Leadership Sovereignty Podcast: Career Growth and Promotion

Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor | Career & Leadership Development
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The Leadership Sovereignty Podcast helps high-performing professionals use leadership as a career growth strategy — not just a skill. Leadership isn’t just a skill — it’s a career strategy for professionals seeking growth, influence, and promotion. Hosted by Ralph Owens, Chief Information Officer, and Terry Baylor, CEO of a healthcare technology startup, the podcast delivers practical, real-world leadership strategies you can apply immediately. Each episode focuses on increasing visibility, navigating corporate dynamics, preparing for promotion, and leading beyond your title. Expect short, high-impact conversations designed to help you think, act, and position yourself like a senior leader before you’re given the title. You’re not just an employee. You’re the CEO of your career. New episodes are released weekly.

  1. Why Emotional Intelligence Starts Inside, Not Outside

    3D AGO

    Why Emotional Intelligence Starts Inside, Not Outside

    In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, hosts Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor engage with guest Amethyst Roberson to explore the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership. They discuss how self-regulation and internal conversations shape a leader's ability to connect with their team. The conversation delves into the importance of honesty and vulnerability in professional relationships, emphasizing the need for effective communication and understanding within teams. The episode also highlights the generational differences in language and resilience, advocating for a more empathetic approach to leadership and interpersonal dynamics. Key Takeaways Emotional intelligence starts internally.Self-regulation is crucial for effective leadership.Honesty is sharing what's in the room.Vulnerability is sharing what you don't know.Internal conversations shape our external interactions.The language of resilience is essential for growth.Generational differences impact communication styles.Trust is built through vulnerability and honesty.Effective leadership requires understanding team dynamics.Emotional intelligence is a continuous journey. Click below to watch the full video recording of this episodehttps://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/emotional-intelligence-for-leaders-starts-internally/ Guest Resources: Amethyst Roberson Website  https://amethystroberson.com/Internal IQ Card (Capacity, Condition, Courage) https://amethystroberson.com/internal-iq-cardChapters (00:03) - Leadership and Emotional Intelligence (01:14) - The Inside Job of Self-Reflection (05:12) - Honesty vs. Vulnerability in Leadership (08:09) - Language and Generational Gaps (12:55) - Bridging Communication Through Emotional Intelligence (14:24) - Addressing Workplace Abuse and Communication --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    15 min
  2. How Leaders Prevent Burnout Before It Starts

    JAN 26

    How Leaders Prevent Burnout Before It Starts

    In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, hosts Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor welcome Amethyst Roberson, a seasoned therapist, to discuss the critical themes of self-care, burnout, and leadership. Amethyst shares insights on the predictability of burnout, the importance of self-awareness, and the distinction between character and capacity in leadership roles. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize their own conditions and capacities to effectively support their teams and prevent burnout. Key Takeaways Burnout is predictable and can be managed proactively.Setting resolutions about burnout is essential for leaders.Understanding your capacity is crucial for effective leadership.Character and capacity are distinct but interconnected concepts.Leaders must stabilize themselves before offering solutions to others.Self-awareness is key to recognizing early signs of burnout.Performance mode can hinder self-reflection and awareness.Leaders should consider their team's conditions and capacities.Courage is necessary to face challenges as a leader.The journey of self-care should be ongoing, not a destination.Click below to watch the full video recording of this episodehttps://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/how-leaders-prevent-burnout-before-it-starts Guest Resources: Amethyst Roberson Website  https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/guests/amethyst-roberson/Internal IQ Card (Capacity, Condition, Courage) https://amethystroberson.com/internal-iq-cardChapters (00:00) - Leaders Who Prevent Burnout Before It Begins (01:05) - New Year, New Mindset for Leadership Wellness (02:32) - The Four Tenets That Drive Whole Leadership (03:45) - Burnout Is Predictable — and Preventable (05:26) - Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Burnout (06:10) - The 3Cs Framework: Capacity, Condition, and Courage (07:16) - Stabilizing Yourself Before Leading Others (09:07) - Character vs. Capacity — The Leadership Disconnect (10:37) - Understanding Capacity in Teams and the Boardroom (12:24) - High Performance, Hidden Exhaustion, and Leadership Awareness --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    15 min
  3. What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 5)

    JAN 19

    What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 5)

