LEAD with Impact

Michael Dillard
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🎙️ L.E.A.D. with Impact™ Podcast Burnout is costing organizations billions—and leaders are paying the price with their energy, morale, and focus. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Hosted by Michael Dillard—Retired U.S. Diplomat, U.S. Veteran, and Leadership Coach—the L.E.A.D. with Impact™ Podcast is where leaders and experts share real stories about the impact of leadership burnout and proven strategies to overcome it. Each episode dives into the L.E.A.D. framework: • Listen with Emotion, Understanding, and Compassion • Empower others to take ownership and grow • Adapt to change, innovation, and challenges • Develop people as your greatest assets Through candid conversations, practical tools, and inspiring journeys, guests reveal how they’ve faced burnout—and how they recharged to lead with purpose. 👉 Tune in to learn how to recognize burnout, beat it, and L.E.A.D. with Impact™. Let's connect - https://linktr.ee/MichaelDillard

  1. JAN 13

    Promoting Your Highest Performer can Backfire

    When your team is running hard and still burning out, the answer is rarely “work harder.” It is usually “lead better.” In this episode, I sit down with Kurt Uhlir to unpack what he calls multiplying leaders and why it is one of the most powerful strategies to fight burnout and boost performance. Kurt explains why the best leaders are often not the top individual performers, but the people who see how all the pieces fit together and know how to coach others to succeed. We talk about why promoting your highest performer can backfire, how to spot “quiet leaders” on your team, and what it really looks like to build a leadership pipeline that protects people from burnout rather than driving them into it. If you care about burnout, leadership, coaching, performance, and team dynamics, this conversation will give you language and tools you can use right away. 👉 Learn more about my work at: www.MichaelDillard.org 👉 Connect with Kurt Uhlir: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtuhlir/ Website: https://kurtuhlir.com

    30 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    Build the Perfect Team - Avoid Burnout

    In this episode, Loic Potjes and I unpack a powerful truth: you will never build a perfect leader – but you can build a perfect team. Join my free Leadership Reset Community here Loic shares how real leadership starts with humility, owning where you are strong, where you are “crap” (in his words), and then making the tough calls about who belongs in the room. When leaders build teams around complementary competencies and mindsets, the organization starts to move with flow instead of friction. Why chasing the “perfect individual” kills team performance How humility and self-awareness unlock better team building The role of competencies and mindset in designing a high-performing team Why leaders must sometimes make harsh decisions about team composition How the right team becomes an engine that drives organizational flow. If you’re a leader wrestling with team gaps, roles, and fit, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, humility, and building a team that actually works. Keywords: team building, leadership, organizational flow, humility, competencies

    20 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    Balancing Humanity and Profit with Dr. Kristen Donnelly

    👉 Join my free leadership community: www.MichaelDillardSpeaks.com In this powerful conversation, Michael Dillard and Dr. Kristen Donnelly dig into what it really means to be human in a world that treats people like replaceable parts of a profit machine. They talk about why breaks are not laziness, how overwork is a leadership failure, and what it takes to build a culture where people can actually breathe, think, and live outside of work. If you’ve ever thought, “They need me, they need me…” while slowly burning out, this episode is for you. Why people need breaks so they can truly recharge How a human-first approach to leadership actually protects profit long term Why overworking your team is a leadership problem, not a badge of honor How business culture quietly tells people they are replaceable The hard truth: you will be replaced at work, but the loss is still felt at home Why prioritizing humanity over profit leads to healthier teams and better results Practical ways leaders can foster work-life balance without losing performance “People need to take breaks so that they can recharge.” “They need me, they need me. And what we…” “You’ll be replaced.” 🔗 Contact Kristen Donnelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristendonnellyphd/

    23 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    Resilient Leadership with Dr. Melanie Gray

