Steve Azar's Resonance: A Podcast for Leaders, Unpacking the Power of Song, Silence and Strategy

Mike Ferrell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Resonance is a podcast for leaders, creatives, and changemakers who know that the future belongs to those who can listen deeply, think differently, and lead from the heart. Hosted by Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, music producer and storyteller Steve Azar, award winning author and Benedictine business strategist Mike Ferrell, and thought leader and transformation expert Randy Harrington, Resonance explores the powerful intersection of listening, creativity, transformation, and the power of song. In each episode, we'll unpack ideas that blend ancient monastic wisdom, cutting-edge leadership thinking, and the transformative force of music. From soul-stirring stories to practical strategies, Steve, Mike, and Randy invite you into a sacred pause—a chance to reconnect with what matters most and amplify the song of your leadership. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a tuning fork for the spirit, a space to resonate more fully with your purpose, your people, and the possibilities ahead.

  1. 16H AGO

    Resonance: Season 2: VUCA vs BANI-Leading When The Rules Keep Changing

    Send us a text In this episode, Steve, Mike and Randy discuss the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing world characterized by VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) and its evolution into BANI (brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible). They explore the impact of technology on industries, particularly music, and the importance of community and communication in fostering resilience. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability and the significance of core values in navigating change. Takeaways VUCA describes the chaotic nature of today's world. BANI is a new framework for understanding modern challenges. The music industry has been transformed by technology and streaming. AI is reshaping creativity and the music landscape. Community and communication are essential for resilience. Organizations must build bendable structures to adapt to change. Mental health issues have increased due to societal pressures. Leaders need to foster a culture of empathy and support. Shared values are crucial for team cohesion. The future requires us to be adaptable and open to change. Chapters 00:00 Navigating a VUCA World 08:02 The Emergence of BANI 15:56 Understanding Vulnerability in Society 24:57 Navigating Uncertainty and Control 26:40 The Importance of Community and Stability 29:26 Communication and Connection in Modern Society 29:56 The Need for Safety and Trust 32:33 Intentional Communication and Empathy 33:57 Bendable vs. Brittle: Resilience in Organizations 38:14 The Role of Flexibility in Leadership 39:22 Building Relationships in a Changing Environment 40:18 Team Dynamics and Shared Purpose 43:28 Core Values and Community in a Complex World

    45 min

  2. JAN 29

    Resonance Episode: Season 2-January 29-When Leaders Get It Right, Then Doubt

    Send us a text In this conversation, the speakers explore the complex relationship between leadership and doubt. They discuss how doubt is an inherent part of the human experience and can serve as a catalyst for growth, creativity, and self-improvement. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of reflection, humility, and the ability to navigate doubt effectively in order to achieve success. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the speakers illustrate how doubt can be transformed into a powerful tool for leaders and individuals alike. Takeaways Leadership begins with deep listening to oneself. Doubt is a natural part of the human condition. Doubt can lead to humility and authenticity in leadership. Reflection is crucial for understanding and overcoming doubt. Continuous improvement is essential for success. Doubt can be a signal for necessary change. Heuristics help in decision-making processes. Anomalies can lead to breakthroughs in understanding. Self-talk can be influenced by doubt, affecting performance. Confidence can be built through the management of doubt. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:19 The Nature of Doubt in Leadership 03:38 Doubt as a Path to Humility and Authenticity 06:58 The Role of Success and Doubt 10:23 The Process of Decision-Making and Doubt 14:43 Heuristics and Anomalies in Leadership 19:14 Continuous Improvement vs. Doubt 24:44 Conclusion and Reflections on Doubt 25:12 The Copernican Revolution and Enlightenment Thinking 25:45 Anomalies in Golf and Life 26:55 Commitment and Consistency in Golf 28:08 Doubt and Confidence in Performance 29:13 Tiger Woods: Evolution and Resilience 30:57 Using Doubt as a Signal 35:58 Neural Pathways and Performance 39:34 Reflection and the Role of Doubt 42:26 Doubt as a Tool for Growth

