How to Lead with Clay Scroggins

Every leader eventually faces this challenge: noticing something others don’t—and deciding whether to say it out loud. In this episode, Adam and Clay unpack why helping people see their blind spots is both one of the hardest and most important things leaders do. Drawing from voices like Daniel Goleman, Patrick Lencioni, Kim Scott, and the Crucial Conversations framework, they explore why awareness is the on-ramp to growth and why so many leaders hesitate to start these conversations.

If you care about someone’s growth, you owe it to them to speak up—with kindness, clarity, and curiosity.

Life is hard. You’d better be willing to get dirty.
The path to courage is narrow, demanding—and few are willing to walk it. Courage is always a choice.
On 9/11, after hours of rendering aid, evacuating the wounded, and fighting fires, today's guest and his teammates looked wrecked—bloodied, exhausted, and wearing suits torn to shreds.
Later that day, Darin crossed paths with another group—clean, polished, untouched. Perfect hair. Shiny shoes. Crisp white shirts.
There are two paths: one of comfort and safety, and one of sacrifice and courage. One is wide and crowded. The other is costly and rare.
​Which will you choose?
What will you be remembered for?
Get your suit dirty.

Visit Darin's website: HERE

Grab a copy of his book: HERE

Ever played the party game Green Glass Door? The rules keep changing, and the fun comes from watching people struggle to figure them out. Your career works the same way. The skills that made you successful early on—working hard, delivering results, and being dependable—will only take you so far. At some point, you cross The Edge, an invisible line where the rules shift.

On the other side of The Edge, winning isn’t about technical proficiency anymore. It’s about relational savvy—your ability to make decisions, navigate diplomacy, and get things done through others. In this episode, Adam unpacks the two games of a career, why the transition is so confusing, and how to avoid getting stuck playing by the wrong rules.

Drawing on timeless wisdom from Dale Carnegie, you’ll learn practical ways to bring calm, energy, and influence into your leadership. If you’ve ever wondered why working harder isn’t working anymore, this conversation will show you how to play (and win) the new game.

Live learning isn’t just another way to consume content, it’s an experience that commands attention, personalizes the message, and accelerates team momentum. Unlike books or podcasts, a live session meets your people in the moment, speaks directly to their challenges, and creates a shared language that sticks long after the event. For senior leaders, it’s one of the few investments that can deliver six months’ worth of trust, clarity, and alignment in a single day.

What makes a leader unforgettable? In this episode, Adam and Clay reflect on a quiet moment in an airport lounge with former Home Depot CEO Frank Blake—and what it revealed about the kind of leadership that truly lasts. Instead of holding court, Blake was asking questions, listening intently, and showing up with presence.

They break down three simple (but rare) behaviors: staying curious when it’s easier to assume, showing up with presence instead of position, and building a legacy through small, consistent actions that make people feel seen. You’ll walk away challenged to lead like Frank Blake—not by being loud, but by being curious.

Your personal brand is always speaking, whether you’re shaping it intentionally or not. In this episode, we explore six subtle (but telling) clues that your reputation at work might be stuck in the past.

From being known for who you used to be, to struggling to articulate what makes you different today, we break down how to recognize when your brand needs a refresh—and what to do about it. Whether you’re stepping into a new level of leadership or just tired of being overlooked, this episode will help you clarify your brand and communicate it with confidence.

“this is not a fulfilling life”

"why do I want to win this tournament so bad?"

This is the paradox of Scottie Scheffler and there is something for all of us to learn.

“Just ask more questions.”

It’s classic leadership advice — but what if it doesn’t land the way you think?

In this episode, we unpack a tension that’s come up again and again, especially with younger Millennials and Gen Z:

Questions can build trust, open doors, and deepen connection — but when they feel forced, transactional, or performative, they do the opposite.

We’ll explore:

• Why the best leaders still ask great questions — but never to manipulate.

• What younger employees are really pushing back on when they say, “Don’t interrogate me.”

• Four practical ways to make your questions feel authentic, not artificial.

• How to match your curiosity to the moment — whether you’re building rapport, coaching, or holding someone accountable.

• A simple gut-check to make sure you’re asking to connect, not control.

Closing challenge:

Before you ask your next big question, ask yourself: Do I really want to know the answer?

Then pick one relationship this week and ask a better, braver question — and actually listen to what comes next.

“What Gen Z and Millennials Really Want From Their Leaders”

(And why it’s probably not a ping-pong table)

Today’s younger workforce isn’t just looking for a paycheck or a trendy office perk. Gen Z and millennials want something deeper: meaningful work, balanced lives, and leaders they can actually trust.

In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack the latest findings from the Deloitte Global 2025 survey — revealing what these generations really expect from leadership and why many companies are missing the mark.

Four surprising insights we dig into:

1️⃣ Well-being Isn’t a Perk — It’s the Point

More than half of Gen Zs and nearly half of millennials say they’re anxious or stressed most of the time. They expect leaders to talk about mental health and model healthier work rhythms.

2️⃣ Purpose Matters

Over 60% have turned down work that clashes with their values. They want leaders who act like stewards, not just managers chasing numbers.

3️⃣ Flexibility and Belonging Beat Prestige

Career growth isn’t just about climbing ladders — it’s about feeling seen, included, and trusted with real flexibility.

4️⃣ Growth is the New Loyalty

They’ll stick with leaders who invest in them. Over half have left roles due to a lack of development or career progression.

Throughout the episode, Clay and Adam share honest stories about the leaders who made them feel safe, seen, and stretched — and how today’s managers can do the same without burning themselves out.

Closing challenge:

If you lead anyone under 40, ask yourself: Am I creating a culture that supports well-being, lives out real values, and gives people a reason to stay?

More importantly: Would you want to work for you?

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor—and it’s not the end of the road. In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack four surprising reasons high-capacity leaders hit a wall—and how to bounce back without guilt or heroic grit. From emotional fatigue to financial pressure, they explore what’s really behind burnout and what to do when work won’t let up.

You’ll learn why burnout isn’t always about working too much—sometimes it’s about doing the wrong kind of work. Plus, they share personal stories, practical rhythms, and one small step you can take this week to protect your energy and lead from a healthier place.

Key Topics:

• The difference between burnout and exhaustion

• Why boredom might be draining your energy

• How to lead yourself through stress when no one else will

• What to do when financial pressure keeps you stuck