Guest: Will Linssen – Triple Win Leadership in Action

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, we sit down with Will Linssen, a globally recognized leadership coach and the #1 Amazon bestselling author of Triple Win Leadership Coaching. Will’s approach has empowered over 100,000 leaders at world-renowned organizations including LinkedIn, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Saudi Aramco, and Samsung.

As the creator of the Triple Win Leadership Coaching framework, Will delivers one of the most results-driven methodologies in the industry — boasting a 95% success rate in improving leadership effectiveness, boosting team engagement, and driving measurable business performance.

We dig deep into how Will helped a struggling multinational FMCG company increase profit per employee by 80% and reduce overhead by 30% — all without layoffs or restructuring. Instead, the transformation came by reshaping how leaders connect, trust, and engage with their people.

Why many CEOs outgrow the leadership styles that once made them successful

The shift from founder-led to system-led leadership, and how to let go without losing control

What 100,000+ leaders reveal about sustainable performance change

The emotional side of AI adoption that organizations overlook

How trust becomes the new leadership operating system for high-impact teams

Will also serves as an advisor to Harvard Business Review, is a LinkedIn Top Voice, and continues to shape the future of leadership with his latest #1 Amazon New Release: Triple Win Leadership Coaching.

🔗 Learn more about Will: Triple Win Leadership Coaching on Amazon 

In this episode, Bill and Michael unpack the “Last 8%” of conversations — the toughest parts we often avoid but that carry the most impact. They explore how leaders can build cultures of high connection and high courage, share personal stories from healthcare and startup leadership, and offer strategies for handling tough truths, hiring challenges, and team performance.

Bill Benjamin, a global keynote speaker who blends practicality with science in his approach to leadership. With degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, Bill uses brain-science to help people master emotional intelligence, perform under pressure, and build what he calls a high-performance “Last 8%” culture.

Audiences appreciate his high energy and engaging style, whether he is speaking to surgeons, the U.S. Marines, NASA engineers, or executives at Amazon, Intel, and Goldman Sachs. Bill does not just share theory. He is open about the struggles he faced early in his career and how applying the strategies he now teaches made him a stronger leader, husband, and father.

He is funny, relatable, and committed to understanding the real challenges organizations face, weaving those directly into his sessions. That is why top organizations from the Mayo Clinic to NASA trust him when performance and leadership matter most.

HBR Article:  https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-secret-to-building-a-high-performing-team

Website: https://ihhp.com/

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, I sat down with Kenny, a leadership and scaling coach whose life story is as inspiring as his professional insights. What started as a personal journey rooted in his adoption experience—and sparked by his 7-year-old son's curiosity—has grown into a mission of love and impact. Kenny and his wife have fostered 18 children and adopted two, creating a home rooted in compassion, resilience, and intentional support. Even during a temporary pause due to his wife’s health, their commitment to fostering remains unwavering. Kenny draws powerful parallels between parenting and leadership, underscoring how creating emotionally safe spaces at home aligns deeply with creating thriving cultures in business.

The Power of Frontline Innovation

We explored the importance of amplifying voices from every level of an organization, not just the C-suite. I emphasized how game-changing ideas often come from those closest to the work. By encouraging team-wide input and running trial initiatives, organizations can unlock innovation and prevent talent loss to entrepreneurship. Kenny echoed this, highlighting the importance of shared decision-making in keeping a company culture agile and engaging.

Turnover, Claims, and Culture

Employee turnover is costly—not just in productivity but also in well-being. Kenny and I discussed the direct connection between poor leadership and rising mental health claims, which have surged by 72% over the last two years. The culprit? Often, it’s a lack of training and support for people managers. We unpacked the real-world impact of poor management and how it contributes to disengagement, burnout, and leave-of-absence claims. The fix? Equip leaders early. Invest in training. Create human-centered workplaces.

Frameworks Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Kenny shared his perspective on adapting leadership frameworks to fit the unique DNA of each organization. Drawing a culinary analogy, he explained that understanding your ingredients—your people, culture, and constraints—is essential before applying a recipe. We agreed: effective leadership requires flexibility, not rigidity. Kenny cautioned against “framework addiction,” a trap where leaders over-rely on cookie-cutter solutions, and instead promoted a problem-first mindset that focuses on results, not just tools.

