The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Doug Smith
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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. How Great Leaders Accelerate the Next Generation with Pastor John Nuzzo

    3D AGO

    How Great Leaders Accelerate the Next Generation with Pastor John Nuzzo

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Pastor John Nuzzo, founder of Victory Family Church and author of The Acceleration Mandate. Pastor John is also one of the most influential voices in my life — my pastor, mentor, and spiritual father. And honestly… this may be one of the most important conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast. We talked about: • Why most leaders accidentally limit the next generation • The difference between mentoring and true spiritual fathering • How to avoid becoming cynical, isolated, or judgmental as a leader • Why proximity matters more than information • What great leaders do to accelerate others instead of controlling them • How to finish your race with integrity, joy, and impact ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction and The Acceleration Mandate 01:00 – Lessons from Pastor John’s father and upbringing 05:00 – Leadership after 30+ years of ministry 06:00 – Accelerating the next generation 08:00 – Spiritual fathers and mothers 09:00 – The “2%” principle: finishing well 12:00 – The danger of victim mentality in leadership 14:00 – Why proximity matters in mentorship 16:00 – What Pastor John looks for in younger leaders 20:00 – Loving people through difficult seasons 24:00 – Why the Church struggles with restoration 27:00 – Pastor John’s conviction about judging leaders 30:00 – Divorce, heartbreak, and restoration 33:00 – The leader who helped relaunch Pastor John’s future 36:00 – Practical ways to accelerate younger leaders 39:00 – “Don’t ask me about the new wineskin” 43:00 – How anyone can impact the next generation 47:00 – David, Solomon, and succession leadership 49:00 – Why churches shouldn’t stay known for their founders 52:00 – The power of friendship in leadership 55:00 – Accountability and lifelong relationships 59:00 – Lessons learned from John C. Maxwell 01:03:00 – Why leadership is about deeply engaging people 01:05:00 – Final wisdom on acceleration and legacy 01:06:00 – The three truths Pastor John hopes to leave behind 🎙 Guest John Nuzzo – Founder of Victory Family Church and author of The Acceleration Mandate Show Notes Links & Resources People Mentioned John Nuzzo — Senior Pastor of Victory Family Church and author of The Acceleration MandateDoug SmithJohn C. MaxwellHenry CloudOrganizations & Ministries Victory Family ChurchNorthway Christian CommunityBooks & Resources Mentioned The Acceleration Mandate by John Nuzzo🤝 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

    1h 10m
  2. Take Control of Your Health: A Leader's Guide to Finishing Strong

    MAY 12

    Take Control of Your Health: A Leader's Guide to Finishing Strong

    Send us Fan Mail Only 2% of Christian leaders make it to their finish line with their families, faith, and calling intact — and Doug Smith believes your health is one of the biggest reasons why.  In this powerful talk, Doug shares his personal journey from "Fat Dougie" to fit at 40, the wake-up call he got from his dad's triple bypass surgery, and the practical steps every leader can take to extend their life, energy, and impact. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why only 2% of Christian leaders make it to their finish line — and how to be one of themThe two questions every leader needs to answer about their health visionDoug's transformation story from overweight kid to fit at 40 (and what finally clicked)Why nutrition is 80% of the battle — and the simple food swaps that make the biggest differenceHow to use ChatGPT as a free, world-class nutrition and health coachThe "one system away" principle and how to find workouts you'll actually doWhat Function Health blood testing revealed about Doug's heart — and why every leader over 40 should "look under the hood"The hidden home toxins (mold and radon) that could be silently destroying your healthWhy lipoprotein(a) is the genetic biomarker most doctors don't test for — but shouldHow day-to-day intensity and week-to-week consistency build championsResources & Links Mentioned Health Testing & Biomarkers Function Health Outlive by Peter Attia Dr. Mark Hyman Workouts & Fitness Beachbody / BODi Peloton Nutrition & Tracking MyFitnessPal Yuka App ChatGPT Wearables & Recovery Bevel app Books & Influences Today Matters by John MaxwellGlobal Leadership Summit Book Doug for your next conference or event: DougSmithLive.com ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why health matters for leaders 02:00 – The “2%” vision: finishing well 04:00 – Creating a vision for your health 05:00 – Where your current habits are leading 07:00 – Defining health and fitness 08:00 – Longevity, legacy, and stewardship 11:00 – Doug’s weight-loss and fitness journey 14:00 – Discovering P90X 16:00 – The hard conversation that changed everything 17:00 – Why nutrition matters 19:00 – Tracking food and using ChatGPT for accountability 20:00 – Rethinking alcohol and drinks 21:00 – Finding workouts you’ll actually do 23:00 – Consistency and daily habits 24:00 – Why accountability partners help 26:00 – Health scares, anxiety, and unexpected weight gain 27:00 – Discovering mold exposure 28:00 – Looking under the hood with bloodwork 30:00 – Genetic risks and heart health 31:00 – Medicine 2.0 vs. Medicine 3.0 32:00 – Radon, toxins, and environmental health 34:00 – Tools and resources for long-term health 36:00 – Start now and create a new ending 37:00 – Final challenge: Don’t leave your heal Support the show

    38 min
  3. Advice for the 60+ Crowd

    APR 21

    Advice for the 60+ Crowd

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful message titled Advice for the 60+ Crowd: How to Make the Most of the Final Season of Your Life. After speaking to a group of seniors at a local church in Pittsburgh, Doug realized this message applies to every leader—no matter their age. This episode is a call to live with intention, finish well, and invest your life into what matters most. Doug challenges listeners to think deeply about legacy, transitions, and the role they play in shaping future generations. Through personal stories and practical questions, he equips you to shift your priorities, strengthen your disciplines, and maximize your impact in the time you have left. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction and why this message matters 02:00 – Honoring the generation that came before us 04:00 – Doug’s story and the impact of mentorship 07:00 – Your legacy is what you set into motion 09:00 – The question: What do you want said at your funeral? 10:30 – Why transitions can leave people stuck or bitter 11:30 – What priorities need to shift in this season 14:00 – Thinking in terms of multi-generational impact 17:00 – Upgrading your spiritual disciplines 19:00 – The power of prayer and investing in others 22:00 – Why the next generation needs spiritual fathers and mothers 24:00 – Guarding against the wrong temptations in this season 25:00 – Reconciling relationships while there’s still time 27:00 – Practicing gratitude for what God has already done 28:00 – God is bigger than your last season 29:00 – “It will be better than it’s ever been” 30:00 – Final challenge: Will you spend your life or invest it? 🎙 Guest Doug Smith – Host, 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

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

    MAR 31

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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 us Fan Mail 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 PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082 SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive Support the show

    27 min
  7. 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 us Fan Mail 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
  8. 5 Hard Leadership Lessons 2025 Taught Me

    FEB 3

    5 Hard Leadership Lessons 2025 Taught Me

    Send us Fan Mail 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
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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. 

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