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:

February 10, 2026Sharla Frost: Power at the Table - Leadership Lessons from the Courtroom
For Your Leadership Toolkit
leadership requires courage and the willingness to stand alone
mentorship can significantly shape one's career path
preparation is essential for effective decision-making
integrity and ethics are crucial leadership traits
creativity is a key differentiator in successful leadership
storytelling is a powerful tool for persuasion
transitioning careers requires thoughtful planning and preparation
leaders must be willing to admit what they don't know
the ability to communicate effectively is vital in leadership
leaders can develop their skills over time, regardless of their background

Sound bites
"It was my obligation to tell them the truth, whether they wanted to hear it or not.."
"You have to be willing to make the decision. And sometimes you have to be willing to make the hard call."
"You have to admit that you don't know everything and can't do everything."

Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Leadership
01:33 From Rural Roots to Legal Expertise
06:08 Key Leadership Moments and Mentorship
11:32 Navigating the Legal Landscape
16:09 Decision-Making Under Pressure
21:26 The Power of Persuasion
23:27 Integrity and Ethics in Law
26:26 Transitioning to New Ventures
31:01 The Importance of Preparation
36:04 Creativity in Leadership
39:42 Rapid Fire Leadership Lessons
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
45min
February 03, 2026Ken Rochon: Stop Chasing Visibility. Start Amplifying Others.
For Your Leadership Toolkit
every leader should be able to tell their story
storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring others
optimism can be a strategic advantage in leadership
a leader's role is to serve others and amplify their goodness
integrity and initiative are foundational to effective leadership
leaders should aim to create more leaders
emotional intelligence is crucial in leadership
adversity can shape and strengthen leadership values
every leader should consider writing a book to share their message
a leader's life is their message to the world

Sound bites
"Your life is your message."
"Leaders elevate those around them."
"Every leader should do a book."
"Integrity is first."

Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Leadership Storytelling
04:08 From DJ to Dr. Smiley: A Journey of Purpose
08:01 The Keep Smiling Movement and Leadership
11:53 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
15:46 Lessons from Adversity: Shaping Leadership Values
20:14 Rapid Fire 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
25min
January 27, 2026Larry Broughton: From Special Forces to the C-Suite - Why Leadership Isn’t Optional
For Your Leadership Toolkit:
leadership is about taking action aggressively

earned leadership is tested in real-life situations

key elements of leadership include motivation, integrity, tenacity, courage, and humility (MITCH)

many leaders lack training in effective leadership skills

choosing the hard right over the easy wrong is crucial

clarity in communication is essential for effective leadership

contingency planning is vital for navigating uncertainties

compassion must be balanced with high standards in leadership

success is defined by the legacy we leave behind

love is an underrated trait in leadership

Sound bites
"Confused minds don't buy."
“Choose the hard right over the easy wrong.”
"You must serve to succeed."
"Success looks like freedom."

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Taking Action
02:32 Larry Broughton's Leadership Journey
08:03 Key Elements of Exceptional Leadership
13:07 The Challenges of Leadership Development
16:34 Choosing the Hard Right Over the Easy Wrong
18:02 The Role of Clarity in Leadership
22:05 The Need for Action and Contingency Planning
27:07 Balancing Compassion and Standards in Leadership
31:58 Defining Success Beyond Titles and Money

Resources:
Larry’s website: https://larrybroughton.com/
Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrybroughton/
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
40min
January 20, 2026Jeff Ross: The Caffeinated Kangaroo Approach to Leadership
For Your Leadership Toolkit:
first earn to lead yourself

develop resilience; endure setbacks, adapt, and keep moving forward

lean into emotional intelligence, first with self-awareness, then outwardly with empathy

practice love andcompassion, showing respect, patience, forgiveness, and care for others

have the mindset of a values-driven leader, with decisions guided by clear principles, not convenience

be disciplined with consistent habits, structure, and personal operating systems

prioritize strategicallyfocusing on what matters most

be adaptable; read widely and apply learning, use tools wisely, and think flexibly
Sound bites
“If you can't lead yourself, how can you lead others? And if you can't love yourself, how can you love others?"

“So I've just been obsessed with what I call story selling.”

“Leaders are readers, but more than just readers, they’re ‘appliers’."