Lead to Scale: A Blueprint for Growth

Kenny walked us through his Lead to Scale leadership model—a framework that begins with leading oneself, expands to developing teams, and culminates in scaling entire organizations. At its core are three pillars: awareness, alignment, and accountability. He shared how this model helped a client grow revenue and expand geographically, proving that these principles transcend industries and stages of growth. Notably, Kenny highlighted the 10-year leadership development gap, where many managers are promoted long before receiving any formal leadership training.

Leadership Is a Journey, Not a Title

We closed our conversation reflecting on the long game of leadership: growth, mentorship, and the need for constant self-awareness. We acknowledged the sobering truth that many businesses fail not because of a lack of vision, but because of poor planning and an underdeveloped leadership infrastructure. Kenny also gave us a sneak peek into his podcast, How Leaders Think, which is nearing its 100th episode—a testament to his dedication to empowering leaders at every level.

🎧 Listen in if you’re ready to:

website:  https://kennylange.com

From Brazil to Miami, Vivian’s story is nothing short of transformational. After facing the collapse of a business investment and a divorce, she pivoted into sales—and within six months, she was earning $150,000. In less than a year, her team was generating over $1 million a month. Today, she leads multiple organizations valued at over $100 million and teaches influence and sales mastery through her program, Influence OS. I was inspired by her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, especially in how she turned challenges into a system that redefines how sales is done.

Vivian shared that becoming an elite salesperson wasn’t about working harder—it was about shifting psychology, mindset, rituals, and identity. Along her journey, she built over 20 companies designed to support her broader ecosystem. Central to her approach is her CROWN Framework: Clarity, Relationships, Ownership, Wealth, and Neuroscience. It’s a roadmap for breaking personal ceilings and training ourselves to embrace growth.

We discussed the idea that everyone is in sales, whether in business or in life. Vivian highlighted the difference between selling with presence versus selling with pressure. I connected with her point on clarity—how it’s essential for growth and adaptability in any organization. I also emphasized that discipline, more than motivation, drives long-term success, something Vivian models so well.

Vivian explained how listening to her intuition transformed the way she evaluates opportunities. Early in her high-ticket sales career, she was taught manipulative tactics, but she chose to trust her instincts instead. By aligning her approach with authenticity and values, she built a more ethical—and more successful—path in the sales world.

Influence, as Vivian described, is a superpower. By reading body language and physiology, she can assess opportunities and people in seconds. I also admired her journey of learning English and adapting to a new culture—proving that resilience and curiosity are just as vital as business strategy.

What stood out most to me was Vivian’s commitment to gratitude and perspective. From climbing 14 flights of stairs daily to practicing meditation and journaling each morning, she grounds her success in conscious choices. She shared that material wealth didn’t bring the happiness she expected, but gratitude and clarity about life direction did.

Our conversation was as energizing as it was insightful. Vivian’s story is a testament to grit, resilience, and the power of influence done right. You can learn more about her work at vivianWeyll.com

In this episode, I sit down with Philip, an entrepreneur with an impressive track record of founding or leading 10 businesses across commercial printing and real estate. With a 4-4-2 record of wins, losses, and draws, Philip embodies the resilience every leader needs. Today, he’s the semi-retired CEO of Benchmark Realty, the largest real estate brokerage in Tennessee. Philip shares candid insights on Nashville’s explosive growth, its infrastructure challenges, and what the city needs to thrive in the years ahead.

Philip and I explore why failure should never be the final word, but rather a stepping stone. Drawing from his military background, Philip explains how mastering the mundane and making incremental improvements create lasting success. We both agreed that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but embracing them as learning opportunities that sharpen your leadership and strengthen your business.

We dive deep into why true business growth rarely happens during comfort and ease. Philip and I shared stories of entrepreneurs who found creative ways to market themselves, including a startup cleaning business that used electrical tape as signage. These scrappy beginnings sparked a broader conversation about how society often fails to encourage entrepreneurs. Our conclusion: leaders must balance critical thinking with encouragement, because innovation thrives where support exists.

