In this episode, Russell sits down with Eric Nitzberg, founder of Sierra Leadership, executive coach, and trusted advisor to CEOs and senior leaders. Eric works with high-performing executives to help them focus on what truly matters—bringing clarity, confidence, and deeper self-awareness to leadership in complex and fast-moving environments.

With more than two decades of experience coaching senior leaders, Eric shares insights into how executives navigate pressure, decision-making, and personal growth while leading organizations through rapid change.

A central theme of the conversation is the reality of leadership today: faster decisions, less information, and the growing influence of AI on how leaders think and operate. Eric discusses how leaders can maintain perspective in high-growth, high-pressure environments—and why being kind to yourself may be one of the most important leadership practices.

As Eric reminds us during the conversation:

“Perfect is the enemy of good.”

The discussion also explores Eric’s unconventional career journey—from working in the church to becoming an executive coach—and how that experience shaped his understanding of leadership, listening, and personal development.

Eric also shares a fascinating story about navigating a difficult professional situation involving his client and another stakeholder. in the company. Faced with the question of who to speak to first, Eric discovered an unexpected “third way” that ultimately resolved the situation and strengthened the relationships.

Eric and Russell also revisit a classic leadership concept from The One Minute Manager—the idea of the “monkey”—and how leaders can unintentionally take on other people’s problems, adding unnecessary stress and distraction to their already full plates.

This episode is a thoughtful and practical conversation about leadership in an era of complexity, speed, and constant change.

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