The Serving Second Podcast

Toussaint Williams, PhD
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The Serving Second Podcast with Dr. Toussaint Williams celebrates the unsung heroes of leadership—the associates, assistants, vice presidents, and right-hand leaders who make vision possible from the second chair. Not everyone wears the top title, but every leader carries weight. Through biblical insight, leadership lessons, and practical takeaways, discover how to win—even when you come in second. Subscribe and be equipped to lead with confidence, clarity, and courage.

  1. 6 ngày trước

    He Built Companies, Then Realized He Was the Problem - E35

    Servant leadership is not soft leadership. It may be the most strategic way to get real results. In this episode Toussaint sits down with Kurt Uhlir for a direct conversation about leadership, humility, business outcomes, and the hard personal work required to become the kind of leader people can trust. Kurt started his first businesses at 14 years old. One was a lawn care company that grew so quickly he had friends and even adults working for him. Early on, he learned how to sell, organize systems, and produce results. But later, he had to face a painful truth. He was getting results, but he was not leading well. Kurt shares the moment his mentor and his mother both told him the truth he did not want to hear. He had become a toxic authoritative leader. He was demanding outcomes, but creating fear. He was pushing people, but not truly developing them. He was leading in a way that caused bad information to stay hidden and good information to be filtered. That wake-up call changed the way he viewed leadership. This episode is not just about being nicer at work. Kurt makes the business case for servant leadership. He explains why fear-based leadership slows organizations down, why leaders miss critical information when people are afraid to speak honestly, and why serving people well can improve performance, trust, retention, and decision-making. Dr. Williams and Kurt also discuss the power of being a second-chair leader, operator, and “kingmaker.” Kurt explains why he finds deep fulfillment in helping other leaders succeed instead of always trying to sit in the top chair himself. He also talks about what it takes to support a leader well, ask better questions, understand organizational outcomes, and serve the whole person, not just the employee. One of the strongest moments in the conversation is Kurt’s reminder that leaders must create space for honest feedback. If people cannot tell you where you are wrong, your organization will eventually pay for it. Healthy conflict is not a threat to leadership. It is one of the ways leadership gets better. This conversation is for executives, entrepreneurs, ministry leaders, second-chair leaders, operators, and anyone who wants to lead with both excellence and humility. In this episode: • Why early success can hide unhealthy leadership patterns • How Kurt moved from toxic authority to servant leadership • Why fear-based cultures block honest information • How servant leadership creates better business outcomes • Why leaders must care about the whole person • What it means to be a kingmaker or queen maker • How second-chair leaders can bring value without chasing the spotlight • Why healthy conflict must be modeled, not just talked about Leadership Challenge: Ask yourself, “What am I wrong about right now that I think I’m right about?” Then ask someone on your team, “What am I missing that I need to know?” Do not defend yourself. Do not explain it away. Ask clarifying questions. Listen. Learn. Then lead better. Guest: Kurt Uhlir Website: kurtuhlir.com About Serving Second: Toussaint helps leaders maximize the gifts they already have in the seat they currently occupy. Second-chair leadership is not lesser leadership. It is strategic leadership. When you serve with clarity, excellence, humility, and skill, you can create first-place outcomes from wherever you lead. Subscribe for more conversations on servant leadership, second-chair leadership, business leadership, ministry leadership, personal growth, and leading well from wherever you are. #ServingSecond #SecondChairLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #ChristianLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #TeamLeadership #ToussaintWilliams

