The Ryan Leak Podcast (Ryan Leak)

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re doing a full Expectations Detox. Because let’s be honest—some of us are walking into work, home, and life expecting people to be simple, perfect, and just like us… and we’re constantly disappointed. Why? Because people are complicated. Quirky. Moody. Late. And wildly different.

Ryan unpacks why the key to working with (and loving) complicated people isn’t lowering your standards—it’s resetting your expectations. From Target people vs. Walmart people, to snackers vs. nibblers, to that one coworker who’s always bringing the foolishness, this episode will help you stop being shocked by humanity and start preparing for it.

If you’ve ever said, “I can’t believe they would…”—this one’s for you.

🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on Amazon today.
📲 Want to stay encouraged every week? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to subscribe to Ryan's weekly encouraging text.

It can be hard to know if something should be a career or a hobby. So we dive into some tips that can help you in today's episode. Season 2 is us going through Ryan Leak's book Chasing Failure and giving insights on how followers can embrace risk-taking in their work environments. You can purchase Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com.

Brandon Barkley is the Player Relations Manager for the Dallas Mavericks. He has some unique insights as to what it takes to be a great follower.

Highlights from this episode:

"When having to pivot or adjust plans on the fly, it is best to go into the situation having had already visualized all possible solutions or scenarios, so you are prepared."

"When speaking with your boss or manager, you have to exude confidence."  

"When you exude the confidence that you are taking control of your job and everything you handle is taken care of, there is  less micromanagement and lack of confidence from management."  

"Carrying your organization or company's culture well is the most crucial thing a follower can do."

This season we are interviewing people we think are next-level in light of Ryan's new book called Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate your Personal and Professional Development. Today's episode is with Lacey Stenson, who is the master of helping other people go to the next level. After getting her MBA from Stanford, she did nonprofit work to build 11 schools in Uganda. Since then, she's had her hand in running 3 law firms, starting a medical research organization, being the Chief People Officer at a financial services firm, and now spearheading six businesses for an elite entrepreneur. What Lacey has figured out is the best way to climb the ladder is to help others climb it first. 

There are moments when you won't get inspiration, direction, or vision from your leader. This is why you need to have some go-to questions you can have in your back pocket to help you lead yourself when you need to the most.

The first question you can ask yourself is: Why Am I Doing This?

The second question you can ask yourself is: What Credit Can I Give Away?

The third question you can ask yourself is: What Mistakes Can I Own?

The fourth question you can ask yourself is: Who Knows Who I Really Am?

Celebrities often become celebrities by being themselves, but to remain one, they have to become who others need them to be or risk losing something. You need a space in your life where you can be you. Authenticity is important for who you're becoming. Being known is one of the best things we can do for our own mental health and leading ourselves well. 

You never want to be faking it publicly remaining privately broken. 

If you’re struggling with depression, who knows?

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, who knows?

If you’re having an affair, who knows?

If you’re fudging numbers to look better, who knows?

If you’re drowning in debt, who knows?

Everybody doesn’t have to know, but somebody does.

For more show notes and episodes, go to ryanleak.com/followership.

This season we are interviewing people we think are next-level in light of Ryan's new book called Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate your Personal and Professional Development. Today's guest is Jonathan Angulo. He represents one of the top mortgage lenders in the country and helps people navigate recessions personally and organizationally. In this episode, we will explore the concept of having a recession growth mindset and how it can help individuals and businesses navigate uncertain times. We will discuss strategies for developing a positive outlook and fostering resilience in the face of economic challenges. We will also examine the importance of financial planning, pivoting and embracing change, and learning new skills to remain competitive in a shifting job market. 

In this episode, Ryan dives into the topic of overcoming personal challenges, emphasizing the belief that everyone can achieve seemingly difficult tasks. He speaks with guest "G" about personal experiences, leadership, and strategies for pushing past adversity. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **Mental Strength**: The conversation starts with the importance of mental strength and determination in facing challenges. 2. **Starting Point**: G shares a personal story about witnessing a man swimming 60 laps in a pool, emphasizing the significance of each individual's unique starting point and the journey to improvement. 3. **Consistency Over Time**: G advises listeners to give themselves time to develop and grow, likening business ideas to scribbles on a napkin that eventually turn into something significant. 4. **Mindset**: Ryan introduces the issue of facing change and the difference between saying "I can't" versus actually not wanting to. G suggests that with determination, grit, and willpower, we can achieve things we once thought were impossible. 5. **Visualizing Success**: G shares his motivation for pushing through tough times by visualizing the finish line and the accolades waiting for him. 6. **Taking The First Step**: The most challenging part of any task, according to G, is the initial step into the unknown. 7. **Championing Ideas and Vision**: G cites a book by Adam Grant called "Give and Take" and discusses the concept of "disagreeable givers". He emphasizes the importance of championing someone else's vision with full sincerity, leaving disagreements behind. 8. **Non-Verbal Communication**: Ryan and G highlight the importance of body language in meetings and the messages it can convey. 9. **Balancing Multiple Challenges**: Ryan praises G's ability to balance multiple responsibilities, such as leading a growing church, running a business, and managing a family. G stresses the importance of being present wherever he is and strategically planning his week to allocate time for various tasks. 10. **Systematic Thinking**: One of G's strategies is understanding when he does his best work and dedicating those times to important tasks. This engaging discussion not only provides listeners with insights into handling individual challenges but also offers strategies for juggling multiple tasks effectively. The recurring theme is the power of mental fortitude and the belief that with determination and proper planning, one can overcome any challenge.

