Episodes
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In episode 63 of the Potential Leader Lab Podcast, we explore what role feedback from others plays in your evolution, and why is it essential to discern whose feedback to value.
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
Throughout the episode, I emphasize the importance of feedback — discerning who to seek it from and how to filter it effectively. It's not about chasing everyone else's version of who we should be; rather, it's about carefully identifying and valuing the feedback that aligns with our goals.
We unpack the concept of being "antifragile," a term coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, which refers to systems or people that thrive and grow stronger through challenges and stressors.
This episode also touches on the existential aspects of our evolution, particularly in relation to others. We consider Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of "hell is other people" from his play "No Exit" to illustrate how others play a significant role in shaping our journey.
★ Key Topics ★
00:00 "Myth of Self-Determined Evolution"
04:30 Iterate Feedback to Improve Self
08:21 "Feedback Prioritization Strategy"
11:28 Self-Improvement for Effective Leadership
13:50 Experiencing Ourselves Through Others
18:32 Cultivating Effective Feedback Loops
_______________________________
👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer
Subscribe: perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: perrymaughmer.com/contact
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#leadershipdevelopment #leadershippodcast #personalgrowth #existentialism #perrymaughmer #podcast #leadershipdynamics #leadership #leadershipcoaching #leadershipskills #leadershiptips #leadershipinspiration #markmurphey #hardgoals
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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In episode 62 of the Potential Leader Lab Podcast, I challenge you to shift your perspective and talk about failure as a verb, rather than a noun.
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
Our discussion will begin by deconstructing difference between "illusions" and "delusions". Why? Because in today’s cultural climate, there is a such strong emphasis on success that it's crucial for leaders to step back and better understand why we desire success in the first place, and how we might measure it differently. As always, i will leave you with some practical tips and additional learning resources that you can put into immediate action.
★ Key Topics ★
05:40 Concern Over Perception of Failure
08:40 Growth Through Failure
12:27 Embrace Failure to Overcome Fear
15:31 "Embracing Failure with Humility"
18:34 Innovation Requires Embracing Failure
_______________________________
👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer
Subscribe: perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: perrymaughmer.com/contact
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#leadershipdevelopment #leadershippodcast #personalgrowth #existentialism #perrymaughmer #podcast #leadershipdynamics #leadership #leadershipcoaching #leadershipskills #leadershiptips #leadershipinspiration #markmurphey #hardgoals
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Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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Episodes manquant?
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In episode 61 of the Potential Leader Lab Podcast, we unlock the transformative power of generative leadership and listening to elevate your organizational potential. My expert guest is Brent Robertson of Be Generative, a firm that has gained 25 years of experience helping leaders navigate the most pivotal moments of their careers.
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
In the 60-minute conversation, we explore the evolution of leadership into a generative act, and deconstruct the significance of curiosity and listening, the two-way catalysts that shape our paths as leaders. We share practical take-aways on how leaders can use these insights to drive meaningful change.
★ Key Topics ★
0:43 - The Evolution of Generative Leadership
3:07 - Exploring Human Systems and Dynamics
6:04 - Unpacking Catalysts: Push vs. Pull
12:00 - The Art of Listening: Beyond Understanding
16:05 - The Unexplored Power of Curiosity in Leadership
26:23 - Balancing Knowledge and Mystery
31:34 - Transformative Conversations: Experiments in Leadership
41:57 - Moving from Unknown to Unknowable
_______________________________
👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer
Subscribe: perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: perrymaughmer.com/contact
👋 Find Brent Robertson 👋
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brentrobertson
Instagram: instagram.com/be_generative
Subscribe: be-generative.com/podcast-1
Contact: be-generative.com/contact-4
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Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer...
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In this episode 60 of the Potential Leader Lab Podcast, we're breaking free from societal molds and false narratives that stifle authentic leadership.
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
I discuss how embracing your existential freedom can become a revolutionary act in today’s world. Drawing inspiration from Albert Camus and my own experiences, we explore why true leadership means creating a better world through our actions and choices.
Join us as we go deep into the importance of living questions rather than seeking finite answers, how to authentically lead in a world that values conformity, and the profound impact of living to the point of tears by pursuing what truly matters. This episode is a call to rebel against the mundane and create a legacy of meaningful change. And, I'll leave you with 5 practical concepts you can take home to start experimenting and evolving as a leader
★ Key Topics ★
03:05 The illusion of control and the freedom of rebellion.
06:14 Why authenticity in leadership matters more than ever.
10:37 How societal conditioning influences our leadership styles.
15:22 The role of existential questions in personal and professional growth.
20:45 Practical steps to integrate rebellion and creation into your approach.
25:32 Embracing life’s challenges as opportunities for authentic leadership.
30:18 Leading by example and inspiring others to think differently.
_______________________________
👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer
Subscribe: perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: perrymaughmer.com/contact
📚 Learning Resources Mentioned 📚
Hard Goals : The Secret to Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be – 2010
by Mark Murphy (Author)
https://amzn.to/4hWFMml
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#leadershipdevelopment #leadershippodcast #personalgrowth #existentialism #perrymaughmer #podcast #leadershipdynamics #leadership #leadershipcoaching #leadershipskills #leadershiptips #leadershipinspiration #markmurphey #hardgoals
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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What if you were to replace the term "goal" with "quest." How do you think this shift in terminology could impact your mindset and approach toward achieving objectives? In episode 59 of the Potential Leader Lab Podcast, we explore a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of leadership: relentless repetition.
