Potential Leader Lab Perry Maughmer

We're going to get real about something that nobody likes to talk about but everyone experiences: suffering, struggling, and striving. We're breaking down why these tough parts of life are actually super important for hitting those meaningful goals.
I'll get into some fascinating ideas from authors like Adam Fraser and Todd Kashdan, who say that dealing with negative emotions isn't just okay—it's crucial for personal growth and long-term success. And, I'll share stories about how failure can spark innovation and why chasing happiness might actually be messing with your bigger dreams.
We'll touch on some cool insights from the High Flow Collective and the growth mindset buzz from Carol Dweck, discussing why things like criticism, struggle, and even stress can be vital parts of your journey. And trust me, this isn't your typical pep talk; we're getting into why personal and leadership development shouldn’t be a walk in the park—it should challenge you and push you to evolve.
Top Takeaways
1. Suffering and struggling are essential for achieving meaningful goals and personal growth, rather than avoiding negative experiences.
2. Negative emotions contribute significantly to personal development and long-term success.
3. Accepting and learning from failure is crucial in both personal and professional contexts.
4. A deep relationship with reality, accepting that desirable experiences are temporary, is vital.
5. Happiness is an internal choice and does not depend on external circumstances or others. Individuals should focus on inner happiness and not external validation.
6. Focusing on personal growth and well-being indirectly leads to the collective happiness of others, demonstrating self-care's ripple effect.
7. Being in a state of flow and the importance of engaging in activities that develop skills and confidence, even if those activities are not enjoyable.
8. Honest feedback, even when it's hard to hear, is necessary for personal and leadership growth.
9. Negative emotions like anger and depression should be seen as valuable indicators that can guide learning and growth, rather than being suppressed.
10. Effective leaders should focus on making it easier for their teams to do their jobs by building clarity and resilience, rather than making tasks easier.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn &  Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2024 Perry Maughmer

We're diving into a topic that's close to my heart—values. We're talking about what it truly means to live and lead with intention and purpose.
In this episode, I talk about how important it is to unlock your own potential and understand just how powerful you really are. I'll touch on the urgency of deeply caring about a few key things and setting intentions.
We also get into why values are more than just feel-good words or nice things to put on a wall. They should guide our decisions and align with our actions, both personally and in the workplace. I'll open up about my own evolving values and why I've shifted my focus from "relentless leadership" to "living relentlessly."
Memorable Moments
00:00 Andrew Huberman discusses visual field repetition ignoring.
04:24 Individuals need defined values, intention, and vision.
09:45 Leveraging values for scalable organizational leadership.
10:55 Focus on decision-making process, not outcome.
16:25 Inclusive, welcoming, non-judgmental, value contribution, excellence pursuit.
19:40 Change brings cost, but also evolution.
22:42 Craving end result, work becomes irrelevant. Relentless living.
25:39 Empower people to achieve without limitations.
27:56 Prioritize values, time and meaningful projects.
32:34 Clarity shapes decisions; review, align, move confidently.
The Key to Personal Fulfillment: "We need values, we need whatever our intention is, and we need to have a shared vision of the future with those that we care most about." — Perry Maughmer Top Takeaways
1. The importance of consistently striving to create positive change in the world, advocating for relentless effort in all aspects of life.
2. The significance of self-belief and taking risks, even if failure is a possibility.
3. The importance of acting with urgency and intention.
4. Create a list of personal values, set clear intentions, and envision a shared future.
5. Personal development and who we become as individuals are more important than the accomplishments we achieve.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn &  Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2024 Perry Maughmer

Better serves us best. This challenges traditional concepts of striving for excellence.
The idea that aiming to be 'better' rather than 'the best' is not only more sustainable but also more rewarding. External comparisons often lead to a fragile sense of self and undermine our joy, contrasting this with the power of internal growth and personal improvement.
The significance of mindset and language shapes our reality, touching on theories from existentialism to neuroscience to reinforce the benefits of focusing on continuous, incremental progress.
I promise to shift how you perceive success and achievement, encouraging you to embrace a journey of evolving betterment over a race to reach the peak.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Comparison steals joy; pursue self-improvement instead.
05:26 Finite rules create stress, focus on progress.
08:10 Comparing, scarcity and abundance affect personal development.
12:09 Informing one group that work is exercise.
16:27 Complexity and uncertainty drive our need for simplicity. Thriving in ambiguity is crucial in our world.
17:13 Releasing control, expectations lead to career success.
20:52 Change implies negative connotation, evolution is positive.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn &  Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2024 Perry Maughmer