    43 phút

  2. 25 thg 6

    The Science of Yes! - E34

    The Science of Ethical Persuasion Second-chair leaders don't always have the final say — but the most effective ones know how to influence without authority. In this episode, Dr. Toussaint Williams sits down with ethical persuasion expert and keynote speaker Patrick van der Burght (Melbourne, Australia) to unpack the science behind ethical influence and what it means for leaders in every sector. 🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why persuasion is NOT manipulation — and why the difference matters for leadersHow Dr. Robert Cialdini's 7 Principles of Influence apply to real-world leadershipThe "Unity" principle and why co-creation makes teams more loyal and forgivingHow loss language outperforms gain language when motivating behaviorA real case study: how one question boosted patient case acceptance by 33.5% across four dental clinicsWhy knowledge alone isn't power — and what application skill actually looks like⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome & Introduction02:09 — What is ethical persuasion?04:13 — Patrick's origin story: scuba diving, cassette tapes & Dr. Cialdini13:00 — Cialdini's 7 Principles of Influence explained45:00 — Real-world application for second-chair leaders53:31 — Consistency & Scarcity principles unpacked59:10 — One principle leaders can apply THIS week👤 About the Guest: Patrick van der Burght is an ethical persuasion trainer, keynote speaker, and host of the Ethical Persuasion Unlocked podcast, based in Melbourne, Australia. He is a certified expert in the science of influence rooted in the research of Dr. Robert Cialdini. 📌 Website: ethicalpersuasion.com.au 🎙️ Podcast: Ethical Persuasion Unlocked (start from Episode 1) 📘 Free eBook + Email Challenge: ethicalpersuasion.com.au/free 🎙️ About the Serving Second Podcast: Hosted by Dr. Toussaint Williams — pastor, author, and executive leader — the Serving Second Podcast equips second-chair leaders to create first-place outcomes from wherever they serve. 🌐 servingsecond.com | 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@servingsecond #ServingSecond #EthicalPersuasion #LeadershipPodcast #InfluenceScience #SecondChairLeadership #Cialdini #LeadershipDevelopment

    1 giờ
  3. Vision is Easy - Execution Needs a #2! - E33

    11 thg 6

    Vision is Easy - Execution Needs a #2! - E33

    What does it really mean to serve second with excellence? Toussaint sits down with Derek Fredrickson, founder of The COO Solution, to talk about the power of operators, COOs, chiefs of staff, and second-in-command leaders who help turn big vision into real execution. Derek shares how he left Wall Street to work alongside his wife in her successful business coaching company and discovered his gift for operations, systems, structure, and team leadership. He explains why the second-in-command role is not lesser leadership. It is strategic leadership. This conversation is for every leader who knows they are wired to build, organize, execute, finish, and make other people’s ideas work. Derek breaks down the role of a COO as the bridge between vision and execution. He explains why visionary leaders need operators who can create accountability, build structure, lead teams, protect focus, and help the organization move forward. One of the strongest takeaways from this episode is simple: the world needs great second-in-command leaders. Keywords Fractional COO, Leadership, Second in Command, Business Growth, Personal Development, Trust, Accountability, Entrepreneurial Success Takeaways Embrace your unique strengths and gifts to excel in leadership roles. Building trust is essential for effective team management. Assessments like Colby and Strengths Finder help clarify your innate abilities. A fractional COO can be a strategic bridge between vision and execution. Understanding your zone of genius unlocks greater impact and fulfillment. Sound bites "We are the ones that finish what others start." "The world needs us, and our unique gifts make a difference." "Assessments reveal your true wiring and strengths." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Serving Second Podcast 02:18 Derek's Journey to COO 05:12 Working with Spouse: A Unique Dynamic 08:10 Understanding the Fractional COO Model 11:02 The Role of a COO in Business 13:41 Embracing the Second-in-Command Role 14:17 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Entrepreneurship 19:06 Building a Culture of Accountability 22:51 The Difference Between Average and World-Class COOs 28:44 Understanding Your Role as a Second-in-Command 32:29 Embracing Your Unique Strengths Resources Kolbe Assessment - https://www.kolbe.com/ Strengths Finder by Gallup - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx The CEO Solution Podcast - https://thecoosolution.com/podcast Derek Fredrickson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/ guest links Website - https://thecoosolution.com/