    Ready to build a resilient leadership approach that prevents burnout in 2026? ➡️ Join the January 2026 Leadership Challenge to Prevent Burnout Here: https://bit.ly/49EEonk In this insightful conversation, Dr. Melanie Gray and Michael Dillard dive deep into the essential, yet often overlooked, aspects of modern leadership. They emphasize that true leadership transcends individual titles and wealth, focusing instead on the strength of team dynamics and the collective contributions of every single member. We challenge the pervasive societal norms that place higher value on rank and salary than on the contribution and importance of voice from all team members. Learn why listening and fostering an inclusive environment is not just a moral imperative, but the key to unlocking peak team performance. Why effective leadership is a collective responsibility, not a solo mission (“It’s not just about us, right?”). The necessity of challenging societal norms that prioritize titles and money over valuable input. How to intentionally foster strong team dynamics to enhance productivity and respect. Why we cannot dismiss the voice of anyone in the organization, regardless of rank or seniority (“We cannot dismiss the voice of anyone.”). The profound impact of valuing diverse voices in leadership and fostering inclusivity. The truth: Every contribution matters in a high-performing team setting. Contact Dr. Gray: www.DrMelanieGray.com Host: Michael Dillard leadership, team dynamics, societal norms, contribution, importance of voice, leadership development, inclusive leadership, organizational growth, management, team performance, prevent burnout, Dr. Melanie Gray, Michael Dillard, effective leadership, corporate culture, team building

    22 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    Self-Care, Nutrition, and Hydration, Prevent Leadership Burnout - Sean McManus

    👉 Join the FREE 30-Day Leadership Challenge: https://bit.ly/49EEonk In this episode of Lead with Impact, Michael Dillard sits down with Sean McManus to uncover why so many leaders are burning out and what to do about it. They break down how neglecting your mind, body, and soul hurts your decision making, drains your energy, and quietly destroys employee retention. You will hear practical coaching on self-care, nutrition, hydration, and boundaries so you can lead with clarity instead of exhaustion. Sean shares simple, realistic strategies busy leaders can use to eat better, stay hydrated, protect their mental health, and empower their teams so productivity improves without working longer hours. In this episode you will learn: Why 79 percent of employees leave because of burnt out leaders How skipping meals and eating too much sugar damages your decision making Why hydration is a secret weapon for focus and mental clarity How to set boundaries so you can protect your energy and time Simple meal prep and nutrition habits that fit a busy schedule How empowering and delegating boosts team productivity Why small daily changes create sustainable self-care and resilience How adaptability keeps you effective in constantly changing workplaces 🔊 Key quotes from the episode: “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” “You need to adapt your mindset.” “Start taking care of yourself.” ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Retention 00:56 Introduction to Leadership and Wellness 02:05 Common Leadership Mistakes and Self-Sabotage 05:13 Setting Boundaries for Better Leadership 07:12 Adapting to Change in Leadership 08:49 Empowering Teams Through Delegation 10:57 The Importance of Hydration for Leaders 14:22 Nutrition and Protein Intake for Optimal Performance 15:46 The Effects of Sugar on Decision Making 18:41 Sustainable Lifestyle Changes for Leaders 20:22 The Power of Questions in Leadership 21:08 Final Thoughts on Self-Care for Leaders Connect with Sean McManus: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmcmanus/ Keywords: leadership, burnout, nutrition, hydration, employee retention, self-care, productivity, empowerment, adaptability, coaching

    24 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    The Silent Struggle of Burnout for High Achievers - Garrett Wood

    Burnout is not weakness. It is overuse of the very strengths that made you successful — and high achievers are the most at risk. Join the Leadership Community: https://bit.ly/49EEonk (Free tools, burnout training, and leadership lessons.) In this powerful episode, Michael Dillard sits down with Garrett Wood, founder of Gnosis Therapy, to uncover the real causes of burnout, why leaders miss the early signs, and how to rebuild sustainable success from the inside out. Garrett breaks down the emotional and cultural pressures that push leaders over the edge and reveals how Gnosis Therapy helps individuals realign their work with their wellbeing. If you’re a leader who feels exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from work you once loved — this episode will show you how to recharge, reset, and regain control. Why burnout hits high achievers faster The signs leaders overlook until it’s too late Restorative practices that reset energy and clarity How leaders can prevent burnout in their teams The culture factors that shape stress Why shorter workdays may boost productivity The science behind Gnosis Therapy How acts of kindness and connection improve morale LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gnosistherapy/ 🔗 Connect With Garrett Wood

    20 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Burnout, Bad Bosses, and Broken Teams The Real Cost of Poor Leadership with Brad Henderson

