Podcast
McCoy Leadership
Hosted by Amos McCoy · EN
Elevate your leadership impact with the McCoy Leadership Podcast. Hosted by Amos McCoy, this podcast features insightful conversations with global experts, offering actionable strategies for executives, entrepreneurs, and team leaders. Whether you're transitioning from manager to leader or refining your skills, discover inspiring stories and expert advice to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. Perfect for those aiming to drive success in business, teams, and organizations.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Hard Hat Philosophy: Randy Bridge on Leadership, Trust, and Blue Collar Growth
May 1300:31:40Tap to summarizeWelcome to the McCoy Leadership Podcast, where we dive deep into real leadership stories. Today, I spoke with Randy Bridge, an Army veteran who worked his way up from cleaning toilets to senior leadership in the railroad industry. Randy shared his hard-earned philosophy: show up, do good work, and take care of your people. We explored the challenges of leading through tough times, the power of trust, and why preparing for an AI-driven future matters. If you’re ready for honest, practical leadership advice, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to check out Randy’s book, Hard Hat Philosophy! ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 Starting a management career 03:46 Career advancement through skill development 06:40 Starting Gray Eagle Media Group 11:17 Navigating workplace disagreements 15:47 Building trust with employees 18:06 Building trust with transparency 20:39 Explaining a work incident 24:29 Snow issues in unprepared areas 28:04 Best advice from a mentor 30:33 Using AI for book editing ------ 🔑 Here are 3 key takeaways from our talk: Leadership is hands-on. Being present and fair with your team isn’t just good practice—it’s everything. Trust is built through consistency and honesty, and once lost, it’s hard to regain. Keep it simple. My "Hard Hat Philosophy" boils leadership down to three essentials: show up, do good work, and take care of your people. Complicated spreadsheets don’t lead teams—humans do. Learn, adapt, and support. No one rises alone. Mentors and continuous skill-building are vital. As Craig Mitchell taught me, genuine leadership means investing in people and not taking things too personally. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Randy's Links LinkedIn Randy's Website Book Recommendation
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Connecting Science and Leadership: Wendy Hultmark’s Experience Coaching Lab Leaders
Apr 2900:41:06Tap to summarizeOn today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Wendy Hultmark, a leadership and career coach for scientists, to unpack what it really takes to build engaged, high-performing teams—even in environments as unique as the research lab. Wendy shared her journey from a rewarding HR career to coaching, dished out actionable advice for business owners without formal HR, and highlighted why trust and mission alignment are crucial for any leader. If you want to elevate your leadership and truly support your people, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 05:44 Creating an effective work environment 07:56 Building trust for better results 13:31 Challenges in lab leadership 16:12 Paths to Becoming a Lab Leader 20:28 Deciding to address performance issues 22:26 Teaching mental math at work 29:00 Managing lab funding decisions 30:54 Gaining clarity through a mental shift 35:52 Advice on anticipating challenges 39:18 Discovering a 1992 Sears Wish Book ------ Here are 3 key takeaways for leaders in any field: Create Environments for Success: Remove obstacles and clarify objectives so people can do their best work—not just complete tasks. Leadership is about fostering conditions for others to thrive. Humanity Drives Results: Leaning into the “human side” of leadership—building trust, engaging teams, and being transparent—actually accelerates results and aligns teams. Leadership Is a Skill, Not an Accident: Many technical experts find themselves in leadership roles without formal training. Investing in leadership development is crucial, regardless of your industry. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links Wendy's LinkedIn Wendy's Website Wendy's book reccomendation
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From Ministry to Marketing: Charlie Sells on Clear Messaging and Leading with Curiosity
Apr 100:40:49Tap to summarizeOn today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with branding strategist Charlie Sells to unpack the real story behind building a strong brand. We talked about why consistency across your business matters way more than chasing the latest trends, and how getting clear on who you serve is the key to standing out. Charlie shared his top tips for solopreneurs, business owners, and leaders—reminding us that curiosity and asking better questions always beat certainty. If you’re serious about leveling up your brand and leadership, this episode is a must-listen! ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 From Ministry to Marketing 06:09 "Defining Branding and Consistency" 07:57 Simple, Consistent Customer Communication 13:39 Rethinking Agency Playbook Strategies 17:15 Certainty Erodes, Exploration Builds 18:10 "Yearly Brand Coaching Matters" 22:05 Building Foundations Beyond Branding 25:54 Leadership Through Curiosity 29:03 "Overcoming Comparison & Finding Focus" 33:26 "Charlie Sells: Services & Clarity" 36:00 "Lead Every Day Insights" 39:00 AI Tools and Prompt Strategies ------ Some key takeaways that stood out to me: Consistency Outperforms Perfection Posting something consistently is more valuable than waiting for perfection. As Charlie Sells says, stepping into the arena and building consistency trains your audience and builds trust over time. Get Curious & Ask Better Questions Before diving into tactics and tech, get genuinely curious about your business, your processes, and your customers. Great leaders don’t assume they have all the answers—they ask better questions and listen deeply. Know Your Customer Before Marketing Whether you’re a solopreneur or growing business, don’t fall into the trap of thinking your product or service is for everyone. As Charlie puts it, “your product could be for anyone, but it’s definitely not for everyone.” Start with understanding your customer before you dive into brand building or marketing. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links Charlie's LinkedIn Charlie's website book recommendation
Transcribe →Building Stronger Tech Foundations: Matt Dorman on When and Why to Hire Outside Experts
Mar 2500:34:31Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Matt Dorman, co-founder of Endeavor, to talk all things digital transformation for manufacturing. We explored why keeping your company’s tech stack modern is crucial, how small businesses can avoid common mistakes when updating their websites and workflows, and why integrating accurate, actionable data is non-negotiable in today’s market. Matt also shared top trends, including the rise of practical AI solutions and advice for when to call in the pros. If you’re ready to future-proof your business, you won’t want to miss these insights! ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 "Early Internet Fascination" 06:11 "Ensuring Accurate, Updated Information" 10:13 "Tech vs Content Company Identity" 12:39 "Team Expertise vs. Individual Hiring" 15:22 Website Issues: Maintenance vs. Rebuild 19:07 "Streamlined Problem Solving Approach" 23:34 "Navigating Subscriptions and Platforms" 26:32 Monitoring Website Performance Issues 31:45 "Importance of School Clubs" 32:55 "Open Claude AI Tool" ------ Here are my top 3 takeaways for leaders and innovators looking to leverage digital tools for business growth: 🔹 Maintenance Is Key: Don't wait until your website or systems are broken to make changes. Regular updates and ongoing maintenance can save you from major headaches and costly rebuilds down the road. 🔹 Know When to DIY vs. Hire Experts: While DIY tools can get you far, as your digital needs grow more complex—especially with integrations and automation—it pays to bring in specialized partners. The value isn't just in coding, but in strategic guidance and scalability. 🔹 Data Accuracy Drives Trust: Outdated or inaccurate information erodes customer trust instantly. In today's fast-paced world, ensuring data is current, consistent, and actionable is essential for both B2C and B2B businesses. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links Matt's LinkedIn Matt's website book recommendation
Transcribe →From Integrity to Humor: Jim Carlough’s Roadmap for Modern Leadership Success
Mar 1800:42:07Tap to summarizeIf you want to take your leadership to the next level, you can’t miss this conversation with Jim Carlough, author of The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership. We dive into the timeless principles every leader needs—like integrity, empathy, stability, focus, and even humor. Jim shares powerful stories and actionable strategies for building trust, reducing turnover, and creating teams that perform—and stay. Whether you’re leading a business or your own family, these insights will help you lead with purpose and impact. ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 "Leadership Gaps and Workplace Issues" 04:31 "Reducing Leadership Turnover Challenges" 08:03 "Integrity as a Guiding Pillar" 14:08 "Prioritizing Family Builds Commitment" 16:09 Compassion Leads to Better Deals 20:27 "Learning Through Mistakes and Perspective" 25:30 "Leadership Focus Fixes Failures" 27:22 Focus Drives Success and Innovation 33:15 "Bold Icebreaker at Presentation" 36:55 "Finding Value in Books" 39:01 "AI Boosts Productivity and Research" 41:47 Podcast Wrap-Up and Thanks ------ Here are 3 key takeaways: Integrity is Non-Negotiable: The foundation of effective leadership is transparency and integrity. When you operate with honesty, you foster trust and psychological safety for your team. Empathy & Compassion Drive Performance: Recognizing your team’s humanity—and responding with genuine empathy and compassion—not only supports well-being but also boosts loyalty and productivity. Stability & Humor Matter: Consistent, stable leadership helps teams weather challenges, and a touch of humor builds stronger bonds and a positive atmosphere, even during high-stress moments. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links Jim's LinkedIn Jim's Website Jim's Book
Transcribe →From Stuck to Unstoppable: Ed Muzio’s Practical Tools for Accelerating Team Performance