    45 min

  3. JAN 21

    Resonance Season 2: Episode 4-What Leaders Tolerate They Teach

    Send us a text In this episode of Resonance, Mike Ferrell, Randy Harrington, and Steve delve into the intricate dynamics of leadership, focusing on the balance between community and culture within organizations. They discuss how leaders can foster an environment that encourages open communication and empathy, emphasizing the importance of deep listening—not just to others but also to oneself. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face when addressing face-threatening acts (FTAs) and the necessity of creating a culture where feedback is welcomed and constructive criticism is part of the norm. The trio shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate difficult conversations and the impact of tolerance on workplace culture. As the discussion progresses, they explore the implications of what leaders tolerate in their teams, stressing that culture is shaped by behaviors that are accepted or rejected. They also touch on the importance of being present as a leader, which allows for early detection of issues and fosters a supportive environment. The episode wraps up with a reminder that while empathy is crucial, leaders must also be prepared to make tough decisions when necessary, ensuring that the overall health of the organization is maintained. Takeaways "You cannot not communicate." "Culture is the accumulation of behaviors that everybody treats as normal." "What you tolerate is what becomes the expectation in the organization." "Listening with the ear of your heart is essential for leaders." "You can't not have culture; it's going to happen whether you like it or not." "If you don't know what's going on, you can't correct it early." "The leader's presence is crucial for understanding the culture." "You have to create a culture where feedback is welcomed." "Compassion and empathy are key in leadership, but so is accountability." "You have to nip issues in the bud before they grow." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Tolerances 02:03 The Impact of Communication on Culture 04:12 Leader's Attention and Cultural Norms 05:28 Navigating Team Dynamics 07:53 Confrontation and Community in Leadership 09:06 Creating a Culture of Acceptance 11:44 Understanding Face Threatening Acts 14:28 Navigating Criticism and Feedback 17:12 Dealing with Toxicity in the Workplace 19:59 Empowering Solutions and Communication 22:44 Tolerating Differences and Personal Choices 28:18 Tattoos and Workplace Culture 29:05 Rules, Roles, and Leadership 29:58 The Importance of Leadership Presence 31:38 Navigating Ethical Boundaries 32:32 Performance vs. Integrity 34:20 The Role of Compassion in Leadership 36:23 Communication and Accountability 37:50 Succession Planning and Team Readiness 40:08 Empathy and Understanding in Leadership 43:26 Making Tough Decisions

    47 min

  4. JAN 15

    Resonance Podcast: Season 2-Episode 3: The Discipline of Finishing-Why Follow Thru Builds Trust

    Send us a text In this episode of the Resonance podcast, Steve, Randy and Mike explore the intricate relationship between creativity, leadership, and the importance of finishing tasks. They discuss how leaders can cultivate a culture of accountability and trust within their teams, emphasizing the significance of completing projects and setting clear goals. The conversation also delves into the concept of flow in performance, the challenges of maintaining focus amidst distractions, and the power of momentum in achieving success. Ultimately, the episode highlights that effective leadership is a collective effort, requiring collaboration and support from all team members. Takeaways Finishing tasks is crucial for maintaining trust and agency. Leaders must focus on the right activities to achieve goals. Creativity should be structured to avoid distractions. Flow states enhance performance and productivity. Simple tasks can be challenging and require discipline. Building a culture of accountability fosters teamwork. Momentum is key to achieving goals and finishing projects. Effective leadership is a collective effort, not an individual one. Understanding the importance of rhythm in completing tasks is vital. Regularly celebrating small wins can boost team morale. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resonance Podcast 01:45 The Challenge of Finishing Ideas 04:21 Building Trust Through Completion 07:20 The Importance of Accountability in Creativity 09:54 Strategies for Managing New Ideas 12:49 The Role of Data in Decision Making 15:35 Creating a Productive Environment 18:15 The Power of Momentum in Finishing 21:04 Flow State and Its Impact on Success 24:17 The Power of Focus in Performance 25:50 Understanding Flow and Its Impact 28:19 The Emotional Connection in Performance 30:28 The Art of Engaging an Audience 32:14 The Importance of Process in Achieving Flow 35:51 Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence 39:25 The Euphoria of Completion and Teamwork

