APEX Performance

Dr. Anthony Simmons
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  • Entrepreneurship

Apex Performance Podcast with Dr. Anthony Simmons explores how authentic relationships drive leadership, team performance, and organizational success. A retired U.S. Navy Captain and strategic leadership expert, Dr. Simmons shares practical insights on leadership development, team building, change management, and talent growth. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders build high-performing teams and achieve lasting professional success. 

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Communication Yields Trust: Let’s Talk!

    Trust doesn't happen by chance—it begins with communication. In this episode of the Apex Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons explores why effective communication is one of the most essential leadership skills for building trust, strengthening workplace relationships, and creating high-performing organizations. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, academic research, and military service, Dr. Simmons explains how leaders can move beyond one-way communication and embrace meaningful, two-way dialogue that fosters collaboration, psychological safety, and organizational excellence. Discover why communication is more than simply speaking—it's about listening with intention, encouraging feedback, and creating environments where every voice is valued. Learn how town halls, coaching conversations, affinity groups, and leadership by walking around can improve employee engagement, strengthen workplace culture, and transform organizational performance. Dr. Simmons also discusses the role of emotional intelligence, empathy, vulnerability, and transparency in leadership, showing how authentic communication builds trust, reduces burnout, empowers teams, and creates lasting connections across every generation in today's workplace. Whether you're an executive, manager, military leader, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical leadership strategies to improve communication, inspire trust, and develop a culture where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to perform at their best. Tune in to discover why communication is the bridge to trust—and why leaders who communicate with clarity, authenticity, and empathy create organizations where people and performance thrive.

  2. Jul 14

    Coaching Organization: Leadership-coaching approach

    What separates organizations that consistently grow from those that struggle with turnover, burnout, and disengaged teams? In this episode of the APEX Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons explains why leadership coaching is no longer optional. It's the defining characteristic of organizations that develop future leaders, build trust, and create cultures where people perform at their highest level. Drawing on more than three decades of leadership experience as a U.S. Navy commanding officer, executive coach, and scholar practitioner, Dr. Simmons shares how coaching differs from managing, mentoring, and directing. He reveals why today's leaders must connect before they lead, create environments built on trust, encourage continuous feedback, and empower others to grow through experience rather than control. Through compelling stories from his naval command, Dr. Simmons demonstrates how allowing people to make mistakes, fostering psychological safety, and developing leadership at every level creates resilient, high-performing teams prepared to thrive in times of uncertainty and change. He also introduces practical coaching frameworks that help leaders improve communication, strengthen succession planning, reduce burnout, and build organizations where leadership becomes everyone's responsibility. Whether you're leading a business, a military unit, a nonprofit, or a growing team, this episode provides practical strategies to help you become the kind of leader who develops people, strengthens culture, and creates lasting organizational excellence. Because great leaders don't create followers. They coach others to become leaders.

  3. Jul 7

    Leading in Pressurized Environments: On-scene Leader

    What separates leaders who thrive under pressure from those who crumble when everything is on the line? In this powerful episode of the APEX Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons explores what it truly means to lead in high-pressure environments where uncertainty, complexity, and rapid decision-making are part of everyday life. Drawing from decades of leadership experience as a U.S. Navy commander, Dr. Simmons shares why exceptional leaders don't wait for perfect information. They prepare their people, trust their teams, and make confident decisions when the stakes are highest. You'll discover how emotional intelligence, leadership in depth, decentralized decision-making, and building a strong leadership bench create organizations that remain resilient in volatile environments. Through compelling stories from military command and practical leadership principles, Dr. Simmons explains why empowering others, planning for uncertainty, and developing future leaders are essential to long-term success. Whether you're leading a business, a team, or an organization through constant change, this episode will equip you with the mindset and strategies to remain calm, decisive, and effective when others hesitate. Because leadership isn't measured when everything is going according to plan. It's revealed when the pressure is at its highest.

