify

    Who are you becoming as a leader? Leadership isn't simply a position, a title, or a set of skills. Over time, our values, choices, behaviors, and experiences shape our leadership identity. In Episode 6 of The Inner Life of a Leader, we explore the difference between doing leadership and becoming a leader — and why authenticity, humility, feedback, consistency, and intentional choices all play a role in shaping who we become. The question isn't simply, “What kind of leader am I?” It's deeper: “Who am I becoming?” 🎙️ Leading Across Boundaries — Episode 6: Leadership and Identity

    S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E5 - Leadership and Identify

  3. Aug 9

    S6 - Inner Life of a Leader E4 - What Do You Stand For

    As leaders, we all have values and convictions—but leadership reveals their true importance when those values are tested. In this episode of Leading Across Boundaries: The Inner Life of a Leader, Scott Acker explores what it means to identify the principles that guide our decisions, relationships, and actions. We’ll examine why values are more than words, how they are revealed through our behavior, and why pressure often exposes what we truly believe. We’ll also explore the connection between values, courage, authenticity, trust, and integrity—and why knowing what you stand for is only the beginning. The challenge for every leader is not simply to identify their values, but to live them consistently. What do you stand for? And are your decisions showing it? Take a moment to reflect, choose one value you want to strengthen, and find one opportunity this week to put that value into action. Because the values we live become the foundation of the leader we become.

    S6 - Inner Life of a Leader E4 - What Do You Stand For

  4. Jul 22

    S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E3 - The Leadership Journey

    Leadership isn't a destination—it's a lifelong journey of growth, reflection, and intentional development. In this episode of Leading Across Boundaries, Scott Acker explores why the most effective leaders never stop learning. Discover how experience becomes wisdom through reflection, why character matters more than titles, and how every season of leadership shapes who we become. Whether you're just beginning your leadership journey or have years of experience, this episode will challenge you to embrace continuous growth and lead with greater purpose, humility, and intention.

  5. May 24

    S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E2 - Self Awareness

    Self-awareness is one of the most important — and most difficult — leadership skills to develop. In this episode of the Leadership Journey Podcast, I explore blind spots, emotional triggers, feedback, and the gap between intent and impact. Learn why leadership growth begins with honest self-observation and how greater awareness creates stronger, steadier leadership.

    S6 - The Inner Life of a Leader - E2 - Self Awareness

  6. May 1

    S6 - The Inner Life of A Leader E1 - The Leader Within: Where It Really Begins

    Leadership doesn’t start with a title — it starts within. In this opening episode of Series 6, I explore the internal foundation of leadership, including self-awareness, mindset, discipline, and the habits that shape how leaders show up under pressure. Before you lead others, you must first understand and lead yourself.

    S6 - The Inner Life of A Leader E1 - The Leader Within: Where It Really Begins

  7. Apr 11

    S5 - PM as.a Leader - E10 Transition from PM to Organizational Leader

    In the Series 5 finale I explore the transition from delivering projects to shaping organizations. This episode dives into systems thinking, leadership identity, and how influence scales beyond individual teams. Learn how great leaders move from execution to designing environments where success becomes repeatable.

    S5 - PM as.a Leader - E10 Transition from PM to Organizational Leader

  8. Mar 28

    S5 - PM as a Leader E9 Leading Up - Influencing Sponsors and Executives

    In this episode of the Leadership Journey Podcast, I explore how project leaders can effectively communicate with sponsors and executives, frame decisions, and build credibility upward. Learn how to move from reporting status to shaping outcomes — and why these same leadership principles apply even at the highest levels, where leaders must navigate pressure, competing priorities, and moments of conflict.

    S5 - PM as a Leader E9 Leading Up - Influencing Sponsors and Executives
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About

The Long Journey to Leadership is a podcast for those who understand that leadership is not a destination, but a lifelong process of growth, reflection, and action. In this series, we explore what it truly means to become an effective leader—drawing from personal experiences, diverse leadership styles, and lessons learned in the field. Each episode dives into leadership through a new lens, whether examining a high-profile decision made on the world stage, unpacking a leadership failure in the news, or exploring how different styles—transformational, servant, adaptive—play out in today’s complex environments. We bring in practical insights, thought-provoking questions, and real-world examples to guide current and aspiring leaders in navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape. Whether you're leading a team, managing change, or striving to lead from within, this podcast helps illuminate the journey—with honesty, humility, and purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Acker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Leading Across Boundaries