Second Life Leader

Doug Utberg
  • 4.9 (33)
  • 自我完善
  • 一周一更

From Setback to Success – Second Life Leader tells founder stories of rebuilding companies and leading teams through challenge and change I’m Doug Utberg, and this platform is for founders, rebuilders, creatives, and professionals who’ve been knocked down by layoffs, divorce, burnout, or failure—and still refuse to quit. Each episode delivers raw, unsanitized conversations with leaders who’ve walked through fire, rebuilt from nothing, and now lead with clarity, presence, and conviction. We talk: Career reinvention and self-leadership Burnout recovery and nervous system rebuilding Ethical entrepreneurship and post-collapse strategy Using AI and automation to reclaim time and sovereignty This isn’t a show about playing nice. It’s about building something that can’t be taken from you. 📩 Want to go deeper? The podcast sparks the rebuild— But the newsletter is where the real work happens. 🎙 Second Life Leader is where rebuilders, warriors, and sovereigns come to rise after collapse. No hype. No guru scripts. Just real strategies, raw stories, and the clarity you need to rebuild stronger. 👉 Discover your Leader Archetype and get your personalized roadmap: https://leaderquiz.app www.dougutberg.com

  1. 15小时前

    Reading the Room: Situational Mastery & Contextual Intelligence

    Most leaders think they’re setting the tone—but often, it’s someone else. Matt breaks down how to identify the real influencers in the room, recognize subtle shifts, and build a repeatable process for situational mastery. From his decades in sports medicine and leadership research, Matt shows how the same tools used to train Olympic athletes apply to executives, dads, and anyone navigating high-stakes conversations. TL;DR * Situational mastery ≠ luck: it’s about recognizing, reordering, responding, and reflecting (the R4 framework). * Invisible cues rule the room: deep sighs, eye rolls, micro-pauses—miss these and you miss the moment. * Leaders aren’t always the influencers: figure out who others look to for cues, and win them as allies. * Tacit knowledge = wisdom: mastery comes from integrating hindsight, insight, and foresight (3D thinking). * The pace of change breaks hindsight: you can’t solve today’s problems with yesterday’s logic—blend past, present, and future. * No solo mastery: like Dickens’ Scrooge, you need “ghosts” (mentors, coaches, truth-tellers) to correct blind spots. Memorable lines * “The metrics of success shift every time the room shifts.” * “Most leaders think they’re setting the tone—usually, they’re not.” * “Tacit knowledge is intuition you can trust, and it can be learned.” * “You can’t solve today’s problems with yesterday’s logic.” * “Every leader needs to know their Kissinger in the room.” Guest Matt Kutz, PhD — Professor of Sports Medicine & Athletic Training; VP of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy; author of 8+ books on leadership, human performance, and global strategy. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmattkutz/ Website: http://www.matthewkutz.com Why this matters Leaders today operate in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous. Titles don’t guarantee influence, and old playbooks don’t work. Contextual intelligence bridges the gap between knowing and being: it’s not just about logic or intuition, but the fusion of both in real time. If you want to lead effectively—whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or family rooms—you need the ability to read the invisible cues, reframe priorities on the fly, and adapt without losing credibility. Call to Action If this conversation lit something up for you, don’t just let it fade. Come join me inside the Second Life Leader community on Skool. That’s where I share the frameworks, field reports, and real stories of reinvention that don’t make it into the podcast. You’ll connect with other professionals who are actively rebuilding and leading with clarity. The link is in the show notes—step inside and start building your Second Life today. https://secondlifeleader.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    38 分钟