This season we are interviewing people we think are next-level in light of Ryan's new book called Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate your Personal and Professional Development. Today's guest is the pastor, speaker, and chaplain of the Milwaukee Bucks, Ken Lock. Trauma and drama can have a significant impact on an individual's well-being, but the good news is it is possible to thrive after experiencing these events. In this podcast, we will explore different strategies and tools that can aid in the healing process and help individuals move forward in a positive direction. We will begin by discussing the importance of self-care and self-compassion. This includes activities such as exercise, mindfulness practices, and therapy. These can be incredibly powerful in helping individuals process their emotions and build resilience. We will also touch on the importance of finding a supportive community, whether that be through therapy groups, support groups, or close friends and family. Having a strong support system can provide a sense of safety and validation, which is crucial in the healing process. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose post-trauma. This can be achieved through hobbies, volunteer work, or even a career change. Having a sense of purpose can give individuals a sense of direction and fulfillment. Overall, this podcast will provide a comprehensive look at various strategies and tools that can aid in the healing process and help individuals thrive after experiencing trauma and drama.

We took a hiatus, and now we're back. Season 2 is us going through Ryan Leak's book Chasing Failure and giving insights on how followers can embrace risk-taking in their work environments. In this episode, we talk about the value you can add to an organization when you show up without an agenda. 

We're back after a long hiatus unpacking Ryan Leak's book Chasing Failure. Today's episode is tackling chapter 7 entitled 50 Shades of They. When it comes to failure, we all have somebody we believe is watching that we don't want to fail in front of. So how do you overcome that? Join the conversation with Lacey Stenson and Ryan Leak to learn more. You can also get your copy of Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com. If you'd like to receive encouragement from Ryan every single week, text "Followership" to 469-809-1201. 

After a 6-month hiatus, Ryan Leak is back with Followership guests and this episode does not disappoint. Joining Ryan on today's episode is Jordan Montgomery who is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and executive coach. Jordan and Ryan reflect on their personal journeys and how faith has played a pivotal role in shaping their careers and relationships. Jordan shares his transformative experience of humility and redemption at the age of 27, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's values alongside pursuing goals. Ryan echoes this sentiment, highlighting the significance of humility, curiosity, and honor in leadership.

They explore the challenges many individuals face in today's fast-paced world, such as the relentless pace and the destructive habit of comparison. Jordan and Ryan provide valuable strategies for overcoming these hurdles, including being mindful of your environment, practicing gratitude, and seeking authenticity.

Throughout the episode, their unwavering faith shines through as they acknowledge the role of God in their lives and the incredible impact it has had on their journey. They invite listeners, regardless of their faith background, to join in the conversation about faith, leadership, and personal growth.

Tune in to this episode for engaging discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories that will empower you to lead with authenticity, humility, and purpose. You can learn more about Ryan at ryanleak.com. And you can learn more about Jordan Montgomery at montgomerycompanies.com.

"Even if we win the next three championships, I'll never forgive them for trading Luka."

I heard a fan say that, and it hit me—winning isn’t everything.

This trade isn’t just about basketball. It’s a reminder that sometimes, success comes at a cost, followers don’t always equal impact, and the ripple effects of our decisions go deeper than we realize. We chase the “win,” but at what price?

In this episode, I break down what this trade taught me—not just about sports, but about life. How do our decisions impact the people around us? Are we too focused on the outcome to see the relational consequences?

This one isn’t just for basketball fans—it’s for anyone who's ever had to make a tough call and wondered if they truly counted the cost. Let’s talk it out. Because honestly, as a Dallas native, I still need a support group.

Rachel Frank is the Premium Account Executive at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. She is dedicated to creating lasting memories and providing exclusive luxury experiences for premium clientele and their guests.

Highlights from this episode:

"I found that communication is the key to wearing many hats well."  

"You have to be okay asking questions and knowing that you're not going to have the answer to everything."  

"Be willing to listen and learn from your peers and those who have more experience than you."  

"When someone asks you to do something you might not want to do, or you don't think it's your responsibility. Think about the fact that they trust you enough to put that  thing in your hands." 

 "It's the relationships you foster offline that are invaluable."

Shownotes can be found at ryanleak.com/followership.

Sometimes you're stuck with a mediocre leader, but Ryan Skoog teaches us that a bad leader can actually be a gift. 

Ryan Skoog spends half of his time running a couple of for profit travel companies and the other half of his time running a non-profit organization called Venture. Venture is an organization that serves in areas of the world that are the least reached and least resourced by partnering with local leaders in those communities to end some of the worlds greatest injustices. Through their organization, you can raise money for injustices by doing tough things like running long distances, hiking mountains, or biking. You can learn more about Venture at venture.org.

Show notes for this episode are available at ryanleak.com/followership.