Philip offered a powerful reminder: success lives outside our comfort zones. He compared critics to chickens pecking at those who dare to stand out, urging us to see criticism as a sign we’re on the right path. He stressed that money is not the end goal, but rather the measure of how much value and service we bring to others. True business and life success, he explained, is rooted in serving people first.

Our conversation closed on a reflective note. Philip shared why he dedicated two years to writing his book—a legacy project to pass down four decades of hard-earned wisdom to future generations. He wants millennials, in particular, to access the kind of business education he wished he had early in life. While he admits the book was never about profit, it’s about equipping others to sidestep avoidable mistakes and find their own success path. For those interested, Philip’s book and insights are available at phillipcantrell.com.

Failing My Way to Success

Success doesn’t follow a straight line—and failure isn't the enemy.

In Failing My Way to Success, veteran entrepreneur Phillip Cantrell shares a candid, no-fluff account of 42 years navigating the real-world highs and lows of business leadership. From building startups to scaling multimillion-dollar enterprises, Cantrell’s journey is a testament to the fact that failure, when embraced with clarity and courage, can become a strategic advantage.

With a personal record of 4 wins, 4 losses, and 2 ties across ten companies, Cantrell breaks down the often-unspoken truth: you don’t need an Ivy League degree, perfect timing, or a flawless resume to win in business. What you do need is grit, focus, and a relentless commitment to self-awareness and improvement.

Through stories both humbling and empowering, Failing My Way to Success delivers real-world insights on:

Developing a resilient, high-performance mindset

Building systems that scale sustainably

Leading with integrity and emotional intelligence

Learning from your missteps without letting them define you

This is more than a business book. It’s a leadership manual for anyone who’s been knocked down—and is ready to get back up stronger.

Whether you’re leading a team, launching a startup, or reinventing your career, this book is your reminder that setbacks are setups for the future you’re building.

Phillip Cantrell is a tenacious entrepreneur and thought leader who knows firsthand that resilience is the cornerstone of success. As founder and CEO of Benchmark Realty, LLC, he’s led one of the Southeast’s most respected real estate brokerages, with offices across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama.

In 2025, Phillip was named one of the 200 most influential people in real estate by the Swanepoel Power 200—a recognition earned through decades of leadership, innovation, and principled growth. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of Strategy for United Real Estate, where he helps guide a national team of over 25,000 agents and $35 billion in annual revenue.

Beyond titles and metrics, Phillip is a mentor at heart. He believes success is built on values, not vanity metrics—and he’s committed to sharing the lessons, losses, and breakthroughs that have shaped his career.

A proud alumnus of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Phillip lives in Tennessee with his wife Amanda. Together, they continue to invest in people, community, and a legacy of courageous leadership.

We discuss Michael's book Workplace Culture, and discuss  contemporary organizations are facing a "culture shortage," not merely a "labor shortage." The source emphasizes that talent retention and attraction hinge on cultivating a positive workplace environment rather than solely relying on financial incentives.

It outlines five essential strategies for leaders to adopt, including fostering trust and psychological safety, embracing workplace flexibility, prioritizing mental health and preventing burnout, investing in employee growth and career mobility, and implementing personalized recognition. Ultimately, the piece asserts that businesses prioritizing a strong culture will be the ones to thrive in the evolving landscape of work.

Gary B. Cohen shared his career journey, starting with growing ACI Telecentrics from two people and $4,000 to 2,200 employees and taking it public, achieving 50% compounded annual growth for the first 10 years. He then transitioned to writing a book on leadership and coaching, emphasizing the importance of asking questions rather than telling to engage employees. Gary highlighted that leaders need to shift from being tellers to askers, changing their identity to foster engagement, and he now focuses on coaching, which he believes is more crucial than ever in today's workplace.

