Episode Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols explore the ideas and leadership philosophy of Drew Dudley, whose work has helped reshape how many people think about leadership.

For years, leadership has often been framed as something tied to titles, positions, or big moments on big stages. Drew challenges that idea. Instead, he reminds us that leadership shows up in small, everyday interactions — the quiet moments when we help someone feel seen, capable, or supported.

Jason and Garth unpack Drew’s idea of “micro moments of leadership” and why these seemingly small actions can have lasting impact. They also reflect on the concept of “Day One,” Drew’s powerful reminder that leadership is something we recommit to every day, not something we achieve once and hold forever.

The conversation also touches on a feeling many leaders experience but rarely talk about openly: imposter syndrome. Drew’s work invites leaders to reconsider the quiet ways they influence others and to recognize that leadership often happens in ways we never fully see.

It’s a thoughtful discussion about vulnerability, authenticity, and the everyday moments where leadership truly lives.

Leadership, Drew Dudley, Micro Moments, Imposter Syndrome, Authentic Leadership, Day One, TED Talk, Education Leadership, Personal Growth

• Micro moments of leadership

• The concept of Day One and continuous renewal

• Vulnerability and authenticity in leadership

• Leadership is about everyday actions, not titles.

• Small moments of connection can have lasting impact.

• Recognizing unnoticed acts of leadership can help overcome imposter syndrome.

  Soundbites:

• “Leadership is about capacity, not titles.”

• “Every day is Day One.”

• “Small acts of leadership matter more than we often realize.”

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Leadership Themes
06:30 — Drew Dudley’s Leadership Philosophy
09:29 — Authenticity and Imposter Syndrome in Leadership
12:36 — Micro Moments of Leadership
15:23 — Embracing the Day One Mindset
16:52 — Beard’s Book Club Outro

KeywordsKey TopicsKey TakeawaysSound BitesChapters

Episode Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Garth Nichols and I dig into a conversation that’s been sitting with both of us for a while — the difference between joy and happiness, and why that distinction matters so much for leaders.

Happiness is often momentary. It’s the result of something good happening in the moment. Joy, on the other hand, runs deeper. It’s the thing that carries you through difficult days, tough seasons, and the hard work of building something meaningful with other people.

We reflect on a recent conversation with the Chief Joy Officer from Menlo Park, and it sparked a bigger discussion about what it actually looks like to build organizations — and schools — where joy is intentionally part of the culture.

That leads us into a practical conversation about hiring, leadership, and culture-building. What does it mean to hire for joy? How do you design an interview process that reveals who someone really is? And maybe the simplest question of all: Would I actually want to work with this person every day?

Along the way we talk about the return on investment of joyful workplaces, the power of storytelling in shaping culture, and the importance of creating environments where people genuinely feel connected to the work and to each other.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and why joy might be one of the most underrated forces in building great organizations.

Joy, Happiness, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Education Leadership, Hiring Practices, Well-being, Employee Engagement, Culture Building, Schools

Soundbites:

• “Joy gets you through the hard times.”

• “Happiness is momentary. Joy runs deeper.”

• “One of the best hiring questions might simply be: Would I want to work with this person every day?”

Chapters

00:00 — Understanding Joy vs. Happiness
06:39 — Hiring for Joy in Organizations
09:39 — Interview Strategies for Candidates
12:45 — Designing a Joyful Interview Process
15:37 — The Return on Investment of Joy
18:33 — The Role of Storytelling in Culture
21:38 — Learning Through Organizational Visits
24:29 — Upcoming Guests and Conversations
26:59 — Beard’s Book Club Outro

• Born to Run — Christopher McDougall

• Rich Sheridan — Chief Joy Officer, Menlo Innovations

• Drew Dudley — Day One

• Kurt Gray — Beard’s Book Club

• Claude Silver — Chief Heart Officer, VaynerMedia

• Jennifer Wallace — Never Enough

• Ashish Advani — Leadership author and speaker

KeywordsEpisode TitlesSound BitesChaptersResources Mentioned

Keywords

Leadership, Joy, Mattering, Workplace Culture, Hiring for Character, Storytelling, Optimism, Resilience, Service, Organizational Health, Chief Joy Officer

What if joy isn’t the byproduct of great leadership… but the job itself?