Everybody needs somebody in their life whom they've given permission to challenge them to go to the next level. Check out this fun conversation Ryan Leak had with executive coach Jen Porter. You can also connect with one of our Executive Coaches at https://www.ryanleak.com/coaching.

This season we are interviewing people we think are next-level in light of Ryan's new book called Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate your Personal and Professional Development. Today's guest is Heather Monahan. She is a best-selling author X2, Top 50 Keynote Speaker in the World 2022, Podcast Host of Creating Confidence, TedX speaker, and has most recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of Healthlynked Corp. Having successfully climbed the corporate ladder for nearly 20 years; Heather Monahan is one of the few women to break the glass ceiling and claim her spot in the C-suite. As a Chief Revenue Officer in Media, Heather Monahan is a Glass Ceiling Award winner named one of the most Influential Women in Radio in 2017, and Thrive Global named her a Limit Breaking Female Founder in 2018, and in 2021, Girls Club named her the Thought Leader of the Year. Heather’s book Confidence Creator shot to #1 on Amazon’s Business Biographies, and Business Motivation lists the first week it debuted on Amazon. Forbes named Confidence Creator one of the five must-have books for women in business in 2021.

In this episode, Ryan Leak engages in a conversation with Vasti Cruz, a coach and founder of Healthy Heart Talks. They delve into the concept of wholehearted living, discussing how to move on from challenging situations, make authentic decisions, and bring your best energy to work and life. Vasti shares insights on the importance of aligning head and heart, letting go of past hurts, and embracing vulnerability to lead a fulfilling life.

You can connect Vasti Cruz at her website: https://www.healthofyourheart.com/

She's also available for coaching at: ryanleak.com/coaching

Ty calls himself a HEAD coach because he's mastered what it means to coach thinking. Learn what it takes to think on another level with Coach Ty Ellis who's been a part of the coaching staff for multiple NBA teams and USA Men's Basketball. Ty is one of our new coaches on our coaching platform that you can check out here: https://www.ryanleak.com/coaching

Paul Attia specializes in navigating tough conversations with high-net-worth families. In this episode, we learn his rubric for navigating those complex conversations. If you're looking for a coach, check out our coaches at ryanleak.com

There are moments when you won't get inspiration, direction, or vision from your leader. This is why you need to have some go-to questions you can have in your back pocket to help you lead yourself when you need to the most.

The first question you can ask yourself is: Why Am I Doing This?

The second question you can ask yourself is: What Credit Can I Give Away?

Don’t you love it when you give an idea in a meeting and nobody likes it... And then someone else gives your same idea 3 months later and people think they’re a genius?

We're tempted to grab as much credit as we possible can because we’ve all been on the end of not getting credit we deserved. So here’s why this question is so important…

So you can be the opposite of what you’ve experienced in the past.

Reply all emails are the perfect opportunity to give credit to other people when we're tempted to make ourselves look better. 

We have an infatuation with being self-made, but in all reality, every "self-made" person had help along the way. They read a book. They had a friend. They listened to a podcast. They watched a Ted Talk. Would it hurt to give them some credit?

Not getting credit is the best thing for our pride. Giving credit is good for our relationships.

How much credit do you think you deserve for your department’s success? It's often over-inflated. It's always better to err on the side of giving more credit to others than taking more credit than you actually deserve. 

For more show notes and episodes, go to ryanleak.com/followership.

Brooks Bollinger is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. He also was a member of the Florida Tuskers in the United Football League. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin. He's now the VP of Bell Bank. 

Highlights from this Episode:

Focus less on the hypotheticals and the next "step or destination" and focus more on the moment you are in now and how you can be your best now.   

The key to finding work-life balance is riding the waves of the ups and downs and realizing whatever season you are in.

You have control of the external things that you prioritize and can align them in an order that works for you.

When asked to do something I don't want to do, I tell myself, " it's not about the task. It's about how I execute the task and the standard I set for myself and that everything I do is for a bigger vision and much bigger purpose.   

It's essential to take pride in the little things.

Happiness won't arrive at a milestone or destination. True happiness will arrive when you stop and enjoy what's right in front of you. Your life will feel full and rewarding.

For more episodes and show notes, check out ryanleak.com/followership.

Welcome to Followership with Ryan Leak, a podcast designed to help followers follow their leaders, and to help leaders understand their followers. While leadership is often a more popular discussion and billions are spent every year consuming leadership resources, most of us will spend most of our careers doing more following than leading and we need help to do it.

Take some of the the largest employers in the world like Walmart, who employs roughly 2.3 million people around the world. How many of those people would we say are leaders?

Kroger reportedly has 453,000 employees with 2700 stores spread across 35 states. How many leaders does it take to run each Kroger grocery store? Let’s say 15. That’s generous, but let’s go with it. That’s 40,500 leaders which is less than 10% leaving the majority of their workforce… following.

Amazon has 840,000 plus employees. Let's say 80,000 of them are leaders. That still leaves 79,999 people following Jeff Bezos and his leadership. 

And how many people do you know that can say they work for a GREAT leader? In fact, working for a GREAT Leader is pretty rare. But just because you may not work for a great leader doesn’t mean you can’t be a great follower.

