STAT Leadership Podcast

Chetan Kharod, Phil Moy, and J.R. Pickett

STAT Leadership is a fast-paced, no-nonsense podcast where three emergency physicians—shaped by years in EMS, military operations, rescue work, and disaster response—break leadership down to its essential, actionable core. Across the first ten episodes, they tackle the fundamentals: what leadership is, how it’s developed, and why character, communication, and self-awareness matter more than titles. Through stories drawn from high-stakes medicine, combat deployments, tough calls in the field, and the leaders who shaped them—real and fictional—they explore authenticity, followership, influence, networking, resilience, and the fine line between leading and managing. They don’t shy away from hard truths: leadership is earned, rarely comfortable, and always rooted in trust, consistency, and humility. Whether discussing how to mentor the next generation, handle transitions in command, or keep your head straight under pressure, STAT Leadership delivers grounded, practical insight from people who have led when the stakes were life and death.

Episodes

  1. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership Episode 10: Succession and Letting Go

    Send us a text Navigating Leadership Transition: Strategies for Effective Succession Planning In this episode of the STAT Leadership Podcast, hosts Phil Moy, JR Pickett, and Chet Kharod dive into the complexities of leadership transition and successful succession planning. The conversation covers identifying and mentoring potential successors, the role of continuity in leadership, and strategies for navigating the transfer of responsibilities. Key insights include the importance of preparing mentally for the transition, supporting new leaders while stepping back, and creating processes to ensure organizational stability. They also provide practical examples from various fields including healthcare, military, and popular culture, underscoring the necessity of both personality and process in effective leadership handovers. 00:00 Introduction to STAT Leadership 00:29 Leadership Transition: Challenges and Strategies 08:49 Mentoring and Developing Future Leaders 11:25 Succession Planning in Different Contexts 15:53 Leadership Styles and Continuity 23:01 Historical and Cultural Examples of Leadership 27:05 Washington's Successor and Leadership Qualities 27:19 Movie Metaphors and Leadership 28:12 Shakespeare and Leadership Traits 28:44 Understanding Team Dynamics 29:30 Communicating Leadership Strategies 32:25 Assessing Leadership Skills 33:46 Succession Planning and Introspection 36:31 Navigating Leadership Transitions 39:09 The Importance of a Clean Break 43:59 Supporting New Leadership 45:23 Book and Movie Recommendations 51:07 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans Referenced in this episode: Star Trek: The Next Generation S6e10 and S6e11 “Chain of Command”, parts I and II  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708686/?ref_=ttep_ep_10   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708687/?ref_=ttep_ep_11 The West Wing S4e23 “Twenty Five”  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0745720/?ref_=ttep_ep_23 The Last Samurai  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325710/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_last%2520sam Star Trek: The Next Generation S7e5 “Gambit, Part II” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708722/?ref_=ttep_ep_5 Hamilton   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8503618/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_6_tt_1_nm_7_in_0_q_hamilton The Terminal List: A Thriller, by Jack Carr   https://a.co/d/1QaxW1S Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs, by Steve Cuss  https://a.co/d/eXFTo7n Dan Campbell press conference https://youtu.be/oTmtPa8Uj1A?si=iXNjCw_EAlbyeX2h

    52 min
  2. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership Episode 9: Leadership vs. Management

    Send us a text Leadership Versus Management: Understanding the Difference, Mastering Both In episode 9, hosts Phil Moy, JR Pickett, and Chetan Kharod explore the nuanced distinctions and intersections between leadership and management. They discuss how effective communication, network building, mindful and authentic leadership, and influence play critical roles in both arenas. The episode dives deep into why leaders sometimes micromanage and how setting clear strategic directions and understanding organizational culture are essential. Definitions from Harvard Business School highlight the contrast between creating visionary change as a leader versus managing consistent, procedural tasks. Emphasis is placed on the importance of emotional intelligence, initiative, and the ability to wear both leadership and management hats, depending on the situation. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes and book recommendations, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptability in leadership roles. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:01 Defining Leadership vs. Management 01:23 The Role of a Leader 02:47 The Role of a Manager 05:21 Balancing Leadership and Management 09:29 Practical Examples and Personal Experiences 13:26 Challenges and Solutions in Leadership 17:02 Leadership and Management in Practice 26:56 Air Force Feedback Sessions 27:23 Setting Expectations as a Leader 28:40 The Three Ts of Leadership 32:06 Mission Statements and Organizational Goals 35:25 Leadership vs. Management 43:44 Book Recommendations and Personal Insights Referenced in this episode: Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication by Vanessa Van Edwards https://a.co/d/9Z5bmj0 Shift: Managing Your Emotions--So They Don't Manage You, by Ethan Kross  https://a.co/d/3VaHakH Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead, by Jim Mattis and Bing West  https://a.co/d/9SQfaTJ Bosch series by Michael Connelly Harry  https://a.co/d/8maLTRV KPop Demon Hunters  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14205554/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_6_nm_0_in_0_q_kpop%2520demon Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, by Anthony Bourdain https://a.co/d/4WgMjxT