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with Rich Sheridan, CEO of Menlo Innovations and author of The Chief Joy Officer, to explore a deceptively simple question: Why don’t more leaders take joy seriously?

Rich makes the case that joy isn’t fluffy. It’s foundational. It drives engagement. It shapes culture. It improves outcomes. And perhaps most importantly—it reminds people that their work matters.

We talk about what it really means to hire for joy (hint: it’s not about personality tests), how onboarding sets the emotional tone for an organization, and why optimism is often the braver choice. Rich shares stories from Menlo that demonstrate how intentional culture building can change not just performance—but people.

This conversation weaves together storytelling, resilience, and service. It asks leaders to look in the mirror and consider:

Take Aways

• Joy is not a perk — it is a leadership responsibility.

• Culture doesn’t happen by accident. It is designed, reinforced, and protected.

• Hiring for collaboration and character beats hiring for résumé shine.

• Onboarding is storytelling — it teaches people what really matters.

• Optimism is a discipline, not a personality trait.

• Service to others is the heartbeat of sustainable joy.

• Leaders must model presence — joy requires engagement, not distance.

• Resilient cultures are built on trust, safety, and shared purpose.

• Storytelling is how leaders transfer belief.

• “Joy is in the service to others.”

• “Optimism is the harder path — but it’s the better one.”

• “Culture is built in the moments no one thinks matter.”

00:00 – Why Joy Belongs in the Leadership Conversation
05:35 – The Business Case for Joy
09:25 – What Joy Actually Means (and What It Doesn’t)
11:09 – Hiring for Collaboration, Not Ego
14:26 – Onboarding as Cultural Storytelling
16:04 – Optimism: Naïve or Necessary?
20:26 – The Hard Work of Protecting Culture
23:57 – If the Leader Isn’t Feeling Joy… Then What?
26:05 – Why Storytelling Changes Everything
28:57 – Service, Purpose, and the Long Game of Leadership

Summary

In this episode, hosts Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols explore the transformative power of joyful leadership through insights from Rich Sheridan, author of 'Chief Joy Officer'. They discuss how joy, authenticity, humility, love, and optimism can be integrated into leadership practices to create highly performing and deeply human cultures.

Keywords

Joyful Leadership, Rich Sheridan, Chief Joy Officer, Positive Psychology, Organizational Culture, Leadership Discourse, Purpose-Driven Work, Storytelling in Leadership

Key Topics

• Joy as a leadership discipline
• The role of storytelling in leadership
• Balancing optimism and humility in leadership

• The Power of Joyful Leadership: Insights from Rich Sheridan
• How to End Human Suffering Through Joy in Organizations

Sound Bites

• "When purpose meets user delight, joy follows"
• "Humility means always learning and growing"
• "Find delight in everyday leadership moments"

Guest Name:

Rich Sheridan

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Joy in Leadership

06:46 - Exploring the Concept of Joy

09:57 - The Role of Storytelling in Leadership

12:57 - Finding Joy in Leadership Practices

15:58 - Connecting with Students and Purpose

18:57 - Conclusion and Next Steps

Keywords

Crisis Communication · Leadership · Empathy · Clarity · Trust · Communication Principles · Leadership Mistakes · Ted Lasso · Risk Management · Community Engagement

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with Benjamin Morgan, Senior Fellow in Crisis Communications, to unpack what really matters when the pressure is on.

Drawing from decades of experience supporting leaders through high-stakes moments, Benjamin challenges the instinct to “get the message right” before getting the people right. Together, the trio explore why empathy, clarity, and repetition aren’t soft skills in a crisis—they’re survival skills.

From common leadership missteps (including the temptation to clam up) to the long-term value of trust and relationship-building, this conversation reframes crisis communication as a deeply human practice. Along the way, Benjamin and the hosts even pull lessons from popular culture—yes, including Ted Lasso—to remind us that authenticity and care often matter more than perfect phrasing.

Whether you’re leading a school, an organization, or a community, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating uncertainty with calm, credibility, and compassion.

Take Aways

• Crisis communication starts with understanding how stressed your audience already is.

• Empathy and clarity beat polish and perfection every time.

• Repetition isn’t annoying—it’s necessary for understanding under pressure.

• One of the biggest leadership mistakes in a crisis is going silent.

• Trust is built long before a crisis—and spent during one.

• Authenticity matters more than sounding “official.”