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
Imagine if the greatest failure of leaders isn't a lack of ambition, but rather an inability to focus on what truly matters. In this episode, I'll unravel why maniacal focus and relentless repetition are the ultimate tools for effective leadership. I'll discuss how the courage to commit to these principles can counteract the overwhelm of endless priorities, leading to success and clarity.
I discuss the etymology of courage, the pitfalls of multitasking, the power of a singular quest, and the significance of patience and integrity. I'll also explore practical strategies to simplify complexity, build momentum through repetition, and cultivate a culture of clarity in your organization.
Remember, leadership isn't about doing more; it's about doing less, better, and louder. So, let's embark on this journey to unlock the true potential of focused, repetitive actions in leadership.
★ Key Topics ★
03:10 Instant gratification hinders sustainable, impactful planning.
06:28 Focus on high-value activities to prevent burnout.
12:42 Commit to one goal for clarity and confidence.
14:55 Perception of success creates an unrealistic illusion.
19:37 Prioritize meaningful tasks over many incomplete ones.
20:33 Leadership: Ask questions, embrace unknown, do less.
_______________________________
👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer
Subscribe: perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: perrymaughmer.com/contact
📚 Learning Resources Mentioned 📚
The 80-20 Rule (aka Pareto Principle): What It Is, How It Works
investopedia.com/terms/1/80-20-rule.asp
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#leadershipdevelopment #leadershippodcast #personalgrowth #existentialism #perrymaughmer #podcast #leadershipdynamics #leadership #leadershipcoaching #leadershipskills #leadershiptips #leadershipinspiration #8020rule
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving...
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In episode 58 of the Potential Leader Lab Podcast, we explore the evolution of leadership beyond the cult of me, using Maslow's hierarchy of human needs as a foundation.
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
I'll share insights on the importance of self-transcendence, its connection to self-actualization, and how moving beyond ourselves in service to others can lead to meaningful fulfillment that feels effortless.
Together we'll touch on Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of authenticity and Dan Pink's insights from his best-selling book "Drive" on motivation, aligning these ideas with the levels of Maslow's revised hierarchy. By examining the interconnectedness of various philosophies and psychological theories, my hope is that you'll gain a deeper understanding of why true leadership entails transcending personal needs to contribute to a larger purpose.
We'll also discuss practical applications of these concepts, including self-reflection, aligning your strengths with higher causes, and acting in ways that ripple outward to positively impact others.
★ Key Topics ★
0:31 Overview of Maslow's Hierarchy01:17 Linking Self-Actualization and Transcendence02:48 Maslow's Hierarchy Explained03:27 Nietzsche on Authenticity04:23 Psychology and Philosophy Interconnection05:35 Nietzsche's Ubermensch Concept07:53 Maslow on Self-Transcendence09:28 Viktor Frankl's Meaning Search10:32 Choosing Motivation Over Discipline11:46 Aligning Improvement with Service12:16 CS Lewis on Selflessness13:14 Self-Centeredness vs. Connection13:37 Legacy Through Self-Transcendence14:57 Applying Authentic Strengths15:43 Using Strengths to Contribute16:32 Impact of Our Actions17:09 Sustaining Self-Transcendence Actions17:58 Self-Actualization and Transcendence Link18:47 Beyond Individualism_______________________________
👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer
Subscribe: perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: perrymaughmer.com/contact
📚 Learning Resources Mentioned 📚
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
https://amzn.to/4huFFOq
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children...
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How do you personally differentiate between what you want most and what you want now?
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
In episode 57, we discuss the conflict between our immediate desires and our long-term aspirations, especially as we look back at the year and plan for the future. I explore how our decisions impact not just ourselves but those around us, emphasizing that our lives are ultimately shaped by these choices.
Together, we will highlight the necessity of ensuring our actions reflect our core values and the shared visions with our loved ones, pointing out the dangers of short-term rewards versus the benefits of long-term fulfillment. By clearly defining what's most important and actively shaping this vision together, we prevent external influences from directing our course. Our discussion will cover the roles of collaboration and co-creation in leadership, promoting a responsive approach to setting personal and collective goals that accommodates change through ongoing conversations, ensuring that our collective goals adapt and grow with us.
★ Key Topics ★
06:11 Choose language wisely; align decisions with goals.
07:37 Choose quality over quantity in daily decisions.
12:40 Fear is imagined; boldness and task real.
15:54 Open communication, collaboration, and phenomenology are essential.
18:48 Choices affect shared vision; explore and evolve.
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👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer
Subscribe: https://perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: https://perrymaughmer.com/contact
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Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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#leadershipdevelopment #personalgrowth #existentialism #leadershippodcast #podcast #leadershipdynamics #leadership #leadershipcoaching #leadershipskills #leadershiptips #leadershipinspiration
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How can leaders effectively demonstrate where they stand on issues through actions and statements, rather than just their words?