Everyone has grandiose ideas of what a leader should and shouldn’t be and should and shouldn’t do and should and shouldn’t say. But most of us live with a lot of opinions about leadership with virtually zero control over how they actually lead. This is a podcast to help you do your part well.

Danny Kim is Director of People + Culture at Raindrop which is a marketing, branding, and advertising agency in SoCal. He’s a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. He’s also a Communication coach. And he also has a PHD in Industrial and organizational psychology.

Highlights from Danny Kim:

The biggest psychological hurdle followers have is fear. Fear can manifest in so many different ways; Fear of Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and of what people think.

“Fear is a hurdle followers need to overcome. They need to be their authentic selves and know they are enough.”

"People need to have certain rituals and rhythms to ground themselves in gratitude."

"You are your greatest product."

"If you come into work knowing I am going to produce and be the best version of myself, that's a huge hurdle to overcome."

"You have to have mentors, friends, colleagues, confidants, and partners who are going to be in your corner."

"You don't overcome fear by running. You overcome fear by facing it."

"If you're afraid of saying something and then getting fired, you probably shouldn't work there anyway cause it's not a psychologically safe place to work."

“If followers step into hard places and have hard conversations they become leaders.”

"You need to say when is it appropriate to speak my truth and how do I not let the fear of my leader impact my integrity."

"Process where are my fears, What can I control, and what can I not control?"

"Rather, you are a follower or leader. I hope that we can use our power and privilege to lift and support those that are usually in the  nondominant culture."

“If you start leaning into the ways you are naturally wired, it does two things for you. Number one it gives you permission to be who you are. Knowing that your perspective is unique and what you bring to the world is unique. The second thing is it gives you permission  to not be who you are not.”

"Part of addressing your fear is naming and claiming this is who I am. This is what I bring to the world and do I believe in myself?"

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, Ryan flips the script on the classic glass-half-full vs. glass-half-empty debate and introduces a third, more powerful mindset: being grateful for the glass. Whether you're naturally optimistic, a self-proclaimed realist, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge you to shift your perspective and find gratitude in what you do have—no matter how much or little that may be. From work and relationships to parenting, politics, and everyday struggles, Ryan offers practical ways to embrace gratitude in every area of life. Because sometimes, the key to joy isn’t in what’s in your glass, but in simply having one at all.

Short, sweet, and packed with inspiration—this is one you’ll want to share with a friend.

Rate, review, and subscribe to help spread the word!

We’ve all heard the phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But what if the real problem isn’t learning new tricks—it’s actually using the ones we already know?

In this episode, we’re flipping the focus from more information to more application. 2025 isn’t about chasing the next big idea—it’s about putting what you already know into action. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and sat through the seminars. Now, it’s time to execute.

We’ll break down why knowledge without action is useless, how to bridge the gap between what you know and what you do, and why this could be the year everything finally clicks.

New year, same you—just better execution. Let’s make 2025 the year of application.

Valentine’s Day has a way of making us reflect on our relationships—whether you’re happily married, single, divorced, or somewhere in between (hello, situationships). But no matter your relationship status, today’s episode is all about how we can grow together instead of growing apart.

I’ve been married for 12 years this June, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my wife is this: relationships thrive when we stay in tune with what the other person needs in every season. What I needed in 2008 is completely different from what I need now—and the same is true for the people in your life.

So, when was the last time you checked in on your spouse, your friends, your colleagues, or even yourself? Today, I’m sharing the power of asking the right question and how it can transform the way you connect with the people who matter most.

In this episode, Ryan Leak interviews Dr. Julia Wiener, a leadership and organizational development expert. They discuss topics related to culture, leadership, followership, and navigating challenges within the workplace. Dr. Wiener shares insights on how to create a positive impact on culture while working from home, the concept of intelligent disobedience, and the dynamics between leaders and followers. If you're looking for a culture coach, there's no one better than Dr. Julia. You can connect with her at ryanleak.com/coaching.

Success comes with a price—and most people don’t realize what they’re signing up for when they say, “I want to build a business,” “I want to be a leader,” or “I want to make an impact.” In this episode, we unpack the good problems that come with chasing greatness—the late nights, the tough decisions, the criticism, the pressure. Inspired by a powerful moment from Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, we’re flipping the script on struggle and embracing the fine print of ambition. Because when you declare, “I want to be great,” you’re also saying, “Bring me the weight that comes with it.”You asked for this—and trust me, you’re going to be just fine.

This season we are interviewing people we think are next-level in light of Ryan's new book called Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate your Personal and Professional Development. Today's guest is social media expert and speaker, Giselle Ugarte. In this episode, we explore the topic of maintaining a healthy relationship with social media. We delve into the importance of being mindful of the amount of time spent on these platforms and how it can impact our daily lives. We also discuss the significance of being selective about who we follow and who we unfollow, and how this can affect our overall well-being and mental health. Join us as we offer practical tips and insights on how to cultivate a positive and balanced relationship with social media.

Today's episode is tackling chapter 9 from Chasing Failure: Friends, Don't Fail Me Now. One of the underrated components of accomplishing goals is involving others to hold you accountable. Join the conversation with Lacey Stenson and Ryan Leak as they unpack what it means to support others in their failures. You can also get your copy of Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com. If you'd like to receive encouragement from Ryan every single week, text "Followership" to 469-809-1201.

