Lead Well

On this episode of the

, host Brendan Holland speaks with Matthew Johnson, a longtime local government leader, about what leadership looks like in practice—and how better communication can help leaders navigate difficult conversations.Matthew shares how nearly 25 years in local government shaped his approach to leadership, including a pivotal mistake at a public rezoning meeting and the mentor who helped him learn from it. He also explains why giving employees autonomy matters, how Exactly What to Say influenced his communication style, and what inspired his new venture focused on helping local government leaders handle high-stakes conversations.The conversation also touches on Matthew’s upcoming book, Effective Disagreement, and the need for more communication training in local government.

• Defining leadership as helping others succeed
• Building leadership experience in local government
• Learning from mentors and early-career mistakes
• Navigating the transition from colleague to leader
• Giving employees autonomy and avoiding micromanagement
• Applying Exactly What to Say to workplace conversations
• Communicating with residents during public hearings
• Helping local government leaders manage high-stakes conversations
• Matthew’s upcoming book, Effective Disagreement

• 00:00 Welcome to the Lead Well Podcast and introduction to Matthew Johnson
• 01:30 Matthew’s definition of leadership
• 02:27 Moving from a larger municipality to a smaller one
• 03:25 Learning leadership through broader responsibilities
• 05:51 The “buddy to boss” transition
• 07:39 A mentor who helped Matthew grow as a leader
• 08:05 A difficult rezoning meeting—and the lesson it taught
• 09:57 Treating employees like volunteers
• 10:47 Leadership books and Exactly What to Say
• 12:06 Practicing better communication at work
• 14:20 Matthew’s new venture serving local government
• 16:12 Improving high-stakes conversations
• 17:09 Effective Disagreement and where to find Matthew
• 18:40 The role of communication training in MPA programs
• 19:35 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Matthew

Matthew Johnson is a local government executive with nearly 25 years of experience. He is developing a venture to help local government leaders communicate more effectively and is writing Effective Disagreement, a book about navigating disagreement in public service.Find Matthew on LinkedIn by searching for

or

. The episode also mentions his website,

.

What does it take to stop drifting and start rebuilding? In this episode of the Lead Well Podcast, host Brandon Holland talks with Bill Stovall, a 40-year sales and leadership veteran and author of The Ledger Never Lies, about honesty, personal standards, grief, and the choices that shape a life.Bill shares how a chance encounter at a reunion inspired his book and explains the ledger metaphor: like a business, a life reflects the choices and actions entered over time. He describes how people can drift slowly through inaction or suddenly after a major setback—and why the next honest step matters more than guilt about the past.The conversation also explores how self-image shapes personal standards, how to rebuild after loss or financial hardship, and why lasting change begins with taking an honest look at where you are today.

• Why life can drift through either gradual neglect or major setbacks
• How personal standards and self-image influence daily choices
• Why goals alone may not be enough to create lasting change
• What Bill learned from grieving the loss of his wife
• How to begin rebuilding after financial hardship
• Why one honest action can help create momentum
• How to identify where you may be drifting and take a practical next step

00:00 — Introducing Bill Stovall and The Ledger Never Lies
01:03 — Bill’s background in Eastern North Carolina, sales, and employee benefits
02:32 — What the title means: life as a ledger of choices and consequences
04:18 — The reunion encounter that sparked the book
06:22 — Seeing another person’s drift as a warning for the next generation
07:45 — “Life is a lottery at 18, but the life you build at 60”
09:01 — Recognizing personal drift and choosing to change
11:17 — Two ways people drift: coasting or facing a storm
12:10 — Losing his wife to cancer and finding a way forward
13:45 — Why life drifts by permission, not accident
14:07 — Why standards matter more than goals
15:35 — How self-image sets the ceiling for personal standards
17:13 — Raising standards through an example from Deion Sanders
18:41 — Rebuilding after going negative in net worth
19:58 — Why the next entry matters more than guilt
21:52 — What to do when you feel like you’re drifting
23:31 — Cleaning the garage as a metaphor for progress
25:47 — Start with honesty and stop lying to the ledger
26:16 — Free worksheets to help readers assess where they are
27:44 — The book’s Amazon release and early response
28:39 — Final takeaway: you don’t rise to your goals; you fall to your standards

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“Life doesn’t drift by accident, it drifts by permission.”

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“You can’t lie to the ledger.”

