Lead With Purpose

By Merv Jersak

Most organizations don’t fail because of bad strategy, weak technology, or poor processes. They fail because leadership breaks down in the human moments of execution.

The Lead With Purpose Podcast, h... more

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FAQs about Lead With Purpose:

How many episodes does Lead With Purpose have?

The podcast currently has 27 episodes available.

Lead With Purpose episodes:

April 21, 2026Your Work Isn't Invisible. You Are!
For Your Leadership Toolkit
the difference between performance and visibility in leadership

how to communicate your value effectively

the role of clarity and confidence in leadership

strategies for leaders to increase their influence

the importance of authentic self-promotion and visibility

visibility as a leadership tool

clarity and communication in leadership

reflect on your personal vision and mission

focus on serving your audience's needs

Sound bites
"Losing my job was my gift in disguise."
" No one sees the dedication that you put in the way that you see it. So if you don't highlight it, no one's going to notice"
“… as a leader in an organization, I think that first getting really clear on what your vision is within yourself …”
"Focus on who you're serving and what they need."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Visibility and Leadership
01:40 Bridget's Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
05:03 Recognizing Misalignment in Leadership
08:02 The Importance of Visibility in Career Advancement
13:10 Clarity in Leadership Communication
17:47 Serving Others as a Leadership Principle
21:09 Addressing Burnout in Corporate Culture

Resources
Bridget’s company: Amp Up My Biz (https://ampupmybiz.com)
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
32min
April 14, 2026Paul Wilson: Clarity Isn’t a Luxury; It’s Leadership Oxygen
For Your Leadership Toolkit
clarity of purpose changes everything in leadership

discovering and living your purpose

purpose is something you discover and reveal, not create.

the WHY Operating System helps identify your natural strengths

understanding your 'why' leads to greater engagement and fulfillment

leadership under pressure and staying aligned

listening with the heart is crucial for effective leadership

Sound bites
"Clarity of purpose changes everything."
"Ask yourself, am I doing what I love?"
"Follow, share, lead with purpose."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Purpose and Clarity
02:55 Paul Wilson's Journey to Discovering Purpose
06:04 The Importance of Purpose in Leadership
09:12 Recognizing Lack of Clarity in Teams
11:54 Purpose Under Pressure
14:58 Discovering Your Why
18:10 The Nature of Purpose: Discovery vs. Decision
20:05 Finding Fulfillment in Work
23:06 Practical Steps for Young Leaders
25:59 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights
28:56 Conclusion and Resources

Resources
Paul’s website: https://wakeupyourgenius.com
Paul’s email: [email protected]
Find your WHY: https://whyinstitute.com/
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
35min
April 09, 2026Bob Mason: Promoted, But Not Prepared
In this insightful interview, leadership expert Bob Mason shares practical advice on developing effective leadership skills, avoiding common pitfalls, and leading with purpose. Discover how to build trust, simplify leadership, and foster team success through real-world experiences and proven principles.

For Your Leadership Toolkit
leadership mistakes at the supervisory level

the importance of leadership development

building trust with teams

three significant characteristics of good leadership

simplifying leadership principles

Sound Bites
"Leadership is a skill set, not a soft skill."
"Listen to your team to build trust."
"The myth of the born leader is dangerous."

Chapters
00:00 Identifying Leadership Problems
03:07 The Transition from Manager to Leader
05:59 Key Leadership Skills for New Leaders
08:55 Understanding Team Dynamics and Mission
11:56 Listening and Building Trust
15:05 The Simplicity of Leadership
17:59 Avoiding Micromanagement
21:00 Rapid Fire Leadership Insights
24:02 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Resources
Datalys Leadership Group - https://dleadershipgroup.com
Bob Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-mason
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
31min
April 01, 2026Ron Price: Don’t Avoid Conflict, Master It
For Your Leadership Toolkit:
conflict management strategies

the 'Play Nice' approach in leadership

the importance of timing and emotional intelligence in conflict

empathy and respect in leadership

techniques to stay in the thinking brain rather than the emotional brain during conflict

Sound bites
"Timing is crucial in conflict management"
"Empathy is key to effective leadership"
"We judge ourselves by our motives; we judge others by their actions."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Conflict Resolution
03:01 Understanding Conflict in Leadership
05:57 The Concept of 'Playing Nice'
09:10 The Importance of Timing in Conflict
12:08 Self-Regulation and Emotional Intelligence
14:57 Techniques for Managing Conflict
18:10 Empathy and Leadership
20:51 Navigating Conflict Without Authority
23:56 The Role of Listening in Leadership
26:55 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Resources
Ron Price's Website: https://ronprice.com
Ron Price’s email: [email protected]
Conflict CPR Mastery Course - https://ronprice.com/conflict-cpr-mastery
Books: series Play Nice in Your Sandbox
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
34min
March 27, 2026Randy Powell: Stuck is a Choice, Momentum is a Skill
For Your Leadership Toolkit
the role of influence in leadership

training and confidence as leadership foundations

the concept of Encore Authority for women over 50

strategies to get unstuck and achieve breakthrough

the importance of authentic connection and influence

well-trained and confident teams perform at their best.

women over 50 have valuable experience that can be turned into influence and income.

getting unstuck requires a mindset shift and strategic action.

leadership is a lifelong journey of learning and influence.

