Leadership Excellence

George Trachilis
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Leadership Excellence Podcast Leadership Excellence is a weekly podcast for aspiring and established leaders who want to grow beyond tactics and titles—and develop the habits, mindset, and discipline required for sustained excellence. Hosted by George Trachilis with Dr. Tom Lawless, the podcast explores the human side of leadership—where purpose, identity, self‑development, and performance intersect. Each episode features real conversations, practical insights, and lived experience from leaders, practitioners, and guests who understand that leadership begins from within. Drawing from Lean leadership, the Harada Method, continuous improvement, mental fitness, and values‑based leadership, Leadership Excellence goes beyond goal‑setting to focus on daily practice, self‑reliance, and building people who can lead themselves—and others—through change. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or yourself, this podcast is designed to help you: Develop disciplined daily habitsLead with clarity, calm, and purposeBuild resilient, self‑reliant peopleNavigate burnout, identity shifts, and growthTurn personal development into consistent action🎙️ New episodes are recorded weekly with a live audience. 📅 Join us live every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST 🌐 Learn more and watch episodes at https://leadershipx.tv Leadership isn’t about position. It’s about who you become—and how you show up every day.

  1. 2D AGO

    S2E3 - From Good to Great: Lean Leadership, Gemba & Building a Culture That Lasts

    Send a text 🎙 From Good to Great: Lean Leadership, Gemba & Building a Culture That LastsWhat separates a good company from a truly great organization? In this episode of the Leadership Excellence Podcast, George and Dr. Tom Lawless explore powerful lessons from Lean Leadership, Toyota’s philosophy, and the principles behind Good to Great. This conversation dives deep into: ✅ Why great companies start with passion for the customer ✅ The difference between “and” thinking vs. “or” thinking ✅ Why innovation comes from experimentation at the Gemba ✅ How people are your only appreciating asset ✅ What it takes to build a strong, coherent, cohesive culture ✅ Practical reflection questions you can apply this week If you want to move from knowing about leadership… to actually practicing it… this episode is for you. “Leadership isn’t learned by listening alone. It’s developed through doing.”⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Leadership Excellence Podcast 00:32 – Jeff Liker on The Toyota Way & Lean Philosophy 01:06 – Lean Thinking vs. Traditional Mass Production 02:18 – Respect for People & Continuous Improvement 04:23 – Level 5 Leadership & Good to Great 05:36 – What Makes Companies Truly Great 06:01 – Passion for the Customer 07:12 – Building a Legacy Beyond Yourself 09:35 – “And Thinking” vs. “Or Thinking” 10:07 – Innovation Through Experimentation 10:38 – What is Gemba? 11:01 – People Are the Only Appreciating Asset 12:09 – Strong, Coherent, Cohesive Culture 12:32 – Tom & George: What Does “Good to Great” Really Mean? 15:28 – Productivity AND Quality (Not One or the Other) 17:39 – Why Developing People Takes Longer Than Fixing Processes 19:21 – How Leadership Shapes Culture 20:55 – One Hour Listening vs. Twenty Hours Doing 21:23 – Reflection Question #1: Customer First 24:06 – What Is Value? (From the Customer’s Perspective) 25:20 – How to Surprise & Delight Customers 28:47 – Quality vs. Productivity Debate 34:02 – Go to the Gemba: Lead with Your Feet 38:11 – Run Small Experiments This Week 41:03 – Are Your People Growing Under Your Leadership? 47:17 – What Legacy Are You Building? 52:39 – What Action Will You Take This Week? 56:46 – Leadership Growth Commitments from Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    1h 1m
  2. S2E2: Beyond the Goal with Mark Fujiwara

    FEB 1

    S2E2: Beyond the Goal with Mark Fujiwara

    Send us a text Season 2, Episode 2 Beyond the Goal with Mark Fujiwara What happens when achievement isn’t enough? In this episode of the Leadership Excellence Podcast, George Trachilis and Dr. Tom Lawless are joined by Mark Fujiwara for a powerful conversation that goes beyond traditional goal‑setting and performance. Together, they explore the deeper work of leadership—identity, purpose, mental fitness, and who we become as we pursue success. Mark shares his personal journey through loss, transition, and growth, and explains why the Harada Method resonated with him when other goal‑setting systems fell short. The discussion touches on wabi‑sabi and embracing imperfection, daily discipline, community, and the importance of working on the person before chasing the outcome. This episode is especially relevant for leaders, entrepreneurs, veterans, and high achievers who are questioning what’s next—or sensing that something more meaningful is required. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why goals alone don’t create fulfillment or sustainabilityHow identity and purpose shape long‑term performanceThe role of daily practice and mental fitness in leadershipWhy community and accountability accelerate growthHow embracing imperfection can unlock human potential🎙️ Leadership Excellence Podcast 📅 New episodes recorded weekly Leadership isn’t just about reaching the goal—it’s about who you become on the way there. Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    46 min
  3. S2E1: Create a Meaningful Goal with Dr. Vance Cooper Jr.

