Become The Leader

Jody Holland & Meghan Slaughter
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Become The Leader is all about finding your pathway to the skills needed to inspire others to follow. There is a whole new generation of leaders rising up, ready to lead and inspire greatness in their teams. Join us to learn what it means to truly become the leader others want to follow.

  1. 20-Why Fitting In Is Not Always a Good Thing

    1D AGO

    20-Why Fitting In Is Not Always a Good Thing

    Why Fitting In Is Not Always a Good Thing Podcast Show Notes In this episode of the Become The Leader You Would Follow podcast, Jody Holland is joined by Meghan Slaughter, Mike Grigsby, and Maleah Grigsby for a powerful discussion about why standing out matters more than fitting in. The conversation explores the tension between the human need for belonging and the leadership necessity of thinking differently. From unconventional education paths and entrepreneurial risk-taking to innovation, leadership culture, and personal identity, this episode challenges listeners to stop chasing approval and start creating value. The group discusses how fear of rejection often keeps people trapped in mediocrity, while the people who make the greatest impact are usually the ones willing to be misunderstood first. Key Topics Covered Why humans are naturally wired to seek acceptance and avoid rejection The danger of “commoditized mediocrity” in leadership and business How innovation often begins with discomfort and misunderstanding The role of unconventional thinking in creating breakthrough success Why leaders who try too hard to fit in often lose credibility The importance of developing your own “Blue Ocean Strategy” How “exploiting the voids” creates opportunity where others see nothing The relationship between creativity, courage, and leadership influence Why authentic leadership requires self-awareness and conviction How organizational culture suffers when leaders avoid difficult conversations Memorable Stories & Examples The 1984 Macintosh Commercial The group discusses the iconic Apple commercial that symbolized breaking free from conformity and challenging the status quo. Southwest Airlines & Jack Daniel’s A humorous but insightful example of how Southwest Airlines differentiated itself early on by creating a unique customer experience instead of following industry norms. Blue Ocean Strategy The conversation references Blue Ocean Strategy and the concept of building a micro-niche instead of competing in overcrowded markets. The Origami Surgeon Story An incredible story about surgeon Yoichi Hashimoto using origami techniques to improve surgical precision, ultimately influencing advancements in robotic surgery and medical instrument design. “Exploiting the Voids” Mike Grigsby introduces the concept of identifying gaps others overlook — comparing innovation opportunities to the spaces between rocks, pebbles, sand, and water in the classic time-management analogy. Powerful Quotes from the Episode “Every major breakthrough starts with somebody being misunderstood.” “We don’t really fear failure. We fear rejection.” “The crowd is reactive. A true leader is proactive.” “Innovation is messy. Fitting in is easy. Not fitting in is scary.” “History pretty much never remembers the people who blended in nicely.” “You are the deliverable.” “If you keep doing the same thing over and over, you’re going to keep getting the same thing over and over.” Lightning Round Leadership Advice Mike Grigsby “Be comfortable with discomfort. You have to do something different to get something different.” Maleah Grigsby “Look at the qualities that made successful people who they are — don’t just replicate their path.” Meghan Slaughter “Think about what your five-year-old self would do and do it.” Jody Holland “You will develop what you tolerate.” Main Takeaway The leaders, innovators, and organizations that truly change the world are rarely the ones trying to blend in. They are the ones willing to challenge assumptions, embrace discomfort, think creatively, and stay authentic even when it is unpopular. If you want extraordinary results, you cannot continuously pursue ordinary thinking. Become The Leader You Would Follow.