Authenticity—what it is, what it isn't, and how it fundamentally shapes our interactions and growth as individuals in society.
It's a delicate balance between being true to oneself and the impact this self-expression has on others. What can help are insights from thinkers like Albert Camus and existentialists, links to psychological frameworks by Abraham Maslow, and references modern theories of motivation and leadership to illustrate how our pursuit of genuine authenticity intersects with our responsibilities towards others.
This episode promises to challenge your perceptions, offering fresh perspectives on how to lead a fulfilling and balanced life by harmonizing personal authenticity with self-transcendence.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Maslow's hierarchy, self-actualization, self-transcendence, and motivation.
03:14 Motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
06:35 Start with the end in mind for success.
12:00 Instant results desired but most achievements need time.
15:17 Workweek and vacation time are arbitrary.
17:58 Constantly reevaluate and be authentic for others.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn &  Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2024 Perry Maughmer

We're taking an existential off-ramp that promises to stir up some profound insights. We're exploring the concept of existentialism—a philosophical theory that sees each individual as a free agent crafting their destiny through acts of will.
This episode isn't about despair; it's about empowerment. If life is inherently meaningless, then we possess the liberating opportunity to inject it with our unique significance.
This perspective isn't just a personal mantra for me, it's the backbone of my leadership coaching and my own journey through life. By understanding core tenets of existentialism, we uncover the tools to shape not only our essence but to inspire others to craft their purposeful path.
Prepare to examine the thrilling, albeit dizzying, freedom that accompanies self-determination, and confront the seeming absurdity of life with courage and action.
We'll debunk myths around authenticity, delve into the anxiety that underscores choice, and celebrate the continual process of becoming—the essence of human capability.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Existentialism empowers individuals to determine own path.
03:17 Embracing responsibility in leadership and personal growth.
06:59 Predictive index measures 4 drives effortlessly expressed.
12:40 Existentialist view on anxiety and authenticity.
14:23 Seeking authenticity through serving and evolving for others.
18:49 Create easy paths, target mindset, evolve. Build.
20:49 Existential perspective on finding meaning in life.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn &  Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2024 Perry Maughmer

Perry Maughmer presents the E3 Framework—a thought-provoking navigational tool for potential leaders that comprises three stages: Explore, Experiment, and Evolve.
This E3 Framework encourages potential leaders to approach challenges and opportunities with a blend of exploration, experimentation, and evolution, focusing on the journey of development over arriving at a fixed destination.
Top Takeaways
The Learning vs. Winning Approach**: Understanding that entering conversations with the aim to learn rather than to win can lead to more constructive outcomes.
The Importance of Reflective Thinking**: Reflective thinking is critical as it allows individuals to consider the broader implications and meanings of their actions and experiences.
Continuous Evolution**: Emphasizing that evolution is an ongoing process informed by feedback, which requires making intentional choices to adapt and improve continuously.
Adopting Multiple Personas**: The "Explore, Experiment, Evolve" framework involves adopting the personas of an Explorer, Scientist, and Philosopher, shifting flexibly among them to navigate different stages of personal growth and learning.
The Concept of Antifragility**: Building a personal or organizational structure that gains from disorder, much like the immune system, rather than merely resisting shocks.
Low-Risk Experimentation**: Addressing the importance of managing risks when trying new behaviors or strategies, and understanding the relationship between risk and potential reward.
Philosophical Mindset for Growth**: Approaching life with curiosity, critical thinking, and a readiness to challenge assumptions.
Self-Transcendence and Service**: Recognizing that the highest level of human development, according to Maslow, is self-transcendence, which involves moving beyond self-interest to serve others and is a crucial part of leadership.
The Importance of Reflection: "It involves approaching life and questions with curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge our assumptions. It makes us take time to ponder." — Perry MaughmerMemorable Moments
00:00 Continually update biases and assumptions, gain clarity.
05:45 Describing roles aligning with steps of Explore, Experiment, Evolve.
07:58 Prepare, don't plan; embrace the antifragility concept.
11:34 Earning the right to continue an infinite game.
16:22 Judge behavior based on evolutionary alignment and outcomes.
18:37 Brains wired to find similarities, leaders must question.
22:05 Philosophic mindset: curiosity, critical thinking, pondering.
25:34 Argue to learn, not just to win.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn &  Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring,...