    39 phút
  4. Building Generational Wealth - E32

    5 thg 6

    Building Generational Wealth - E32

    What if your money problem is not just about money? In this episode, Toussaint sits down with Albert Butler, CPA, to talk about financial literacy, family legacy, entrepreneurship, purpose, and the responsibility of building something that lasts beyond you. Albert brings nearly 30 years of experience in public accounting, private industry, entrepreneurship, and personal finance. But this conversation goes deeper than taxes and spreadsheets. It is about understanding your numbers, leading your family well, building a business with wisdom, and aligning your financial decisions with your purpose. Albert shares why “accounting is the heartbeat of business,” why every family should think like a business, and why legacy is not just about what you leave for your children, but what you prepare for your children’s children. Key Leadership LessonMoney is not the mission. Money is a tool. For second-chair leaders, entrepreneurs, pastors, business owners, and professionals, the deeper question is not just “How do I make more money?” The better question is, “Why am I building this, and who will benefit from it after me?” Albert reminds us that strong leaders do not just manage numbers. They manage responsibility. They think about family. They think about structure. They think about legacy. Albert’s Five Muscles of EnterpriseAlbert breaks down five muscles every business, leader, and entrepreneur must develop: Leadership - The vision, mission, goals, and objectives that guide the work.Operations = How the business flows day to day.Sales - How you take your product, service, or message to the market.IT Infrastructure - The data, systems, and information flow that protect and support the organization.Accounting - The heartbeat of the enterprise. Accounting tells the past, shows the present, and helps forecast the future.Practical TakeawaysHave real money conversations with your children and family. Stop treating financial literacy as optional. Find a CPA before you are in crisis. Know what your tax return says about your financial life. Build your business around structure, not just passion. Lead with purpose, then let money serve that purpose. Write down your dreams and identify the one that keeps pulling you forward. Guest InfoAlbert Butler, CPA Website: AlbertButler.com Connect with Albert on social media by searching Albert Butler CPA. About Serving SecondServing Second helps leaders maximize the gifts they already have in the seat they currently occupy. This podcast is for second-chair leaders, assistants, associates, vice presidents, ministry leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to create first-place outcomes through service, skill, and excellence.

    41 phút
  5. Leadership in the AI Age - E31

    29 thg 5

    Leadership in the AI Age - E31

    Most leaders think pressure reveals weak people. But what if pressure actually reveals weak team systems? In this episode of the Serving Second Podcast, Dr. Toussaint Williams talks with Daria Rudnik about how second-chair leaders can build teams that click under pressure, navigate disruption, and stay human in the age of AI. If you serve behind the leader, carry team tension, or feel responsible for helping others succeed, this conversation will give you practical tools to lead with clarity, not control. Key Leadership LessonThe leader’s job is not to rescue the team. The leader’s job is to facilitate the conversations that help the team rescue itself. Daria makes the point clearly: outdated leadership says the leader must know everything, solve everything, and carry everything. Modern leadership requires something different. Leaders must create the conditions where the team can define purpose, build trust, make better decisions, share knowledge, and adapt together. For second-chair leaders, this is a powerful shift. You do not need the top title to strengthen the team. You can help create the conversations, systems, and clarity that allow the team to perform. Main TakeawaysDaria identifies five elements that make a team “click”: Clear purpose A group does not become a team just because they report to the same manager. A team becomes a team when it has a shared purpose that cannot be accomplished by individual effort alone.Linking connections Strong teams build trust internally and understand their connection to stakeholders outside the team.Integrated work Teams need clarity around roles, norms, expectations, and how the work actually gets done.Collaborative decisions Healthy teams know which decisions belong to the leader, which belong to individuals, which require group input, and which can be delegated or automated.Knowledge sharing and feedback Teams must learn together, adapt together, and create feedback loops that help them improve over time. Keywords Leadership, Team Building, AI in Leadership, Global Work Experience, Authentic Leadership, Lifelong Learning, Team Dynamics, Second Chair Leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:38 Building Strong Teams 06:46 Leadership in Stressful Situations 09:49 Navigating Challenges as a Woman in Leadership 12:55 Finding Your Authentic Leadership Style 15:59 Cultural Sensitivity in Leadership 18:45 The Role of AI in Leadership 21:44 The Clicking Framework 24:54 Final Thoughts and Resources 27:55 Recap Resources Clicking Book by Daria Rudnik - https://a.co/d/0anex6ak Daria Rudnik on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik/ Daria Rudnik's Website - https://dariarudnik.com

