The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Doug Smith
  • 4.9 (135)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The L3 Leadership Podcast is focused on leadership development and personal growth. We are obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximizing the impact of your leadership. We release a new episode every week to help you grow and develop as a leader. You will hear a mix of personal lessons from our Founder, Doug Smith, and conversations Doug has with world-class leaders from around the world. Doug interviews leaders like Pittsburgh Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Penguins Coach, Mike Sullivan, Tony Horton, Liz Wiseman, Brian Tome, John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Ryan Hawk, Nona Jones, Claude Silver, Ken Coleman, Christy Wright, Rachel Cruze, Mark Cole, and many more. Our hope is that you will not only learn great leadership lessons but that you will catch great leadership from the lives of the leaders that we expose you to. 

  1. Most People Don’t Build a Great Life—They Accept One (Here’s How to Change That)

    4D AGO

    Most People Don’t Build a Great Life—They Accept One (Here’s How to Change That)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful talk he gave for Keller Williams titled How to Build a Great Life. Doug walks through the principles that have shaped his own journey—from a difficult upbringing to leading a nonprofit, raising a family, and developing leaders—and challenges listeners to stop simply “accepting” life and start intentionally building one that truly matters. This episode goes beyond career success and focuses on what it really means to win in life: strong relationships, purpose, growth, and intentional leadership. Doug provides practical frameworks and actionable steps to help you clarify your vision, grow daily, build meaningful connections, and become the leader you’re capable of being. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions or unsure how to reach your full potential, this episode will challenge you to take ownership and start building a life you’re proud of. Doug Smith – Host, L3 Leadership Podcast What You’ll Learn  Why most people accept life instead of leading it The difference between success vs. a great life How to create a life plan that actually works The “dream big + pay the price” framework  How to become the obvious choice in your career  The power of mentorship (and how to get it) A simple system to handle failure: Admit it. Quit it. Forget it. Why teachability is your ultimate competitive advantage 💡 Key Takeaways  You don’t find a great life—you build one intentionally Big dreams require a clear price—and the willingness to pay it Your daily habits are campaigning for your future Feedback is uncomfortable—but it’s the fastest path to growth  Who you surround yourself with will determine your trajectory📚 Resources & Mentions Living ForwardToday MattersTuesdays with MorrieThe Ride of a LifetimeL3 LeadershipLight of Life Rescue Mission🤝 Connect & Learn More  Speaking & Coaching: DougSmithLive.com  Podcast: L3 Leadership Podcast🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.com The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

    50 min
  2. Why 90% of Leaders Plateau (And How to Break Out of It) | Chris Robinson

    MAR 17

    Why 90% of Leaders Plateau (And How to Break Out of It) | Chris Robinson

    Send us Fan Mail Most leaders think they’re growing—but in reality, they’re just repeating the same year over and over again. In this powerful conversation, Doug sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, to unpack why over 90% of leaders plateau—and what it actually takes to reach your potential. Chris shares the mindset shift that changed his life from chasing success to developing others, how to become a “star maker” leader, and the hidden danger of complacency he calls “the secret place of satisfactory success.” If you want to get promoted, multiply your impact, and avoid drifting through your career, this episode is a must-listen. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why most leaders plateau (and don’t even realize it)The difference between being the star vs. creating starsThe question that will fast-track your promotionHow to respond when you get passed overWhy complacency is killing your potentialThe role of family, discipline, and intentional growth in leadershipHow top leaders invest in themselves to stay ahead⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction to Chris Robinson and his leadership journey 02:00 – Getting into personal growth for the wrong reasons 03:30 – The Law of the Lid and becoming a “star maker” 06:00 – The mindset shift required to truly develop others 08:30 – What to do when you get passed over for a promotion 11:00 – “The phrase that pays” for career growth 12:30 – From Drift to Drive: Why Chris wrote the book 13:30 – The danger of “satisfactory success” 14:30 – Why most leaders plateau 15:30 – Experience vs. repetition in leadership growth 16:00 – Balancing leadership and raising six kids 19:00 – Structuring your life around what matters most 21:00 – Inside Maxwell Leadership and developing leaders 23:00 – How to get out of the pile: results, service, and growth 26:00 – Lessons learned from working with John Maxwell 28:00 – Chris’s story: DUI, second chances, and transformation 32:00 – Leadership and alcohol: influence and responsibility 35:00 – The power of environment: people, places, and habits 37:00 – Best advice: “You have to get on a lot of airplanes.” 38:00 – How to read for growth (problems vs. passions) 40:00 – Leadership philosophy: Treat people like people 41:00 – Biggest pet peeve: inconsistent leadership 43:00 – Parenting lessons and prioritizing family 46:00 – Advice to his younger self 47:00 – The legacy Chris hopes to leave 🔗 Resources & Links: Chris Robinson  Maxwell Leadership: https://maxwellleadership.com Book: From Drift to Drive by Chris Robinson The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/18858838 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmi Support the show