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“You don’t rise to your goals, you fall to your standards.”

• Take an honest look at one area of your life where you may be drifting.
• Choose one practical action you can take today—a conversation, a call, a decision, or a habit reset.
• Focus on building standards you can sustain, not just setting goals.
• Track your progress and use each deliberate step to build momentum.

Bill Stovall is a sales and leadership veteran with four decades of experience and the author of The Ledger Never Lies. In this conversation, he shares the experiences behind the book’s message about honesty, personal standards, and taking responsibility for your next step.

Jude Leonard on Local Government, GIS, and Learning to Lead Well

Brandon Holland sits down with Jude Leonard, a 21-year-old GIS graduate student who interned with the City of Newton, to talk about what local government looks like behind the scenes. The conversation covers how public processes really work, why communication matters in government and in school, and how technology and AI are changing the way people do map-based work.Jude also shares practical encouragement for students and a leadership lesson about using good questions to help others think differently and grow.

Key Topics

• How Jude’s internship with the City of Newton changed his perspective on local government and community issues
• What happens during a rezoning process, from application to final decision
• Why citizens need to report infrastructure problems in their communities
• The importance of clear, confident communication in planning and public-facing work
• How updated GIS software can make local government workflows faster and more efficient
• The differences between ArcMap and ArcGIS
• How machine learning tools can assist with address-point creation
• Where useful AI support ends and overuse begins
• Why human judgment and visual hierarchy still matter in design
• Encouragement for students and professionals facing difficult seasons
• How leaders can use thoughtful questions to help others grow
• Why it is never too late to pursue a new interest or career path

Timestamps00:00

Welcome to the Lead Well Podcast and introduction to Jude Leonard

01:16

Jude’s background in geography and GIS graduate study

02:02

How the internship changed Jude’s view of local government

04:01

The importance of communication in planning and public-facing work

06:25

How updated GIS software speeds up local government workflows

07:54

Machine learning tools for address-point creation

09:38

Jude’s perspective on when AI use goes too far

12:54

Visual hierarchy and why AI can miss design fundamentals

14:21

Encouragement for students under pressure

16:46

Leadership lessons from leading classroom discussions

19:18

Why it is never too late to start learning maps or try something new

Notable Quotes

• “Everything’s a process.”
• “People aren’t dumb. They can tell when a response is AI.”
• “There’s always tomorrow.”
• “As a leader, it can be your job to insert that seed into people’s minds to get them thinking, to change, to grow.”

About Jude Leonard

Jude Leonard is a geography graduate and current master’s student in geographic information science and technology at NC State. After completing an internship with the City of Newton, Jude is continuing to build his career in GIS, mapping, and local government.Listeners interested in maps, GIS, and Jude’s work can search for

Jude Leonard on LinkedIn

.

Resources Mentioned

• Shackerford Leadership Institute
• HyperX
• ArcMap
• ArcGIS
• QGIS
• GRASS GIS

Sylvia Baffour on Street EI, leadership, and the hidden work behind great communication

Brandon Holland sits down with Sylvia Baffour, a globally recognized speaker who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and studied under the influence of Maya Angelou, to explore what she calls Street EI. The conversation centers on emotional intelligence in unscripted, real-world moments and why leaders need more than charm or agreeableness to truly connect.We discuss how self-awareness, curiosity, and cultural humility shape better leadership, speaking, and relationships. Sylvia also shares lessons from her upbringing across eight countries, her experience at the World Championship of Public Speaking, and the unforgettable mentorship moments that shaped her career.

Key topics

• Sylvia explains Street EI as emotional intelligence for the unscripted moments of life, focused on practical behavior rather than theory.
• She shares the boarding school intervention in Zimbabwe that first showed her how others experienced her, becoming a turning point in her growth.
• In this episode, Sylvia breaks down the biggest misconception about emotional intelligence - that it means being nice, soft, or agreeable.
• She reframes emotional intelligence as a human skill that shows up in difficult conversations, accountability, and respectful disagreement.
• Brandon and Sylvia discuss how living in eight countries and speaking multiple languages taught her that no single worldview is universal.
• Sylvia shares why she leads with curiosity instead of judgment, because judgment finishes other people’s stories while curiosity opens space for understanding.
• She offers a practical method for improving self-awareness through reflection, noticing triggers, and asking for anonymous feedback from people in your life.
• Sylvia tells the story of meeting Maya Angelou while waiting tables in Washington, DC, and how that relationship shaped her confidence and standards.
• She shares Maya Angelou’s lesson that "easy reading is damn hard writing" and applies it to leadership, speaking, and relationships.
• Sylvia reflects on the World Championship of Public Speaking and how focusing on presence, preparation, and service mattered more than fixating on winning.