    29 phút
  6. Stop Promoting Without Preparing - E30

    21 thg 5

    Stop Promoting Without Preparing - E30

    What happens when a great employee gets promoted into leadership, but no one has prepared them to lead? In this episode of the Serving Second Podcast, Dr. Toussaint Williams sits down with Rich Ashton, author of Growing Your Own: Common Sense Advice for Developing Leaders Within a Small Business, to talk about one of the biggest leadership gaps in small businesses and organizations: developing leaders from within. Rich shares lessons from more than 45 years in leadership and ownership of eight businesses. He explains why hiring from the outside can threaten culture, why loyal employees still need leadership training, and why some people are more effective and fulfilled as strong number twos rather than chasing the top seat. Keywordssecond-chair leadership, leadership development, small business leadership, growing leaders from within, Rich Ashton, Growing Your Own, Serving Second Podcast, leadership training, number two leader, executive leadership, internal leadership development, organizational culture, developing employees, relational leadership, leadership podcast Key Topics CoveredHow small businesses hit a leadership ceiling as they grow Why great employees are not automatically ready to lead The risk of bringing in outside leaders who do not understand the culture Why leaders should develop people to be themselves, not copies of the founder The importance of being a strong number two How transparency helps leaders have difficult conversations Why trust is built before the hard conversation happens How intellectual curiosity helps second-chair leaders keep growing Best Quotes and Takeaways“Just because someone is a good employee and loyal to you does not mean they can take the next step.” “If I couldn’t be the best number one, I could be the best number two.” “The number one role can be isolating and lonely.” “Trust is built through transparency.” “If you are not pursuing intellectual curiosity, get on board with one.” Why This Matters for Second-Chair LeadersSecond-chair leaders do not have to spend their whole career trying to become a copy of the person in the first chair. Rich makes it clear that leadership growth starts with self-awareness, integrity, and the willingness to develop your own leadership voice. For some leaders, the goal is not always the top seat. Sometimes the greatest influence comes from becoming the trusted, capable, and grounded leader who helps the organization move forward from the second chair. Guest InformationGuest: Rich Ashton Book: Growing Your Own: Common Sense Advice for Developing Leaders Within a Small Business Website: growingyourown.net Email: rich@growingyourown.net Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Serving Second Podcast 01:12 Why growing businesses need more leaders 02:54 The leadership ceiling in small businesses 04:01 How Rich’s book started as leadership blogs 08:10 Developing leaders, not copies of yourself 09:54 Learning from mentors and relationships 12:42 The power of being the best number two 15:21 Growing your own leadership team 17:35 Integrity and relational leadership 20:03 Handling difficult leadership conversations 22:39 Trust, transparency, and decision-making 26:09 Intellectual curiosity as a leadership habit 28:28 How to connect with Rich Ashton