🤔 Our Discussion 🤔
In part two of this discussion, we explore what it means to lead with conviction, and have the courage to say "Amen" as a metaphor for commitment, alignment, and intentionality. We'll unpack the definition of "Amen" and how the term symbolizes a profound belief in future outcomes. We'll touch on the idea of "echos" and why leaders must be keenly aware of the ripples their actions and words can create. We'll also dig into the "Growth Mindset", and why a lot of leaders who believe they have it are dead wrong...
★ Key Topics ★
06:32 Leaders change strategy after reassessing outdated views.
09:37 Choose your purpose; constraints are empowering.
12:01 Reflect on your actions' ripple effect.
16:20 Embrace mistakes, promote growth, foster empowering leadership.
17:25 Conversations should inspire hope, energy, purpose.
22:29 View yourself as an equal in leadership.
26:20 Standing firm in beliefs changes leadership dynamics.
29:28 Decisive leadership demonstrates integrity and shared values.
32:17 Balance vulnerability with decisiveness in leadership.
33:55 Leadership is sharing beliefs, embracing the unknown.
37:38 Leadership: Growth, courage, impact, faith, intentional action.
_______________________________
👋 Find Perry Maughmer 👋
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymaughmer/
Subscribe: https://perrymaughmer.com/podcast
Contact: https://perrymaughmer.com/contact
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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#leadershipdevelopment #personalgrowth #existentialism #danielpink #perrymaughmer #leadershippodcast #podcast #leadershipdynamics #leadership #leadershipcoaching #leadershipskills #leadershiptips #leadershipinspiration
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"Every decision you make, every word you speak, and every action you take creates echoes that can inspire growth or instill hesitation."
I propose that leaders approach decision-making with a sense of reverence. It’s essential to recognize the long-term impacts of our decisions on others. This balance of confidence and humility involves fostering a culture of respect and conscious presence, underpinning the core of effective leadership.
I talk about the distinction between rituals and routines in leadership practices. Rituals are deliberate acts bringing structure, purpose, and emotional engagement to our daily activities. They transform our interactions and foster a sense of connection and meaning.
We then tackle the challenge of overcoming existential dread by grounding our actions in intentionality and purpose. I argue that transforming routine activities into meaningful rituals enhances engagement and reinforces organizational values through intentionality and emotional resonance.
Leadership must be conscious of the impact of their actions. Routine behaviors, if not managed mindfully, can diminish leadership effectiveness.
I introduce is the idea of reverence in leadership. Leaders must act with deep respect and intentionality, acknowledging the human element in every interaction. Leadership influence extends beyond titles, impacting family, community, and various other spheres of life.
I address leadership challenges including fear of judgment, failure, isolation, and sustaining energy and focus in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.
Top Takeaways
Purpose-Driven Leadership: True leaders focus on meaningful, self-transcendent goals rather than just metrics, ensuring that their actions and intentions reflect deeper values and purpose.Integrity Through Alignment: Integrity in leadership comes from aligning actions with declared goals. If there’s a misalignment, leaders should either adjust their goals or their behaviors.Impact Beyond Self: Goals should aim for self-transcendence, benefiting others and contributing to a broader impact, aligning with Maslow’s idea of self-transcendence.Heartfelt Goals: Meaningful leadership requires heartfelt goals—those deeply connected to personal values, emotionally resonant, clear in vision, non-negotiable, and challenging enough to motivate growth (HARD goals).Daily Intentions and Assessments: Incorporate self-transcendent goals into daily life through setting intentions, aligning time and financial commitments, conducting self-assessments, and seeking feedback.Key Moments
00:00 Discussing leadership, courage; experiment with two parts.
04:05 Interactions create impactful ripples regardless of intent.
07:50 Impact depends on actions, not positions or titles.
11:43 Judgment necessary for sharing, pressure to conform.
15:28 Leaders feel isolated, need understanding peer support.
16:54 Subconscious programs govern our behavior significantly.
20:00 Balancing metrics versus empathy and information consumption.
23:57 Relationships sustain health and enrich life longevity.
26:39 Reverent decision-making: balance, rituals, cultural impact.
31:12 Pause, notice opportunities, lead consciously, create energizing rituals.
35:04 Balance routines and rituals; promote meaningful engagement.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to...
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What better way to kick off the new year than by diving into a topic that could revolutionize your approach to leadership—embracing ambiguity. Released fittingly on New Year's Day, this episode delves into how letting go of the illusion of control and embracing uncertainty can catalyze significant personal and professional growth.
I tackle the fallacy of control, share inspiring stories of serendipity in career paths, and discuss the benefits of experimentation and curiosity. Drawing insights from books like Jamie Holmes' "Nonsense: The Power of Not Knowing" and Kenneth Stanley and Joel Lehman's "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned," I illustrate how the most profound achievements often emerge from the unexpected.
From understanding the concept of happiness set points to reframing failure as progress, I emphasize the importance of leaders showing their teams a broader perspective and fostering an environment ripe for innovation and adaptability. Learn why embracing the unknown is not just beneficial but essential for leaders and their teams.