    50 min
  3. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership Episode 8: Influence over Authority

    Send us a text The Art of Influence: Mastering Leadership Without a Title In this captivating episode of STAT Leadership featuring Phil Moy, JR Pickett, and Chetan Kharod, the focus is on mastering the art of influence within leadership roles, especially without possessing formal authority. The hosts discuss key strategies such as influencing through character, building relationships, and demonstrating competence and warmth. They emphasize the importance of 360-degree leadership, where influence can come from any position within an organization, and share personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of leading with integrity and humility. The episode also covers handling difficult leaders and providing constructive feedback, with recommendations for further reading, including 'The Leader Who Had No Title' by Robin Sharma and 'The Gift of Fear' by Gavin de Becker. 00:00 Introduction to STAT Leadership 00:21 Meet the Hosts 00:38 The Art of Influence 01:14 Understanding Informal Influence 04:39 360 Degree Leadership 07:44 Leading as a Subordinate 11:29 Feedback and Charisma 16:45 Navigating Leadership Dynamics 29:12 Addressing Complaints and Leadership Challenges 31:15 Handling a Serious Threat with Compassion 36:52 The Importance of Transparency and Fairness 41:59 Balancing Mission Priorities and Team Morale 46:08 Building Influence Without Authority 49:15 Recommended Reads for Leaders Referenced in this episode: Cues, by Vanessa Van Edwards  https://a.co/d/7b6gBlV The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life, by Robin Sharma  https://a.co/d/aAwRges The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny by Robin Sharma https://a.co/d/5M7H1JE The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence, by Gavin de Becker  https://a.co/d/2NGZwcf David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, by Malcolm Gladwell   https://a.co/d/4EtNETq

    53 min
  4. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership Episode 6: Mindful Leadership Under Pressure

    Send us a text STAT Leadership: Mastering Mindful Leadership Amidst High-Stakes Challenges In this episode of STAT Leadership, hosts Phil Moy, JR Pickett, and Chetan Kharod delve into the significance of mindful leadership. They explore the complexities of leading with a clear mind and purpose while navigating high-stress scenarios. The discussion includes practical strategies for maintaining mental, physical, and spiritual discipline, managing worry and regret, and effectively balancing tactical and strategic perspectives. The hosts share personal anecdotes and highlight both fictional and real-life examples of exemplary leaders to illustrate key concepts, emphasizing the power of humility, clear communication, and leading by example. 00:00 Introduction to STAT Leadership 00:08 Meet the Hosts 00:57 Mindful Leadership: Balancing Success and Self 02:49 Daily Disciplines for Clear Mind and Purpose 04:47 Handling Stress and Burnout 08:29 The Importance of Rituals and Routines 14:26 Embracing Emotions and Community Support 26:47 Core Principles and Ethical Leadership 35:59 The Complexity of Good and Evil 36:39 Understanding and Empathy in Conflict 36:58 The Story of the 442nd Battalion 39:47 Handling Stress and Pressure in High-Stakes Situations 40:22 Emergency Room Leadership: A Pediatric Case Study 46:54 Command Presence and Effective Leadership 55:03 Real-Life Leadership Examples 56:45 Fictional and Real-Life Leaders: Lessons in Leadership Referenced in this episode: Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace, by John C. Maxwell  https://a.co/d/6FpsKGq Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World, by Admiral William H. McRaven  https://a.co/d/h1NeshT University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement speech: https://youtu.be/yaQZFhrW0fU?si=JnvzECJzE25ahBMs Stand By Me https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092005/ To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee   https://a.co/d/4bYRrl0 Starship Troopers, by Robert A. Heinlein  https://a.co/d/7V7EExF Band of Brothers (miniseries)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185906/

    1h 11m
  5. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership episode 5: You Are Your Network