    45 min

  5. JAN 8

    Resonance Podcast: Alignment Before Acceleration-Why Speed Without Unity Fails

    Send us a text In this conversation, Steve, Mike and Randy delve into the complexities of leadership, particularly as the new year begins. They discuss the importance of alignment within teams, the necessity of accountability, and the value of pre-mortems to anticipate challenges. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding organizational culture, the dynamics of team synergy, and the balance between gut decisions and data-driven strategies. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for intentional leadership and the role of feedback in guiding actions and decisions. Takeaways Leaders must prioritize alignment to foster momentum. Pre-mortems can help teams anticipate and address potential challenges. Accountability is crucial for achieving success in leadership. Understanding and adapting to organizational culture is essential during change. Team synergy enhances performance and creativity. Gut decisions should align with overall strategy to avoid misalignment. Rehearsals and practice prepare teams for real-world challenges. Feedback loops are vital for assessing the effectiveness of strategies. Intentional leadership focuses on clarity of purpose and vision. Leaders must be adaptable, amplifying or dampening strategies based on feedback. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Alignment in Leadership 07:42 Understanding Organizational Culture and Change 12:09 Navigating Change: Purpose and Vision 18:48 Finding the Right Fit in Teams 22:02 Navigating Leadership Changes 24:45 The Role of Gut Decisions in Leadership 27:17 Understanding Alignment and External Influences 29:07 The Principle of Intention in Leadership 32:06 Vision for the Year Ahead 34:40 Aligning Goals and Strategies 37:37 The Power of Pre-Mortems 40:35 Balancing Emotion and Metrics

    43 min

  6. JAN 1

    Season 2: Resonance Podcast-New Year's Episode-Choosing What to Leave Behind

    Send us a text In this episode, Steve Azar, Mike Ferrell, and Randy Harrington discuss the significance of the New Year as a time for reflection, goal setting, and personal growth. They explore the importance of vision boards, the cultural aspects of New Year celebrations, and the necessity of letting go of past failures to make room for new opportunities. The conversation emphasizes the value of listening, storytelling, and building strong communities as foundational elements for success. They also touch on the role of communication in relationships and the impact of shared values in organizations. The episode concludes with a call to embrace change and look forward to the future with optimism. Takeaways The New Year is a time for reflection and goal setting. Vision boards can help clarify intentions for the year ahead. Cultural traditions around the New Year vary widely and hold significance. Letting go of past failures is crucial for personal growth. Listening deeply can enhance relationships and understanding. Creativity should focus on making a positive impact. Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Common knowledge fosters community and collaboration. Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection and understanding. Strategic planning should involve collaboration with suppliers and partners. Chapters 00:00 New Beginnings and Reflections 02:50 Vision Boards and Goal Setting 06:00 Cultural Significance of New Year Celebrations 08:52 Personal Growth and Letting Go 11:59 The Importance of Listening 14:49 Creating Impact and Common Knowledge 23:27 The Importance of Community in Culture 27:13 Communication: The Heart of Relationships 31:23 The Power of Storytelling in Business 34:32 Lessons from Iconic Brands 39:15 Building Strategic Alliances for Success 42:49 Reflecting on Past Strategies for Future Growth