It’s not self-promotion—it’s stewardship. Too many of us shrink back, afraid of looking like we’re bragging, when in reality, we’re just hiding.

In this episode, we’re tackling the mindset that keeps people playing small—the fear of putting themselves out there, the hesitation to own their gifts, and the excuse of “I don’t want to self-promote.” But here’s the truth: If you have something valuable to offer the world, it’s not arrogance—it’s responsibility.

We’ll unpack how to shift from insecurity to confidence, why visibility isn’t vanity, and how embracing your worth can create opportunities for others. It’s time to step up, show up, and bring your best to the table.

Quit playing small. The world needs all of you.

Catherine Berardi is the CEO of Prime Chief of Staff, an organization that places, onboards, develops, and coaches high-performing Chiefs of Staff for high-performing companies.

Highlights from this Episode:

"As a follower, it's essential to help your leader carry the load."   

"It's so important to listen and observe to be a good follower."   

"You must be able to anticipate your leader's needs."   

"Knowing someone and how they approach things helps you be able to anticipate their needs."

"You don't blindly follow. You've got to understand who your following and why you're following them."

 "It's important to understand the context or the why behind something that is asked of you. So you may determine what your leader truly needs."

"Followers must maintain their own point of view."   

"Active followers have their own emotions, thoughts, and feelings and know when to appropriately communicate them."

For show notes and more episodes, check out ryanleak.com/followership.

It's one thing to figure out what to do after you've been fired. But what Debbie Mitchell encourages us to do is to think through what we should do before it ever gets to a point of termination. You can learn more about Debbie Mitchell's executive coaching on our new coaching platform at https://www.ryanleak.com/coaching.

Mike Smith has been a professional development coach for over two decades. He's worked with the NFL and various other organizations. Ryan and Mike sat down and had an encouraging conversation about what to do when you just feel stuck. Mike is also available on the Ryan Leak Group's coaching platform, which can be found at ryanleak.com.

Getting rid of shame is the hardest part about dealing with failure. Season 2 is us going through Ryan Leak's book Chasing Failure and giving insights on how followers can embrace risk-taking in their work environments. You can purchase Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com.

Joel Manby is a dad, a 25 year CEO, an author and a speaker.

As a former CEO of major organizations such as Sea World, Saab, and Herschend Enterprises, Joel endured my fair share of each of these situations.

He's learned a number of leadership and life lessons and have found solutions to each of these concerns. As a result, he's built strong teams and created corporate cultures that have thrived amidst major adversity.

Highlights from today's episode:

Undercover Boss URL: https://www.cbs.com/shows/undercover_boss/video/owrUga37IMHm4Sjw9haRh1xo0snCmzHJ/undercover-boss-herschend-family-entertainment/

Lessons from Joel:

Leaders lose faith in followers that would tell me what they want to hear.

Leaders wish followers would bring them recommendations over problems.

Followers should always try do the right the thing and do the best thing for the company over any personal agendas.

If you don’t know your why, when you fail, you won’t be motivated to get back up. Season 2 is us going through Ryan Leak's book Chasing Failure and giving insights on how followers can embrace risk-taking in their work environments. You can purchase Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com.

Connie James is the CFO at Scientific Games and has a lot of lessons learned from navigating COVID in 2020.

Highlights from this episode:

"To be able to pivot well during change, communication is critical." 

"If you are frustrated with your team right now, take some time actually to get to know your colleagues." 

"Talk about nonwork-related things.- Connie James  "I'm a big believer that you have to focus on things you can control."

"A lot of people become focused on what is that next step. My counsel to them is to have a little patience but be absolutely excellent at what you do."-                            

"Even in the darkest of moments, there is often opportunities to turn those into a positive."

Check out ryanleak.com/followership for more episode show notes.

In a world where it’s normal to match attitude for attitude and shade for shade, what if you chose a different route? In this episode, Ryan unpacks why matching someone else’s energy might be the most overrated move you’re making — and how setting the standard can change your relationships, your leadership, and your peace of mind. From sibling fights to toxic work cultures, this one’s got real-life stories, a little humor, and a reminder that you don’t have to reflect the room — you can lead it. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

Chad Veach is the Pastor of Zoe Church LA. He also has an incredible podcast called Leadership Lean In with Chad Veach. 

Highlights from today's episode:

"We have to be afraid of the leader that has a million-dollar dream and a hundred dollar work ethic."

"I think greatness has that obsessive gene." 

"All of us are born with such remarkable giftings, but work and work ethic is also a gift."  

"You reap what you sow. The type of follower you sow is the type of follower you'll grow." 

"If Jesus, who is perfect, was submitted to God's authority and was not above submission, we must take a look at ourselves and not think we are above submission to our leaders." 

"If you're out of balance right now, you need three consecutive days to get your life back on track." 

"Don't give the best part of your day to people. Give the best part of your day to yourself. The greatest investment you can ever make is an investment in yourself."

"Your no is greater than your yes."  

"Leadership starts with becoming likable. People do not want to follow someone they do not like."  