    Send us a text The Power of Network Building and Leadership Essentials In this episode of STAT Leadership, hosts Phil Moy, Chet Kharod, and JR Pickett delve into the crucial role of networking and relationship-building in leadership. They discuss the importance of having a supportive network for achieving goals, making critical decisions, and fostering professional growth. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight the incremental and organic process of building a network. Additionally, the hosts share practical strategies for effective networking, the value of deliberate effort, and the importance of maintaining genuine, non-transactional relationships. Towards the end, they introduce a 'Leaders Read' segment, recommending essential reads like 'A Message to Garcia,' 'Atomic Habits,' and 'Hero on a Mission' to enhance leadership skills and personal development. 00:00 Introduction to STAT Leadership 00:22 Meet the Hosts 00:42 The Importance of Networking 02:01 Building and Expanding Your Network 03:52 Personal Networking Experiences 06:54 Deliberate Networking Strategies 07:39 Mentorship and Relationship Building 09:06 Practical Networking Tips 15:41 The Power of Introverts in Networking 17:54 Networking as a Learnable Skill 19:27 Networking Procedure for Newcomers 26:15 Endurance in Networking 28:15 The Importance of Taking Breaks 29:33 Building and Maintaining Relationships 32:32 The Art of Networking 33:47 Effective Follow-Up Strategies 36:41 The Power of Remembering Names 41:36 Leaders Read: Recommended Books 54:20 Leadership Lessons from Superheroes Referenced in this episode: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain  https://a.co/d/g9dB7OP A message to Garcia, by Elbert Hubbard  https://courses.csail.mit.edu/6.803/pdf/hubbard1899.pdf Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear  https://a.co/d/iEYgg4Y Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life, by Donald Miller   https://a.co/d/9TkbPWr

    56 min
  6. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership episode 4: The Crucial Role of Followers in Leadership Success

    Send us a text The Crucial Role of Followers in Leadership Success: Insights from Real-life and Fictional Leaders In this episode of STAT Leadership, hosts Chetan Kharod, Phil Moy, and JR Pickett delve into the often overlooked yet vital role of followers in successful leadership. The discussion explores the dynamics between leaders and followers, emphasizing the importance of being the kind of follower one would want to lead. Phil and Ann highlight various leadership and followership examples from real life, such as U.S. Army medic Desmond Doss and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as fictional leaders like Captain Kirk and Spock. The episode underscores the need for setting clear expectations, giving honest feedback, and recognizing the contributions of followers to foster trust and loyalty. Tune in to understand how effective leadership relies on cultivating strong, engaged followers. 00:00 Introduction to STAT Leadership 00:18 The Importance of Followers 01:58 Leadership Styles and Situational Leadership 06:51 Lessons from Personal Leadership Experiences 09:48 Balancing Leadership and Followership 24:48 Effective Communication and Setting Expectations 29:39 Balancing Leadership Styles: Churchill vs. Chamberlain 30:51 Challenges of Leading Different Types of Followers 32:11 Learning from Leadership Mistakes 33:55 Improving Administrative Skills 36:52 Building Trust and Seeking Feedback 39:02 Standing Up for Your Team 39:46 Recognizing and Rewarding Efforts 44:33 Leadership Examples: Real and Fictional Referenced in this episode: Any Given Sunday  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146838/ Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace by John C. Maxwell   https://a.co/d/2SYmhQN Top Gun: Maverick  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_5_nm_2_in_0_q_top%2520gun Aliens  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090605/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_aliens Hacksaw Ridge  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_3_nm_0_in_0_q_hacksaw%2520ridge Apollo 13   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112384/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_apollo%252013 Star Trek   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0796366/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_4_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_star%2520trek

    56 min
  7. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership episode 3: Leadership and Effective Communication

    Send us a text Leadership and Effective Communication: Insights and Strategies In Episode 3 of STAT Leadership, hosts Phil Moy, Chetan Kharod, and JR Pickett delve into the essentials of leadership and effective communication. They discuss the significance of both verbal and nonverbal cues, the strategic use of email, and the importance of authenticity in conveying messages. The conversation touches on influential leadership examples from history and fiction, providing a comprehensive guide for leaders looking to improve their communication skills in various contexts. Tune in for actionable insights and engaging anecdotes that highlight the art of impactful communication in leadership. 00:00 Introduction to STAT Leadership 00:10 Episode Introduction and Hosts 00:25 The Importance of Effective Communication 01:31 Challenges in Communication 03:18 Strategic Communication and Timing 10:25 Nonverbal Communication and Leadership Presence 13:56 Building Trust and Authenticity 18:23 Leadership in Large Organizations 27:44 Setting the Stage for Effective Communication 28:19 Conference Networking Strategies 29:17 The Importance of Intentional Engagement 31:47 Effective Email Communication 36:42 Adapting Communication Across Generations 44:59 Leadership Lessons from Pop Culture Referenced in this episode: Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards https://a.co/d/7b6gBlV The Thin Red Line   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120863/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_thin%2520red%2520line Band of Brothers   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185906/?ref_=fn_t_1 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102798/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_8_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_robin%2520hood Gladiator   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0172495/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_6_nm_1_in_0_q_gladiator Masterclass: Robin Roberts teaches effective and authentic communication  https://www.masterclass.com/classes/robin-roberts-teaches-effective-and-authentic-communication