  4. Jun 27

    Self-Transcendent Leadership: SERVANT-Ship

    What if the highest form of leadership isn't about leading at all, but about serving? In this powerful episode of the Apex Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons introduces his groundbreaking concept of Servantship. This leadership philosophy moves beyond traditional servant leadership into what he calls self-transcendent leadership. Drawing on decades of military leadership, coaching, and organizational research, Dr. Simmons explains why the greatest leaders don't seek recognition. They dedicate themselves to helping others grow beyond themselves. Through inspiring stories, leadership research, and real-world examples from the military, business, education, and sports, he explores the power of humility, sacrifice, coaching, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership. You'll discover why authentic influence isn't measured by personal achievement, but by the lasting impact you have on the lives of others. Whether you're leading an organization, a team, a family, or simply striving to become a better version of yourself, this episode will challenge you to rethink what leadership truly means. Because leadership isn't measured by how high you climb. It's measured by how many people you help rise with you.

  5. Jun 19

    Upside-down Leadership

    What happens when people occupy leadership positions but lack the mindset, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness required to truly lead? In this thought-provoking episode of Apex Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons introduces the concept of Upside-Down Leadership, a leadership model where individuals use their position to elevate themselves rather than develop the people they serve. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, doctoral research, and command at sea, Dr. Simmons explores why so many organizations struggle with trust, engagement, development, and performance despite having leaders in place. You'll discover the critical differences between leaders and followers, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness, the dangers of ego-driven leadership, and why authentic leaders create platforms for others to grow rather than standing on the shoulders of those they lead. If you're a leader, aspiring leader, educator, coach, executive, or anyone responsible for developing people, this episode offers a powerful challenge to rethink what leadership truly means. Because leadership isn't about power, position, or status. It's about creating opportunities for others to rise higher than you ever could alone. Connect with Dr. Anthony Simmons Visit ApexPerformancePodcast.com for leadership resources, free gifts, and more episodes designed to help you build authentic relationships, elevate performance, and lead with purpose.

  6. Jun 10

    The Leadership DNA Nobody Talks About

    Are great leaders born, or are they developed over time? In this thought-provoking episode of APEX Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons explores one of the most debated questions in leadership: the difference between leaders and managers. Drawing from decades of military leadership, executive experience, coaching, and organizational development, Dr. Simmons explains why leadership is ultimately about inspiring people, building trust, developing future leaders, and creating environments where individuals can thrive. You'll discover how leaders empower people while managers focus on systems, why delegation is essential to preventing burnout, how trust and emotional intelligence influence performance, and why the best leaders meet people where they are. Dr. Simmons also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in leadership, the importance of servant leadership, developing leadership depth, and creating cultures built on accountability, confidence, and growth. Whether you're a business leader, manager, executive, coach, entrepreneur, educator, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical insights on building influence, developing people, leading through relationships, and creating lasting impact. Because leadership is not about controlling people. It's about inspiring them to become more than they believed possible.

  7. Jun 2

    Change Management is about Trust through Communication

    In this episode of Apex Performance, Dr. Anthony Simmons explores one of the greatest challenges facing leaders today: navigating change while maintaining trust, alignment, and organizational performance. Drawing from his experience as a Navy leader, executive coach, and scholar practitioner, Dr. Simmons shares practical strategies for managing both planned organizational change and unexpected adversity. The conversation dives into change management, leadership communication, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, resilience, crisis response, team performance, and strategic leadership. Dr. Simmons explains why most change initiatives fail, not because of the change itself, but because leaders fail to clearly communicate the vision, purpose, impact, and path forward. He introduces powerful frameworks for creating alignment, building trust, and helping teams navigate uncertainty with confidence. Listeners will also learn why emotional stamina, resilience, discipline, and authentic leadership are essential during periods of disruption. Through real-world examples from business, higher education, and military leadership, Dr. Simmons demonstrates how leaders can transform adversity into opportunity while strengthening team engagement, accountability, and performance. If you're a leader, executive, manager, entrepreneur, or professional navigating change in today's fast-moving world, this episode offers actionable insights for leading through uncertainty, building resilient teams, and creating sustainable success during times of transformation.