• Crisis moments are both threats and opportunities for leadership.

• Emotional context shapes how messages are received.

• Positive communication deposits help cushion difficult conversations.

• Strong leadership puts people first, message second.

• Navigating Crisis Communication

• Empathy in Leadership: When the Pressure Is On

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Crisis Communications
03:22 – Crisis vs. Risk Communication: What’s the Difference?
07:59 – Core Principles for Communicating Under Pressure
11:58 – Navigating Ambiguity When Answers Aren’t Clear
17:09 – Common Crisis Communication Mistakes Leaders Make
21:36 – Choosing the Right Voice in a Crisis
25:34 – Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso

Episode Keywords

Education • Innovation • Leadership • Learning • Professional Growth • Storytelling • Educators • Curiosity • Meaningful Experiences • Community

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols zoom out—and then right back in—on why education remains one of the most exciting, challenging, and hopeful industries around. Drawing inspiration from George Couros’ work, including The Innovator’s Mindset and Forward Together, the conversation explores what it really means to build learner-centred schools in a world that keeps changing the rules.

Jason and Garth unpack innovation not as a buzzword, but as a posture—one rooted in curiosity, relationships, and the courage to keep things fresh. From professional learning that actually energizes educators, to the power of networks beyond our own schools, this episode is a reminder that meaningful growth happens when we stay open, tell better stories, and refuse to get too comfortable with “the way it’s always been done.”

Take Aways

• Education is evolving—and that’s what makes it thrilling if we lean into it.

• Learner-centred schools don’t happen by accident; they’re built intentionally.

• Innovation isn’t a program—it’s a habit we practice together.

• Great professional development should spark curiosity, not compliance.

• Meaningful experiences matter just as much for adults as they do for students.

• Growth accelerates when we learn with and from people beyond our own buildings.

• Change doesn’t arrive on its own—we have to go after it.

• Schools innovate best when communities are part of the story.

• Capturing mantras, moments, and stories keeps learning human.

• Staying fresh requires noticing when the “smell” has changed—and responding.

• “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

• “Don’t get used to the smell.”

• “Kids these days… kids these days.”

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Lassoing Leadership
04:28 – Rethinking Innovation and the Innovator’s Mindset
08:15 – What Educators Owe Learners in a Changing World
12:15 – Culture, Curiosity, and Continuous Learning
13:59 – Forward Together and Paying Attention to New Smells
18:05 – Learning Beyond Education and the Power of Networks
20:50 – What’s Ahead: Guests, Ideas, and Staying Curious

Episode Keywords

Education • Leadership • Community • Storytelling • Emotional Connection • Change • School Leadership • Relationships • Narrative

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with George Couros to talk about his newest book, Forward Together—and what it really takes to build schools where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

George shares powerful stories about the role community plays in meaningful change, why leadership is inseparable from storytelling, and how emotional connection—not policy or programs—is often the real driver of growth. From paying attention to the small details, to celebrating wins (including your own), this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being curious, generous, and deeply human.

Take Aways

• Curiosity builds bridges; judgment builds walls.

• Schools are among the most powerful community-building spaces we have.

• Small, thoughtful details often make the biggest difference.

• Emotional connection sits at the centre of effective leadership.

• Leaders need to recognize and celebrate their own growth—not just others’.

• Relationships are the foundation on which everything else is built.

• Understanding your community matters more than copying someone else’s model.

• Change sticks when it’s approached with care, empathy, and patience.

• Naming and amplifying strengths creates momentum and trust.

• Great leadership creates environments where people feel safe to grow.

• “The small details matter.”

• “What do I gain?”

• “Clap for yourself.”

Chapters

00:00 – Welcoming George and Forward Together
05:30 – Why Community Is the Work of Schools
09:55 – Storytelling as a Leadership Practice
12:54 – Emotional Connection and Meaningful Change
19:26 – “Clap for Yourself” and Owning Your Growth
24:33 – Advice for New and Emerging Leaders

Keywords

education, leadership, innovation, AI, stoicism, learning, resilience, community, George Couros, Innovator's Mindset

Takeaways

• George Couros emphasizes the importance of innovation in education.
• The Innovator's Mindset is relevant even after 10 years since its publication.
• Change should be viewed as an opportunity for growth.
• AI can enhance learning experiences when embraced positively.
• Stoicism offers valuable lessons for leaders in adapting to change.
• Learning is a continuous process that requires community support.
• Modeling risk-taking behavior is essential for leaders.
• Compassion for oneself is crucial in the learning journey.
• Building a culture of innovation requires understanding individual strengths.
• Curiosity and listening are key traits of effective leadership.