  2. 1天前

    Stop B******g, Start Pitching

    In this episode, Tracy and I break down why leaders cling to stories instead of facts, how “no one wants to work” is rarely true, and why 89% turnover in 90 days doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re solving the wrong problem. We dig into the hidden costs of poor onboarding, why perfection is the enemy of progress, and how small experiments compound into lasting change. We also role-play the hard conversations most leaders avoid: asking for resources, addressing pay gaps, and backing process changes. Tracy shows how turning impact into a clear request transforms whining into influence—and why fear of tough conversations keeps organizations stuck in chaos. The throughline: stop venting, start requesting. Systems won’t fix themselves, people won’t magically stay, and sales numbers don’t rise just because you hope they will. Elite leadership is having the clarity and courage to pitch the real solution. TL;DR * Complaints hide requests: Every gripe signals an unmet need—translate it into a clear ask. * Facts over stories: “No one wants to work” → actually 89% quit in 90 days, but 11% stayed. Find the real cause. * Perfection kills momentum: Incremental fixes beat waiting for the flawless solution. * Onboarding matters: Most “lazy hires” are system failures, not people failures. * Courage in conversations: Leaders stall not because they lack answers, but because they fear asking for change. * Compounding gains: Small, repeatable improvements snowball into massive organizational shifts. Memorable lines * “Every complaint is a poorly worded request.” * “If perfect is the standard, walk out the door now—you’ll never reach it.” * “The biggest leap isn’t good to great, it’s chaos to not that bad.” * “Tough isn’t stubborn—tough is smart clarity backed by courage.” Guest Tracy Austin — Leadership consultant focused on trade industries and frontline retention. She helps organizations cut turnover, build onboarding systems, and transform complaints into action. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-austin/ 🔗 Website: http://www.elevatedtalentconsulting.com Why this matters Organizations lose millions every year because leaders confuse venting with vision. Complaints without requests breed stagnation, burnout, and chaos. When leaders reframe complaints into specific, fact-backed asks, they reclaim agency—and the path from chaos to excellence begins. Call to Action If this conversation lit something up for you, don’t just let it fade. Come join me inside the Second Life Leader community on Skool. That’s where I share the frameworks, field reports, and real stories of reinvention that don’t make it into the podcast. You’ll connect with other professionals who are actively rebuilding and leading with clarity. The link is in the show notes—step inside and start building your Second Life today. https://secondlifeleader.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    18 分钟

  3. 2天前

    When Systems Become Straitjackets

    Former EOS implementer, author, and manufacturing CEO Michael Erath joins me to explore what happens when business frameworks turn from liberators into cages—and how elite organizations escape the trap. Rigid systems like EOS can bring chaos under control, but stop short of greatness. Michael and I dig into why prescriptive “20 tools forever” models break down at scale, how to design for outcomes instead of checklists, and why A-player imposters cost more than missed A-players. We unpack the dangers of short-term cost cutting (Intel, GE), the overlooked genius of Eli Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints, and why profit-per-X clarity beats generic “best practices.” The theme running through it: systems should serve people and outcomes, not the other way around. Elite organizations don’t settle for “not that bad”—they build adaptive frameworks, measure the right constraint, and pursue excellence with discipline. TL;DR * Systems ≠ salvation: EOS and similar tools help kill chaos but cap out at mediocrity. * Mechanical vs. organic: Treat processes like machines when possible, but don’t ignore the living, adaptive side of organizations.The A-player trap: The costliest errors are (1) losing true A-players, and (2) mistaking B-players for A-players. * Constraint clarity: TOC says find the one constraint—fixing it yields immediate profit, unlike slow checklist efficiency. * Profit per X: Identify the metric tied to your real constraint (throughput, calendar days, etc.) and align decisions around it. * Outcomes over inputs: Define every role by its most critical outcome, not by tasks or titles. Memorable lines * “Most systems are built for chaos-to-decent. Elite requires more.” * “Don’t pay A-player salaries for B-player conformity.” * “World-class accounts payable never made anyone strategic.” * “Profit per X isn’t a spreadsheet trick—it’s a spotlight on your real constraint.” Guest Michael Erath — Former manufacturing CEO, EOS implementer turned founder of his own operating framework, and author of Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelerath1/ http://www.fiveobsessions.com Why This Matters Businesses chasing short-term fixes or worshipping rigid frameworks stay stuck at “good enough.” The path to excellence is clarity: knowing your real constraint, aligning outcomes at every level, and designing systems that bend with your people instead of breaking them. If you want organizations that outlast hype cycles and downturns, trade dogma for discipline. Call to Action If this hit—don’t scroll past it. Take the Second Life Leader Quiz to see where you’re powerful, where you’re blocked, and what to do next: leaderquiz.app. Then share this with one man who’s rebuilding. https://leaderquiz.app This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    31 分钟

  4. 9月19日

    The Art of the Ask: Outcome-Based Conversations & Smarter Negotiation with Saad A Saad

