Podcast
Deep Leadership
Hosted by Jon S. Rennie · EN
“Leadership is a People Business.” That's the philosophy of this leadership podcast from Jon Rennie. It's real-world, actionable advice from Jon as well as his expert guests. As a former Cold War Submarine Officer who spent 22 years leading businesses in Corporate America before starting his own manufacturing business, he knows that leadership matters!
19episodes
Episodes
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#0430 – The Networking Mistake That Could Cost You Your Career with Greg Roche
2w ago00:38:04Tap to summarizeThe Networking Mistake That Could Cost You Your Career What happens when you lose your job… and realize you have nobody to call? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with networking expert and author Greg Roche to discuss why so many professionals wait too long to build meaningful relationships and how that mistake can quietly damage careers. Greg shares how losing his HR leadership role forced him to rethink networking completely. As an introvert, traditional networking events felt awkward, exhausting, and ineffective. So he developed a different approach built around authentic one-on-one relationships instead of cold conversations and crowded mixers. We also dive into why connection inside organizations matters more than compensation, why employees leave when they feel disconnected, and how leaders can create stronger cultures through intentional relationships. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable networking, struggled to maintain professional relationships, or realized your network isn’t as strong as it should be, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can use immediately. In this episode: Why most people build their network too late The introvert-friendly approach to networking How to reconnect with old contacts naturally Why trust-based relationships improve retention The hidden reason employees leave organizations Simple ways leaders can build stronger workplace connections Connect with Greg Roche: Greg Roche on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsroche/Get the book - The Fast and Easy Guide to Networking for Introverts - https://amzn.to/4nd1nug Subscribe to Deep Leadership: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and share it with someone who wants to become a better leader. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0429 – Why Smart People Get the World Wrong with Peter Lamont
3w ago00:40:05Tap to summarizeWhy do smart people get things so wrong? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Professor Peter Lamont to explore a powerful idea: it’s not what you think that matters most—it’s how you think. We dive into his concept of Radical Thinking—a different approach to critical thinking that challenges you to examine the roots of your beliefs. Peter explains why every one of us is operating from a limited view of reality, shaped by what we notice—and what we miss. If you're a leader, this conversation will challenge how you make decisions, how you communicate, and how you understand others. Because leadership is a people business—and people see the world in very different ways. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your view of the world is always incomplete What Radical Thinking really means (and why it matters) How echo chambers and algorithms shape your thinking Why curiosity matters more than being right How better thinking leads to better leadership If you want to make better decisions, lead more effectively, and see the bigger picture—this episode is for you. Connect with Peter Lamont: Blog: https://www.peterlamont.net/facultyofwonder Website: https://www.peterlamont.net/ Get the book Radical Thinking: https://amzn.to/4w6gQk3 Subscribe to Deep Leadership: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and share it with someone who wants to become a better leader. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0428 – Why Self-Awareness Is the Leadership Skill Most Leaders Lack with Margaret Andrews
3w ago00:35:57Tap to summarizeWhy Self-Awareness Is the Leadership Skill Most Leaders Lack Most leaders don’t fail because they lack skill, experience, or good intentions—they fail because they don’t truly understand themselves. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Margaret Andrews, author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others, to unpack why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership—and why so many leaders struggle without it. We talk about the gap between intentions and behaviors, why leaders often feel misunderstood, and how a lack of self-awareness quietly erodes trust, communication, and performance. Margaret shares a practical framework to help you better understand who you are, what drives you, and how others actually experience you as a leader. If you’ve ever felt like your message isn’t landing, your team isn’t responding the way you expect, or you’re not leading at the level you know you can—this conversation will challenge you in the right way. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why good intentions aren’t enough in leadership The real reason leaders feel misunderstood A simple framework to build self-awareness How to align your behavior with your leadership goals Why growth feels uncomfortable—and why that’s a good sign Connect with Margaret Andrews:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/Website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/ Get the book:Manage Yourself to Lead Others https://amzn.to/4ukgqVl Subscribe to Deep Leadership: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and share it with someone who wants to become a better leader. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0427 – Leadership Decisions You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong with Dr. Linda Henman