    49 min
  3. 7 Leadership Lessons I Learned at the Most Powerful Memorial Service I’ve Ever Attended

    MAR 3

    7 Leadership Lessons I Learned at the Most Powerful Memorial Service I’ve Ever Attended

    Send a text What would people say about your life at your memorial service? In this deeply personal episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares the powerful leadership lessons he learned after attending the memorial service of legendary pastor and leader Jeff Leake. For over two hours, story after story was shared about a man who finished his race with his faith, family, character, and calling intact. The experience forced Doug to ask a question every leader must wrestle with: Am I living in a way that will lead to a life well lived? ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why this memorial service deeply moved Doug 02:00 – Doug’s relationship with Jeff and the impact of mentorship 04:00 – The 2% principle: Finishing with family, character, and calling intact 08:00 – “Nobody has a dad like my dad” — intentional parenting that lasts 12:00 – Why family must come before success 14:30 – The urgency of spiritual fathers and mothers 18:00 – Becoming a spiritual parent to the next generation 20:30 – “Calm always wins” — emotional steadiness in leadership 25:00 – Teaching leadership lessons at home 27:00 – First Samuel 20 friendships: Anything, anytime, anywhere 31:00 – Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion 35:00 – Resume building vs. people building 38:00 – Why documenting your content is a gift to your family 42:00 – One day it will be your memorial service 45:00 – What are you doing with your life? 48:00 – Long obedience in the same direction 50:00 – Don’t quit. Finish well. In this episode, Doug breaks down the leadership principles he took away from that unforgettable service and how they can help you lead with greater purpose, clarity, and legacy. If you want to become a leader who finishes well, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why only 2% of leaders finish their race with their faith, family, and character intact • The parenting goal every leader should pursue: “Nobody has a dad like my dad.” • Why great leaders learn to live by the principle “Calm always wins.” • The importance of spiritual fathers, mentors, and leadership relationships   • The powerful legacy principle: Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion • Why documenting your life and leadership content is a gift to future generations • How reflecting on your own mortality can help you lead a more intentional life It's finishing well. Resources Mentioned • Jeff Leek Memorial Service  • Jeff Leek – Allison Park Church  • L3 Leadership Podcast Connect with Doug Smith Follow Doug Smith for leadership content and resources to help you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the impact of your leadership. Subscribe to the Podcast If this episode added value to your life, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach and develop more leaders around the world. 👥 Leaders Referenced Henry Cloud – https://drcloud.com Eugene Peterson – https://www.navpress.com Jeff Leake (Legacy referenced throughout episode) 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrF93uIEB9BusYfpXUPIriU3evdBXjqaL 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATF Support the show

    27 min
  4. How to Lead Generation Z: 9 Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know | Dr. Tim Elmore

    FEB 18

    How to Lead Generation Z: 9 Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know | Dr. Tim Elmore