    Negotiation coach and author Saad A Saad joins Doug to rethink what “the ask” really means—why win-win isn’t always wise, how to thrive even with less power, and why tension isn’t the enemy but the spark of creativity. Most people think negotiation is stressful or adversarial. But Saad reframes it as an outcome-based conversation—something we’re all in daily, whether with clients, colleagues, or family. We dive into why “dominate or be dominated” is outdated, how over-indexing on win-win kills creativity, and why the real skill shows when you’re negotiating from a power disadvantage. Saad also shares his framework from In the Lead: Mastering Your Sales Negotiation—a six-principle model that balances assertiveness and empathy like the two wheels of a bike. TL;DR * Negotiation = outcome-based conversation—happens every day, not just in boardrooms. * Win-lose damages trust, but pure win-win leads to weak, uncreative outcomes. * Power imbalances matter less than you think—focus on clarity of outcome. * Tension and friction aren’t threats—they’re the conditions for respect and innovation. * Assertive empathy: be ambitious in your ask and genuinely curious about the other side. * Context is king: sales, hostage talks, and family dinners require different tools. Memorable lines * “Anytime you’re trying to reach an outcome, you’re in a negotiation.” * “If you over-index on win-win, you become less ambitious and less creative.” * “Friction isn’t failure—it’s the fuel for better outcomes.” Guest Saad A Saad — Negotiation expert, sales coach, and author of In the Lead: Mastering Your Sales Negotiation. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadasaad/ Why this matters Whether you’re closing a deal, pitching an investor, or discussing chores at home, negotiation is everywhere. Reframing it as outcome-based—and learning to balance advocacy with empathy—lets you push for better results without burning bridges. Don’t just “hope” your conversations land—design them. Grab Saad’s book In the Lead on Amazon, connect with him on LinkedIn, and the next time you’re in a negotiation—big or small—practice assertive empathy. Book: https://a.co/d/6AkbgX3 Call To Action If this hit—don’t scroll past it. Take the Second Life Leader Quiz to see where you’re powerful, where you’re blocked, and what to do next: leaderquiz.app. Then share this with one man who’s rebuilding. https://leaderquiz.app This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    19 分钟

  5. 9月18日

    Hierarchies, Heart-Centers, and Why Community Beats the McMansion

    Retired social worker Jack Kammer (MaleFriendly Media) joins me to separate real men’s issues from the manosphere circus—and map a sane path forward. Most conversations about men mistake the pyramid for the whole picture. Yes, a few at the top feast—but millions grind at the bottom. In this episode, retired social worker Jack Kammer and I dismantle lazy patriarchy takes, unpack mating market math (power laws, hypergamy, real options vs imagined ones), and contrast male hierarchy with the female network—a “heart-centered” power structure that’s present but hard to see. We trace how wealth-induced social isolation (sprawl, cars, planned hangouts) erodes trust, why “work-life balance” collapses under the burden of performance, and how honesty about desire, capacity, and family roles beats quota-based fantasies. The fix isn’t rage—it’s community at Dunbar scale, merit with compassion, and finishing the other half of the gender-role revolution: giving men social permission for relationship labor, not just income labor. No villains. Just truth, trade-offs, and a way to rebuild. TL;DR * Apex fallacy: don’t judge men by the 0.1%—see the “Misfortune Five Million.” * Two power systems: men = visible hierarchy; women = diffuse heart-centered network. * Isolation tax: the McMansion dream kills accidental community—connection needs proximity. * Work is not separate from life: entrepreneurs blur lines; corporate men carry the performance burden. * Real reform: finish the 1960s shift—normalize men taking relationship/care roles without penalty. * Strategy > slogans: meritocracy plus flexibility; transparency about intentions in dating and at work. Memorable lines “Don’t look at the Fortune 500—look at the Misfortune Five Million.”“The female power structure isn’t a skyscraper; it’s a campus with a heart at the center.”“Community isn’t a social program; it’s your neighbors knocking for Friday pizza.” Guest Jack Kammer — Retired social worker focused on the social issues of men and boys; founder of MaleFriendly Media. https://www.linkedin.com/in/malefriendlymedia/ https://www.malefriendlymedia.com/ Why this matters If you want stronger men, healthier women, and better kids, stop arguing abstractions and design for reality: smaller, closer communities; honest courtship; flexible pathways for fathers; merit with compassion at work. Call to Action If this hit—don’t scroll past it. Take the Second Life Leader Quiz to see where you’re powerful, where you’re blocked, and what to do next: leaderquiz.app. Then share this with one man who’s rebuilding. https://leaderquiz.app This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    58 分钟

