The Leadership Project Podcast

Mick Spiers
The Leadership Project Podcast

The Leadership Project with Mick Spiers is a podcast dedicated to advancing thought on inspirational leadership in the modern world. We cover key issues and controversial topics that are needed to redefine inspirational leadership. How do young and aspiring leaders transition from individual contributors to inspirational leaders or from manager to leader to make a positive impact on the world? How do experienced leaders adapt their leadership styles and practices in a modern and digital world? How do address the lack of diversity in leadership in many organisations today? Guest speakers will be invited for confronting conversations in their areas of expertise with the view to provide leaders with all of the skills and tools they need to become inspirational leaders. The vision of The Leadership Project is to inspire all leaders to challenge the status quo. We empower modern leaders through knowledge and emotional intelligence to create meaningful impact Join us each week as we dive deep into key issues and controversial topics for inspirational leaders.

  1. 275. Introspection and Intentionality: A Deep Dive with Bill Zujewski

    5 DAYS AGO

    275. Introspection and Intentionality: A Deep Dive with Bill Zujewski

    Are you living or just existing? This powerful question anchors our conversation with Bill Zujewski, former tech executive and founder of Good Life. What began as a simple year-end spreadsheet became a transformative tool for intentional living. Bill introduces the HELP GROW framework: Health, Environment, Leisure, Purpose, Growth, Relationships, Occupation, and Wealth as a personal scorecard that helps us evaluate how aligned we are with what truly matters. In a world where we often race through life on autopilot, this framework offers a mirror rather than a rigid formula, helping us recognize both where we're thriving and where we're off track. The conversation also challenges conventional success metrics. Drawing from an 80-year Harvard study, Bill emphasizes that strong relationships, not wealth or geography, are the greatest predictors of health, happiness, and longevity, sometimes equating to an extra decade of healthy life. As host Mick Spiers walks through his own self-assessment, we see the power of small shifts in creating meaningful change. Whether you're a leader hoping to foster well-being in your team or someone seeking more purpose in your personal life, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical steps. Start by reflecting on your own life score. You might just find the clarity and motivation to take that next step toward the life you truly want. 🌐 Connect with Bill: • Website: https://www.goodliife.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billzujewski/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zujewskibill/ 📚 You can purchase Bill's book on Amazon: • What’s Your Life Score: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT6DXXMC/ Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    54 min
  2. 274. The Power of Emotional Awareness in Leadership with Randy Lyman

    30 JUN

    274. The Power of Emotional Awareness in Leadership with Randy Lyman

    What does success really mean when you've checked all the boxes but still feel empty inside? Randy Lyman's journey from physicist and multi-millionaire entrepreneur to emotional intelligence advocate challenges everything we think we know about leadership. Despite achieving multiple patents, thriving businesses, and academic accolades, Randy opens up about the profound emptiness he felt—until he discovered what he calls “the third element,” the missing link between intellect, effort, and emotional awareness. This insight transformed his personal fulfillment and completely redefined how he leads. In our conversation, Randy shares how unprocessed emotions silently shape team dynamics and decision-making. Leaders who suppress their feelings, he explains, often create environments where their teams instinctively protect themselves rather than collaborate openly. “The moment I walk into that room,” Randy says, “people feel what I’m feeling.” His leadership shifted when he began prioritizing emotional transparency, embracing practices like journaling and carving out generous time for genuine, emotionally honest conversations with his team. Most powerfully, Randy highlights three human needs that go beyond a paycheck: to be seen as a unique individual, to contribute meaningfully, and to belong. When leaders meet these needs with emotional intelligence, people show up fully—engaged, committed, and authentic. Ready to discover your own third element? Tune in and explore how integrating emotional awareness into your leadership could be the missing key to meaningful success. 🌐 Connect with Randy: • Website: https://iamrandylyman.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamrandylyman/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrandylyman/ 📚 You can purchase Randy's book on Amazon: • The Third Element: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZD5HWWN/ Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    41 min
  3. 273. Leadership and The Human Experience: A June Recap with Mick Spiers