Notable quotes

"Emotional intelligence for the unscripted moments of your life."

"When I lead with judgment, I get to finish your story for you. But when I lead with curiosity, I give you a chance to enlighten me about your world."

"Easy reading is damn hard writing."

Today's conversation features Larry Long Jr., one of the nation's leading motivational speakers, sales coaches, and customer experience experts, alongside Taylor Lunin, speaker strategist and co-founder of Business of Speaking. Together, they share practical insights on building a successful speaking business, creating lasting relationships, and turning your message into meaningful impact. Together they've created The Abundant Speaker community and this episode goes in-depth on why community is valuable.Larry Long Jr.🌐 Website: https://larrylongjr.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longjr7📧 Email: [email protected] Lunin💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-lunin🌐 Learn more about Business of Speaking through her LinkedIn profile and professional network.Listen to More EpisodesIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe to the Lead Well Podcast for inspiring conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and changemakers who are making a difference in their communities and organizations.🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.KeywordsLeadership Podcast • Public Speaking • Professional Speaker • Speaker Business • Sales Leadership • Personal Branding • Business Growth • Motivation • Communication Skills • Executive Leadership • Storytelling • Lead Well Podcast • Larry Long Jr. • Taylor Lunin • Business of Speaking

In this episode of the Lead Well Podcast, Brandon Holland sits down with Larry Burks, Executive Director of the Millcreek Valley Conservancy District and an experienced public-sector leader, for a practical conversation about leadership, organizational performance, and the next generation of leaders.  

Larry shares the leadership principle he believes can work anywhere, what he pays attention to when an organization isn’t performing, and what excites him about emerging leaders.

We also discuss a question every aspiring leader should consider: What should you be doing now if you want to lead later?

This conversation explores:

• Leadership principles that translate across organizations
• How leaders identify organizational performance problems
• What to watch when a team isn’t reaching its potential
• The strengths of the next generation of leaders
• Practical advice for aspiring leaders
• Public-sector leadership and organizational development

Whether you’re a city manager, local government professional, executive, emerging leader, or someone simply trying to lead well, this episode offers practical leadership insight you can apply immediately.

Subscribe to the Lead Well Podcast for conversations about leadership, resilience, growth, and the real work of leading people.

ABOUT THE LEAD WELL PODCAST

The Lead Well Podcast features real conversations with leaders, authors, executives, public servants, and changemakers about leadership, resilience, personal growth, and what it actually takes to lead well.

🎙️ Hosted by Brandon Holland.

Sponsored by: Shackleford Leadership Institute | Hyper-X

Topics: Leadership Development | Local Government Leadership | Public Sector Leadership | Organizational Performance | Emerging Leaders | Executive Leadership | Leadership Advice

#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadWellPodcast #PublicLeadership #LocalGovernment #EmergingLeaders #OrganizationalLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment

🎙️ Lead Well Podcast – Show NotesLeadership, Growth, and Becoming a City Manager

In this episode of the Lead Well Podcast, I sit down with the new City Manager of Trinity to discuss his leadership journey, the experiences that shaped him, and the lessons he learned on the path to local government leadership.

We explore the challenges, opportunities, and mindset required to grow as a leader while serving communities and building strong relationships along the way.

• His path to becoming City Manager

• Leadership lessons learned throughout his career

• Overcoming challenges and embracing growth

• The value of mentorship and continuous learning

• Advice for aspiring local government leaders

• His vision for the future of Trinity

• Leadership is built through experience and service.

• Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

• Strong relationships are essential to effective leadership.

• Every opportunity can prepare you for the next step.

🎧 Subscribe to the Lead Well Podcast for conversations that inspire better leadership, stronger communities, and personal growth.

#LeadWellPodcast #Leadership #CityManager #LocalGovernment #PublicService #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #NorthCarolina #ProfessionalGrowth #EmergingLeaders #ServantLeadership

In This Episode:Key Takeaways:

In this powerful episode of The Lead Well Podcast, host Brandon Holland sits down with Ben Cranford, author of Beyond My Pit, for a raw and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, finding purpose in pain, and leading through life’s deepest struggles.