    In this final episode of Leadership Sovereignty for 2025, Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor reflect on the past year and the importance of inner development in leadership. They emphasize that true leadership is not just about external achievements but about who you become through the journey. The conversation examines the importance of self-awareness, the depth of one's convictions, and the need to align personal values with actions. They discuss how superficial success can lead to hollow victories if not grounded in a strong internal foundation. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in introspection and to build their inner selves to sustain long-term success. Key Takeaways Leadership without grounding collapses under pressure.Success without alignment produces hollow wins.The journey is more important than the destination.Don't let your talent get you somewhere your character can't sustain you.Money is an exposure of the heart.Rerferenced Guests Lawrence Scott - https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/guests/lawrence-scott/Chapters (00:04) - Introduction to Leadership Sovereignty (00:51) - The Importance of Inner Work (03:05) - Depth and Durability in Leadership (06:51) - The Journey of Leadership (09:52) - Money as an Exposure of the Heart (11:40) - Questions for Reflection (14:30) - Building a Strong Foundation (15:06) - Conclusion and Future Insights --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    17 min
  4. What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 4)

    JAN 12

    What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 4)

    In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty podcast, we explore the intricate relationship between integrity and leadership. We emphasize the importance of defining our identity and making vital decisions that reflect our values, irrespective of external pressures. Through personal reflections and insights from guest Philip McKibbins, we discuss how courage and faith can guide leaders in building trust during challenging times. The episode also distinguishes confidence from arrogance, highlighting the role of a strong moral compass in leadership. We dive into the psychological dimensions of leadership, stressing the necessity of self-awareness and personal accountability in nurturing long-term credibility. Ultimately, we advocate for viewing leadership as stewardship, inspiring listeners to prioritize their values and lead with authenticity and purpose. Key Takeaways This kind of clarity takes courage.You can't get no better than God did it.Just because you are confident doesn't mean you're arrogant.I've made a decision that this is how I'm going to live my life.Doing the right thing, even if it's at your own expense.You reap what you sow.You have to make a decision what man you're going to be.All things work together for the good.Courage doesn't mean you be reckless either.Leadership is a stewardship, not an ambition.Referenced Guests Phillip McKibbins - https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/guests/phillip-mckibbins/Lawrence Scott - https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/guests/lawrence-scott/Chapters (00:07) - Introduction to Leadership Sovereignty (01:38) - Phillip McKibbins (02:43) - Confidence vs. Arrogance (04:42) - Integrity and Its Importance (05:58) - Managing Outcomes (08:09) - Credibility Through Consistency (10:02) - Faith as an Anchor (13:16) - Understanding Identity (14:14) - The Soul of Leadership (16:55) - Conclusion and Resources --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    18 min
  5. What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 3)

    JAN 5

    What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 3)

    In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, we explore the pivotal career moments that signal when it's time to move on. Ralph Owens and co-host Terry Baylor, alongside insights from Brenda Battle, discuss the importance of detaching self-worth from job titles and the costs of complacency. We emphasize setting boundaries to avoid burnout and navigating career transitions with maturity. This conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own career narratives, reinforcing that recognizing when to close a chapter empowers purposeful leadership and growth. Key Takeaways Your purpose is not defined by your title.Maturity involves recognizing when a chapter is complete.Staying too long in a role can cost you more than leaving.Creating boundaries is essential for rejuvenation.Every job change contributes to your career story.Purpose continues beyond formal job titles.Understanding your identity is crucial for leadership.People often seek the easiest path; set boundaries.Career transitions should be made without crisis.Succession planning is vital for ongoing purpose.Referenced Guest Brenda Battle https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/guests/brenda-battle/Chapters (00:05) - Introduction to Leadership Sovereignty (00:59) - The Power of Purpose (02:39) - Learning from Painful Experiences (04:36) - Recognizing Seasons of Change (06:15) - Creating Boundaries for Rejuvenation (09:04) - Detaching Identity from Titles (11:40) - The Importance of Career Transitions (12:49) - The Cost of Staying Too Long (14:46) - Maturity in Career Decisions (16:16) - Understanding When to Move On --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    18 min
  6. What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 2)

    12/29/2025

    What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 2)