    32 min
  2. 19-Step Into Their Shoes - Leadership Perspective

    MAY 13

    19-Step Into Their Shoes - Leadership Perspective

    Show Notes – “Step Into Their Shoes, If I Were You” In this unique and entertaining episode of the Become The Leader podcast, Jody Holland, Meghan Slaughter, Mike Grigsby, and Maleah Grigsby take on a fun challenge: answering questions as if they were each other. Father-daughter teams swap perspectives to explore empathy, leadership, self-awareness, and the importance of understanding others before leading them. Key Discussion Points Why perspective-taking is a critical leadership skill How empathy improves collaboration and team performance The role of self-awareness in leadership effectiveness Learning leadership lessons through books, movies, travel, and life experiences Why leaders fail when they assume instead of listening The importance of understanding people before offering solutions Balancing empathy with healthy boundaries as a leader How upbringing and role models shape leadership perspectives The value of listening to voices regardless of age, title, or status Memorable Stories & Insights Leadership Through Perspective Jody discusses how many leaders forget what it felt like to be led once they move into management positions. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the frustrations employees experience and leading with empathy instead of ego. Military & Public Service Lessons Maleah reflects on her military and public-sector experiences (as Mike), explaining how leaders who have “walked the path” gain credibility and deeper understanding of the people they lead. Meeting People Where They Are Mike shares how watching his father interact with others taught him the power of connection, humility, and adapting communication styles to build trust. (as Maleah) The Power of Listening Before Solving A standout story involved Mike attending a technology meeting as a young student and asking questions executives had failed to consider. The conversation reinforced a major leadership lesson: solutions fail when leaders never seek the perspective of the people affected. Stories Shape Perspective The hosts discuss how books, films, and storytelling help people step into another person’s journey and expand emotional intelligence and worldview. Key Leadership Takeaways Great leaders seek to understand before trying to be understood. Perspective drives empathy, collaboration, and stronger culture. Self-awareness is far rarer than most people believe. Every person has value and insight regardless of title or status. Leaders become more effective when they stop making assumptions and start asking better questions. Empathy must be balanced with accountability and healthy boundaries. Notable Quotes “When you change your perspective, you change your reality.” “You can’t embrace generations old or young if you’re not willing to step out of your own brain.” “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” “Never discredit anyone’s perspective.” Final Challenge to Listeners Before judging someone else, take time to see the situation through their perspective. Then, evaluate yourself through the eyes of others. Self-awareness and empathy are two of the most powerful tools any leader can develop.

    25 min
  3. 18-Go Figure... Why Leaders Fail

    MAY 6

    18-Go Figure... Why Leaders Fail

    Show Notes: The Danger of Arrogance in Leadership In this episode of Become The Leader, Jody Holland, Mike Grigsby, Maleah Grigsby, and Meghan Slaughter discuss why the most dangerous moment for a leader is believing they already have everything figured out. Inspired by insights from Ryan Holiday, the conversation explores humility, growth mindset, leadership failure, and the importance of staying coachable.  The episode covers: The difference between confidence and arrogance Why failure builds stronger leaders How ego destroys organizations like Blockbuster Why employees quit bad leaders The importance of adaptability and continuous learning Key takeaway: “When you stay humble and stay hungry, you stay successful.”  Become The Leader You Would Follow.

    29 min
  4. 17-The Power to Disconnect: How Leaders Can Foster Work-Life Balance

    APR 28

    17-The Power to Disconnect: How Leaders Can Foster Work-Life Balance

    Summary This episode explores the importance of setting boundaries in the digital age, inspired by a military memo on disconnecting after hours. Leaders and employees alike will learn practical strategies to reduce burnout, improve productivity, and foster healthier work-life balance. Key Topics The 2021 military memo on disconnecting after hours Impact of always-on culture on mental health and productivity Strategies for leaders to set boundaries and manage expectations Action Items Set clear boundaries with your team about after-hours communication Schedule regular full days off and stick to them Use technology tools to automate and enforce disconnect periods Lead by example in disconnecting during personal time Sound Bites "Monday mornings see a 13% increase in heart attacks." "Schedule your downtime like you schedule meetings." "Exercise your right to disconnect."