    Send a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and bestselling author of The Future Begins with Z: 9 Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the Workplace. After following Tim’s work for nearly two decades, Doug finally gets to have a conversation that every leader needs to hear. Together, they unpack the realities of leading Generation Z, why three out of four managers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage, and how leaders can shift from frustration to opportunity. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Tim wrote The Future Begins with Z 02:00 – The alarming stats about managing Generation Z 03:45 – The “Peter Pan Paradox”: Age of authority ↓, age of maturity ↑ 07:00 – Artificial maturity: Overexposed to information, underexposed to experience 12:00 – Parenting the next generation: Risk, responsibility, and resilience 17:00 – Why leaders must mentor—not just manage 20:00 – The onboarding mistake costing companies Gen Z talent 21:30 – “Everyone has a voice. Not everyone has a vote.” 24:00 – Why Gen Z decides whether to stay on Day One 26:00 – Mental health realities leaders must understand 27:00 – The A.L.E.G. framework for difficult conversations 33:00 – Reverse mentoring: What older leaders must learn from Gen Z 36:00 – Lessons Tim learned from John Maxwell 41:00 – Advice for aspiring authors and speakers 48:00 – Begin with belief: Let people start with an “A” 51:00 – Don’t stereotype—listen before confronting 53:00 – Tim’s life sentence: The legacy he hopes to leave 🎙 Guest Dr. Tim Elmore – https://www.timelmore.com The Future Begins with Z – https://www.timelmore.com/books A Book in a Weekend – https://www.abookinaweekend.com 📚 Books Mentioned The Future Begins with Z – https://www.timelmore.com/books Leadership and Self-Deception – https://arbinger.com From Strength to Strength – https://arthurbrooks.com/books 👥 Leaders Referenced John C. Maxwell – https://johnmaxwell.com Henry Cloud – https://drcloud.com Arthur C. Brooks – https://arthurbrooks.com 🤝 Sponsor Andocia Marketing Solutions – https://andocia.com The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎥 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrF93uIEB9BusYfpXUPIriU3evdBXjqaL 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

    55 min
  5. 5 Hard Leadership Lessons 2025 Taught Me

    FEB 3

    5 Hard Leadership Lessons 2025 Taught Me

    Send a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares Part 2 of his annual reflection series, unpacking the final ten lessons he learned in 2025 and how they are shaping his leadership moving into 2026. Drawing from real conversations, leadership challenges, faith, and personal growth, Doug challenges leaders to rethink success, create margin, embrace hard seasons, and recognize the significance of the work God is doing in and through them. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Doug shares his annual lessons and how they’re selected  01:45 – Lesson 11: You can have everything and still have nothing  03:30 – Lesson 12: In leadership, there are things only you can do 05:00 – Lesson 13: The necessity of people who challenge your perceptions 07:45 – Lesson 14: Follow a proven path when you don’t know what to do 08:45 – Lesson 15: Why AI can be a powerful personal and leadership coach 10:30 – Lesson 16: Margin matters—create it with time and finances 11:45 – Lesson 17: You’re always campaigning, whether you realize it or not 13:30 – Lesson 18: The gospel comes with a house key 15:15 – Lesson 19: Lessons learned in one season prepare you for the next 17:30 – Lesson 20: Don’t minimize the work God is doing in and through you 18:45 – Final encouragement: Don’t quit—your leadership matters more than you think Resources Mentioned: The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob IgerThe Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield“Good” Leadership Mindset – Jocko Willink (Video)The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Learn more at www.andocia.com 🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBHbRL6rJtSXwpKBaamNo?si=ee120ef86cf243ba 🎧 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888 🎙️ LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

    20 min
  6. 15 Leadership Lessons I Learned in 2025 (That Will Change How I Lead in 2026) Part I