 "Rather than being forceful in rooms, be adaptable." 

Show notes are available at ryanleak.com/followership.

You’ve heard the advice: “Just stop caring what people think.” But if it were that easy, you would’ve done it by now. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks what’s really holding most people back—not fear of failure, but fear of what other people might think. From the thoughts we imagine others are having to the strangers we give way too much power, this episode is a wake-up call to stop living life based on imaginary opinions. Ryan explores the truth about judgment, the trap of social media fear, and two key questions that could unlock your next brave move: Do you really want to give them that much power? And what if they’re not thinking about you at all?

Have you ever met someone who gave you the shirt off their back… or someone who kept score every time they did something for you? In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we explore the powerful difference between givers and takers and why generosity isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a way of life. Ryan shares one of his favorite Proverbs, a jaw-dropping story from a funeral director, and insights from Adam Grant’s Give and Take that reveal how givers ultimately win. Whether it’s in your marriage, job, social media, or friendships, this episode will challenge you to live with open hands and think about the legacy you’re creating—one generous act at a time.

Today's episode is tackling chapter 12 entitled Don't Wait for Monday. We've all got intentions to be greater later, but we should become today who we intend to be tomorrow. Join the conversation with Lacey Stenson and Ryan Leak as they unpack what it means to not wait for the ideal time to get started on your goals. You can also get your copy of Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com. If you'd like to receive encouragement from Ryan every single week, text "Followership" to 469-809-1201.

Today's episode is tackling chapter 10 from Chasing Failure entitled: Just Do It Scared. Sometimes we're waiting for the ideal emotional state before we can start taking steps towards our dreams. Sometimes you're tired, frustrated, or annoyed. Just keep moving forward anyway because ideal may never come. Join the conversation with Lacey Stenson and Ryan Leak as they unpack what it means to overcome fear. You can also get your copy of Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com. If you'd like to receive encouragement from Ryan every single week, text "Followership" to 469-809-1201.

Nick Nilson is the Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. He's had a unique and interesting journey following one of the most influential voices of our time, Joel Osteen. 

Highlights from this episode:

"Ask great questions, be prepared, and be concise."  

"Earning your leader's trust allows you to gain authentic favor with them." 

 "If you do your job really well and you do your job really well for a good period of time. I think it gains the attention of not just your manager, boss, the president of the organization, but also your peers. It just earns you great respect in your organization."  

" Big leaders want to be around fun people who lift the room."   

"People admire perfection, but they can't relate to it."

Take-Aways:

Knowing what questions to ask helps you understand your leader.   

Consistency and faithfulness are characteristics in followers that stand out to leaders.   

To be successful, it is essential to kill pride, be vulnerable, listen more, and slow down.  

Be a follower who comes with solutions, not problems.  

You can be doing things for God, and God does not want you to be doing them. 

We must discern the difference between a good opportunity for the kingdom and a God-ordained opportunity.

Show notes can be found at ryanleak.com/followership.

Elliot Davis knows what it takes to stand out having had roles at significant companies doing talent development. Join Ryan and Elliot for this episode of Followership!

Brad Lomenick is a leadership consultant, speaker, founder of BLINC, a strategic advising company, and author of The Catalyst Leader and H3 Leadership. He writes about leadership, the next generation, creativity, innovation, social media, teamwork, and personal growth.

Highlights from Episode 6:

"The healthier cultures/ leaders honor each other and have the ability to have nicknames. There is a true sense of friendship, allowing leaders to have freedom to do their best."  

"When you have a culture of honor, authenticity, self-awareness, and congruency, it makes working for that person fun."  

"High-level followers  are curious. They have a true sense deep down within them that they are great question-askers."

"Great leaders are good thinkers, which pushes them towards asking great questions."  

"When you become a great leader, you ask more questions than you give answers. Your posture is more of curiosity."  

"Some leaders value being intimidating. At some point, they had an intimidating  leader they are trying to outdo, model, or emulate." 

 "We always lead like we've been led. Unless someone breaks the cycle."  

"99% of leaders who are intimidating would like you to treat them like you would anyone else who is a peer."

"Rather if it was an intern or rather it was someone who had been on the team for a long time. If they had appropriately approached me with feedback that was helpful, I was incredibly open to it."  

"You may not have any of the authority, no title, or position that allows you to sit at the table but, you have to have a mindset of an owner at every level."  

"If your feedback is more about helping you, people see through it."  

"Leaders want their teams to see what they see."  

"Focus on being faithful and a good steward of your current assignment."  

"Figure out how to make a bad leader a partner in your journey and how to make them better."

"Don't look at your leader as someone who is against you."  

"Figure out how to add value to a bad  leader."

Millionaire dreams require millionaire habits. Season 2 is us going through Ryan Leak's book Chasing Failure and giving insights on how followers can embrace risk-taking in their work environments. You can purchase Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re going behind the scenes of my upcoming book—specifically, the story of the book cover. Sounds simple, right? Not even close. This episode is about what it really means to stop settling for “good enough” and start living with Big League standards. I share how a challenge from a friend, an introduction to a world-class designer, and one unforgettable sentence—“Yeah, it’s called the Big Leagues”—completely shifted my perspective on excellence.