Key Moments
00:00 Understanding self, embracing uncertainty: control is fallacy.04:17 Happiness: 50% genetic, 50% changeable factors.07:55 Celebrating friend's American citizenship and business success.12:48 Failure is possible, assumptions suggest 100% success.14:14 Emphasizing open dialogue and differing perspectives.17:40 Failure teaches; greatness emerges over time.22:17 Law school anxiety; Larry Lucky's successful career.24:27 Struggled academically, switched majors, improved drastically.29:15 Transition model: Neutral zone as liminal state.32:45 Life is mostly spent in the neutral zone.35:06 Discomfort drives growth and leadership innovation.37:35 Embrace uncertainty to inspire and motivate thinking.Top Takeaways
Embrace Ambiguity: Leaders should see ambiguity not as a hindrance but as an opportunity for growth and creativity. Embracing uncertainty fosters resilience and adaptability.Illusion of Control: The notion of being in control is largely fallacious. Leaders should acknowledge that real control is minimal and focus on managing themselves and their reactions to uncertainty.Growth from Uncertainty: Uncertainty is a terrain for development. Books like Jamie Holmes' "Nonsense" and Kenneth Stanley and Joel Lehman's "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned" argue that exploration and embracing the unknown are crucial for innovation.Flexible Goals Enhance Creativity: Overly rigid goals can stifle creativity. Allowing for flexibility can lead to serendipitous discoveries and unexpected successes.Serendipity in Careers: Career paths often unfold serendipitously rather than through meticulous planning. Open-mindedness to opportunities can lead to unexpected and fruitful outcomes.Reframe Failure as Progress: Viewing failures as part of the learning process can help leaders and their teams advance effectively. Encouraging experiments and viewing setbacks as steps towards improvement is key.Adaptability Over Certainty: Successful leaders balance decisiveness with humility and adaptability. They remain open to changing plans and are not rigid in their thinking.Encourage Experimentation: Create environments where experimentation and non-fatal failures are allowed. This can help foster a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement.Exist in Liminal Space: Being in a state of transition, or "liminal space," is crucial for growth. It’s the period between no longer and not yet, where adaptation and evolution occur.Discomfort as a Motivator: Discomfort should be... -
How does discomfort contribute to finding happiness and meaning in life?
I take on the myth of "self-made" and highlight the undeniable power of teamwork and profound relationships.
Together we will explore how small acts of kindness, a mindful approach, and truly appreciating life's moments can enrich us far more than any material success. I'll also share how we as leaders can shape environments that nurture personal satisfaction and a deeper sense of purpose for everyone involved.
Here's something I've observed: "If I could just get that promotion, if I could just get that raise, if we could just buy that new house, if I could just get that new car, if I could take that one vacation," and it goes on and on, right?
This is what’s known as the Hedonic treadmill. 👉 We crave something, we strive to get it, we enjoy it for a moment, we adapt to having it, and then we crave even more. It’s an endless cycle.
Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and exploring both the Hedonic and Eudaimonic approaches to happiness, I guide us through the subtle yet powerful paths to long-term well-being. I stress the importance of having clear intentions, maintaining perspective, and embracing a purpose-driven life as the real drivers of continuous motivation and deep happiness.
So, if you’re aiming to shift your viewpoint, lessen stress, or discover genuine fulfillment both in life and leadership, this episode is filled with practical insights and reflective advice to aid your journey.
Top Takeaways
Gratitude Necessitates Humility: Genuine gratitude requires acknowledging that our successes are not solely our own but are often due to support from others. The "self-made" narrative is a myth.True Teamwork: Functional teams consist of individuals with complementary skills who rely on each other to achieve common goals. Not all groups labeled as "teams" fit this definition.Importance of Meaningful Relationships: Establishing meaningful relationships is essential for health and longevity. Loneliness can be particularly detrimental, and interconnectedness (Ubuntu) is crucial for human well-being.Acts of Kindness and Mindfulness: Engaging in acts of kindness, mindfulness, and self-care, as well as pursuing personal growth for intrinsic satisfaction, significantly contributes to personal well-being.Questioning Materialism and Titles: Pursuing material success or titles often leads to dissatisfaction. It's essential to examine the motivations behind these pursuits to achieve real fulfillment.The Art of Savoring Life: Savoring experiences, such as the "three-bite rule" for food, enhances enjoyment and presence in the moment, leading to improved quality of life.Purposeful Living: True fulfillment comes from pursuing personal goals that benefit others, combining joy with a sense of purpose.Reframing Perspective: The way we choose to perceive situations profoundly impacts our reality. Reframing perspectives can help in reducing stress and finding new meaning.Beyond Immediate Pleasure: Moving beyond temporary pleasures and societal pressures toward meaningful goals aligned with one's mission fosters long-term happiness.Intrinsic Motivation: Engaging in activities that are intrinsically motivating and align with one's identity, such as those performed by educators and nonprofit workers, leads to deeper life satisfaction.Key Moments
04:41 Understanding intent; Maslow's hierarchy -
How might reframing personal goals to recognize their broader impact change the way you approach your work and life?
I explore the significance of leaders pursuing meaningful, heartfelt goals. I emphasize the necessity of having a quest, akin to Don Quixote's, that transcends the self and aligns with core values.
I offer actionable steps to integrate these goals into daily life, such as setting daily intentions, aligning time and financial commitments, and regularly assessing progress to ensure alignment with these goals.