Sound bites
"Leadership comes in many different forms."
"If you can influence, you can lead."
"Leaders are made, not just born."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Influence
01:09 Randy Powell's Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneur
04:21 Leadership Lessons from Corporate Experience
07:05 The Importance of Training and Confidence
10:25 Envision Success and Encore Authority
12:24 Empowering Women Over 50 for Their Second Act
15:45 Helping People Get Unstuck and Find Their Voice
17:40 The Meaning of Encore Authority
18:38 Rapid Fire: Myths and Insights on Leadership
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
26min
March 17, 2026Maureen Zappala: NASA-Level Brilliance, Imposter-Level Doubt
For Your Leadership Toolkit
imposter syndrome often stems from self-imposed beliefs and systemic issues

recognizing one's qualifications is crucial in overcoming imposter syndrome

imposter syndrome can limit creativity and decision-making abilities

delegation is essential for effective leadership and personal growth

conflict management styles can differ based on gender and personal experience

transitioning careers can bring about imposter feelings, but they can be managed

understanding the value of one's character traits is important for leaders

spiritual and personal development practices can help combat self-doubt

leaders should seek to understand the internal struggles of their team members

having a larger vision can help leaders push through self-doubt
Sound bites
"Imposter syndrome never really goes away."
"Change is the biggest trigger of imposter feelings."
"Imposter syndrome affects how leaders handle conflict."
"Lead from the truth that someone saw something in you."

Chapters
00:00Introduction to Imposter Syndrome
03:11Maureen's Journey at NASA
06:08Understanding Imposter Syndrome
09:00The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Leadership
12:07Navigating Conflict and Imposter Syndrome
15:08Transitioning from Engineer to Speaker
17:57Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Leadership
20:57Rapid Fire Questions and Insights
24:10The Role of Dance in Leadership
26:59Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
28min
March 10, 2026Michael Silvers: One Team, One Family – Leadership That Serves
For Your Leadership Toolkit
every individual has a story that can impact others

building a unified team requires clear communication of the mission

collaboration is essential for effective leadership

AI is transforming industries, but the human element remains crucial

invisible leadership qualities often define great leaders

high-performing leaders prioritize reflection and continuous improvement

effective communication is vital in diverse teams

leaders should focus on being of service to their teams

delegation is key to scaling influence and effectiveness

daily actions should align with a commitment to service

Sound bites
“… when there's greatness around you, number one, listen, number two, listen, number three, listen.”
"We are one team, we are one family."
" The part of leadership to me is the unspoken …"
"… it's not how hard they worked, but it's how smart they worked."

Chapters
03:11 Michael Silvers' Leadership Journey
06:28 Lessons from Influential Speakers and Hosts
09:48 The Power of Team and Family in Leadership
12:10 AI, Media, and Human Development Intersection
17:55 Invisible but Essential Leadership Qualities
20:17 The Human Side of Leadership and Influence
23:32 Decision-Making, KPIs, and Continuous Improvement
26:47 Communication Challenges and Lessons Learned
27:45 Rapid Fire Q&A: Leadership Habits and Myths
29:39 Connecting with Michael Silvers and Final Words
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
32min
March 03, 2026Norm Hull: Building Leaders Before the World Sees Them
For Your Leadership Toolkit
positive feedback and a nurturing environment are crucial for developing leadership skills

facilitation skills are essential for effective leadership and teamwork

communication skills are vital in both personal and professional settings

young leaders often fear failure due to social media exposure

mentorship plays a significant role in building confidence in young leaders

empowering others is a key aspect of effective leadership

leaders should be willing to step back and let others shine

interactive learning keeps leaders engaged and helps them grow

young people today are capable of incredible things and should not be underestimated

Sound bites
"Leaders can be made. They are not born."
"You can be the picker or the pickee."
"We're selling the invisible."

Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Leadership Choices
01:14 Norm Hull's Leadership Journey
05:34 Engaging Youth in Leadership
10:21 Essential Skills for Young Leaders
15:05 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership
20:21 Overcoming Barriers for Young Leaders
23:10 The Impact of Leadership on Future Generations
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
31min
February 24, 2026Jimmy Owens: What a Heart Transplant Taught Me
For Your Leadership Toolkit
you have to be serious about your goals
success is peace of mind from doing your best
life is about the journey, not just the destination
inspiration is crucial for self-motivation
you must believe in yourself for others to believe in you
never give up on anyone you lead
taking care of yourself is essential to help others
leadership lessons from sports apply to all areas of life
consistency is key in team dynamics
continuous learning is vital for growth

Sound Bites
"You gotta be serious."
“You don't just show up once or twice in practice …”
"Inspiration is key."
“When I'm a coach, I can't miss any day. I got to be there.”

Chapters
00:00 A Journey of Transformation
05:41 Leadership Lessons from Coaching
11:23 The SWIM Philosophy
14:46 Health Journey and Self-Care
17:11 Building a Winning Culture
19:34 Rapid Fire Leadership Insights
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
23min
February 17, 2026Gina St. George: Fix the System. Free the Team.
For Your Leadership Toolkit:
a leader's role is to remove obstacles for their team
listening to those closest to the work is crucial
processes often need improvement, not the people
leadership requires understanding the challenges faced by teams
small businesses need effective systems to thrive
transitioning to consulting requires adaptability and resourcefulness
leadership is about building systems for team development
listening is an essential leadership quality
effective processes lead to happier, more productive teams

Sound bites
"People are usually not the problem."
"You have to understand what is the problem."
"I became my first client."
"What do people really need from me?"

Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Leadership
01:05 Gina St. George's Leadership Journey
02:30 The Importance of Process in Leadership
10:12 Common Pitfalls in Leadership Systems
13:22 Transitioning to Consulting
19:05 The Arrival Series: A New Perspective on Business
25:47 Misconceptions and Insights on Leadership
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
31min

FAQs about Lead With Purpose:

How many episodes does Lead With Purpose have?

The podcast currently has 27 episodes available.