In this episode of "Leader's Lens," Jacob and guest Kaleigh Moore celebrate Kaleigh's decade in freelancing, focusing on her SaaS content expertise. They dive into the "Mad Men" universe, dissecting its cultural impact and the dynamic between Don Draper and Peggy Olson. They explore Don's storytelling prowess and leadership style, contrasting it with Peggy's approach and discussing the show's reflection on 1960s workplace challenges. The episode closes with thoughts on how a figure like Draper would fit into today's remote working culture, offering listeners insights into leadership, creativity, and the evolution of work.

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In this insightful episode of the LeadersLens Podcast, we delve into the rich leadership lessons and personal growth insights gleaned from the movie "Players." Join us as we explore how the film's narrative and character dynamics offer valuable lessons for leaders and individuals striving for personal and professional development.

Key Points and Highlights:

• Embracing Empathy in Leadership: We discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, particularly in challenging situations like layoffs. The conversation highlights best practices for handling such delicate scenarios with grace and empathy, ensuring a human-centric approach that respects and supports affected individuals.
• The Power of Radical Candor: The episode examines the concept of radical candor within the context of "Players," emphasizing the significance of honest and direct communication in fostering trust and encouraging personal growth among team members.
• Navigating Friendships and Professional Boundaries: We tackle the complex question of whether managers can be friends with their subordinates, drawing parallels with the movie's exploration of relationships and professional boundaries. The discussion offers insights into maintaining a balance between connection and professionalism.
• Celebrating Success and Constructive Feedback: Highlighting moments from "Players," we delve into the importance of celebrating successes and providing constructive feedback. The episode underscores how acknowledging achievements and offering guidance can boost confidence, motivation, and a growth mindset.
• Goal Reevaluation and Personal Evolution: Reflecting on the movie's themes, we explore the necessity of reevaluating goals and embracing personal evolution. The conversation encourages listeners to remain adaptable, recognizing that goals and aspirations can change as individuals grow and learn.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or on your own personal growth journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on empathy, communication, and adaptability. Subscribe to stay updated on more episodes that blend entertainment with actionable leadership insights.

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Introduction: In this engaging episode of LeaderLens, hosts Jacob and Cassidy dive into the classic film Boomerang, starring Eddie Murphy, to extract valuable lessons on leadership, personal branding, and the importance of authenticity. The conversation spans from personal anecdotes to deep dives into the film's themes, offering listeners a blend of entertainment and insightful takeaways.

Main Content Overview: The episode kicks off with Cassidy sharing excitement about moving back to Texas and delves into Jacob's anticipation for potential business opportunities. The hosts then transition into a lively discussion about their guilty pleasure TV shows, highlighting Love is Blind and its latest season. This light-hearted banter sets the stage for the main discussion on Boomerang.

Jacob and Cassidy explore the film's portrayal of Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy), a successful marketing executive known for his playboy lifestyle, and how his journey towards understanding and empathy offers rich lessons for today's leaders. They discuss the importance of personal branding, the impact of one's actions over intentions, and the power of authenticity in leadership.

Key insights include:

• Personal Branding and Authenticity: The hosts emphasize how Marcus's journey highlights the need for leaders to be authentic and consistent in their personal branding, avoiding the pitfalls of portraying an image not aligned with their true selves.
• Creativity and Innovation: Cassidy shares thoughts on the intersection of people operations and marketing, suggesting that embracing creativity can lead to more joyful and innovative work environments.
• Empathy and Growth: The episode underlines the importance of empathy in leadership, showcasing how Marcus's experiences with Jacqueline and Angela lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of his impact on others.

Call to Action: The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their leadership style, consider their personal branding, and embrace authenticity and creativity in their professional lives.

Subscribe to Yo. You're on Mute: https://yo-youre-on-mute.beehiiv.comSubscribe to Leader's Lens: https://leaderslens.beehiiv.com/Follow Cassidy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassidyonthegramFollow Jacob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjacobespi

In this compelling episode of "Leaders Lens: Unpacking Cinema's Impact," hosts Jacob Espinoza and Cassidy Edwards delve into the cultural and societal reverberations of the groundbreaking film "Boyz n the Hood." Directed by John Singleton, this early '90s masterpiece is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of life in South Central Los Angeles, offering a stark, unflinching look at the challenges faced by its residents, from systemic racism to violence and the struggle for identity.

Jacob and Cassidy explore the film's significance as a cautionary tale and a coming-of-age story that remains profoundly relevant today. They discuss its impact on black cinema and how Singleton's direction brought critical issues to the forefront, earning him historic Oscar nominations. The hosts commend the film for its realistic depiction of the complexities of growing up in a tough neighborhood, highlighting the dual feelings of awe and anguish it evokes in viewers.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing key characters, particularly Laurence Fishburne's portrayal of Furious Styles, a model of leadership and vision within the community. His mentorship and guidance, especially towards his son Trey (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.), provide a blueprint for positive influence and change. The hosts contrast this with the character of Doughboy, portrayed by Ice Cube, discussing his leadership style and the consequences of his actions on his surroundings.

Jacob and Cassidy also touch on the film's exploration of themes such as the importance of education, mindfulness, and the power of making hard, ethical decisions. They reflect on how "Boyz n the Hood" not only entertains but educates, urging viewers to consider their own impact on their communities and the importance of leadership and accountability.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the film's legacy and its call to action for viewers to engage with and address the systemic issues it portrays. "Leaders Lens: Unpacking Cinema's Impact" offers a deep, insightful analysis of "Boyz n the Hood," encouraging listeners to reflect on its themes and the enduring power of cinema to effect social change.