I challenge the Relentless Few to identify their heartfelt goals, pushing them to commit these to paper and take actionable steps. I introduce a checklist to evaluate goals, focusing on internal motivation, emotional connection, and personal ownership, scoring these aspects to future-proof their plans.
Drawing on Maslow's idea of self-transcendence, I break down how goals benefiting others provide greater fulfillment. I incorporate thoughts from Daniel Pink about purpose and Peter Diamandis' massively transformative purpose, highlighting the significance of contributive, legacy-focused goals. I'll also deconstruct the characteristics of HARD goals (Heartfelt, Animated, Required, Difficult) and how you can adopt this approach to goal setting.
Key Takeaways
Align Your Actions with Heartfelt Goals: True leadership is about integrity—aligning what you do with the goals you declare. Conduct regular self-assessments and seek feedback to ensure your actions reflect your deepest values.Purpose-Driven Goals and Motivation: Goals that benefit others and serve a broader purpose create endless motivation. Reframe personal goals to recognize their impact on others and the legacy you wish to build.From Head Problems to Heart Solutions: Leadership challenges often transition from logical ("head problems") to emotional ("heart problems"). Embrace goals that resonate with your core beliefs to foster self-motivation and resilience.Key Moments
00:00 Mission, vision, and values often forgotten.
03:58 Goals must be meaningful.
09:52 Self-transcendence and purpose drive true motivation.
14:01 Heartfelt goals inspire self-transcendence and positive impact.
20:53 Purpose-driven pursuit: Betterment beyond self, inspires.
24:02 Identify goals benefiting others through self-reflection.
27:58 Humility balances priorities, clarity, and decision-making.
33:31 Focus on clear, heartfelt, self-transcendent goals.
37:57 Explore heartfelt goals for meaningful leadership.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a...
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How does the concept of being present with others in their struggles, without trying to fix them, resonate with your current leadership style?
Perryexplores the fundamental principles of authentic leadership. He draws inspiration from Rabbi Sharon Braus's practice at a temple, where people can choose to walk either to the right to offer comfort or to the left to receive comfort. This metaphor serves as a foundation for discussing the essence of leadership: being present with others in their struggles without necessarily trying to fix them.
Perry emphasizes that real leadership development is more about self-discovery and self-expression than achieving external goals or competencies. The journey to becoming a transformational leader involves continuous experimentation, reflection, and adaptation.
This gradual transformation requires leaders to deeply engage with their experiences, fostering insights that aid in their personal and professional growth.
Perry stresses that effective leadership is not measured by personal accomplishments but by the growth and achievements of others. Leaders should focus on being genuinely present with their team, fostering an environment of empathy and trust.
Effective leadership involves being in a state of flow, akin to athletes or musicians who become fully immersed in their tasks, losing track of time. Developing leadership skills requires active engagement and real-time experimentation rather than passive learning from books or seminars.
Genuine human connections and care form the bedrock of motivating others to tackle challenging tasks. Sometimes, leadership is about providing support by simply being there, rather than taking action.
Engage in daily self-exploration. He suggests daily prompts for self-reflection, such as “What value surfaced today?” and “How did I feel in alignment with my true self today?”
The episode also references inspirational figures such as Thomas Edison, Seth Godin, and Winston Churchill, emphasizing the necessity of learning from failure and persistence.
Journaling is a powerful practice for clarifying thoughts, documenting learning, and supporting ongoing evolution. Writing down thoughts can transform them into actionable ideas, fostering clarity and potential for action.
Leadership is a moment-to-moment choice, transcending titles and positions. The aim of leadership should be to create a better world for those we care about.
Key Moments
00:00 Philosophy challenges assumptions, crucial for leadership.
03:49 Choosing how to act authentically matters most.
07:40 Ontology of leadership: Understanding self and growth.
12:25 Leadership is about experimenting, embracing uncertainty.
14:49 Sometimes leaders should just be, not do.
19:08 Be present with others; practice natural leadership.
21:00 Leaders should identify differences, not reuse solutions.
26:27 Deep listening enhances trust and personal fulfillment.
28:55 Concepts need exploration and experimentation for evolution.
30:50 Leading is improvisational, like jazz, involves risk.
36:22 Prompts for self-awareness and alignment exploration.
37:37 Start small with daily low-risk experiments.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with...
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How does the media’s portrayal of success distort our own perceptions of what it means to be successful?
Welcome to another episode of Potential Leader Lab. I'm your host, Perry Maughmer, and today we're diving deep into the concept of "Relentless Consistency."
In this episode, we explore the profound insights of Albert Camus on the myth of Sisyphus—highlighting the importance of finding meaning in our struggles rather than chasing the illusion of perfection. We confront the pitfalls of perfectionism, discussing how it paralyzes progress and stifles creativity, impacting our mental health and overall productivity.
We uncover why true success is rooted in evolution and experimentation, and how fundamentals provide a sustainable foundation far more reliable than fleeting fads. We also discuss the societal pressures of exceptionalism, the fear of mediocrity, and how these distortions impact our personal and professional lives.
We touch upon the psychological traps of novelty addiction and social comparison, and how embracing consistency over intensity can lead to mastery and long-term success. Learn insights on deliberate practice, the power of small wins, and leadership without seeking permission.
