105. Six Great Podcasts for Leaders (Regardless of Your Job Title)
105. Six Great Podcasts for Leaders (Regardless of Your Job Title)
Oh look, I put a poll on the bottom too!
Leadership is not a title, nor is it a job - it’s a way of acting.
I will keep saying that ad infinitum until you stop me.
And since nobody is stopping me, well, on I go.
Becoming a better leader - regardless of your role in life - is a never ending effort to better understand yourself and those with whom you interact.
I can’t speak for you (well, I can, I’m just not going to at this very moment), but I learn a lot about myself from listening to others. Maybe you do too.
My purpose with this here piece was to give you a list of recommended podcasts and newsletters for leadership-minded, growth-minded individuals like you and me but, alas, the podcast list got too long.
If you’re interested in the newsletter list, leave a comment in the comments section (duh), and I’ll put that together too.
So anyway, podcasts. Check ‘em out, yo.
6 Great Podcasts For Leaders, Regardless Of Your Title
My First Million
Shaan Puri started Bebo and sold it to Twitch for ~$25m. Sam Parr started The Hustle, sold it to Hubspot and, I’m guessing, had a similar take-home windfall as Shaan.
Shaan and Sam now have podcast where they talk about building businesses and investment ideas. They basically riff for an hour. That format usually blows but it this case, it is oddly compelling. I didn’t want to like it, but it turns out I really do
Recommended starting episodes
How to stop your tech addiction (listen here)
A discussion on Sam and Shaan’s recent investments (check it out)
All Hands
Lattice is a platform that helps engage and create high-performing teams. It’s a cool company. And they have a cool podcast.
The primary focus is on company culture - how to create and maintain great ones. In each episode, Katelin Holloway speaks with founders and Chief People Officers about what they are doing to define their company’s culture.
Recommended starting episodes
The TRU Colors episode is beyond inspiring (listen here)
This Eventbrite one is worth a listen too (check it out)
How I Built This with Guy Raz
You may know Guy Raz, maybe you don’t, it doesn’t matter. He hosts this podcast where each episode he dives into the stories behind the people that started some of the biggest companies. It’s not only interesting but, as an added benefit, it saves you from having to read the founders’ biographies.
Recommended starting episodes
The Kate Spade story is pretty darn cool (listen here)
Tony Hsieh of Zappos passed away too early. This is a classic (check it out)
And for my sports industry friends…
RUN ATL
Whether you live in Atlanta or not, the RUN ATL podcast is definitely worth a listen. I mean, it’s not like leadership and running are different in Atlanta than they are anywhere else in the US. Mike Cosentino and D2 to a good job of bringing out the best in their guests. They talk to a whole darn variety of people, from Olympians to, well, me…. and they discuss a wide variety of topics that impact everybody, including DEI, leadership, longevity and my family.
Recommended starting episodes
Of course, start with the Jeff Matlow episode (listen here)
A conversation on diversity in sport is worth a gander (check it out)
The Best Boss Ever
Carl Thomas is somewhat of a legend in the multisport world. As it turns out, his podcast is kind of legendary too. Leadership and triathlon go hand-in hand. So, in the short time he’s done this podcast, Carl has talked with some hugely interesting folks: CEOs, Olympians, politicians, Emmy winners and more.
Recommended starting episodes
Mark Sisson, founder of Primal Kitchen is my new hero (listen here)
Bill O’Connell battles Mexican Cartels in his FBI job (check it out)
The Left Side of The Road
Greg Duff has been an event producer (and runner, swimmer, triathlete) for decades. He knows the business. He’s a roll-up-your-sleeves type of guy who now how to run a business in a highly competitive industry. In this podcast he explores the life lessons learned from running. Also, he interviewed me, so that’s nice.
Recommended starting episodes
The Jeff Matlow episode is a must-hear (listen here)
Quote
“People do not decide their future, they decide their habits. And it's their habits that decide their future."
- Frederick Matthias Alexander
Tidbits
Sox To Be Them. Those Topps baseball cards you’ve been saving for 20 years, they may be more valuable in another 20 years. Turns out, after 70 years, Topps just lost the MLB account - right when they’re trying to sell the company. (umm…oops)
FAA-La-La. Turns out the FAA may make an extra cool mill this year by fining people who act like idiots on planes (see more here)
Browser-licious. I just discovered an awesome new browser called SigmaOS that enables split screen. Why didn’t anybody think of this before?! (get it)
Another Useless Site. The reward is so not worth the effort, mate. (here)
A Short Poll
Where do you primary listen to podcasts?