In this milestone 100th episode, the Leadership Jam Session turns the mic around as Executive Producer James Christie interviews the show’s usual host, Rob Fonte, founder of Sarto Leadership Group. Rob shares his candid leadership journey, revealing formative experiences—from his first intimidating management role to the biggest mistake he ever made—and the lessons that have defined his philosophy and approach. Rob and James also discuss the origins and evolution of the podcast, the power of learning from both great and not-so-great leaders, and announce the upcoming public launch of the Sarto Leadership Academy, designed to help leaders continue their personal and professional growth.

Key takeaways:

• Every leader has a unique story and something valuable to share; continuous learning is fundamental at every stage of leadership.
• Foundational leadership principles—such as building trust, listening, and reflecting on the basics—never go out of style, regardless of role or experience.
• Early mentors and personal influences, including family and courageous managers willing to take a chance, can have a profound impact on a leader’s career trajectory.
• Learning from mistakes (like accidentally emailing a team ranking to the entire team) can be transformative and lead to greater humility, caution, and personal growth.
• Supporting structures—both at work and at home—are crucial; leaders often rely on unseen partners in their journey.
• Bad leadership can teach as much as good leadership if you’re attentive and reflective.
• Leaders don’t have to have all the answers and should give themselves grace—seeking feedback, relying on others, and staying curious are strengths, not weaknesses.
• Continuous development is vital; initiatives like the Sarto Leadership Academy are designed to create community, provide real-world resources, and help leaders stay “off the rails” in the best way possible.

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode is filled with honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom—perfect for listeners seeking practical advice and inspiration to grow their own leadership journey.

nterested in learning more about the Sarto Leadership Academy? Click here to sign up for upcoming communications.