So challenge the myth of perfection, embrace the journey of relentless consistency, and seize the moment to affect positive change.
The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception: "Especially in this in this so hyperconnected world of social media, that comparison is amplified, Especially when you're comparing your normal life to the highlight reels of other people, those feelings of inadequacy come rolling in."Key Moments
00:00 Exploring leadership through relentless consistency daily.
03:52 Social comparisons amplify feelings of inadequacy online.
08:05 Fear of irrelevance drives the desire for exceptionality.
12:09 Self-discovery and alignment lead to personal achievement.
15:23 Consistency and experimentation foster adaptive behavior.
16:25 Experimenting within routines creates sustainable, motivating habits.
21:51 Performance dips before reaching new heights.
23:59 Foundation first; stability ensures future success.
28:02 Addicted due to FOMO, embrace LOMO instead.
30:12 Strong souls persistently overcome obstacles and evolve.
35:04 Repetition enhances skills, freeing cognitive capacity.
35:54 Repetition enables learning through error correction.
40:31 Act on leadership; share, subscribe, sustain community.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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How can self-doubt be transformed into a tool for growth and curiosity in leadership?
We'll explore critical decision-making frameworks that balance financial expectations with mission, vision, and values—providing the two essential guardrails for making sound choices.
We'll also discuss how leaders often grapple with restlessness and self-doubt, undermining their confidence and clarity. Drawing inspiration from renowned thinkers like Jack Kornfield, Brene' Brown, and the authors of "The Gap and The Gain," Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, we'll uncover how mindfulness, self-compassion, and focusing on progress can transform your internal critic from a hindrance to a source of growth.
Empathy vs. Sympathy: "The interesting part is...you have sympathy from a position of power, which I thought was fascinating. And empathy is when you realize when you're when you get down and you look at that person eye to eye, that could be you if it weren't for luck."We'll talk about the importance of continuous self-discovery, aligning actions with intrinsic motivations, and effectively handling ambiguity through collaboration, empathy, and value-based leadership.
This conversation is rich with strategies for emotional regulation, proactive decision-making, and transforming adversities into opportunities for growth.
We can't emphasize enough the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and collaborative leadership.
Whether you're leading a team or striving to lead yourself, this episode offers practical insights and actionable advice to enhance your leadership journey.
Key Moments
00:00 Discussing head trash using "Hymn Song" lyrics.
06:16 Unresolved emotions harm decision-making and relationships.
09:45 Self-awareness enhances performance, relationships, communication, leadership.
14:39 Empathy involves understanding, acknowledging luck's role.
18:28 Write, evaluate beliefs, question fear, find clarity.
20:37 Embrace growth, mindfulness; thoughts aren't identity.
24:40 Use frameworks for informed decisions; encourage discussions.
27:17 Change the world by becoming, not doing.
30:20 Find meaning in challenges, connect to larger purpose.
36:03 Trust your inner voice; treat it cautiously.
37:57 Recognizing achievements fosters confidence and continuous improvement.
42:15 Leadership is recognizing and acting on potential.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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What are some "small" failures in your life that have taught you valuable lessons?
Perry Maughmer explores the essential dualities of life—joy and suffering, light and darkness—and what they mean for true leadership. Inspired by a poignant quote from Charles Bukowski, Perry will unravel how embracing both the bright and dark aspects of our experiences can lead to genuine growth and resilience.
He compares leadership to art, requiring vision, creativity, and the courage to embrace vulnerability and imperfection. Perry challenge the culture of perpetual positivity, supported by insights from thought leaders like Thomas More and Mariana Alessandri, and dig into the importance of anxiety and failure as tools for deeper understanding.
Reframe your perspective with Perry's guidance on seeing challenges as opportunities happening for you, and discover how the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy can help you navigate life's complexities. Through personal stories, powerful quotes, and actionable insights, shows you how to live authentically, embrace life's full spectrum, and lead with purpose.
Get ready to unlock your potential as we balance the light and dark, celebrate our flaws, and learn how true leadership is forged in the fires of struggle and perseverance.
Key Moments
00:00 Life's highs, lows: key to true leadership.
03:12 Embrace darkness for growth, hope, and understanding.
06:49 Failure teaches vital lessons; embrace non-fatal mistakes.
09:37 Toxic positivity rejects difficult emotions: pragmatism needed.
15:34 Failure teaches us resilience and reveals beauty.
19:20 Storms change you; they're happening for you.
22:51 Lessons took years to realize, changed perspective.
26:35 Joy and hope exist within life's darkness.
28:39 Recognize, act, and lead now without permission.
