Leadership isn’t something you unlock the day you get a promotion. It starts long before you ever have authority, a team, or an impressive title.

In this episode, Ryan and Erny break down the real difference between managing and leading. They share stories about leading from the background, stepping up without recognition, and the trap new managers fall into when they rely on their title instead of their actions.

They get into:
• Why the best leaders often don’t have the title
• Leading as a bus driver, a supervisor, or the “go-to” person on the team
• The danger of leaning on hierarchy instead of character
• Going from coworker to boss without becoming a jerk
• Learning everyone’s job so you can actually support your team

If you’re in a role where you’re trying to lead without formal authority, or you’re stepping into your first leadership position, this episode will feel familiar in all the right ways.

Leading Ain’t Easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Leading Ain’t Easy is hosted by Ryan Calkins and Erny Epley.

• Ryan is the founder of Reframe & Rise, a career and leadership coaching practice helping veterans and other professionals realign their work and lead with purpose.
• Erny runs Bus Pro Network, supporting school transportation leaders across California with training and development.

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