    JAN 22

    S2E1: Create a Meaningful Goal with Dr. Vance Cooper Jr.

    Send us a text Create a Meaningful Goal Subtitle: Why Purpose-Driven Leadership Begins With How You See Yourself What if the key to better leadership—and better results—starts with creating a goal that actually means something? In this powerful podcast conversation, Dr. Tom Lawless, George Trachilis, and Dr. Vance Cooper Jr. explore what it truly means to create a meaningful goal and why so many goals fail to inspire lasting change. Recorded on January 21, 2026, this episode challenges the traditional idea that leadership is about titles or positions and instead reframes leadership as a personal responsibility we all carry. Dr. Vance Cooper Jr. shares insights rooted in the belief that everyone is leading someone, whether they realize it or not. The discussion dives into how purpose-driven goals shape daily habits, influence decision-making, and help leaders serve others more effectively. From relatable personal stories to practical reflections on motivation and consistency, this conversation highlights how meaningful goals don’t just drive performance—they help people sleep better at night because they’re aligned with who they are. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why leadership starts with self-awareness, not authorityHow meaningful goals create clarity, accountability, and follow-throughThe connection between purpose, service, and sustainable leadershipSimple mindset shifts that turn everyday actions into leadership momentsIf you’re a leader, entrepreneur, coach, or anyone striving to grow with intention, this episode will help you rethink how you set goals—and why meaning matters more than metrics. 👉 Anyone interested in following Dr. Vance Cooper Jr.’s leadership journey and ongoing work is encouraged to join the app at ow64.com. 🎙️ Listen in, reflect deeply, and start creating goals that truly stick. Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    23 min
  4. Episode 11: The 3 Power Moves of Delegation: How Leaders Stop Carrying Everyone’s Monkeys

    12/14/2025

    Episode 11: The 3 Power Moves of Delegation: How Leaders Stop Carrying Everyone’s Monkeys

    Send a text In Episode 11 of the Leadership Excellence Podcast, George Trachilis and Dr. Tom Lawless dive deep into one of the most essential skills every leader must master: Delegation. The real kind—the kind that develops people, frees up your time, and creates a truly self‑reliant team. This episode begins with a classic leadership parable inspired by the Harvard Business Review story “Who’s Got the Monkey?”. Leaders often overload themselves not because they work too hard, but because they unintentionally carry everyone else’s monkeys—other people’s problems, tasks, and responsibilities. By the end of the week, they are exhausted and overwhelmed, wondering why nothing important got done. George and Tom break down why this happens, why it’s destructive, and how to stop the cycle immediately. From there, they reveal the Three Power Moves of Delegation, a simple framework that brings clarity to leadership, increases team capability, and helps people grow into higher levels of independence and accountability: Power Move #1 – Delegate Outcomes, Not Tasks Most leaders assign disconnected tasks that keep them stuck as bottlenecks. Here, you’ll learn how to delegate results instead—so your people think, act, and problem‑solve like leaders. Power Move #2 – Match Delegation to Skill & Readiness Too much freedom too soon makes people feel abandoned. Too much control when they’re ready makes them feel micromanaged. This episode shows you how to match responsibility to each person’s experience, judgment, and confidence. Power Move #3 – Establish Guardrails and Let Go Purpose, outcomes, boundaries, requirements, and deadlines—these are the guardrails people need to succeed independently. When leaders provide clarity and then step back, teams grow fast. Together, these three moves will help you:  • Build capability instead of dependency  • Reduce overwhelm and fire‑fighting  • Free up your time for strategic leadership  • Create a culture of ownership and confidence  • Stop being the one who carries everyone’s monkeys This episode closes with practical next steps: how to identify your workload, categorize tasks, eliminate low‑value work, and delegate effectively starting today. Join Us in 2026 If you want to elevate your leadership, sharpen your skills, and surround yourself with a global community of people committed to excellence, join us live in 2026. Visit the website and click “Join Live” to be part of the next evolution of leadership learning and development. Stay with us, keep l Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    11 min
  5. Episode 10 - Leader Burnout – Five Powerful Ways to Beat Burnout Using the Harada Method