We’ll talk about impatience, the temptation to settle, and why you need to surround yourself with people who push you to grow. If you’ve ever coasted, played it safe, or convinced yourself something was “fine,” this one’s for you. It’s not about being the best—it’s about giving your best. Every time.

🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on ⁠Amazon⁠ today.📲 Want more weekly encouragement from Ryan? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get his weekly inspiring text.

It’s easy to get along with people who think like us, act like us, and see the world like us. But what happens when we find ourselves working, living, or engaging with people who aren’t like us? In this episode, we unpack the reality of navigating differences—whether it’s political, religious, personality-driven, or even just lifestyle choices.

From serious divides to everyday annoyances (Mac vs. PC, early birds vs. night owls), we explore the four ways people handle differences:
1️⃣ Ignore them
2️⃣ Try to change them
3️⃣ Cancel them
4️⃣ Understand them

The first three? They’re easy. The fourth? That’s where growth happens.

If you’ve ever struggled to work with someone who challenges you, my new book, How to Work With Complicated People, is for you. It’s packed with practical tools to help you communicate, collaborate, and thrive alongside people who think nothing like you. Pre-order your copy today!

🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk about what it looks like to truly understand the people who are not like us.

For years, people have fixated on how much money LeBron James spends on his body—chefs, trainers, hyperbaric chambers, and state-of-the-art recovery techniques. The number floating around? $1.5 million a year. But in a recent interview, LeBron made one thing clear: it’s not about the money. It’s about the time.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we break down why time—not talent, not luck, not even money—is the real key to greatness. LeBron isn’t dominating the NBA at 40 because he’s rich. He’s dominating because he consistently invests his time in ways most people won’t.

And that brings us to your time. People say they don’t have time to build a business, get in shape, grow their influence, or strengthen their relationships. But what do you have time for? Social media? Binge-watching? Another round of golf? If you want to go to the next level, you need a next-level schedule.

This episode is a wake-up call. No more excuses. No more “I don’t have time.” The reality is, you’re going to spend the next five years doing something—the question is, will it be something that moves you forward?

If you're ready to put your schedule where your mouth is, hit play. Let’s talk about what it actually takes to be great. 🎙🔥

On today's episode, Ryan interviews Tim Schurrer about his new book The Secret Society of Success. Tim is the CEO of David Novak Leadership and Host of the "Build a Winning Team" podcast. 

There are moments when you won't get inspiration, direction, or vision from your leader. This is why you need to have some go-to questions you can have in your back pocket to help you lead yourself when you need to the most.

The first question you can ask yourself is: Why Am I Doing This?

The second question you can ask yourself is: What Credit Can I Give Away?

The third question you can ask yourself is: What Mistakes Can I Own?

When things are going well, everyone volunteers to get their piece of the success pie. When things are going south, everyone scatters because most people don't want own their piece of why things aren't working. 

Two of the most powerful words that can help you lead yourself well are: I'm sorry. 

What will make you more attractive to high-level leaders is when take ownership for your area. We should be generous with credit and hogs with the blame. 

What colleague could you call, message, or email today to apologize for something you've done in the past 6 months? What do you need to own that maybe you've been ignoring?

For more show notes and episodes, go to ryanleak.com/followership. 

There are moments when you won't get inspiration, direction, or vision from your leader. This is why you need to have some go-to questions you can have in your back pocket to help you lead yourself when you need to the most. 

The first question you can ask yourself is: Why Am I Doing This? 

What’s your why?

Is it money?

Is it status?

Is it position?

Is it proving it to somebody who didn’t think you’d ever amount to anything?

Beware of having a why that doesn’t line up with who you actually want to be.

Proving somebody wrong might actually help you win, but once you’ve proved them wrong, then what? 

There's a lot of people still trying to prove something to their parents or people they were in middle school with. They’ve been trying to keep up with Joneses they went to school with and the only problem is… the Joneses don’t live in their neighborhood anymore. 

Your why is for you, not them.

Your why needs to be strong enough to get you out of bed in the morning whether your leader has inspired you or not. 

For more show notes and episodes, go to ryanleak.com/followership.

What if the key to thriving at work isn’t about loving your job—but about loving the people you work with? In this episode, I’m unveiling my brand-new book, How to Work With Complicated People: Strategies for Effective Collaboration with Nearly Anyone, dropping on April 15.

Our national research study revealed something game-changing: job satisfaction has less to do with what you do and more to do with who you do it with. You can power through a tough job with people you enjoy, but even a dream job can feel like a nightmare with the wrong team. And here’s the reality—complicated is in the eye of the beholder. What makes someone complicated to you might not be complicated to someone else.

I’m sharing the biggest insights from our research, breaking down why learning to work with complicated people is a superpower, and giving you a roadmap to mastering this skill. Imagine if you could work with nearly anyone. Not just tolerate them—but actually thrive alongside them. That’s what this book is about.

Pre-order now at ryanleak.com/complicated or Amazon, and get ready to unlock a whole new level of leadership, collaboration, and success.

Season 2 is us going through Ryan Leak's book Chasing Failure and giving insights on how followers can embrace risk-taking in their work environments. In this episode, we talk about what Ryan learned from his time with late great Kobe Bryant.