Key Takeaways
Duality of Life: Leadership and personal growth involve embracing both light and darkness—joy and suffering—as essential components of the human experience.Leadership as Art: Just like art, leadership requires vision, creativity, experimentation, communication, and the ability to inspire others.Embracing Darkness: Acknowledging and learning from the darker aspects of life are crucial for growth and understanding. They allow for a deeper grasp of reality and personal development.Learning from Failure: Small failures provide valuable lessons and build resilience. Instances of failure are seen as opportunities for growth, as quoted by Rocky Balboa.Critique of Perpetual Positivity: Constant positivity, especially promoted on social media, can be toxic. True leadership involves acknowledging and dealing with struggles and vulnerabilities.Perspective Shift: Leaders can reframe challenges from "Why is this happening to me?" to "Why is this happening for me?" to find meaning and seize opportunities.Stoic Philosophy: Events themselves are neutral; the suffering begins with the meaning we assign to them. Leaders should embrace both positive and negative experiences for holistic growth.Authenticity and Vulnerability: Sharing struggles and vulnerabilities fosters authenticity and connection. Leadership is about being transparent and not pretending to have all the answers.Kintsugi Philosophy: Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, leaders should celebrate imperfections and flaws as part of their history, making them more resilient and unique.Balance for Growth: Personal and professional growth come from balancing light and dark aspects, acknowledging both to live a truthful and authentic life. Embracing struggle and hardship provides valuable life... -
"There is a emotional and psychological weight of leading. It's heavy. If it was easy, everybody would do it. And we all have doubt and fear and pressure that we carry when we assume that mantle of leadership." Perry Maughmer
Leadership is a dynamic, relational journey that requires flexibility, empathy, and a deep understanding of emotional and psychological weight. Perry Maughmer explores how effective leadership isn't about rigid control but about embracing a phenomenological approach—focusing on connection, growth, and the lived experiences of both leaders and their teams.
Perry dissects the importance of adapting interactions to specific contexts and people, the value of a growth mindset, and the power of vulnerability and transparency in fostering authentic leadership.
Perry will guide you through understanding leadership as more than a title or hierarchy; it’s an active, evolving process that requires continuous exploration and reflection.
Uncover how you can draw out the inherent greatness in others, prioritize shared human experiences, and lead with compassion and authenticity.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Unlock potential: Leadership as experiential, philosophical choice.
04:47 Leadership involves understanding diverse personal experiences.
09:16 Leadership adapts to environment and relationships.
10:18 Adapt to the moment, don't force outcomes.
16:14 Focus on experience, connection, perception, and embracing uncertainty.
17:45 Relationships shape leadership; influence personal evolution.
22:15 Metrics dominate focus; listening reveals employee feelings.
26:45 Empathetic leadership fosters engagement, innovation, and connection.
28:12 Humanizing imperfect leadership fosters sustainable growth.
31:25 Leadership is relational, evolving, and interactive journey.
Top Takeaways
Dynamic Leadership: Leadership interactions are adaptable and must be tailored to the specific context and individuals involved, rather than relying on repeated behaviors in varied situations.Process over Outcomes: Effective leadership conversations should focus on dialogue and understanding rather than driving towards a specific outcome that might disregard the other person's perspective.Emotional Intelligence: Leaders must recognize the emotional and psychological weight of their role, making space for its emotional toll, and acknowledging context in their decisions.Phenomenological Approach: Leadership should be experienced as a relational journey, focusing on lived experiences, connections, and personal reflections on feelings during leadership experiences.Flexibility and Adaptation: Leaders should embrace flexibility, exploring, experimenting, and evolving even within brief interactions, instead of sticking to rigid approaches.Growth Mindset: View failure as a catalyst for growth, not a lack of intelligence, and demonstrate this mindset to encourage others in the organization to adopt the same perspective.Empathy and Compassion: Building genuine connections through empathy and compassion, essential not only in personal interactions but in business contexts as well.Shared Leadership: Leadership is a shared phenomenon, involving influence and participation rather than exerting control or certainty over others.Self-awareness: Encourage self-reflection to understand emotional responses and biases that influence leadership style and decision-making.Human-centered Leadership: Prioritize shared experiences, mutual growth, and personal connections over strict metric objectives to foster authenticity, trust, engagement, and innovation. -
How can leaders shift their mindset from needing to be right to seeking deeper understanding through questions?
Perry Maughmer challenges conventional notions of leadership by emphasizing the value of questions over answers. Perry explores how authentic leaders prioritize understanding over judgment, curiosity over certainty, and truth over comfort.
He underscores the importance of empathy and humility in leadership, urging leaders to adapt their strategies to present realities instead of relying on past experiences.
Perry examines the relationship between curiosity and judgment, highlighting how effective leaders should lean towards curiosity to truly comprehend different perspectives. True leadership isn't about having all the right answers but about continuously asking deep, insightful questions. Referencing Milan Kundera, Perry contrasts the "stupidity of having answers" with the "wisdom of having questions."
Leaders need to create their own experiments, take action without waiting for permission, and embrace the inherent discomfort in confronting truth. Perry talks about the biases that leaders need to update through continuous exploration and highlights the importance of accepting responsibility for one's choices.
Perry introduces the "ladder of inference" to explain how leaders form their beliefs and emphasizes the importance of challenging these beliefs to foster a growth mindset. Leaders should be open to new information and perspectives, and not just seek validation for their current views.
Perry calls on you to embrace complexity and uncertainty, avoid oversimplifying issues, and recognize that true leadership involves operating within discomfort.
Top Takeaways
Effective leaders prioritize understanding situations and people over making quick judgments.
Leaders should focus on asking questions rather than providing answers to uncover deeper truths and insights.
True growth in leadership requires embracing truths, no matter how uncomfortable or challenging they may be.
Successful leaders exhibit humility and empathy to build trust and understanding within their teams.