    JAN 27

    15 Leadership Lessons I Learned in 2025 (That Will Change How I Lead in 2026) Part I

    Send a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith kicks off part one of his annual reflection series, sharing the most significant lessons he learned in 2025 and how they’re shaping his leadership in 2026. Drawing from his year-end review process, Doug offers honest insights on health, family, leadership presence, fatherhood, faith, and the unseen weight leaders carry. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Doug does a year-end review every year 02:00 – Lesson 1: Taking ownership of your health before it’s too late 05:00 – Lesson 2: Big families are a gift worth fighting for 08:30 – Lesson 3: Your presence as a leader matters more than you think 11:00 – Lesson 4: The lifelong impact of being an intentional parent 14:00 – Lesson 5: The tension between progress and preservation 16:00 – Lesson 6: One day you’ll become a king—but not for the reasons you think 18:30 – Lesson 7: Not every battle deserves your energy 21:00 – Lesson 8: Want more *for* people than you want *from* them 23:00 – Lesson 9: Being the voice of leadership, not just the position 24:00 – Lesson 10: Leading well when life isn’t fair Resources Mentioned: Fathered by God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You by John EldredgeExperience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God by John EldredgeWhy Do Black Christians Vote Democrat? – Phil Vischer (Video)Family TeamsGerald Brooks Leadership Podcast🔗 Connect with DougLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougsmithlive The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit www.andocia.com to learn more. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsF0cVdRu2oELJGpaHma7Ag SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

    27 min
  7. How to Build a Family That Rules for Generations | Jeremy Pryor

    JAN 13

    How to Build a Family That Rules for Generations | Jeremy Pryor

    Send a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith sits down with returning guest Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, family, faith, and legacy. Jeremy shares how viewing the family as a team—not a temporary stage of life—can reshape how leaders think about generational impact. 00:00 – Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast 01:00 – Introducing Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams 04:00 – Multi-generational families and shared rhythms 09:00 – Sabbath dinners, hospitality, and family culture 17:00 – The biblical vision for a ruling household 26:00 – Generational leadership, wealth, and stewardship 36:00 – Why traditional discipleship models struggle 45:00 – Making disciples who make disciples 55:00 – Church, family, and leadership sustainability 1:03:00 – Final thoughts on legacy and long-term impact Links: 🔹 People Jeremy Pryor – https://www.jeremypryor.com Doug Smith – https://l3leadership.org 🔹 Organizations & Programs Family Teams – https://www.familyteams.com 1000 Houses – https://www.1000houses.org Family Teams Accelerator – https://www.familyteams.com/accelerator 🔹 Books & Concepts Mentioned The Gospel Comes with a House Key Ruling Household (book in progress) – Jeremy Pryor  The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today. Support the show

    1h 5m
  8. How to Conduct a Year-End Review

    12/16/2025

    How to Conduct a Year-End Review

    Send a text In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares his year-end review process, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth since 2004. Doug discusses the importance of reflecting on the year gone by to foster growth and documents his detailed approach to conducting a comprehensive year-end review. He includes practical tips and encourages creating a personalized review system. Additionally, the episode features a word from the sponsor, Andocia Marketing Solutions. Doug wraps up with thoughtful ways to conclude the review process and the benefits of such reflections. 00:00 - Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast 00:27 - The Importance of Year-End Reviews 00:58 - Sponsor Message: Andocia Marketing Solutions 02:08 - Starting Your Year-End Review 06:05 - Essential Tools for Your Review 08:23 - Creating Your Year-End Report 12:26 - Wrapping Up Your Year-End Review 14:29 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more. To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today. Support the show

    15 min
See All (448)

4.9
out of 5
135 Ratings

About

The L3 Leadership Podcast is focused on leadership development and personal growth. We are obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximizing the impact of your leadership. We release a new episode every week to help you grow and develop as a leader. You will hear a mix of personal lessons from our Founder, Doug Smith, and conversations Doug has with world-class leaders from around the world. Doug interviews leaders like Pittsburgh Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Penguins Coach, Mike Sullivan, Tony Horton, Liz Wiseman, Brian Tome, John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Ryan Hawk, Nona Jones, Claude Silver, Ken Coleman, Christy Wright, Rachel Cruze, Mark Cole, and many more. Our hope is that you will not only learn great leadership lessons but that you will catch great leadership from the lives of the leaders that we expose you to. 

Information

You Might Also Like