The Leadership Gambit

Chris Miller, Dane Smith
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Leadership Gambit The Toolkit for Business and Life You Were Never Taught Let’s be real: you don’t need more cliche advice and a lot of content doesn’t go deep enough. You need practical guidance you can actually use to help you overcome your challenges or achieve your goals. Recent studies show most people today feel unsupported, underprepared, and overwhelmed by a system and management that teaches very little about navigating, leading, or thriving in the chaos of modern life.  This podcast is for anyone who’s ready to take ownership of their personal journey and needs a guide to support them along their path. We take over 20 years of real-world experience, hundreds of field experiments, and the best of leadership, psychology, and personal development knowledge and turn it into clear, honest, and useful guidance you can start using right away.  No fluff, real talk, and real tools, to thrive at work and in life. Hosted by Chris Miller and Dane Smith. Edited by Joseph Pitz.

  1. 6d ago

    S11E03: The Heart of Business: A Story of Putting People First

    When Hubert Joly became CEO of Best Buy in 2012, most experts believed the company was beyond saving. Amazon was disrupting retail, customers were using Best Buy stores as showrooms before buying online, employee morale had collapsed, and Wall Street expected another predictable turnaround built on layoffs, cost cutting, and protecting quarterly profits. Instead, Joly rejected conventional business wisdom. In this episode Chris unpacks one of the greatest corporate turnarounds of the modern era and explores how a leader who put people before profits transformed a struggling retailer into one of the biggest comeback stories in business. Drawing from Hubert Joly's bestselling book The Heart of Business, this episode examines the creation of the Renew Blue strategy, the power of purpose-driven leadership, the evolution of Geek Squad and customer experience, and how focusing on employees, customers, and long-term value reshaped Best Buy's future. Whether you're a leader, manager, entrepreneur, or aspiring executive, this episode offers practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately. You'll discover why employee engagement is a competitive advantage, how culture drives business performance, why listening is one of a leader's greatest strengths, and how putting people first can create extraordinary financial results. If you're interested in leadership development, organizational culture, employee engagement, customer experience, business transformation, servant leadership, or building high-performing teams, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #podcast #leadership #peoplefirst #BestBuy Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

  2. Jul 7

    S11E02: Presentations That Change Minds: The Art of Persuasion

    Most people think great presentations are about speaking confidently or building impressive PowerPoint slides. The truth is, the most persuasive presentations have very little to do with slides and everything to do with changing beliefs, creating alignment, and inspiring action. In this episode of The Leadership Gambit Podcast, Chris and Dane explore the psychology behind persuasive communication and reveal why people don't act because they understand, they act because they care.  Whether you're leading a meeting, pitching an idea, delivering a sales presentation, training a team, or influencing change, you'll learn how to tailor your message to your audience, answer the all-important "What's In It For Me?" question, use storytelling to create emotional connection, and combine logic with emotion to inspire better decisions. If you're a Millennial or Gen Z professional, entrepreneur, looking to stand out as a leader, communicate with greater confidence, or influence others without relying on authority, this episode will give you practical strategies you can apply immediately. You'll discover how to structure presentations that people remember, build trust through authentic communication, overcome common presentation mistakes, and motivate people to take meaningful action.  If you want to become a more persuasive communicator, more influential leader, and more confident presenter, this conversation will help you communicate in a way that changes minds, wins hearts, and gets results. #podcast #realtalk #confidence #leadership Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

  3. Jun 30

    S011E01: The Career Conversation That Can Change Your Life

    What if a single conversation could completely change the direction of your career? In this episode of The Leadership Gambit, Chris and Marija explore one of the most overlooked skills in leadership: coaching. While most managers focus on performance, deadlines, and results, great leaders know that asking the right questions can unlock confidence, clarity, and untapped potential. They discuss the difference between managing, mentoring, and coaching, why so few people ever experience meaningful career coaching, and share a practical coaching framework you can use to have better career conversations with your team, your colleagues, or even yourself. From defining your personal vision to understanding what kind of life you truly want to build, this episode will challenge you to think beyond your next promotion and start designing a career with purpose. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an experienced manager, or simply looking for more direction in your career or life, you'll walk away with practical questions and insights that can help you make better career decisions, unlock your potential, and help others do the same. If you're ready to stop drifting through your career and start building it intentionally, this conversation is for you. #podcast #leadership #coaching #realtalk Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

  4. Jun 16

    S10E08: Success Fades. Impact Lasts.

    Success Fades. Impact Lasts. What if the success you've been chasing isn't what will ultimately bring you fulfillment? In this episode, Chris and Marija explore the difference between success and significance. They discuss why so many people achieve their goals only to find themselves searching for the next milestone, and how true fulfillment often comes from something deeper than titles, money, or recognition. Through personal stories and leadership lessons, they examine the impact of the arrival fallacy, the danger of tying self-worth to achievement, and why investing in others can create a lasting legacy. Whether you're a leader, professional, entrepreneur, or someone reflecting on what really matters, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your definition of success and consider the impact you're having on the people around you. Because while success may fade, the difference you make in the lives of others can last a lifetime. #podcast #leadership #success #significance Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