4w ago00:36:31Tap to summarizeLeadership Decisions You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Linda Henman, advisor, author, and expert in high-stakes decision-making, to talk about the leadership decisions you simply can’t afford to get wrong. Most organizations are full of people who know how to execute. They run fast, deliver results, and get promoted. But when the stakes are high, execution isn’t enough. The real differentiator is knowing which decisions matter most—and getting them right under pressure. Drawing on her research into resilience—including studies of American POWs—and decades of advising C-suite leaders, Linda explains why great leadership starts long before the crisis hits. It’s about building the judgment, confidence, and clarity to make tough calls when there’s no playbook. We also dig into one of the biggest mistakes companies make: promoting high performers into roles that require strategic thinking—and the costly consequences that follow. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or aspiring executive, this conversation will challenge how you think about hiring, promotion, and decision-making at the highest levels. In this episode, we cover: Why resilience is a choice—not just “bouncing back” The difference between tactical performers and strategic thinkers How to make decisions when the stakes are high and the path is unclear Why most companies promote the wrong people The role of values and integrity in tough leadership calls How to hire and develop leaders who can actually think strategically Connect with Dr. Linda Henman: Website: https://henmanperformancegroup.comBooks: Available on Amazon (including Healthy Decisions and Risky Business) https://amzn.to/3ODhmFp Subscribe to Deep Leadership: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and share it with someone who wants to become a better leader. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0426 – Stop Being the Fixer & Start Leading People with Robert Heath, Sr.
4w ago00:39:10Tap to summarizeMost leaders don’t fail because they don’t care. They fail because no one ever taught them how to lead. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Robert Heath Sr., a former Marine Corps officer, attorney, and leadership coach, to unpack one of the biggest traps leaders fall into—the need to be the fixer. If you’re the person everyone relies on to solve problems, this conversation might hit close to home. Because the truth is this: The skills that made you successful as an individual contributor are the exact skills that will hold you back as a leader. We dig into: Why high performers struggle when they step into leadership roles The hidden cost of “being the go-to person.” Why leadership is the opposite of getting things done yourself How to shift from problem solver to obstacle remover The power of aligning purpose, identity, and daily actions Why miscommunication is quietly draining your team’s performance How to actually empower your team to step up and take ownership Robert shares hard-earned lessons from the military, education, and corporate world—and breaks down what it really takes to bring out the best in your people. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated with your team, or stuck carrying too much… this episode will give you a better way forward. Connect with Robert Heath Sr.:Website: https://www.robertheathsr.com Free Resources for Podcast Listeners! Loved what you heard from Robert on today’s episode? Take your leadership to the next level with two free tools designed to help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUgyl95jg0nhjjbruVhmfdhbbFWnFS5aErFK0U0dcYifplLQ/viewform Subscribe to Deep Leadership: If you want to become a better leader and build a world with better bosses, hit subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0425 – Great at Your Job? That Doesn’t Mean You’re a Great Leader with Dr. Peter James
Apr 1800:37:06Tap to summarizeWhat happens when your best performer becomes your worst leader? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Peter James, President and CEO of HCG Strategic Partners, to unpack one of the most common (and costly) mistakes organizations make: promoting great individual contributors into leadership roles without preparing them to lead. Peter brings a rare perspective shaped by leadership in the military, corporate America, and higher education. Together, we break down why being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great leader—and what actually does. We dive into: Why top performers often struggle when they step into leadership The critical role of self-awareness in leading others Why most leaders don’t realize they’re failing The importance of having someone who will hold you accountable How organizations can better prepare people for leadership roles What it takes to build a culture that can adapt and thrive in constant change If you’ve ever been promoted (or are about to be), this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership—and give you practical ways to get better. Connect with Peter: Website: https://hcgstrategies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpeterajames/ Book: Every Day Is A Monday - https://amzn.to/3QMUJid Subscribe to Deep Leadership:If you’re serious about becoming a better leader, hit subscribe and join us as we work to build a world with better bosses. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0424 – Broken Trust: How Great Leaders Fix It with Dr. Darryl Stickel