    In part 2 of this final edition of Leadership Sovereignty for 2025, Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor reflect on the past year, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in career advancement. They discuss the need to build relationships and advocate for oneself in the corporate world, highlighting that hard work alone is not enough for success. The conversation shifts to the concept of trading time for money and the importance of understanding leverage in one's career. They conclude by exploring the deeper question of identity and purpose in leadership, setting the stage for future discussions in 2026. Takeaways Identify your mentors and sponsors for career growth.Advocacy is crucial for advancement in the corporate world.Career momentum is built on relationships, not just performance.Hard work without advocacy leads to stagnation.Your work is an example of who you are, but not the whole story.Understand that jobs are often designed to keep the system moving, not to build wealth.Leverage is key to scaling your career and creating value.Working harder does not equate to working strategically.Value creation is more important than effort visibility.Questioning how you use your time leads to deeper self-reflection. Chapters (00:08) - Welcome to Leadership Sovereignty Podcast (00:56) - Mentors vs. Sponsors (02:17) - Career Momentum and Relationships (05:50) - Importance of Advocacy (08:30) - Trading Time for Money (11:01) - Reframing Success and Freedom (13:51) - Understanding the System (15:18) - Effort vs. Strategy (17:37) - Value Creation vs. Effort (19:37) - Identity Beyond the Role --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    21 min
  7. What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part. 1)

    12/22/2025

    What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part. 1)

    In this episode, Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor reflect on the impactful conversations of 2025, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in leadership and the value of supportive relationships. They discuss how asking better questions can elevate discussions and build trust, while also highlighting the significance of community and support in leadership roles. Takeaways-2025 has been a year of significant change.-Asking questions that elevate can transform conversations.-Curiosity is a key differentiator in leadership.-Visibility is created through asking questions, not through volume.-Curiosity builds trust and fosters relationships.-You don't have to know all the answers to lead effectively.-Confidence is built by engaging others meaningfully.-Supportive relationships are crucial for leadership success.-Curiosity can be a career accelerator.-Reflecting on past conversations helps in personal growth. ⏲ Chapters (00:00) - Why This Recap Matters (01:50) - Lessons That Stick (02:40) - Building the Platform (04:20) - Meaning of Sovereignty (05:18) - Asking Better Questions (07:15) - Curiosity as Positioning (10:19) - Trust Through Curiosity (14:00) - Who Speaks for You --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    16 min
  8. Stop Playing It Safe in the Room

    12/15/2025

    Stop Playing It Safe in the Room

    In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, hosts Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor engage with Shachella James to explore the transformative power of curiosity in leadership. They discuss how curiosity can drive resilience, enhance decision-making, and foster a culture of growth within organizations. Shachella shares her top curiosity-driven leadership principles, emphasizing the importance of asking bold questions and encouraging open dialogue. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to cultivate curiosity as a vital skill for personal and professional development, ultimately leading to greater creativity and innovation in the workplace.Takeaways Curiosity helps build resilience in the workplace.Asking bold questions can challenge the status quo.Leaders should encourage curiosity among their teams.Curiosity can simplify decision-making processes.Engaging in deep learning is more valuable than having all the answers.Curiosity can fuel creativity and innovation.Promotions often follow a demonstration of curiosity.Asking one bold question per meeting can shift dynamics.Curiosity is a key component of effective leadership.Curiosity is an advanced skill that requires practice.Chapters (00:00) - A Little Friction Is Good (00:18) - Curiosity That Builds Resilience and Trust (01:15) - Top Three Curiosity-Driven Leadership Principles (02:06) - Go Deep on Learning and Elevating Others (03:47) - What Makes a Bold Question Bold (04:00) - Why Friction Creates Traction in the Room (08:22) - The Paradigm Shift: Curiosity Changes Everything (09:27) - Lessons on Promotion, Growth, and Influence (11:21) - Promotions Follow Curiosity (12:34) - Closing Reflections — Stay Curious, Lead Boldly --------------------------------------------🌐Engage with us on our website https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com View videos of episodesView or listen to our entire back catalogRead show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks Submit questions or topics you have------------------------------------------------- ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave a quick review to help others find the show: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review ------------------------------------------------- 🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode: https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm -------------------------------------------------💌 Join Our NewsletterSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required! https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl -------------------------------------------------💰 Support the Show If this episode added value to your leadership or career, consider supporting the show. Your contribution helps cover the cost of production, hosting, and distribution so we can continue delivering thoughtful, high-quality conversations every week.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    14 min
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About

The Leadership Sovereignty Podcast helps high-performing professionals use leadership as a career growth strategy — not just a skill. Leadership isn’t just a skill — it’s a career strategy for professionals seeking growth, influence, and promotion. Hosted by Ralph Owens, Chief Information Officer, and Terry Baylor, CEO of a healthcare technology startup, the podcast delivers practical, real-world leadership strategies you can apply immediately. Each episode focuses on increasing visibility, navigating corporate dynamics, preparing for promotion, and leading beyond your title. Expect short, high-impact conversations designed to help you think, act, and position yourself like a senior leader before you’re given the title. You’re not just an employee. You’re the CEO of your career. New episodes are released weekly.

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