Mar 1100:35:48Tap to summarizeOn today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Ed Muzio, founder of Group Harmonics and bestselling author, to dive into the power of iterative management. Ed shared why high-performing teams make more mistakes—because they’re always taking action, learning, and adapting. We explored how real progress happens when leaders shift from rigid planning to empowering teams, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and constantly improving. ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 "Steps Informing Progress" 06:36 "Leadership Requires Different Skillsets" 09:07 Decisions Drive Success 10:53 Adapting Through Mistakes 14:02 "Preventing Failure Through Incremental Adjustments" 17:47 Unlocking Systemic Change Problems 23:57 Iterative Management Culture Shift 25:22 Embracing Cross-Functional Collaboration 28:14 "Streamlined Problem-Solving Process" 33:34 "Game-Changing Navigation Evolution" 35:02 "Finding Direction Without GPS" ------ Here are 3 key takeaways you don't want to miss: Iterative Execution Drives Success Ed Muzio emphasized the power of taking incremental steps, learning, and adjusting along the way—rather than waiting for the perfect plan. High-performing organizations make more wrong decisions simply because they act and adapt faster. Collaboration > Hierarchy Moving from traditional "North American management" to an iterative approach means fostering group intelligence. When teams focus on collective goals and share resources openly, cross-functional problem-solving becomes the norm and political silos disappear. Tools Are Only as Good as the Team Using Them While strategic planning and models matter, Ed Muzio highlighted that unleashing group intelligence is the game-changer: “They will find the models when you release the group intelligence.” Building systems that listen and empower quick decisions can create immediate, measurable impact. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links Ed's LinkedIn Group Harmonics Ed's Book
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How to Create Meaningful Workplace Experiences That Retain Talent
Mar 400:46:59Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Oksana Lukash, an inspiring people strategist with over 20 years of HR experience. We dived deep into what it really means to build workplace cultures where employees truly matter—and how that drives better customer experiences and business success. Oksana shared actionable tips on hiring for true value alignment, creating environments that ignite performance, and why embracing who you are is the key to great leadership. If you want to elevate your team and lead with heart, this conversation is a must-listen! ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 Journey to HR Advocacy 04:38 Cultural Work Norms and Expectations 08:01 "Prioritize Employees for Better Service" 11:03 Balancing Mission and Employee Focus 13:19 "Balancing Employee Passion and Business" 17:24 "Interview Alignment and Company Values" 20:43 "Recruiting Challenges and Culture Fit" 25:44 "Redefining Workplace Policies Respectfully" 29:39 Uncovering Employee Potential 33:01 Cost of Living Adjustment Process 37:14 "Authenticity Over Chasing Trends" 40:35 "Be Yourself at Work" 42:51 Prioritize Basics in Education Funding 45:42 "AI: Creating Capacity, Not Efficiency" ------ Top 3 takeaways 🔹 Culture Fit Starts Early: Oksana emphasized that companies should be unapologetically clear about their culture and values—not just during onboarding but throughout the entire recruiting process. This helps attract talent who will truly thrive in your environment. 🔹 Investing in Employees Pays Off: Treating your team as your most valuable asset isn’t just good for morale—it’s good for business. Companies that go above and beyond for employees naturally see those same employees deliver outstanding service to customers. 🔹 Personal Growth is Key: Oksana’s approach to development puts the responsibility on both leaders and employees. Encourage team members to own their growth, then support them with projects and experiences that align with their goals—even if that sometimes means helping them grow beyond your organization. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links Oksana's LinkedIn Oksana's Website Book Recommendation
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Overcoming Mediocrity: Dr. Matt Kutz’s Approach to Personal and Professional Growth
Feb 2500:34:56Tap to summarizeOn today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Matt Kutz to dive deep into what it truly means to become epic in our leadership journey. From lessons learned in sports medicine and coaching to transformative life experiences, Dr. Kutz revealed how excellence, perception, inspiration, and compassion are key to overcoming mediocrity. If you’re ready to level up, embrace feedback, seek guidance from multiple coaches, and strive for continuous improvement—this episode is for you. Let’s commit to taking our leadership seriously and rising above average together! ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 From Frustration to Fulfillment 06:25 Maximizing Potential Beyond Formal Education 09:10 "Elite Athletes' Work Ethic" 12:55 "Recognizing and Addressing Weaknesses" 15:12 "Honesty in Assessments Matters" 19:04 "Facing Cancer and Growth" 20:25 "40 Days of Writing Resilience" 26:15 "Ambition vs. Contentment" 27:05 "Lessons from Auctions and Dreams" 30:13 "Parable of the Talents" 34:29 "Thanks and Subscribe!" ------ Here are my top 3 takeaways: Coaching Isn’t Optional for High Performance: Just like elite athletes have multiple coaches and never stop practicing, leaders must also embrace continuous growth by seeking feedback and outside guidance. Don’t settle—keep leveling up! Self-Awareness is Critical: Many leaders shy away from honest self-assessment, and that’s a huge barrier. Whether it’s formal assessments or 360-degree feedback, the real progress happens when we’re open, vulnerable, and willing to confront our blind spots. Strive for Excellence, Not Just “Good Enough”: Dr. Kutz’s ‘EPIC’ mindset—Excellence, Perception, Inspiration, Compassion—challenges us to break free from mediocrity and continually pursue our fullest potential, both personally and professionally. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Dr Matt's Links LinkedIn Personal Website Company Website Book Recommendation
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The Power of Story: Charlie Wetzel’s Journey Through Writing, Coaching, and Leadership
Feb 1600:47:02Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Charlie Wetzel, a prolific author who's written over 120 books—including several New York Times bestsellers. Charlie shared his incredible journey from struggling writer to collaborating with John Maxwell for more than three decades, unpacking the power of writing, leadership, and authentic communication. We discussed why every leader should develop their writing skills, the impact of AI in publishing, and Charlie’s mission to coach aspiring authors. ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 "Prolific Journey in Writing" 06:38 "Overcoming Writing's First Challenge" 08:27 First Article Published Journey 11:22 "Writing: Environment and Structure" 14:40 "Writing and Speaking Effectively" 20:03 AI: A Mix of Mediocrity 21:42 AI in Creativity and Content 26:53 "Human Touch Matters More" 28:30 "Build Teams Over Dinner" 31:12 "Author Coaching and Mastermind Program" 34:51 "Coaching Writers for a Decade" 40:42 "Five Levels of Leadership" 43:28 "Unlocking Doors Through Reading" 45:19 "Embracing Simplicity in Technology" ------ Here are 3 key takeaways: Writing clarifies thinking and expands influence: As Charlie Wetzel says, “You really don’t know what you think about a subject until you’ve written it down.” Leaders who learn to write effectively not only become clearer communicators—they also gain the power to impact audiences far beyond their immediate sphere. AI can’t replace human storytelling: While technology provides new tools, Charlie cautions that AI-generated content lacks authenticity, soul, and the unique perspective that only you can offer. If you want your message to resonate—especially in books or courses—your personal experiences and voice matter. Human connection matters more than ever: In today’s tech-heavy environment, simple gestures—like handwritten notes, phone calls, or face-to-face conversations—are becoming even more meaningful. As Charlie observes, real leadership is rooted in personal touch and genuine relationships. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links Charlie's LinkedIn Charlie's Website https://learn.charliewetzel.com/courses/answerthecall Book Recommendations The Five Levels of Leadership The Master Plan of Evangelism
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Building Better Leaders: Communication, Connection, and Growth with Alan Lazaros
Feb 1100:32:03Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, to dive deep into the real essentials of leadership. We talk about the power of personal development, why human connection matters more than ever in a tech-driven world, and how classic principles still drive results even as tools change. If you want to elevate your leadership, master communication, and keep growing—this conversation is packed with insight you don’t want to miss. Listen now and take your impact to the next level! ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 "Personal Development Beyond School" 05:11 "Coaching, Relationships, and Punctuation" 09:28 "Timeless Gratitude in Business" 13:04 "Learning, Reflection, and Innovation" 14:58 "Leadership: Growth, Not Manipulation" 19:12 "Human Connection Amid Tech Growth" 21:38 "Leadership: Influence vs. Manipulation" 25:18 "Constantly Improve and Connect" 28:20 "Global Influence Through Technology" 30:20 "One Message for Educators" ------ Here are 3 key takeaways from our discussion: Human Connection Will Always Win: As Alan Lazaros pointed out, in an increasingly tech-driven world, genuine human connection and community are the differentiators. People crave belonging and real interaction—no algorithm can replace that. Personal Development Is Non-Negotiable: Our education system teaches plenty about professional success, but as Alan Lazaros shared, “personal development is not a part of it, whereas professional development is.” Skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and self-awareness are must-haves for 21st-century leadership. Tech Is a Tool, Not a Crutch: Embrace innovation and use platforms like ChatGPT to learn and level up, but never outsource your authenticity. Let tech enhance your message, not replace your voice. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links LinkedIn Website Book Recommendation
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