    37 min
  5. 16-Building The Next Generation of SMEs

    APR 22

    16-Building The Next Generation of SMEs

    🎙️ Podcast Show Notes Building The Next Generation of SMEs Episode Summary In this episode, Jody Holland and the team explore a growing challenge in today’s workplace: the decline—or transformation—of critical thinking in the age of AI. As tools like ChatGPT, Google, and automation become increasingly embedded in daily work, organizations face a new reality: how to intentionally develop the next generation of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). This conversation unpacks the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human intelligence, while offering practical strategies for developing expertise, transferring knowledge, and strengthening critical thinking across generations. 🔑 Key Topics & Insights 1. The Evolution of Thinking in the Digital Age * The shift from “I’ll remember it” → “I’ll Google it” → “AI will generate it” * Technology has not eliminated thinking—it has changed how thinking is applied * The risk: outsourcing discernment and judgment “When we let something else do our thinking for us, we lose our capacity to evaluate.” 2. What Is Critical Thinking—Really? * Not just intelligence, but interrogation of information * Asking: * Where did this come from? What does it mean? Is it true? Requires: Curiosity Discernment Willingness to challenge assumptions “It’s the questions behind the question that define critical thinking.” 3. The SME Gap: Knowing a Lot vs. Knowing Deeply Modern workforce trend:  Many people know a little about a lot Fewer people know a lot about a little True SMEs are built through: Focus Depth Repetition Ownership of a domain Practical Insight: Clearly define responsibilities Prioritize mastery in a specific area Reduce distraction from non-essential tasks 4. AI as a Tool—Not a Replacement AI should function as a thought partner, not a substitute Over-reliance leads to: Shallow thinking Reduced problem-solving ability Weak communication skills “Everything is a tool… You still have to embrace your humanness to solve problems.” 5. The Breakdown in Foundational Thinking Skills Entry-level thinking skills are being skipped: Writing emails Structuring responses Understanding audience needs Leaders are seeing: Poor communication clarity Over-reliance on generated responses Key Principle: You must learn the fundamentals before automating them 6. Communication as a Core Differentiator High-demand skill: effective communication Requires: Adapting to the audience Understanding context Delivering clarity Example Framework: Executive communication: 1 sentence summary 3 bullet points Details if needed 7. Knowledge Transfer Is Broken (and How to Fix It) The Problem: Older generations often: Don’t share knowledge Assume others won’t listen Younger generations: Don’t know what to ask The Solution: Curiosity-driven mentorship Ask better questions: "What did you learn?” “What mistakes shaped your success?” “There’s no cheat code—only lessons learned through experience.” 8. The Power of Self-Documentation High performers create their own systems: Process guides Step-by-step documentation Personal knowledge bases Benefits: Reinforces learning Enables scalability Creates institutional knowledge 9. The Danger of “Absolute Truth” Critical thinking stops when questioning stops Continuous inquiry leads to: Deeper understanding Better decisions Stronger expertise “If you think something is the absolute truth, you stop asking questions.” 10. The Three Pillars of Building Future SMEs Foundational Thinking Skills Teach basics before tools Build from the “bottom rung” Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer Structured mentorship programs Reverse mentoring through questioning Resilience & Growth Mindset Embrace failure as part of learning Focus on the journey, not just outcomes “Fall in love with the journey, not the destination.” 💬 Powerful Quotes “Critical thinking is the ability to let go of bias and be open to truth wherever it leads.” “Curiosity is the foundation of critical thinking.” “Paintbrushes don’t paint pictures—people do.” “The most important skills aren’t hard skills—they’re human skills.” 📌 Key Takeaways AI is accelerating work—but human thinking remains the competitive advantage SMEs are developed through depth, not just exposure Critical thinking is fueled by curiosity and questioning Organizations must intentionally design mentorship and knowledge transfer Communication and discernment are becoming top-tier leadership skills The future belongs to those who can combine technology with human insight 🚀 Action Steps for Leaders Audit your team’s thinking skills Are they analyzing or just generating responses? Implement structured mentorship Pair experience with curiosity Train foundational communication Especially written clarity Encourage self-documentation Build internal playbooks Create “think-first” culture norms Solve before searching 🎯 Final Thought: In a world increasingly driven by automation, the organizations that win will not be those with the best tools—but those who develop the best thinkers. Follow me on social media! Facebook: @thejodyholland Instagram: @thejodyholland Leadership Courses https://www.jodyholland.com/training