  6. 9月7日

    Reinventing your Life with Damon Lembi

    This week I sit down with Damon Lembi, a man who once stood on the edge of a pro baseball career, only to watch that dream disappear in his early 20s. What followed was not the straight-line success story that corporate planners love to sell—but the messy, real work of reinvention. We go deep on: * Why life almost never moves in a straight line—and why that’s a gift, not a curse * How failure is fuel, not a flaw * The transferable skills that carry you from one arena to another * Why vulnerability paired with confidence is the mark of a true leader * The difference between safe, compounding plans and the resilience forged through risk and reset Damon’s story isn’t about baseball. It’s about every man or woman who’s looked up from the ashes of one path and wondered if they had the courage to start another. If you’ve been burned by the old game—but your fire still burns—this conversation will remind you: you are not finished. You’re being reforged. ⚒️ Listen in, then share it with someone who’s rebuilding. And if you want to follow the thread deeper, head to DougUtberg.com for my Second Life Leader newsletter—where we talk leadership, sovereignty, and the art of building a life that cannot be taken from you. Freedom isn’t granted. It’s forged. Connect with Damon: www.learnit.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Subscribe to Second Life leader at https://dougutberg.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    24 分钟

  7. 8月25日

    When Leader Superpowers Turn to Kryptonite with Scott Anderson

    Burnout doesn’t come from weakness—it comes when your greatest strengths turn against you. In this conversation, Scott Anderson breaks down how perfectionism and endless “yeses” fuel early success but eventually scale into exhaustion, despair, and collapse. We dig into: * Why the common “solutions” to burnout actually make it worse. * The existential moment when superpowers become kryptonite. * How redefining success—and building your 2.0 motivation—restores energy and clarity. * Practical techniques to break free from survival mode and operate in your genius zone. * Real client stories showing how a few course corrections can double business while repairing family and self. If you’ve ever paid the price of ambition with your health, marriage, or spirit, this episode shows you how to reclaim capacity, rebuild alignment, and create impact without burning out. Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottandersonms/ https://doubledareyou.us/ https://burnoutbreakthrough.com Subscribe to the Second Life Leader Podcast on Substack: https://dougutberg.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    31 分钟

  8. 8月16日

    Effective Leaders Juggle Multiple Hats with Charlie Newcomb

    Former corporate soldier turned sovereign strategist Doug Utberg dives deep with Amazon bestselling author Charlie Newcomb on the many hats of effective leadership—listening to lead, influencing without authority, delegating without losing accountability, and knowing when to break the rules you wrote. From 40+ years in McDonald’s corporate trenches to high-stakes sales, Charlie shares how to manage change, measure what actually matters, and avoid the leadership traps that kill morale and results. If you’re done with hollow metrics, permission-seeking, and leadership theater, this conversation is your map to leading with clarity, principle, and real influence. Connect with Charlie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-newcomb-1307b57/ Life, Leadership and Success (Amazon) Subscribe to Second Life Leader on Substack: https://dougutberg.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

    26 分钟
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4.9
共 5 分
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关于

From Setback to Success – Second Life Leader tells founder stories of rebuilding companies and leading teams through challenge and change I’m Doug Utberg, and this platform is for founders, rebuilders, creatives, and professionals who’ve been knocked down by layoffs, divorce, burnout, or failure—and still refuse to quit. Each episode delivers raw, unsanitized conversations with leaders who’ve walked through fire, rebuilt from nothing, and now lead with clarity, presence, and conviction. We talk: Career reinvention and self-leadership Burnout recovery and nervous system rebuilding Ethical entrepreneurship and post-collapse strategy Using AI and automation to reclaim time and sovereignty This isn’t a show about playing nice. It’s about building something that can’t be taken from you. 📩 Want to go deeper? The podcast sparks the rebuild— But the newsletter is where the real work happens. 🎙 Second Life Leader is where rebuilders, warriors, and sovereigns come to rise after collapse. No hype. No guru scripts. Just real strategies, raw stories, and the clarity you need to rebuild stronger. 👉 Discover your Leader Archetype and get your personalized roadmap: https://leaderquiz.app www.dougutberg.com

信息

  • 创作者
    Doug Utberg
  • 活跃年份
    2020年 - 2025年
  • 单集
    341
  • 分级
    儿童适宜
  • 版权
    © Doug Utberg
  • 节目网站
    Second Life Leader