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In this captivating episode of Leader's Lens, hosts Jacob and Cassidy Edwards dissect the leadership styles and cultural themes depicted in the iconic film Coming to America. They contrast the authoritative leadership of Nino Brown with Prince Akeem's more empathetic and servant-oriented approach, underscoring the significance of authenticity, empathy, and collaboration in effective leadership. The conversation highlights Akeem's journey of cultural assimilation and identity in New York, maintaining his core values while forging genuine connections.

The hosts praise Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall for their multifaceted performances, which enrich the film's insights into leadership and cultural interaction. Jacob and Cassidy wrap up the episode by extracting valuable lessons from Coming to America for contemporary leaders, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, the courage to defy conventions, and the power of staying true to oneself.

This episode of Leader's Lens not only pays homage to the film's enduring impact but also prompts listeners to reflect on how its exploration of leadership and cultural integration resonates in today's diverse societal and professional landscapes.

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Ever wondered what the gritty streets of 'New Jack City' can teach us about leadership, ambition, and the ethical dilemmas of power? Dive into the heart of the '90s cinematic underworld with hosts Jacob and Cassidy Edwards on 'Leader's Lens.' Each episode, we dissect iconic films to extract pivotal leadership lessons hidden within their narratives. This week, we're unraveling the complex saga of Nino Brown, a figure of charisma, vision, and ultimately, downfall.

Join us as we explore how Nino's leadership style—marked by strategic brilliance yet marred by authoritarian ruthlessness—offers a cautionary tale for today's leaders. From his ability to rally a team around a shared vision, to the toxic fear-based tactics that sowed the seeds of his empire's destruction, 'New Jack City' serves as a rich case study in the dual nature of leadership.

'Leader's Lens' is your bi-weekly deep dive into the leadership dynamics that shape our world, both on-screen and off. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an aspiring leader, or simply a film aficionado seeking deeper insights, this episode will challenge you to reflect on the qualities that define true leadership. Don't miss this exploration of power, loyalty, and the fine line between ambition and ethical integrity.

Welcome to a special episode of "Leader's Lens," where hosts Jacob and Cassidy Edwards take you on an insightful journey through the classic '90s comedy, "Friday," to uncover hidden gems of leadership wisdom. This episode is more than a nostalgic trip; it's a deep dive into the art of leadership, communication, and community engagement, all through the lens of an iconic film.

Be sure to subscribe to both Jacob and Cassidy's newsletters:

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What is servant leadership? And is it nearly as bad as it sounds, or just the byproduct of bad branding?

Join Jacob as he sits down with Michael Girdley, an expert in leadership development, to discuss the qualities that make a great leader and how to effectively resolve conflicts in the workplace. 

Michael shares his insights on servant leadership, setting clear goals, and the importance of empathy in preventing conflicts. He also talks about his journey and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. 

Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the top leaders in the field. Plus, find out why Michael is known as Chili's #1 super fan!

00:01:18 - Developing Leadership Skills

00:02:25 - Balancing Servant Leadership and Boundaries

00:04:51 - Helping CEOs Gain Perspective in Decision-Making

00:07:13 - Transitioning from CEO to Board Member: Unlearning Habits and Mindset

00:12:01 - Leadership Lessons

00:15:19 - The Importance of Leadership Development

00:22:31 - Effective Conflict Resolution for Leaders

00:27:00 - Navigating Conflict in Remote Work

00:30:08 - How to Identify Someone's Passion

00:31:54 - Creating Scalable Solutions for Success

00:37:04 - Discover the Incredible Leaders Lens

Follow Michael:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgirdley/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi

Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.

And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.

Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/

Sometimes, understanding the root of your team’s dysfunction is the only way to help them actually function.

This week, Jacob dives into the topic of building a cohesive team and incentivizing team success over individual success. 

Why is trust the one central element to building a strong, cohesive team? Jacob emphasizes the importance of leaders demonstrating trustworthiness through their actions and explains why conflict resolution and accountability are explored as key components in fostering a healthy team dynamic. 

He also shares a framework called SAO (Situation, Action, Outcome), revealing how it can be used to reward behaviors that contribute to the team's success. Plus, don’t forget to check out the book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni as a valuable resource for leaders looking to improve team cohesion. 

00:00:00 - Building a Cohesive Team for Success

00:01:42 - Addressing the Five Dysfunctions of a Team

00:05:55 - The Invaluable Book on Team Dysfunction

00:06:53 - Building Trust and Accountability in Teams

00:07:58 - Building Trust and Handling Mistakes

00:17:21 - Incentivizing Team Success Over Individual Success

Follow Jacob:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi

Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.

And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.

Did you know that 75% of the time we’re in a conversation, we’re not actually listening? What can we do to actively increase our passive listening skills? 

In this ep, Jacob’s diving into the importance of active listening and its impact on conflict resolution. He explains why being a more active listener can prevent missteps and help organizations function better as a whole. 

Plus how can you use the SIER framework (which stands for sensing, interpreting, evaluating, and responding) as a tool to enhance listening skills?

Jacob highlights how to utilize this powerful framework to stay present, avoid distractions, and have impactful conversations in person. So if you’re a leader looking to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued and to prevent conflicts before they arise in your organization, then this is the episode for you! 

00:00:12 - The Importance of Effective Listening

00:03:10 - Mastering SIER for Effective Leadership

00:11:05 - The Power of Active Listening in Leadership

00:15:06 - Master Conflict Resolution with This Podcast

Follow Jacob:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi

Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.

And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.

Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/