    12/07/2025

    Episode 10 - Leader Burnout – Five Powerful Ways to Beat Burnout Using the Harada Method

    Send a text In this powerful episode of the Leadership Excellence Podcast, George Trachilis and Dr. Tom Lawless tackle one of the most urgent issues facing today’s leaders: burnout. Contrary to popular belief, burnout is rarely caused by long hours alone. It comes from misalignment, loss of autonomy, and the gradual erosion of personal purpose. George and Tom break down how the Harada Method, a globally recognized self‑leadership system used by high performers including Shohei Ohtani, provides five practical strategies leaders can use to rebuild energy, clarity, and direction. They begin by exploring the first and most critical strategy: aligning your goals with your personal purpose. Leaders often burn out not because they work too hard, but because they pursue goals that don’t resonate with who they are. When work connects to internal motivation, energy increases rather than drains. George illustrates this with a surprising example from Ozzy Osbourne’s final performances—showing how passion can override even physical pain. Next, Tom explains why building self‑reliance is essential for reducing pressure. Burnout thrives where people feel micromanaged, powerless, or unable to shape their own work. The Harada Method strengthens autonomy by teaching people to manage themselves instead of being managed. When teams become self‑directed, leaders stop firefighting and stress declines. The third strategy focuses on strengthening the four aspects of life: Spirit, Skill, Physical Condition, and Daily Life. Burnout often begins when one of these pillars collapses. Whether it’s loss of meaning, feeling unprepared, poor physical habits, or daily life chaos—weakness in one area eventually spreads into all others. True resilience comes from strengthening each pillar consistently. George and Tom then explain why burnout is frequently organizational, not emotional. The fourth strategy, using a Routine Check Sheet, helps leaders reduce cognitive overload, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and focus on what truly matters. Routines bring order to an otherwise chaotic world. Finally, the episode dives into the Open Window 64 (OW64)—a tool that turns big goals into clear, manageable steps. When leaders see progress, they gain momentum, and “burnout hates momentum.” The OW64 reconnects people with who they are becoming, not just what they are doing, and reignites passion, clarity, and hope. Practical, human, and deeply actionable, this episode shows leaders exactly how to redesign their system, restore balance, and prevent burnout before it takes control. Whether you’re an ex Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    13 min
  6. Episode 9: THE CALM LEADER – 5 Powerful Ways to Clear Your Mind Before Every Conversation

    11/29/2025

    Episode 9: THE CALM LEADER – 5 Powerful Ways to Clear Your Mind Before Every Conversation

    Send a text THE CALM LEADER – 5 Powerful Ways to Clear Your Mind Before Every Conversation Episode Description: In this episode of the Leadership Excellence Podcast, hosts Tom Lawless and George Trachilis break down the essential habits that help leaders show up calm, clear, and fully present in every interaction. Whether you're leading a team meeting, coaching an employee, or navigating a tough conversation at home, these five practices will transform the way you think, listen, and connect. You’ll learn how to:  • Pause to breathe and reset your nervous system  • Release distractions so you can offer full presence  • Set an intention that shapes tone and creates clarity  • Let go of judgment to build trust and psychological safety  • Reflect and reset between conversations to stay emotionally balanced Tom and George share real stories, personal experiences, and simple techniques that any leader can apply immediately. This is the foundation of The Calm Leader—the leader who listens before reacting, understands before judging, and enters every conversation with a centered mind. If you're striving to become the kind of leader who inspires confidence, builds trust, and handles conversations with grace, this episode is your blueprint. Want to join us LIVE next week? Register anytime at https://LeadershipX.tv/ — just click the top right corner. We’d love to have you with us. Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    17 min
  7. Episode 8 - Engaging People: 3 Inspiring Ways to Build Commitment