    26 JUN

    273. Leadership and The Human Experience: A June Recap with Mick Spiers

    Leadership demands constant evolution in our rapidly changing world. Are you asking the right questions as a leader? Are you creating an environment where people can adapt, belong and thrive amid uncertainty? This solo episode distills the most powerful insights from four exceptional leaders featured on the podcast during June, blended with reflections on leadership in today's complex landscape. Kumar Parakala revealed how the pace of technological change is exponential - "the world is changing faster than ever before, but slower than it ever will again." His guidance on embracing AI to augment rather than replace human capabilities offers a powerful framework for technological leadership. Drawing an intriguing parallel between leadership and ChatGPT, both respond best to better questions. Like a skilled prompt engineer, great leaders know that quality questions yield quality answers. Jones Loflin challenged us to stop being "busy for busy's sake," reframing productivity as energy management rather than time management. Creating intentional space between commitments allows creativity to flourish. Dave MacDonald's wisdom on hiring for character over skills resonates deeply: "Resumes show what people have done; character shows what they'll do when no one's watching." This prompted the confronting question: If your workplace were a democracy, would you be re-elected as leader? Your team votes daily through their engagement and trust. Michael Lopez transformed our understanding of change management, explaining that people resist change not from stubbornness but from fear of loss. His concept of letting people "hold the pen" by co-architecting change creates ownership instead of resistance. During these times of global uncertainty, creating environments of safety and belonging for multicultural teams has never been more crucial. Subscribe to the Leadership Project on your preferred platform and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for weekly content designed to help you become the leader you wish you always had. Next episode features Randy Lyman exploring emotional awareness in leadership. Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    14 min
  4. 272. Transformational Change: Science-Backed Strategies with Michael Lopez

    23 JUN

    272. Transformational Change: Science-Backed Strategies with Michael Lopez

    Why do most transformation efforts fail, even when people are deeply committed? In this thought-provoking episode of The Leadership Project, Michael Lopez, transformation coach and author of Change, unpacks the science behind why change is so hard and what we’ve been getting wrong all along. With over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex change, Lopez challenges the conventional, rational-only approach and introduces six brain-based strategies to make change stick, both personally and systemically. Rather than focusing on willpower or generic frameworks, Lopez dives into the biology of transformation. He explains how the brain and body respond to change as a perceived threat, which often sabotages even our best intentions. Using real-world examples, including a remarkable case where a failing nuclear plant climbed from the bottom 10 percent to top 10 percent performance in just a year, he reveals how aligning change efforts with our neurobiology unlocks lasting results. His framework begins with understanding what's really going on, fostering individual ownership, and building a movement rather than enforcing compliance. The episode also flips popular beliefs on stress and failure. Lopez makes a compelling case that stress, when properly framed, is not the enemy but a key ingredient for growth. He unpacks how challenge strengthens the anterior mid-cingulate cortex, the part of the brain that helps us overcome difficulty. From building new habits to transforming entire teams, you’ll walk away with a practical, science-backed blueprint to navigate change effectively and sustainably. Whether you're leading others or leading yourself, this is a must-listen. 🌐 Connect with Michael: • Website: https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-lopez9/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljlopez9/ 📚 You can purchase Michael's book on Amazon: • CHANGE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/195501874X/ Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    46 min
  5. 271. Character vs Skills: Decoding the Hiring Dilemma with Dave MacDonald

    16 JUN

    271. Character vs Skills: Decoding the Hiring Dilemma with Dave MacDonald

    What truly matters more in hiring—skills or character? Dave MacDonald, founder of Better Together Group, brings hard-earned wisdom to this age-old question. After being fired multiple times in his twenties ("I was a lousy employee"), Dave transformed these setbacks into powerful leadership lessons that now guide his successful HR and staffing business. With refreshing honesty, Dave introduces us to his "WTF philosophy"—Work hard, Tell the truth, Finish the job—and explains how these principles shape his approach to identifying standout candidates. Through his powerful furnace metaphor, he demonstrates how the right combination of intensity (the fire), integrity (the firebox), and intentionality (the ductwork) creates teams that genuinely thrive together. Beyond philosophical frameworks, Dave offers practical, immediately applicable interview techniques. Learn why asking for multiple examples of the same character trait reveals authenticity, how pattern interruption separates rehearsed answers from genuine responses, and when to prioritize filling a position versus waiting for the perfect candidate. His advice balances real-world business needs with the pursuit of character-driven cultures. Perhaps most compelling is Dave's vulnerability about his own leadership journey. "I'm still very confident, but I'm also a scared little boy inside at times too," he admits, reminding us that authentic leadership requires acknowledging our full humanity. Whether you're hiring for your organization or preparing for your next career move, this conversation provides a fresh perspective on what truly matters in building successful teams. 🌐 Connect with Dave: • Website: https://bettertogethergroup.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdave-macdonald/ Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    38 min
  6. 270. Harnessing the Power of Focus with Jones Loflin