  5. Jun 9

    S10E07: The Calm Advantage: Why Mindfulness Improves Performance

    What if one of the most powerful performance tools available to you had nothing to do with working harder? In a world filled with constant distractions, information overload, and increasing demands on our attention, many people are finding themselves mentally exhausted while struggling to stay focused, productive, and present. The ability to direct your attention intentionally may be one of the most valuable skills you can develop. In this episode, mindfulness expert Aaron Henden joins us to explore how mindfulness can improve performance at work, strengthen leadership effectiveness, enhance decision-making, and help you navigate stress with greater clarity and resilience. Aaron breaks down what mindfulness actually is, what it isn't, and why many of the common misconceptions prevent people from experiencing its benefits. Whether you're leading a team, building your career, managing competing priorities, or simply looking to feel less overwhelmed, you'll learn practical techniques that can help you improve focus, regulate emotions, reduce stress, and become more intentional in how you show up each day.  If you've ever felt like your mind is constantly racing, your attention is being pulled in a hundred different directions, or you're operating on autopilot, this episode will give you practical tools to slow down, think more clearly, and perform at a higher level. Because sometimes the biggest advantage isn't doing more. It's learning how to be fully present with what matters most. #podcast #leadership #mindfulness #psychology Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

  6. Jun 2

    S10E06: Burnout is Not a Badge of Honor

    Burnout has become so common that many people treat it as a sign of ambition. Long hours, constant stress, and always being "on" are often celebrated as proof that you're committed, driven, and successful. But what if the very behaviors we're rewarding are slowly damaging our health, relationships, and ability to lead? In this episode, we challenge the idea that burnout is a badge of honor and share our personal experiences with workaholism, chronic stress, and reaching the breaking point. We explore how burnout can show up in unexpected ways, from irritability and distrust to anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and feeling disconnected from the people around you. Whether you're building your career, leading a team, balancing multiple responsibilities, or simply trying to keep up with the demands of modern life, this conversation offers practical insights into recognizing the warning signs before burnout takes hold. We discuss the role of self-awareness, mental resilience, healthy coping mechanisms, and why taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a leadership responsibility. If you've ever told yourself, "I just need to get through this next project, promotion, or milestone," this episode is for you. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how burnout develops, how to recover from it, and how to build a more sustainable path to success without sacrificing your wellbeing along the way. Because success should energize your life, not consume it. #podcast #leadership #realtalk #burnout #psychology Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

  7. May 25

    S10E05: Profits Without Prosperity: Why Hard Work No Longer Feels Rewarding

    Why does it feel like the economy is growing while so many ordinary people feel like they’re falling behind? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the idea of “profits without prosperity” and explore how modern corporate culture shifted away from long-term value creation and toward short-term shareholder extraction. From stock buybacks and executive compensation to private equity, burnout culture, and the financialization of the economy, we unpack how businesses increasingly stopped acting like institutions built to create lasting value and started behaving more like financial assets optimized around quarterly earnings and shareholder returns. We also explore the human cost of that shift. Why are younger generations increasingly disillusioned with traditional career paths? Why does work feel more exhausting despite massive gains in productivity and technology? Why are trust, optimism, and engagement collapsing across society? And why does it increasingly feel like the economy is working exceptionally well for a small group at the top while becoming harder for everyone else to meaningfully participate in?  It’s a conversation about burnout, inequality, corporate incentives, and the growing disconnect between profits and broad prosperity. Most importantly, it’s about how we begin rebuilding an economy that rewards long-term value creation, stable lives, and shared prosperity instead of endless extraction. If you’ve ever felt like something about modern work culture and the economy feels fundamentally off, this episode will help connect the dots. Additional Resources: Microsoft Word - Lazonick Profits without Prosperity 02140406.docx #podcast #business #leadership #realtalk Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

  8. May 19

    S10E04: Two Leaders, One Life: Resilience Is Built, Not Born

    Many people believe resilience is something you’re either born with or you’re not, but what if resilience is actually built through life experience, adversity, self-trust, and growth? In this episode, Chris and Marija explore the psychology and neuroscience behind resilience and why human beings are far more adaptable than we often realize. From learned industriousness and post-traumatic growth to confidence, discipline, hope, and human connection, this conversation breaks down how difficult seasons can shape stronger, wiser, and more grounded people over time. In a world where so many people feel emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, and uncertain, resilience has become one of the most important life skills of our generation. This episode offers a hopeful and uplifting perspective on how people rebuild themselves after hardship, why small daily actions matter more than most people think, and how support systems, purpose, and hope help people keep moving forward when life gets difficult. If you’ve been navigating stress, burnout, setbacks, or simply trying to become stronger mentally and emotionally, this episode will remind you that resilience is built, not born. #podcast #leadership #mentalhealth #resilence #selfhelp Support the show Ready to take your personal development to the next level? Visit www.theleadershipmovement.net to request access to our FREE quick start guides, self-assessments,  and other resources that you can use to turn your new knowledge into practice.

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5
out of 5
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About

The Leadership Gambit The Toolkit for Business and Life You Were Never Taught Let’s be real: you don’t need more cliche advice and a lot of content doesn’t go deep enough. You need practical guidance you can actually use to help you overcome your challenges or achieve your goals. Recent studies show most people today feel unsupported, underprepared, and overwhelmed by a system and management that teaches very little about navigating, leading, or thriving in the chaos of modern life.  This podcast is for anyone who’s ready to take ownership of their personal journey and needs a guide to support them along their path. We take over 20 years of real-world experience, hundreds of field experiments, and the best of leadership, psychology, and personal development knowledge and turn it into clear, honest, and useful guidance you can start using right away.  No fluff, real talk, and real tools, to thrive at work and in life. Hosted by Chris Miller and Dane Smith. Edited by Joseph Pitz.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Miller, Dane Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Leadership Gambit
  • Show Website
    The Leadership Gambit