    11/23/2025

    Episode 8 - Engaging People: 3 Inspiring Ways to Build Commitment

    Send a text 🎙️ Leadership Excellence Podcast Engaging People: 3 Inspiring Ways to Build Commitment and Keep People Engaged Description: In this powerful episode of the Leadership Excellence Podcast, hosts George Trachilis and Dr. Tom Lawless dive into three inspiring ways leaders can build lasting commitment and engagement. Commitment doesn’t come from pressure, incentives, or compliance—it grows when people feel purpose, connection, and genuine care. George and Tom share personal stories from business, leadership coaching, and the U.S. Army that prove one simple truth: when people understand why their work matters, they give their best. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 1. Share a Clear and Meaningful Vision – Inspire purpose by connecting people to the “why.” 2. Connect Daily Work to the Bigger Picture – Link every task to your organization’s mission. 3. Lead with Consistency and Care – Build trust through reliability, empathy, and example. 💡 Leadership Insight: - Real‑world examples from General Stanley McChrystal’s “crystal clear vision.” - How simple habits like daily reflection and celebrating small wins multiply engagement. - Why leaders who develop people first achieve operational excellence naturally. 🔗 Discover Next Week’s Topic: Visit LeadershipX.tv/Our‑Next‑Amazing‑Podcast‑Topic to see what George and Tom will explore next. Each week brings a new leadership challenge and practical ways to strengthen your mindset, methods, and team results. 🗣️ Join the Conversation: After the 20‑minute recording, we open the floor for a live 30‑minute Q&A. Hold your questions until you’re called on — just like in a good Lean meeting, we avoid unnecessary muda! 😉 📩 Important: This event is recorded. No questions or answers will be included in the official podcast unless permission is sent in writing to george@georgetrachilis.com. Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    19 min
  8. Episode 7 - Support Daily Kaizen: 6 Winning Habits that Drive Progress

    11/15/2025

    Episode 7 - Support Daily Kaizen: 6 Winning Habits that Drive Progress

    Send a text In this insightful episode of the Leadership Excellence Podcast, Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis dive into the third pillar of the Lean Leadership Development Model — Support Daily Kaizen. They explain how continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work, not a project or event, but a daily rhythm that strengthens teams and drives progress. Dr. Lawless illustrates the importance of going to the Gemba — where the real work happens — to observe the process, not just the results. He emphasizes that effective leaders engage with their teams, listen first, and build trust so improvement ideas can flow freely. His practical advice: “If the idea works, it’s theirs; if it fails, it’s mine.” George Trachilis expands on this by discussing the need for standard work, consistent routines, and daily stand‑ups. These structures help teams align, identify problems quickly, and apply the PDCA (Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act) learning cycle. Together, they reinforce that leaders succeed not by fixing problems themselves but by developing problem solvers throughout the organization. 🎯 Listeners Will Discover 💡 What “Support Daily Kaizen” really means for Lean leaders.  🏭 How to practice going to the Gemba with curiosity and respect. 🔄 How the PDCA cycle drives learning and small, daily improvements. 📋 The value of standard work and daily stand‑ups in team alignment. 🌱 Why developing people first is the ultimate goal of continuous improvement. 🎧 Listen. Learn. Lead the Kaizen Way — at LeadershipX.tv Join Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis every week for the Leadership Excellence Podcast LIVE! Be part of a growing global community of leaders dedicated to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement. Sessions are recorded every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST, and everyone is welcome to listen in, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for leadership growth. Simply visit LeadershipX.tv and register using the link at the top right corner of the homepage to receive your exclusive meeting access. We love having new faces join the conversation each week! To help us ensure a smooth and focused live recording, please remember to STAY ON MUTE 🔇 and KEEP YOUR VIDEO OFF 🎥 until the hosts invite audience participation at the end of the session. Every episode is a chance to grow, reflect, and strengthen your leadership mindset. Come learn alongside Tom and George as they explore timeless principles, share stories from the Gemba, and discuss the habits that define true leadership excellence. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead Better — at LeadershipX.tv

    18 min
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About

Leadership Excellence Podcast Leadership Excellence is a weekly podcast for aspiring and established leaders who want to grow beyond tactics and titles—and develop the habits, mindset, and discipline required for sustained excellence. Hosted by George Trachilis with Dr. Tom Lawless, the podcast explores the human side of leadership—where purpose, identity, self‑development, and performance intersect. Each episode features real conversations, practical insights, and lived experience from leaders, practitioners, and guests who understand that leadership begins from within. Drawing from Lean leadership, the Harada Method, continuous improvement, mental fitness, and values‑based leadership, Leadership Excellence goes beyond goal‑setting to focus on daily practice, self‑reliance, and building people who can lead themselves—and others—through change. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or yourself, this podcast is designed to help you: Develop disciplined daily habitsLead with clarity, calm, and purposeBuild resilient, self‑reliant peopleNavigate burnout, identity shifts, and growthTurn personal development into consistent action🎙️ New episodes are recorded weekly with a live audience. 📅 Join us live every Wednesday at 4:30 PM CST 🌐 Learn more and watch episodes at https://leadershipx.tv Leadership isn’t about position. It’s about who you become—and how you show up every day.

Information

  • Creator
    George Trachilis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leadership Excellence
  • Show Website
    Leadership Excellence