We've been thinking...all things leadership

Jan Smith and Mark Rumbles
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Our podcast explores the practice of leadership—and “practice” is exactly the right word. Leadership is a fusion of art and science, discovery and application, action and reflection, punctuated by successes, setbacks, and continuous recalibration. The best leaders never stop growing. In each episode, we dive into real-life leadership challenges, share practical insights, and offer actionable solutions—without a script, excessive polish, or perfection. Leadership, after all, is more like a jazz session than a symphony performance. 🎷 Come join the discussion!

  1. May 25

    5 Leadership Shifts in the AI Era

    Leaders drive change, and change shapes leadership. Our business landscapes and horizons are shifting as AI and related technologies accelerate. The way leaders add value is changing as well. In this episode, Jan and Mark share 5 critical shifts leaders need to make and the related capabilities that give them the "human edge."

    27 min

  2. Apr 20

    AI & The Future of "Human" Leadership

    We’ve been thinking about AI… and leadership. In this episode, we explore: The difference between what AI can do and what it cannot own. Why judgment, responsibility, and ethical decision-making still sit with leaders. The growing importance of empathy, creativity, and curiosity. How leaders can improve the power of AI with a uniquely human touch.

    26 min

  3. Mar 23

    Critical Thinking

    Why do smart leaders sometimes make poor decisions? Often it’s not a lack of information—it’s a lack of disciplined thinking. In a world of algorithms, social media echo chambers, and information overload, Mark and Jan explore how egocentric thinking, sociocentric influence, confirmation bias, and emotional triggers shape our judgment—and what leaders can do to examine how they think, expand their perspective, and lead more wisely.

    35 min

  4. Feb 23

    The Power of Story Telling

    Why do some leaders move people to action while others get tuned out? It often comes down to storytelling—capturing and maintaining the attention of your audience. In this episode, Jan and Mark explore how leaders can craft stories that inform the head, inspire the heart, and invite action. With two practical frameworks and real-world examples, this is a must-listen for leaders who want to communicate with greater impact.

    31 min

  5. Jan 23

    Protecting Our Margins

    What if the key to better leadership wasn’t doing more—but protecting the space to do less, better? In this episode, we unpack the concept of “margin”—the vital buffer between burnout and breakthrough. Discover why safeguarding your time, energy, and attention isn’t just good self-care—it’s smart leadership.

    35 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    Looking back to lead forward

    As leaders, our greatest clarity often comes from looking back—not to dwell, but to learn, integrate, and lead forward. In this special year-end episode, Mark and Jan explore the power of intentional reflection and a growth mindset to create a future full of fresh possibilities.

    50 min

  7. 11/24/2025

    Learn to thrive, not just survive - Part 2

    Mark and Jan conclude their conversation about the six conditions for thriving. In Part 1, they emphasized the importance of building a foundation of love, joy, and peace. In this episode (Part 2), they bookend the discussion by sharing how purpose, hope, and freedom foster meaning and fulfilment. Listen in as they offer powerful reflection prompts, leadership insights, and real-world applications to elevate yourself and others.

    47 min

  8. 11/17/2025

    Learn to thrive, not merely survive - Part 1

    We all want to experience meaning and fulfillment in our work and relationships. Our time is finite, and, if we're honest, we spend too much of it merely trying to get through the day, the week, the year, or a challenging season of our lives. In this episode, Mark and Jan talk about the first three conditions for shifting out of survival mode into a state of thriving. Listen in as they unpack how Love, Joy, and Peace form the foundation for strong living.

    40 min
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Our podcast explores the practice of leadership—and “practice” is exactly the right word. Leadership is a fusion of art and science, discovery and application, action and reflection, punctuated by successes, setbacks, and continuous recalibration. The best leaders never stop growing. In each episode, we dive into real-life leadership challenges, share practical insights, and offer actionable solutions—without a script, excessive polish, or perfection. Leadership, after all, is more like a jazz session than a symphony performance. 🎷 Come join the discussion!

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