Ben shares the personal journey behind his book, opening up about the “pit moments” that shaped his faith, mindset, and mission. From battling setbacks and emotional hardship to discovering resilience and hope, this episode delivers practical encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, discouraged, or uncertain about their next chapter.

Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, person of faith, or someone simply trying to navigate difficult seasons, this conversation will challenge you to rise above your circumstances and step into growth.

• The story behind Beyond My Pit

• How adversity can shape leadership

• Faith, resilience, and mental toughness

• Lessons learned from painful seasons

• Encouragement for people feeling trapped or overwhelmed

• Why your story still has purpose

If you’ve ever faced setbacks, disappointment, burnout, or moments where life felt heavier than you could carry, this episode will remind you that the pit is not the end of your story. Ben Cranford offers wisdom, authenticity, and hope that listeners can immediately apply to their own lives and leadership journeys.

Ben Cranford podcast, Beyond My Pit, overcoming adversity podcast, Christian leadership podcast, resilience and faith, motivational podcast, leadership through hardship, personal growth podcast, inspirational author interview, The Lead Well Podcast, Brandon Holland podcast, overcoming struggles, finding purpose in pain, faith-based leadership conversations

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Follow The Lead Well Podcast for more conversations on leadership, resilience, growth, and purpose-driven living.

www.beyondmypit.com

In this episode of The Lead Well Podcast, Brandon sits down with the Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Appalachian State University for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of public service education.

From curriculum updates to program expansion, this discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how one of North Carolina’s leading MPA programs is preparing the next generation of local government leaders. Whether you're a current public servant, aspiring city manager, or someone passionate about community impact, this episode provides valuable perspective on where the profession is headed.

Vision of the Appalachian State MPA program

Recent and upcoming changes to curriculum and delivery

Expansion efforts and what they mean for accessibility and growth

How the program is adapting to meet the needs of modern local government

The skills and competencies future public leaders need to succeed

Advice for prospective students considering an MPA

The importance of leadership, ethics, and service in today’s environment

If you’re in local government, considering graduate school, or simply interested in how leadership pipelines are being developed in public service, this episode offers practical insights and forward-thinking ideas you can apply right away.

Thanks to the sponsors:

Hyperx.com

https://www.shacklefordleadership.com/

For more info on APP STATE: https://www.appstate.edu/academics/graduate/id/public-administration-mpa?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23690619343&gbraid=0AAAAADAr0kG2GU3Aoh__keyJNSk2URy9p&gclid=CjwKCAjwhqfPBhBWEiwAZo196mvbF9QYxJKlCcYenw-NoCHzuM86eNOwtsy_YjbyHxKU49r9FvqU9xoCH6MQAvD_BwE

What if the most powerful leadership strategy isn’t authority—but care?

In this episode of The Lead Well Podcast, Brandon sits down with Glenn Hasteadt, author of Power in Caring, to break down the true meaning of servant leadership and why it’s more relevant than ever.

With a background as a career IT professional, Glenn shares real-world leadership insights on how empathy, trust, and intentional care can transform teams, strengthen culture, and drive results. Now a speaker and leadership coach, he helps organizations embrace people-first leadership that actually works.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• What servant leadership really looks like in practice
• How caring can be a leadership advantage
• Ways to build trust and accountability on your team
• How to lead with purpose in any organization

If you're a leader in business, government, or any organization looking to grow your impact, this episode is for you.

www.powerincaring.com

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Caring-How-Transforms-Leadership/dp/B0GSKL131P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37CBVSOTSWQJJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EAkVdsFZAdSYqwQp_T5Bi6SWHU857T0RgZWsoLkZ3IhP9VzTfbmbZmUB5dyDkw1oqUUd2UsW6r3wL_pN0cg4GDErDru1i3iNnZgb3lI72_rupZ2t_Hf-1oKx2fp9n8gL-AL5hkNzbY-S-pxcTbjXZMRwpq4xQ9MHAOFyVPdzR7H_javRy3tbCNa1aeOGJI5ZnPOkor6hyHblMSPoTmp4sPS4nWBvBiQaoFtTeyeInpA.7kVnPq8C9d4ISZ4qUaZ-PNoX2Mgl2ymVpdKQYwwQ4Cs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Power+in+caring&qid=1775818194&sprefix=power+in+caring%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-1

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