Apr 1100:40:08Tap to summarizeBroken Trust: How Great Leaders Fix It Trust is at some of the lowest levels we’ve ever seen—and leaders are paying the price. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Darryl Stickel to unpack what trust really is, why it’s collapsing in today’s uncertain world, and how great leaders rebuild it inside their teams. We talk about the real definition of trust (it’s not what you think), why confidence without certainty destroys credibility, and how leaders can create “pockets of excellence” even in broken organizations. If you’re leading in a time of uncertainty—and let’s be honest, we all are—this conversation will give you practical tools to build trust, strengthen your team, and become a leader worth following. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why trust is the foundation of every high-performing team The hidden reason trust is breaking down in organizations today How uncertainty and vulnerability shape every leadership decision The three drivers of trust: benevolence, integrity, and ability How to build trust even if your organization is struggling Simple ways to show your team you “have their back” About Dr. Darryl Stickel: Dr. Darryl Stickel is a leading expert on trust and the author of Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World. He helps leaders and organizations understand how trust works—and how to build it when it matters most. Resources & Links: 🌐 Website: https://trustunlimited.com 📘 Book: Building Trust https://amzn.to/3OgMzhe 🎧 Previous episode with Darryl: (Episode 118) https://jonsrennie.com/2022/05/12/deep-leadership-episode-118-building-trust-with-darryl-stickel/ If you want to become a leader worth following, start by building trust. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help us build a world with better bosses. Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0423 – Claim Authority First – Then Figure It Out with Tom Kubiniec
Apr 500:37:56Tap to summarizeWhat if you didn’t wait for permission… and just claimed authority? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I sit down with Tom Kubiniec, President and CEO of Securit Tactical, who built multiple successful companies without a degree, corporate experience, or a traditional playbook. Tom shares how he carved out a leadership position in an industry that had no clear expert—and why sometimes the fastest way forward is to step up, take ownership, and back it up with action. We also dig into: Why simplicity beats complexity in business How to become the “leading authority” in your space The hiring mistake that holds companies back Why great leaders fire fast and decide faster How to create a culture that scales as you grow The power of communication and presence in leadership This is a conversation about bold thinking, decisive action, and leading with confidence—even when you don’t have all the answers. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to level up, this episode will challenge how you think about authority, growth, and success. Tom Kubiniec's Resource: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkubiniec/ https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/ Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0422 – Crisis Is Coming. Are You Ready? With Stephanie Craig
Mar 2700:36:25Tap to summarizeCrisis Is Coming. Are You Ready? Every leader will face a crisis. The question is whether you’ll be prepared—or caught off guard. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Stephanie Craig, President of Kith, to talk about what most leaders get wrong about crisis management—and how to fix it before it’s too late. Stephanie shares why crisis preparedness is a mindset, not a checklist, and how trust, clarity, and communication determine whether your organization survives—or comes out stronger. We also dive into: Why most companies treat crisis prep like a “check-the-box” exercise The difference between your brand and your reputation (and why it matters) How to build trust before a crisis hits Real-world examples of companies that turned potential disasters into wins Practical ways small and mid-sized businesses can prepare without massive budgets If you lead a team, run a business, or want to become a better leader—this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Connect with Stephanie Craig:🌐 Website: https://kith.co📊 Crisis Resilient 365: https://crisisresilient365.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigstephanie/ Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#0421 – Stop Fixing Problems - Do This Instead with George Pesansky
Mar 2100:38:10Tap to summarizeStop Fixing Problems! Most leaders are trained to hunt problems, fix issues, and eliminate failure. But what if that mindset is actually limiting performance? In this episode, Jon sits down with George Pesansky, author of Super Performance, to challenge the way we think about leadership, operations, and improvement. Instead of obsessing over what’s broken, George explains how the best leaders identify what’s working—and then scale it. You’ll learn: Why focusing on failure holds teams back The concept of the “Golden Hour” and how to replicate peak performance How leaders unknowingly create a culture of mediocrity Why your best people may be holding back (and how to unlock them) A better way to drive consistent, high-level results If you want to build a high-performing team, it starts with changing what you pay attention to. George Pesansky's resources: https://georgepesansky.com/ https://myblendedlearning.com/ https://amzn.to/4lJm4gU Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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