Michael shared his experience transforming a healthcare organization with a high turnover rate by listening to employees and implementing their suggestions without conditions. He reduced the turnover rate from 86% to 6% in one year by asking questions, showing genuine interest, and creating an environment where employees felt valued. Gary noted that this approach aligns with coaching principles, emphasizing the importance of moving from a position of knowing all the answers to one of curiosity and open-mindedness.

Michael shared his experience transforming a toxic work environment into a collaborative one, highlighting how addressing underlying issues and empowering staff led to significant improvements. He emphasized the importance of creating environments where individuals have both authority and accountability, and noted that the same people can maintain positive change even after organizational transformations. Gary mentioned his passion for writing a second book with Robert Dora, focusing on digital manufacturing.

Gary discussed the concept of employees feeling "on the hook" in a positive way, contrasting it with the negative connotation often associated with the term. He emphasized the importance of balancing permission-giving and permission-seeking between leaders and employees, noting that excessive permission-giving can disengage employees and reduce their sense of ownership over their work. Gary and Michael explored how guardrails, such as job descriptions and budget allocations, can provide structure without stifling creativity or initiative. They agreed that leaders should help employees recognize these boundaries while encouraging autonomy and accountability.

Michael shared his experience with empowering mental health workers to develop new programming, which resulted in a successful poster presentation at a conference. He emphasized the importance of employee ownership and engagement, as well as the value of celebrating project outcomes rather than focusing solely on ideas. Michael also discussed his approach to leadership, including his practice of asking questions to maintain a state of wonder and curiosity, and the importance of active listening.

Gary discussed a tool called Peak Leadership, which identifies four question-asking styles based on two dimensions: perspective/evaluation and knowledge/action. He explained that most people only use one of these styles, limiting their questioning to 25% of the available options, but the model shows that individuals can develop and expand beyond their natural style.

Gary discussed his company's decision to offer a free 7-minute assessment tool based on Stephen Covey's 360-degree quadrant model, which helps individuals and organizations ask better questions and improve their performance. Michael encouraged listeners to take advantage of the tool, emphasizing its value for organizations of all sizes.

Website:  https://co2coaching.com

Book: Just Ask Leadership:  Why Great Managers Always Ask the Right Questions

In this deep dive conversation, we discuss highlights from Michael's pinnacle book, Burnout Proof.

Learn more at https://BreakfastLeadership.com

Episode Summary

We explore why mental health is more than just a healthcare issue — it’s a fundamental human right and a strategic imperative for leaders and organizations everywhere. The conversation connects global statistics to the workplace, emphasizing that mental well-being is essential for organizational success, employee retention, and sustainable growth.

You’ll also hear practical strategies for leaders to take immediate steps in supporting mental health within their companies, from fostering a culture of openness to investing in accessible resources and support systems.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why over one billion people are affected by mental health conditions worldwide — and what this means for all of us.

The economic consequences of poor mental health, including its impact on productivity and organizational outcomes.

The widening gap in access to care between high and low-income nations, and why this disparity must be addressed.

How leaders can make mental well-being a central part of workplace culture.

Actionable steps organizations can take now to invest in employee mental health and avoid greater long-term costs.

Why This Matters

Resources and Links

Read the full WHO report: WHO – Over a billion people living with mental health conditions

Breakfast Leadership Blog article: Over One Billion Minds in Crisis: Why We Must Scale Mental Health Services—Now

Books by Michael D. Levitt:

Burnout Proof

Workplace Culture

This Deep Dive episode presents a "Three-Bucket Money Plan" designed to reduce financial stress and increase control through simplicity. The core idea involves assigning every dollar a specific purpose, dividing income into three categories: Save, Spend, and Grow.

The "Save" bucket acts as a safety net for emergencies and short-term goals, "Spend" covers daily needs and wants, and "Grow" focuses on long-term wealth building through investing. The plan emphasizes automation and consistent habits, suggesting a 50/30/20 split as a starting point and encouraging adjustments to fit individual circumstances, ultimately aiming for steady financial progress over perfection.

Read the full article:  https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/save-it-spend-it-grow-it-a-no-drama-money-plan

Join our workplace culture community:  https://Community.BreakfastLeadership.com

Want to beat BURNOUT?  Pick up Burnout Proof today!