    45 min

  7. 12/18/2025

    Resonance Episode: Christmas-Light in the Ordinary

    Send us a text In this episode of Resonance, hosts Randy Harrington, Mike Ferrell, and Steve Azar explore the complexities of the holiday season, discussing the importance of focusing on small moments, navigating family dynamics, and the power of cooking as a means of connection. They reflect on the challenges of setting aside expectations and being present during the holidays, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and the significance of vulnerability in relationships. The conversation wraps up with a message of gratitude and the importance of creating space for meaningful connections during this festive time. Takeaways Christmas can bring up complex emotions. Focusing on small, simple things can enhance our experiences. Navigating family dynamics requires mental preparation. Being present is essential during the holidays. Cooking together fosters connection and joy. Vulnerability can lead to deeper relationships. Setting aside expectations allows for genuine experiences. Simplicity in celebrations can be more meaningful. Creating space in our lives is crucial for connection. Leadership involves being present and attentive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Holiday Spirit 01:03 Understanding Christmas Expectations 03:19 The Creative Process and Vulnerability 08:30 Reflections on Family and Responsibility 10:32 Navigating Holiday Stress and Presence 12:56 Creating Space for Connection 18:09 The Importance of Quiet Reflection 21:02 Embracing the Unexpected 27:10 Letting Go of Expectations 30:20 The Challenge of Social Gatherings 30:46 The Joy of Cooking and Holiday Traditions 33:02 Creating Meaningful Meals: The Gift of Cooking 35:17 The Heart of Christmas: Cooking Together 37:57 Decorating with Love: Personal Stories of Christmas Trees 41:03 The Beauty of Small Things: Lessons from Nature 44:38 Reflections on Christmas: Humble Beginnings and Love

    44 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Resonance Episode 17: Upstream Leadership – Why Discovery Beats Execution Every Time

    Send us a text In this episode of Resonance, Mike Ferrell, Steve Azar, and Randy Harrington delve into the concept of upstream leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes of issues rather than merely addressing symptoms. They explore how this principle applies to various fields, including songwriting and strategic planning, and discuss the significance of empathy, community, and culture in business. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to be adaptable and open to change while empowering employees to voice their insights and concerns. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to think critically about their roles within organizations and the impact of their actions on broader goals. Takeaways Upstream leadership focuses on solving root problems rather than just symptoms. Songwriting requires inspiration and a willingness to embrace the creative process. Strategic planning should be flexible and responsive to current business needs. Understanding the difference between strategy and tactics is crucial for effective leadership. Empathy and compassion are essential in creating positive customer experiences. Building a strong community and culture enhances employee engagement and satisfaction. Leaders must be proactive in seeking out new opportunities for growth. Empowering employees to voice concerns can lead to significant improvements. A higher purpose vision drives organizational success beyond profit. Celebrating small wins fosters a positive work environment. Chapters 00:00 The Concept of Upstream Leadership 03:55 Understanding the Story of the Babies 14:24 The Art of Songwriting as an Upstream Challenge 20:33 Strategic Planning and Higher Purpose Vision 25:42 Empathy and Higher Purpose in Business 26:51 Building Community Through Core Values 29:32 Upstream vs Downstream: Business Strategies 33:42 Change Management and Possibility Thinking 38:36 Empowering Employees and Continuous Improvement 41:31 Core Values and Organizational Commitment

    44 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Resonance is a podcast for leaders, creatives, and changemakers who know that the future belongs to those who can listen deeply, think differently, and lead from the heart. Hosted by Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, music producer and storyteller Steve Azar, award winning author and Benedictine business strategist Mike Ferrell, and thought leader and transformation expert Randy Harrington, Resonance explores the powerful intersection of listening, creativity, transformation, and the power of song. In each episode, we'll unpack ideas that blend ancient monastic wisdom, cutting-edge leadership thinking, and the transformative force of music. From soul-stirring stories to practical strategies, Steve, Mike, and Randy invite you into a sacred pause—a chance to reconnect with what matters most and amplify the song of your leadership. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a tuning fork for the spirit, a space to resonate more fully with your purpose, your people, and the possibilities ahead.

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