A Student of Leadership - Real Leaders. Real Growth. One Table.

Robert Adams
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Welcome to A Student of Leadership — the podcast for leaders who believe growth is never finished. I'm Robert Adams. Behavioral leadership coach. Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coach. Thirty years in food distribution, multi-unit operations, and leadership development. Each episode delivers one idea, one story, and one question worth sitting with. Built for leaders who are actually in the work — not theorizing about it. The food industry is where leadership gets tested every single day. On the floor. In the kitchen. At the table. In the boardroom. Fast-paced environments, tight margins, diverse teams, constant pressure. Labor shortages, turnover, supply chain disruptions — these are not buzzwords. They are our daily reality. This podcast is built for that reality. The foundation of everything here is the Place Setting Framework — seven dimensions of leadership using a formal table setting as metaphor. The Table. The Plate. The Knife. The Fork. The Spoon. The Glass. The Napkin. Each week maps to one element. Each episode connects to The Leadership Table newsletter on Substack — arriving every Monday at 6:00 AM. Leadership excellence is not built on charisma or natural talent. It is built on intentional behaviors that anyone can learn, practice, and master. Small shifts in how we communicate, recognize effort, handle conflict, build accountability, and show up for our teams create lasting impact. Practical. Proven. Implementable immediately. I am not here pretending to have all the answers. I am here as a fellow student — someone who believes the moment we stop learning is the moment we stop leading effectively. New episodes every Tuesday at 6:00 AM EST. The Leadership Table on Substack: robertadamsleader.substack.com Real Leaders. Real Growth. One Table.

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode 53 - The Invisible ceiling

    The episode explores the concept of invisible ceilings that limit leaders and the importance of asking better questions to break through these limitations. It also discusses the After Action Review, the experience trap, the difference between leading and managing, and the power of asking questions to crack ceilings. The episode concludes with a segment on staying connected and a preview of the next topic. Takeaways Invisible ceilings limit leadersLeaders who break ceilings ask better questions Chapters 00:00 The Invisible Ceiling05:26 Staying Connected

    8 min

  2. FEB 17

    Episode 52 - The Leadership gap

    In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the concept of the leadership gap, focusing on the difference between leaders' intentions and the actual impact of their behavior. He explores the Google Project Aristotle and the myth of good intent, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the impact of behaviors on trust. The episode concludes with a weekly challenge to build self-awareness and stay connected with the leadership community. Takeaways Intent vs. ImpactBuilding Trust Chapters 00:00 Weekly Challenge

    8 min

  3. FEB 10

    Episode 51 - When success habits stop working

    The conversation explores the evolution of leadership behavior, the impact of leadership habits on growth, and the concept of the leadership table as a gathering place for leaders to connect and grow. It emphasizes the idea that leadership habits are tools, not identities, and highlights the importance of recognizing that what got you here won't get you there. Takeaways Leadership habits are tools, not identitiesWhat got you here won't get you there Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Leadership Behavior05:19 The Leadership Table

    8 min

  4. FEB 3

    Episode 50 - When people feel seen

    In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the concept of micro recognition in leadership, emphasizing its importance in fostering a positive work environment. He shares insights on how small, specific acknowledgments can significantly impact team morale and performance. By focusing on recognizing effort rather than just outcomes, leaders can create conditions for growth and motivation within their teams. The episode encourages listeners to practice micro recognition in their daily interactions to strengthen relationships and enhance leadership effectiveness. Takeaways Micro recognition is about small, powerful moments. Recognition doesn't have to be formal to matter. Specific acknowledgment reinforces behavior. Dopamine is released when people feel recognized. Recognition should focus on effort, not just outcomes. Use specific language to acknowledge contributions. Silence can send a negative message about recognition. Practicing micro recognition can strengthen teams. Leaders who notice more become more present. Leadership grows fastest when shared. Titles Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Micro Recognition The Subtle Art of Acknowledgment in Leadership Sound bites "It's called micro recognition." "Think of recognition like sunlight." "Get specific every time." Chapters 00:00 The Power of Micro Recognition 03:19 The Impact of Specific Acknowledgment

    7 min

  5. JAN 27

    Episode 49 - Accountability without Blame

    The conversation explores the impact of accountability on leadership, emphasizing the importance of safety, curiosity, and behavior-based leadership. It delves into the shift from blame to process-oriented accountability and encourages the spread of healthier leadership practices. Takeaways Accountability and leadershipBehavior-based leadership Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Accountability

    8 min

  6. JAN 20

    Episode 48 - Humble Leadership

    This micro podcast episode explores the concept of humble leadership and its significance in real-life scenarios. It emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership and provides actionable insights for leaders to implement. Takeaways Humble leadership involves speaking up without ego and serving the moment, not oneself.Humility in leadership is about making the room smarter because you are in it. Chapters 00:00 The Strength of Humble Leadership

    8 min

  7. JAN 13

    Episode 47 - Psychological Safety

    In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the concept of psychological safety in leadership and its impact on team dynamics. He shares insights on creating an environment where honesty and transparency are valued, and how leaders can foster psychological safety within their teams. The episode concludes with a reminder of the upcoming topics and resources for further leadership development. Takeaways Psychological safety is essential for team growth and creativityLeaders can foster psychological safety by valuing honesty and responding with curiosity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Psychological Safety05:59 Conclusion and Next Steps

    9 min

  8. JAN 6

    Episode 46 - Energy Management

    In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the importance of energy over time in leadership. He emphasizes the need to manage emotional energy and provides a leadership challenge to replenish energy through consistent habits. Additionally, he shares ways to practice leadership throughout the week. Takeaways Energy over timeManaging emotional energy Chapters 00:00 The Energy Game

    7 min
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About

Welcome to A Student of Leadership — the podcast for leaders who believe growth is never finished. I'm Robert Adams. Behavioral leadership coach. Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coach. Thirty years in food distribution, multi-unit operations, and leadership development. Each episode delivers one idea, one story, and one question worth sitting with. Built for leaders who are actually in the work — not theorizing about it. The food industry is where leadership gets tested every single day. On the floor. In the kitchen. At the table. In the boardroom. Fast-paced environments, tight margins, diverse teams, constant pressure. Labor shortages, turnover, supply chain disruptions — these are not buzzwords. They are our daily reality. This podcast is built for that reality. The foundation of everything here is the Place Setting Framework — seven dimensions of leadership using a formal table setting as metaphor. The Table. The Plate. The Knife. The Fork. The Spoon. The Glass. The Napkin. Each week maps to one element. Each episode connects to The Leadership Table newsletter on Substack — arriving every Monday at 6:00 AM. Leadership excellence is not built on charisma or natural talent. It is built on intentional behaviors that anyone can learn, practice, and master. Small shifts in how we communicate, recognize effort, handle conflict, build accountability, and show up for our teams create lasting impact. Practical. Proven. Implementable immediately. I am not here pretending to have all the answers. I am here as a fellow student — someone who believes the moment we stop learning is the moment we stop leading effectively. New episodes every Tuesday at 6:00 AM EST. The Leadership Table on Substack: robertadamsleader.substack.com Real Leaders. Real Growth. One Table.

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