  8. May 19

    Confluence of Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence

    In this episode of APEX Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons explores the critical intersection between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, revealing why emotional intelligence, trust, communication, and authentic relationships remain essential in an increasingly AI-driven world. Drawing from decades of leadership experience in the Navy, high-tech warfare systems, organizational strategy, and human performance, Dr. Simmons breaks down how organizations can leverage AI as a tool for enhancement without allowing technology to replace critical thinking, ethics, culture, and human connection. Through powerful real-world examples ranging from military operations and leadership decision-making to sports analytics and organizational culture, this episode unpacks the dangers of over-reliance on automation while highlighting the importance of maintaining “man in the loop” leadership. Dr. Simmons also explains why companies must establish ethical guardrails, preserve emotional intelligence skills, and intentionally create environments where technology amplifies human excellence rather than eroding it. This conversation is a masterclass on balancing innovation with humanity and offers valuable insights for leaders, executives, educators, entrepreneurs, and organizations navigating the future of AI, leadership, and performance optimization.

  9. May 5

    The Truth About Team Building: Why Most Teams Fail (And How to Fix It)

    What if the reason your team isn’t performing… has nothing to do with talent? In this episode, Dr. Anthony Simmons breaks down the real formula behind high-performing teams and why most leaders get it wrong.  It’s not about throwing people together and hoping it works. It’s about building individuals, creating trust, and developing relationships before expecting results. You’ll learn the three critical stages of development, integration, and evolution and how mastering them can transform your team from average to unstoppable. If you’re leading a team, building one, or struggling to get people aligned… this is the shift you’ve been missing.

  10. Apr 7

    Coaching Love - Connecting Through Authentic Relationships!

    What if the real key to leadership, performance, and lasting success isn’t strategy, but connection? In this episode, Dr. Anthony Simmons breaks down the powerful concept of “coaching love” and how authentic relationships built on trust, communication, and appreciation can transform teams, organizations, and lives. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, he reveals why most leaders struggle to connect, how poor relationships drive turnover, and what it truly takes to lead with empathy, clarity, and impact in today’s world. If you want to build stronger relationships, inspire loyalty, and lead at a higher level, this episode will challenge how you think—and elevate how you lead.

  11. Mar 31

    Command at Sea

    What does it truly mean to lead when the pressure is real, the stakes are high, and people are counting on you?  In this powerful episode of the APEX Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons shares hard-earned leadership lessons from commanding at sea—where trust, discipline, and human connection determine success or failure. You’ll discover why leadership isn’t about power, but responsibility, how to build unshakable trust in your team, and what it takes to lead with confidence in uncertain environments. From managing ego to empowering others and creating high-performing cultures, this episode delivers real-world strategies that apply far beyond the military—into business, life, and personal growth. If you want to become the kind of leader people respect, trust, and follow, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

  12. Mar 23

    Apex Performance Starts with Relationships

    In the inaugural episode of the Apex Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons shares a powerful leadership insight: lasting success begins with authentic relationships. Drawing from 28 years as a U.S. Navy Captain, global leadership experience across 60+ countries, and doctoral research in strategic leadership, Dr. Simmons reveals why connection—not just competence—is the foundation of high-performing teams. In this episode, you’ll learn why over 80% of employees are disengaged, how great leaders build trust and connection first, and how the ACT framework (Appreciate, Communicate, Trust) can transform leadership, teamwork, and organizational performance. If you want practical leadership insights that help you build stronger teams, improve engagement, and drive enduring success, this podcast will give you the tools to lead at your highest level.

  • 12 Episodes

About

Apex Performance Podcast with Dr. Anthony Simmons explores how authentic relationships drive leadership, team performance, and organizational success. A retired U.S. Navy Captain and strategic leadership expert, Dr. Simmons shares practical insights on leadership development, team building, change management, and talent growth. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders build high-performing teams and achieve lasting professional success. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Anthony Simmons
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 APEX Performance
  • Show Website
    APEX Performance