    33 min

  6. APR 15

    15-Building Culture, Community, and Critical Thought

    This episode explores two critical topics: the importance of developing critical thinking skills in a technology-driven world and the core elements of building a strong organizational culture. Designed for leaders and professionals, the insights aim to shift perspectives and foster growth in individual and collective performance. Key Topics: How AI and Google have impacted critical thinking and the importance of maintaining curiosity and discernment The significance of defining critical thinking as questioning, interrogating, and evaluating information Practical strategies for cultivating critical thinking, including metacognition, good questioning, and emotional awareness The common misconception that tools like ChatGPT replace thinking, emphasizing the human role in problem-solving The nature of organizational culture: its true foundations, misconceptions, and how intentional effort creates high-performing environments Differentiating between superficial perks and genuine culture, emphasizing shared values, beliefs, and behavior The role of leadership in shaping and sustaining culture from the top down Strategies for effective knowledge transfer across generational divides and fostering mentorship The importance of curiosity, patience, resilience, and love for the journey in personal and professional growth Practical tips on building team connectivity, celebrating small wins, and fostering psychological safety Resources: Book "Think 3D" by Vonnie and Tamian Dr. Carol Dweck's "Growth Mindset"

    25 min
  7. 14-Mastering Employee Engagement

    APR 8

    14-Mastering Employee Engagement

    Mastering Employee Engagement begins with clear data on where you are, with the ability to compare where you want to be in the future. In this episode, Jody Holland and Meghan Slaughter walk you through how to implement an effective employee engagement survey, visualize the data, and make the results actionable. Key Topics: Why employee engagement surveys are your health check for organizational health The importance of anonymity in honest feedback and how to leverage it How to interpret survey data for actionable improvements Trust-building through vulnerability and modeling the right behavior Recognizing and managing conflict, from artificial harmony to genuine resolution The critical role of commitment and how to foster it among team members Creating a culture of accountability with clear communication and shared goals Using visual tools and micro-surveys for ongoing diagnostics The significance of leadership modeling in trust, conflict, and accountability Practical insights from Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Connect with the hosts: Jody Holland - LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/thejodyholland Meghan Slaughter - Linkedin https://linkedin.com/in/meghan-slaughter Mike Grigsby - LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/mikegrigsby Maleah Grigsby - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/maleah-grigsby-ab14ab188/

    29 min
  8. 13-Business Development That Actually Works

    APR 1

    13-Business Development That Actually Works

    In this insightful episode, Jody Holland, Mike Grigsby, and Meghan Slaughter explore the nuances of business development, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer stories, emotional triggers, and strategic communication. They share practical frameworks, book recommendations, and real-world examples to help leaders and entrepreneurs build lasting relationships and grow their businesses. Key Topics Difference between business development and sales The importance of storytelling and identity in marketing Effective communication and questioning techniques  Triggering emotions to enhance stickiness Building trust and long-term relationships Guests Include: Jody Holland, Mike Grigsby, & Meghan Slaughter A Few Sound Bites to Watch For: "Start with the pain, then show the outcome." "Ask questions to narrow the education awareness gap." "Stop telling people what they need and start listening." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Business Development 01:36 Understanding Business Development vs. Sales 04:50 The Importance of Being Top of Mind 07:08 Structuring Outreach for Success 10:50 The Role of Storytelling in Business Development 13:47 Identifying Pain Points and Desired Outcomes 16:32 The Formula for Effective Business Development 18:32 The Emotional and Logical Aspects of Decision Making 21:14 The Art of the Interrogative 25:27 Creating Stickiness Through Emotional Connection 29:05 The Role of Communication in Business Development 32:28 Adapting Communication Styles for Better Engagement 34:20 Closing Thoughts on Business Development A Few Resources to Look Into: Contagious by Jonah Berger - https://www.amazon.com/Contagious-Why-Things-Catch-On-Expanded/dp/1451686579 Propaganda by Edward Bernays - https://www.amazon.com/Propaganda-Edward-Bernays/dp/0452267584 StoryBrand by Donald Miller - https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 Hypnotic Writing by Joe Vitale - https://www.amazon.com/Hypnotic-Writing-Secret-Influence-Readers/dp/1401924684 Faces of Reality (Book) - https://books.by/jodyholland LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejodyholland LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegrigsby LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanslaughter

    36 min
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Become The Leader is all about finding your pathway to the skills needed to inspire others to follow. There is a whole new generation of leaders rising up, ready to lead and inspire greatness in their teams. Join us to learn what it means to truly become the leader others want to follow.

Information

  • Creator
    Jody Holland & Meghan Slaughter
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jody Holland, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Become The Leader

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