    52 min
  8. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership Episode 2- Self-Awareness as the Foundation of Leadership

    Send us a text In episode two of the STAT Leadership podcast titled 'Leadership and Self-Awareness: Foundations of Leadership', hosts Chetan Kharod, Phil Moy, and JR Pickett delve deep into the importance of self-awareness in leadership. They discuss personal anecdotes and examples from both fictional and real-life leaders, emphasizing the values of authenticity, vulnerability, and integrity. The episode covers how knowing one's strengths and weaknesses helps in team building and fostering an environment of trust and reliability. Tune in to explore insightful discussions on leadership qualities, mentoring versus grooming, and maintaining credibility through genuine actions. 00:00 Introduction to STAT Leadership 00:08 Meet the Hosts 00:29 Musical Dad and Theater Background 00:17 Leadership and Self-Awareness 03:54 Imposter Syndrome and Authenticity 07:24 Charisma and Competence 18:01 Vulnerability in Leadership 26:02 The Role of Commanders: Balancing Authority and Approachability 26:26 Grooming vs. Mentoring: Understanding the Differences 28:49 The Importance of Honest Feedback in Mentorship 33:26 Self-Awareness in Leadership: Embracing Strengths and Weaknesses 36:55 Integrity in Leadership: Owning Mistakes and Moving Forward 42:36 Character Studies: Fictional and Real-Life Leadership Examples Referenced in this episode: Wicked   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1262426/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_5_nm_1_in_0_q_wicked Good to Great: A Study of Management Strategies of Companies with Lasting Growth, by Jim Collins   https://a.co/d/j1tMHaI Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know, by Malcolm Gladwell   https://a.co/d/9YXTlh8 Lessons from the Mouse: A Guide for Applying Disney World's Secrets of Success to Your Organization, Your Career, and Your Life, by Dennis Snow   https://a.co/d/1p9ClvH Michael Caine, “Use the difficulty”.  https://youtube.com/shorts/Cl0RG0KHDuc?si=FcaCdpXVRaOLVdVW Fly Me To The Moon   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1896747/?ref_=fn_t_1 The Transformers   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086817/?ref_=fn_t_2 Dan Campbell talking about the heartbreak of losing:  https://youtu.be/DG0EX6jv7kk?si=g5h9JCbDSikTzJgV

    50 min
  9. 12/31/2025

    STAT Leadership Episode 1: The Nature of Leadership

    Send us a text In the first episode of The STAT Leadership Podcast, hosts Phil Moy, Chetan Kharod, and JR Pickett delve into the foundational concepts of leadership. They discuss the qualities integral to effective leadership, such as compassion, integrity, courage, and perseverance. The hosts agree that leadership is more about character traits than formal titles and highlight the importance of adaptability and self-awareness. Real-life examples, including a powerful story from Chet's Air Force experience during a mass casualty event, illustrate practical leadership challenges. They also discuss the impact of humility, the necessity of trust, and providing constructive feedback. The episode concludes with each host sharing their fictional and nonfictional leadership role models, including Aragorn, Captain Aubrey, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing the diverse aspects of leading effectively. Referenced in this eposode: The Leader’s Code Podcast, by Dr Rawaa El Ayoubi—Aspire Leadership Network  https://youtu.be/LcafGR8bJlw?si=sIqkmkX4LnOuC8zu Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't, by Simon Sinek   https://a.co/d/2pB4Yj2 Kung Fu Panda  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441773/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_kung%2520fu%2520panda Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_lord%2520of%2520the%2520rings Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167261/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_7_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_lord%2520of%2520the%2520rings Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311113/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_master%2520and%2520commander Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin   https://a.co/d/48S8DAj Start Trek: The Next Generation   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092455/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_6_nm_1_in_0_q_star%2520trek%2520the%2520next

    55 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

STAT Leadership is a fast-paced, no-nonsense podcast where three emergency physicians—shaped by years in EMS, military operations, rescue work, and disaster response—break leadership down to its essential, actionable core. Across the first ten episodes, they tackle the fundamentals: what leadership is, how it’s developed, and why character, communication, and self-awareness matter more than titles. Through stories drawn from high-stakes medicine, combat deployments, tough calls in the field, and the leaders who shaped them—real and fictional—they explore authenticity, followership, influence, networking, resilience, and the fine line between leading and managing. They don’t shy away from hard truths: leadership is earned, rarely comfortable, and always rooted in trust, consistency, and humility. Whether discussing how to mentor the next generation, handle transitions in command, or keep your head straight under pressure, STAT Leadership delivers grounded, practical insight from people who have led when the stakes were life and death.