    31 phút
  7. What's the Platinum Rule??? - E29

    14 thg 5

    What's the Platinum Rule??? - E29

    What if high performance did not have to come at the cost of people? In this episode Toussaint sits down with Kathy Eastwood, CEO and creator of the E3 Leadership Code, to talk about what it really takes to lead from the second chair. Kathy brings years of experience as a Chief of Staff, Chief People Officer, COO, and leadership strategist. Her work focuses on helping leaders drive results while still building trust, engagement, and healthy team culture. Kathy shares why the Chief of Staff role became one of her favorite leadership assignments. She describes it as the work of taking a leader’s vision and translating it into tangible results. That is exactly where many second-chair leaders thrive. They may not always be the public face of the vision, but they often carry the responsibility of making sure the vision lands, moves, and gets executed. Leadership is not an either-or choice between results and people. Kathy challenges the idea that leaders must choose between delivering outcomes and caring for their teams. Her point is clear: you get better results by caring about your people. TakeawaysKathy explains that second-chair leaders often influence without direct authority. That means trust, clarity, and relationships matter more than control. She introduces her “FEUD” framework: fear, ego, uncertainty, and doubt. These are the barriers that often keep people from buying in and moving forward. One of the strongest moments in the episode is Kathy’s explanation of the Platinum Rule: treat people the way they want to be treated. This is a critical shift for leaders who assume their preferred communication style works for everyone. Kathy also breaks down the E3 Leadership Code: Express, Engage, and Execute, powered by emotional qualities. She explains that strong leadership requires vision, people engagement, disciplined execution, and the emotional intelligence to connect with people in a real way. Why This Matters for Second-Chair LeadersSecond-chair leaders are often asked to carry the weight between vision and execution. They hear the leader’s message more than once, clarify what is being communicated, interpret what is landing with the team, and help translate big ideas into practical action. This episode is a reminder that the second chair is not a lesser seat. It is a strategic seat. It requires emotional intelligence, operational discipline, self-awareness, and the ability to influence people who may not report directly to you. Memorable Quotes“Leadership is not either results or people. It is both.” “You actually get your results by caring about your people.” “Logic does not move people. Emotions do.” “The number two role is taking a brilliant vision and translating it so it lands with each person.” Connect with KathyLearn more about Kathy Eastwood, the E3 Leadership Code, and her work at kathyeastwood.com or on LinkedIn. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Kathy's leadership journey 01:51 The role of Chief of Staff in driving change 03:05 Innate skills and leadership style 04:15 The value of vision and repetition 04:59 The importance of diverse skills in leadership 05:56 Clarity and communication in leadership 09:27 Understanding the feud: fear, ego, uncertainty, doubt 10:36 Building trust and influence without control 13:12 The platinum rule: treat others as they want to be treated 17:22 The E3 leadership code: express, engage, execute 23:20 The five-week bootcamp and ongoing development 24:50 Applicability for all organizational levels 27:02 Creating a high-performance culture 29:14 Connecting with Kathy and resources

    31 phút
  8. Authenticity Matters - E28

    7 thg 5

    Authenticity Matters - E28

    Author Patty Hampton shares her journey of serving from the second seat, the importance of authenticity, influence, and listening in leadership, and how to thrive as a second chair leader. Discover practical insights on building trust, asking powerful questions, and leading with impact from a place of service. Keywords Leadership, Second Seat, Influence, Authenticity, Coaching, Trust, Influence, Leadership Development, Nonprofit, Transformation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Patty Hampton's Journey 03:48 The Role of Second Seat Leaders 06:40 Influencing and Listening Skills 12:02 Building Trust and Authenticity 16:35 Navigating Authenticity and Approval 21:02 Communicating Effectively with Leaders 24:14 Embracing Authenticity in the Workplace 33:20 Transitioning to Solo Entrepreneurship 41:44 The Heart of Service: It's Not About You Resources Leading from the Second Seat by Patty Hampton - https://a.co/d/0hfWiCeW Soyubono - I See You (YouTube Video) - Sawubona  Patty Hampton's Website - https://www.noussolepartners.com/ Website -  Email - patty@noussolepartners.com

    45 phút
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Giới Thiệu

The Serving Second Podcast with Dr. Toussaint Williams celebrates the unsung heroes of leadership—the associates, assistants, vice presidents, and right-hand leaders who make vision possible from the second chair. Not everyone wears the top title, but every leader carries weight. Through biblical insight, leadership lessons, and practical takeaways, discover how to win—even when you come in second. Subscribe and be equipped to lead with confidence, clarity, and courage.

Thông Tin

  • Nhà sáng tạo
    Toussaint Williams, PhD
  • Năm hoạt động
    2 N
  • Tập
    34
  • Xếp hạng
    Sạch
  • Bản quyền
    © 2026 Toussaint Williams, PhD
  • Trang web chương trình
    The Serving Second Podcast