    ⬆️ Join the FREE Leadership Community to avoid burnout and lead with clarity:https://www.skool.com/lead-with-impact-institute-8271/about?ref=232a8f0946df4dc99c43ea1da93f2ab8 Unlock the Leadership Skills They Never Taught YouIn this episode of the Lead with Impact podcast, host Michael Dillard and guest Brad Henderson break down the real challenges leaders are facing today and why coaching, adaptability, and empowerment are the keys to building high-performing teams. Brad shares powerful stories and practical strategies leaders can use right now to reduce burnout, navigate generational differences, improve team morale, and build a culture where discretionary effort, trust, and excellence thrive. Whether you are a director, VP, CEO, or an emerging leader, this episode will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact. Key Takeaways • Leaders need coaching to uncover blind spots • Generational shifts demand adaptable, modern leadership • Poor leadership destroys talent and organizational culture • Burnout is a warning sign, not a badge of honor • Identity outside of work is crucial for long-term success • Empowered teams produce higher discretionary effort • Great leaders develop people like Olympians • Micromanagement kills creativity and trust • Learning from mistakes accelerates leadership growthChapters00:00 The Importance of Leadership Coaching02:44 Adapting to Generational Changes in Leadership05:25 The Cost of Poor Leadership08:13 Burnout and High-Performing Leaders11:02 Finding Balance Beyond Work13:47 Empowering Teams for Success16:07 The Role of Discretionary Effort18:50 Developing Olympians in the Workplace21:50 Navigating Micromanagement24:25 Final Thoughts on Leadership ImpactConnect with Brad HendersonWebsite: https://www.consistency-edge.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjhenderson /Keywordsleadership, coaching, empowerment, burnout, generational change, team morale, discretionary effort, micromanagement, identity, organizational culture, executive coaching, leadership development, high performing teams, leadership burnout, leadership podcast

    31 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Lead with Integrity: Why Ethical Living and Self-Reflection Are the Keys to Sustainable Success | Jim Carlough

    👉 Join the FREE Leadership Community to beat burnout and lead with confidence:https://www.skool.com/lead-with-impact-institute-8271/about?ref=232a8f0946df4dc99c43ea1da93f2ab8 🎙 Episode Title: Lead with Integrity: Why Ethical Living and Self-Reflection Are the Keys to Sustainable Success | Jim Carlough In this episode of the LEAD with Impact Podcast, host Michael Dillard speaks with Jim Carlough about how daily self-reflection and personal integrity shape authentic, sustainable leadership. Since 1983, Jim has ended every day by asking himself a simple yet powerful question: This nightly practice, inspired early in his career by the legendary Ross Perot’s commitment to ethics and accountability, has guided Jim’s professional decisions and personal philosophy for more than four decades. The conversation explores how consistent self-reflection prevents burnout, strengthens moral character, and creates long-term success for leaders and teams alike. Whether you’re leading a division, running a business, or pursuing personal growth, this episode challenges you to pause, reflect, and lead with integrity — a principle modeled by leaders like Ross Perot and practiced daily by Jim Carlough. 💡 Key Takeaways • Reflect nightly on your actions and their impact. • Integrity means considering others before self-benefit. • Daily reflection prevents ethical blind spots. • Consistent self-awareness builds long-term trust. • Ethical living, inspired by role models like Ross Perot, is the foundation of sustainable success. 💬 Featured Quotes • “Did I do anything today for my own personal self-benefit?” • “You immediately have to figure out how to unwind it.” • “I have asked myself that question every night since 1983.” 🌐 Connect with Jim Carlough Website: https://jimcarlough.com/ personal integrity, self-reflection, ethical living, self-benefit, personal growth, leadership development, moral leadership, accountability, daily reflection, character building, conscious leadership, ethical mindset, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, intentional living, values-based leadership, personal responsibility, life purpose, leadership podcast, michael dillard, ross perot, business ethics, ethical leadership

    20 min
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About

🎙️ L.E.A.D. with Impact™ Podcast Burnout is costing organizations billions—and leaders are paying the price with their energy, morale, and focus. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Hosted by Michael Dillard—Retired U.S. Diplomat, U.S. Veteran, and Leadership Coach—the L.E.A.D. with Impact™ Podcast is where leaders and experts share real stories about the impact of leadership burnout and proven strategies to overcome it. Each episode dives into the L.E.A.D. framework: • Listen with Emotion, Understanding, and Compassion • Empower others to take ownership and grow • Adapt to change, innovation, and challenges • Develop people as your greatest assets Through candid conversations, practical tools, and inspiring journeys, guests reveal how they’ve faced burnout—and how they recharged to lead with purpose. 👉 Tune in to learn how to recognize burnout, beat it, and L.E.A.D. with Impact™. Let's connect - https://linktr.ee/MichaelDillard

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Dillard
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Dillard
  • Show Website
    LEAD with Impact