Quotes

• "Repetition really matters in learning."
• "Be curious, not judgmental."
• "Keep leading the lasso way."

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Jason Rogers and Garth engage with George Couros, an influential figure in education and author of 'The Innovator's Mindset.'

The conversation explores the relevance of innovation in education, the impact of AI, and the importance of community and curiosity in leadership.

Couros shares insights on embracing change, learning from mistakes, and the connection between stoicism and effective leadership. The episode concludes with reflections on leadership lessons from the character Ted Lasso, emphasizing the need for compassion and support in fostering innovation.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

03:11 - George Couros: Journey in Education

05:58 - The Innovator's Mindset: Relevance Over Time

09:05 - Innovation and Stoicism: Embracing Change

11:58 - AI in Education: Finding Value

14:59 - Learning vs. Teaching: A Shift in Perspective

18:07 - Navigating Change in Education Leadership

18:27 - Embracing Change in Education

22:34 - The Journey of Personal Growth

27:10 - Learning Through Risk and Innovation

Keywords

education, leadership, innovation, George Couros, Innovator’s Mindset, Forward Together, storytelling, professional development, change management, psychological safety

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Garth and Jason return to two books that continue to shape their thinking: The Innovator’s Mindset and Forward Together by George Couros.

Rather than treating innovation as a checklist or a program, they explore it as a way of being—one rooted in trust, relationships, and curiosity. The conversation weaves together stories from schools, leadership moments, and lived experience, highlighting how listening, empowerment, and psychological safety create the conditions where meaningful change can actually take hold.

At its core, this episode is about building environments where people feel safe enough to grow—and supported enough to try.

Take Aways

• The Innovator’s Mindset reframes innovation as a way of thinking, not a tool or initiative.

• Empowerment—not control—is what unlocks the best thinking in schools.

• When teachers use technology well, it amplifies good practice rather than replacing it.

• Listening isn’t passive—it’s one of the fastest ways to move change forward.

• Continuous improvement matters more than chasing the next big idea.

• Innovation only works when it’s built on a strong foundation of good education.

• Leaders don’t force change—they create the conditions where change can emerge.

• Relationships are the real lever for leadership impact.

• Education should help people choose to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

• Storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools a leader has.

Sound Bites

“Empowerment beats control—every time.”
“Don’t let the smell bother you.”
“Listening might be the most underrated leadership skill we have.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Beards Book Club
05:50 Exploring The Innovator’s Mindset
10:06 Why Innovation Still Matters in Education
13:56 Diving into Forward Together
17:54 Creating the Conditions for Real Change
21:59 The Power of Listening in Leadership

Keywords

leadership, mattering, anti-mattering, gratitude, recognition, emotional intelligence, education, community, strengths, unseen work

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols dive into one of the most human—and often overlooked—dimensions of leadership: mattering. Together, they unpack how people come to feel valued, seen, and significant at work—and how easily the opposite, anti-mattering, can show up in subtle, unintended ways.

The conversation explores the role of authentic gratitude, the power of recognizing individual strengths, and the impact of unseen contributions in schools and organizations. Jason and Garth challenge leaders to reflect on their daily interactions, reminding us that leadership isn’t just about strategy or vision—it’s about how people feel in our presence. At its core, this episode is a call to notice more, assume less, and lead with intention.

Take Aways

• Mattering is foundational to trust, engagement, and leadership effectiveness.

• Anti-mattering often happens quietly—in small moments, omissions, or habits.

• Gratitude loses its power when it becomes performative rather than personal.

• People feel they matter when leaders genuinely know them.

• Recognizing strengths fuels confidence, contribution, and belonging.

• Hope must precede strategy for change to stick.

• No one succeeds alone—community matters.

• The most important contributions are often the least visible.

• Leaders shape self-worth whether they intend to or not.

• Growth accelerates when unique talents are noticed and named.

  
  

  Sound Bites

• “You need to be valued to add value.”

• “Gratitude can become performative if we’re not careful.”

• “Great leaders look for the unseen.”