    9 JUN

    270. Harnessing the Power of Focus with Jones Loflin

    Do you wear "busy" as a badge of honor while still feeling behind? You're not alone. In this powerful conversation with productivity expert Jones Loflin, author of Focused as a Bee, we explore how busyness may be the very thing blocking your goals. Drawing from the focused nature of honeybees, Jones shows that true productivity comes not from doing more, but from doing what truly matters. Through his TAD framework (Transfer, Automate, Drop), Jones shares practical ways to reclaim your time. He explains how identifying the "micro purpose" behind tasks, breaking projects into small “one jobs,” and even embracing rest—like bees taking 40 naps a day—can boost your effectiveness and reduce burnout. Jones also uncovers the three main distractions hurting your focus: internal thoughts, external noise, and unclear expectations. His simple strategies help you minimize interference and maximize impact. The key takeaway: performance improves when we remove what's getting in the way. So—what will you eliminate today? 🌐 Connect with Jones: • Website: https://jonesloflin.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesloflin/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesloflin/ 📚 You can purchase Jones' books on Amazon: • Focused As A Bee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0976688263/ • Juggling Elephants: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591841712/ • Always Growing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0976688239/ Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    58 min
  7. 269. Disruptive Leadership in the Era of Digital Change with Kumar Parakala

    2 JUN

    269. Disruptive Leadership in the Era of Digital Change with Kumar Parakala

    Kumar Parakala delivers a timely wake-up call for leaders stuck in outdated models amid the rise of AI and digital disruption. Drawing from his experience building billion-dollar digital businesses and advising prime ministers, he argues that rigid hierarchies and authoritative styles are no longer effective. Instead, leadership today demands empathy, agility, and a clear sense of purpose. Kumar boldly states, “AI will take your job,” but urges leaders to see this as evolution, not extinction. His seven principles for disruptive leadership—like embracing purpose, challenging norms, and practicing radical accountability—offer a roadmap for staying relevant in a fast-changing world. Most importantly, Kumar emphasizes that human skills like empathy and connection will be more valuable than ever. As machines handle complex tasks, true leadership will be measured not by titles, but by impact. His message is clear: lead the change or be left behind. 🌐 Connect with Kumar: • Website: https://kumarparakala.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kumarparakala/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumarparakala/ 📚 You can purchase Kumar's book on Amazon: • Lead to Disrupt: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637352611/ • Luminary Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637352018/ Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    44 min
  8. 268. The Confidence Cycle: Breaking Through Public Speaking Anxiety with Mick Spiers

    29 MAY

    268. The Confidence Cycle: Breaking Through Public Speaking Anxiety with Mick Spiers

    Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach before speaking to a group? That flutter of fear that makes you question whether you should just stay quiet? What if that sensation isn't weakness but potential trying to break through? Following my powerful conversation with Israel Duran—who transformed from a boy who would get in trouble to avoid public speaking into a globally sought-after speaker—I'm sharing my own framework for turning speaking anxiety into impact. At the heart of this transformation is what I call the Competence-Confidence Cycle. Unlike what many believe, you don't need to feel confident before taking action. When you take even imperfect steps, you build competence, which naturally grows confidence, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. Great speaking isn't about charisma but clarity. I outline how focusing on just 1-3 memorable points creates more impact than overwhelming your audience with information. Learn why the strategic use of silence—the power of the pause—might be the most transformative speaking tool you're not using. Discover how storytelling and metaphor can move your message from intellectual understanding to emotional connection, making your ideas stick long after your words fade. The next time fear rises before you speak, recognize it not as an obstacle but as a signal that you're about to do something meaningful. This awareness itself is transformative. Remember that effective speaking isn't about perfection but presence. Speak with purpose, with clarity, and with a desire to serve rather than impress. Each time you step forward despite your fear, you strengthen this muscle until one day, speaking becomes not just something you can do, but something you love to do. Send us a text Support the show ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

    15 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Leadership Project with Mick Spiers is a podcast dedicated to advancing thought on inspirational leadership in the modern world. We cover key issues and controversial topics that are needed to redefine inspirational leadership. How do young and aspiring leaders transition from individual contributors to inspirational leaders or from manager to leader to make a positive impact on the world? How do experienced leaders adapt their leadership styles and practices in a modern and digital world? How do address the lack of diversity in leadership in many organisations today? Guest speakers will be invited for confronting conversations in their areas of expertise with the view to provide leaders with all of the skills and tools they need to become inspirational leaders. The vision of The Leadership Project is to inspire all leaders to challenge the status quo. We empower modern leaders through knowledge and emotional intelligence to create meaningful impact Join us each week as we dive deep into key issues and controversial topics for inspirational leaders.

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