“This whole thing about work life balance … It's a myth … What we need to have is an integrated lifestyle, integrated balance.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership with Purpose
03:40 Transformative Life Experiences
09:38 The Power of Love in Leadership
11:41 Becoming the Caffeinated Kangaroo
17:35 Integrating Family and Work Life
22:46 Final Thoughts and Quickfire Questions

Resources
Connect with Jeff on: https://linktr.ee/laptoplifestyledad
Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjeffr/
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
27min
January 16, 2026Debbie Allen: Leadership Without a Safety Net
For Your Leadership Toolkit:
taking risks is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurial leadership

the importance of mentorship in achieving success

success can be easier with the right mindset and guidance

effective communication is crucial for inspiring teams and leading effectively

leaders should focus on creating a legacy and making a difference in the world

over-communication is better than under-communication in leadership roles

mindset shifts are essential for adopting a success-oriented mentality

leaders should learn to think and act like entrepreneurs

leadership is about taking ownership and being proactive
Sound Bites:
"The path is easier if you follow someone's path and you listen and you're coachable."
"As a leader, you get your high by seeing other people thrive."
"I want the bad news. I'm a solution-oriented person."
"Over communicating is better than holding back on communication."
"If a leader is all over the place, the team's all over the place."
"If they're focused and really clear on their direction, now we really have a powerful team."
"You've got too many things going, you can't be good at anything."
"You don't learn unless you ask."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Journeys
02:24 Debbie Allen's Entrepreneurial Journey
06:34 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
10:50 Creating a Legacy in Leadership
15:50 Mindset Shifts for Success
19:52 Communication Habits of Effective Leaders
24:58 Rapid Fire Q&A with Debbie Allen

Resources
Debbie’s Website - https://debbieallen.com/
Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbieallenspeaker/
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
36min
January 08, 2026Dave Sanderson: Miracle on the Hudson
For Your Leadership Toolkit:
in moments of crisis, clarity about personal values often emerges

teamwork is essential in crisis situations; everyone must work together

leadership manifests without formal titles in critical moments

panic can hinder action; urgency drives necessary responses

situational awareness is crucial for effective leadership

past experiences can prepare you for future challenges

importance of humility and gratitude in leadership

Sound Bites
"That last sixty seconds when you think you're going to die... it's surreal."
"I realized I did not spend enough time with my family."
"The mission of that day was: No one dies today."
"Leadership isn't about knowing everything. Leadership is about making the next decision."
"What's my next best move?"
"People will look to whoever has the most certainty in that moment."
"Everybody checked their ego at the door because now we had to work together as a team."
"The right side of the plane had to be managed by passengers like me who had no experience and no training."
"You don't need permission to lead."
"People value people."
"Having humility and having gratitude helped me more than anything else."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Resilience
02:49 The Miracle on the Hudson: A Life-Changing Experience
07:34 Moments of Clarity: Life Lessons in Crisis
13:08 Leadership in Crisis: Teamwork and Decision Making
18:13 Panic vs. Urgency: The Importance of Composure
22:41 Situational Leadership in Crisis
28:42 The Journey to Speaking and Leadership Consulting

Resources
Dave’s Website: https://davesandersonspeaks.com/
Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson/
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
40min
January 04, 2026Craig Duswalt: From Guns N’ Roses To Rockstar Leadership
For Your Leadership Toolkit:
leadership can be shaped by unconventional experiences

high-pressure environments teach valuable leadership lessons

open communication is essential in both personal and professional relationships

experience is the best teacher for aspiring leaders

creativity and innovation are crucial for effective leadership

discipline and daily habits are key to success

effective leaders learn from both good and bad examples

importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world

Sound Bites
"Great leaders are born in unexpected places."
"The thing that's the thing is never the thing."
"I learned everything that I teach now in rock and roll."
"Experience is the best lesson in anything that we do, especially being a leader."
"I don't want a leader that's just a talking leader."
"You need to learn how teams work, how people work, and how to be led before you go out and lead."
"One of the greatest guitarists in the world still warms up every day."
"Axl Rose still does vocal warmups and cooldowns after concerts."

Resources
Craig’s Website: https://craigduswalt.com/
Craig on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigduswalt/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Journeys
03:14 From Rock Tours to Leadership Insights
06:32 Lessons from Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses
09:29 Navigating Career Changes and Young Leadership
12:20 The Importance of Experience in Leadership
15:19 Communication as a Leadership Tool
18:30 Creativity and Innovation in Leadership
21:31 Using AI for Creative Marketing Solutions
24:25 Discipline and Daily Habits of Successful Leaders
27:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Influence
Connect with Merv at www.PeopleFirstProjectManagement.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merv.jersak/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervjersak/
...more
38min

FAQs about Lead With Purpose:

How many episodes does Lead With Purpose have?

The podcast currently has 27 episodes available.