Leaders need to adapt their strategies based on current realities rather than relying on past experiences.
Curiosity should be nurtured and utilized by leaders to navigate complexity and ambiguity effectively.
With the freedom to make choices comes the responsibility to make informed and growth-oriented decisions.
Leaders must actively seek, receive, and act on feedback to improve their self-awareness and effectiveness.
True leadership involves continuously questioning existing beliefs and being open to new information and perspectives.
Prioritizing effectiveness in leadership actions and decisions is more important than merely being efficient. This means focusing on meaningful impacts rather than just process optimization.
Key Moments
05:05 Find truth tellers who give constructive, clear feedback.
08:41 Feedback process leads to confirmation bias loop.
11:42 Challenging yourself fosters leadership and growth.
15:58 Leaders should create leaders, not followers.
19:33 Focus on differences, not similarities, in problems.
21:28 Effective leadership requires curiosity, embracing ambiguity.
26:32 Never stop asking questions to continue leading.
27:54 Curiosity and judgment must be balanced effectively.
30:21 Missing: humility and empathy in leadership decisions.
37:04 Take action now; leadership requires immediate action.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led
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How do you practice being fully present in both professional and personal settings to recognize leadership opportunities?
Perry Maughmer explores the essence of leadership as an action rather than a set role or title. The podcast targets those eager to evolve their leadership thinking, actions, and behaviors without clinging to feel-good quotes or corporate ladder tips.
Perry underscores that true leadership is about being present in the moment and recognizing opportunities for action. Leadership isn't confined to those with titles or official positions; anyone can make the world better for the people around them. The focus is on personal responsibility and everyday leadership moments.
This episode emphasizes the concept of "Leadership as Moments," recognizing that significant leadership happens in the present through everyday interactions. Perry introduces the concept of "Ichigo Ichie," stressing the uniqueness of each encounter and the importance of seizing these moments.
Everyone has the potential for leadership. It requires presence, awareness, courage, and taking action in everyday situations.
Key Moments
00:00 Leading is about creating a better world.
03:48 Leadership arises in everyday moments and presence.
08:48 Identity as activity enables objective improvement.
10:36 Perfection isn't the goal; trying and serving is.
13:09 Leadership requires full presence in the moment.
18:30 Judge actions, not outcomes, to evaluate decisions.
19:49 Opportunities to lead are always around you.
24:19 Discussed trade profession promotions and development timelines.
29:29 Practicing presence reveals unnoticed opportunities and details.
31:04 Practice being present; develop everyday leadership skills.
35:08 Leadership requires awareness and decisive action.
Top Takeaways
- Leadership is found in everyday interactions and opportunities, not just in titles or formal positions.
- Being present and fully aware is essential to recognize and act on leadership moments.
- Leadership should be viewed as an action (a verb), rather than a fixed identity or title (a noun).
- True leadership is about intent and service to others, rather than exerting authority or control.
- Effective leadership involves changing one’s own behavior and actions to positively influence others, rather than attempting to control them.
- Many actions aimed at controlling the future are futile; true leadership focuses on immediate actions and present behavior.
- Empathy, sensitivity, and meaningful connection are crucial for effective leadership.
- Leadership development involves continuous learning from mistakes and early failures.
- Leaders should act immediately and courageously when moments for leadership arise, rather than waiting for permission.
- Leadership is about personal evolution through recognizing and acting on everyday moments to make the world better for those you care about.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum &...
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In what ways do you foster a safe, judgment-free environment where your team feels comfortable asking questions and exploring uncertainties?
Perry discusses the essence of effective leadership by embracing the chaos and ambiguity that comes with it. He explores why the focus should be on the "what," "why," and "where," leaving the "how" with room for creativity and flexibility. He also highlights how great leaders live through questions rather than chasing immediate answers, allowing their teams to grow and innovate continuously.
Key Takeaways
Discover why it’s crucial to iterate and align on the “what” and “why” of your vision rather than getting bogged down by the “how.”
Learn about wicked problems that are not meant to be definitively solved but navigated, bringing continuous learning and adaptation.
Inspired by Rilke, understand why embracing uncertainty and living through questions can guide you to profound answers over time.
See how journaling helps in reflecting, understanding thoughts, and adapting effectively as a leader.
Understand how maintaining a clear vision and having patience can steer through transitional phases and uncertainties.
Fun Fact from the Episode
Did you know that "wicked problems," as coined by Horst Rittel and Melvin Weber, have no stopping rule? They’re the types of challenges that generate new challenges even as you attempt to solve them. It’s a never-ending puzzle, but what better way to keep things exciting and innovative?
Memorable Moments
03:46 Embrace uncertainty; answers come through gradual living.
08:02 Leaders must navigate uncertainty, combat cognitive closure.
12:49 Feedback guides steps in organizational change efforts.
15:45 Clarity of vision affects leadership team dynamics.
17:16 Patience aids deeper understanding and meaningful progress.
21:02 Live the questions, reflect, and write down.
26:56 Organizations are defined by collective actions and culture.
30:47 Reflect on your communication focus and choices.
31:39 Resilience develops through embracing ambiguity and questions.
34:50 Life is about choosing to continue journeying.
Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.
These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.
This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.
Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.
Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer
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