Get ready—Season 6 of The Ryan Leak Podcast is here, and it’s packed with the short and sweet nuggets of inspiration you love. This season, we’re tackling real-life pressure, complicated people, and the gap between good and great—all with practical wisdom you can apply today.

Expect honest conversations, counterintuitive insights, and bite-sized motivation to help you level up in your leadership, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re chasing failure, navigating tough conversations, or learning to lead yourself first, this season is designed to push you forward and keep you moving.

Hit subscribe, share it with a friend, and let’s dive in—because Season 6 is all about helping you become who you were meant to be.

Having served as the Chief People Officer at NorthRock Partners, Lacey has profound insight on something she's done most of her career to help her be successful as a follower and now as a leader. Show notes can found at ryanleak.com/followership.

Lessons from Lacey:

As a follower, you have to appreciate the challenge your leader is carrying. Give them grace.

Leaders have a way of making it look easier than it really is, but it’s not easy at all. Often times, leaders are building the plane while flying.

Followers can’t be obsessed with what’s next and forget to celebrate what’s current.

You’re in control of your emotions and how you show up to work. You get a choice as to what Monday through Friday looks like.

For years, Lacey has sent a Friday email every week to almost every manager she’s ever had. In that email, she laid out what she had done that week, 5 questions that will help her have an even better week the following week. Some of those questions are:

Can you provide clarity on various projects?

If this is where I’ve failed, can you provide feedback on how I can get better?

You can’t bank on your leader thinking about you every Monday morning, but if you’re in their inbox every Friday, you’ve positioned yourself to be a better follower. For more notes go to ryanleak.com/followership.

The Ryan Leak Podcast is back! After taking a hiatus, I’m bringing this show back with a fresh perspective, a simpler format, and one goal: to give you something practical, inspiring, and thought-provoking in every episode. No fluff. No wasted time. Just one idea—one nugget—to help you be more intentional, courageous, and hopeful about your life, work, and relationships.

In this first episode back, I share the real reason I hit pause, what I learned from stepping away, and why now is the perfect time to return.

For this episode, Ryan sat down with executive coach and sports broadcaster, Laura VandeBerg to have an honest conversation about anxiety, panic attacks, and parenting. To connect with Ryan or Laura for coaching, check out ryanleak.com.

Today's episode is tackling chapter 8 From Chasing Failure entitled All I Do Is Win. One of the procrastination hacks we can employ is instead of looking at what you can accomplish in a year, look at what you can accomplish in a day. Join the conversation with Lacey Stenson and Ryan Leak to learn more. You can also get your copy of Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com. If you'd like to receive encouragement from Ryan every single week, text "Followership" to 469-809-1201.

This season we are interviewing people we think are next-level in light of Ryan's new book called Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate your Personal and Professional Development. Today's guest is Dr. Rebecca Heiss who has her PhD in Stress. In this episode of "The Adventures of Stress with PHD," Dr. Rebecca Heiss takes us on a journey of understanding the complex nature of stress. With her extensive knowledge and expertise, she sheds light on the importance of stress and how it can actually help us thrive when managed correctly. You'll get an education on the differences between positive and negative stress and why it's crucial to be aware of both. Join Ryan Leak & Dr. Heiss as they explore the benefits and challenges of stress, and provides practical tips for recognizing and harnessing it in our daily lives. This episode promises to be a thought-provoking and enlightening journey through the world of stress.

Today's episode is tackling chapter 11 from Chasing Failure, If At First You Don't Fail, Try Again. Sometimes the more success you have, the more you feel like you have to lose when thinking about trying new things. Join the conversation with Lacey Stenson and Ryan Leak as they unpack what it means to keep an innovative attitude. You can also get your copy of Chasing Failure at ryanleak.com. If you'd like to receive encouragement from Ryan every single week, text "Followership" to 469-809-1201.

This season we are interviewing people we think are next-level in light of Ryan's new book called Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate your Personal and Professional Development. Today's guest is Nona Jones who has written an incredible book entitled Killing Comparison. This episode explores the negative effects of comparison and competition in our daily lives while shedding light on the damaging impact of comparing ourselves to others on our mental and emotional well-being. In Nona's book, she dives into various aspects of comparison, from social media to workplace competition. She tackles tough questions, such as how to break free from the cycle of comparison and find happiness within ourselves. Whether you're struggling with comparison yourself or just looking to gain a better understanding of its effects, today's episode is a must-listen. 

Ryan Leak sat down with Hesha Abrams for this latest episode of Followership with Ryan Leak to discuss conflict resolution. Hesha is an internationally acclaimed master attorney mediator, known for crafting highly creative settlements and resolutions in very difficult matters. She has the unique talent to manage big egos and strong personalities with a keen ability to create synergy amongst the most diverse personality types, driving them toward agreement. By Holding the Calm, she has created settlements worth billions of dollars and saved clients billions more using her innovative approaches to deal making. She now specializes in crafting innovative solutions for complex or difficult matters and has resolved thousands of cases, both large and small, in every conceivable area during her career. You can purchase Holding the Calm at Amazon today here.