Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Infanterie Greift An. (Infantry Attacks) by Erwin Rommel
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Examining what leaders in business and civic life can learn from Erwin Rommel’s classic military account, Infantry Attacks, this episode dives into the value of tactical thinking, the reality of self-selection in civic engagement, and why direct, “boots on the ground” leadership outperforms over-reliance on technology. The hosts challenge prevalent objections to leveraging military strategy in the business world, shed light on the pitfalls of single-issue focus, and discuss how excellence in any domain demands courage, humility, and willingness to do hard things. Key insights are illustrated with both historical context and modern management parallels, making the lessons actionable for today’s leaders.

• Book: Infantry Attacks by Erwin Rommel
• Guest: John Hill (Small Mountain)
• Host: Jesan Sorrells

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Time-Stamped Overview
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00:00 Applying Military Strategy to Business

07:09 Discussing legal vs. illegal immigration

13:07 Discussing intelligence tests for voting in elections
17:22 The peril of single-issue voting

24:09 Reflecting on underlying issues

28:01 Understanding customer desires in sales

36:54 Military career and controversies

41:28 Discussing a compelling book choice

48:52 Aggressive training mindset shift

53:10 Impact of WWI on Germany

55:49 Comparing business to martial arts

01:01:03 Comparing Patton and Rommel's leadership

01:09:52 Criticism of Sales Leadership Practices

01:16:21 Traits of Successful Salespeople

01:17:50 Measuring true progress and success

01:26:03 Drone operators and military tactics

01:32:47 Discussing societal and personal cowardice

01:35:23 The book's mysterious disappearance

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

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• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

The Builder’s Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West—and Why Only They Can Save It by Melanie Phillips with Richard Messing and Jesan Sorrells
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Exploring Melanie Phillips’ The Builder’s Stone, Jesan Sorrells and Richard Messing examine the pivotal role of Judeo-Christian values in shaping—and potentially saving—Western civilization. They discuss the cultural and ethical ramifications of the October 7th attacks, the loss of moral clarity and confidence in the West, and Phillips’ 10-point plan for revitalizing leadership and religious engagement. The conversation includes a candid analysis of religious divisions, the dangers of relativism, and the urgent need for ethical courage among today’s leaders.

Book: The Builder’s Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West and Why Only They Can Save It
Author: Melanie Phillips

Hosts: Jesan Sorrells, Richard Messing

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Time-Stamped Overview:
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00:00 Religious practices saving the West

09:39 Post-Holocaust Jewish self-reliance

11:13 Melanie Phillips' political journey

20:20 Discussing The Book of Genesis and Theology

22:54 Discussing idolatry and priorities

31:45 Early feminism's Christian roots

35:36 Jewish history and survival

41:05 Debating Theological and Historical Issues

44:27 Differences between Israeli and Western Jews

54:31 Religious remnant idea and confidence

58:00 Challenges of Religious Confidence

01:06:00 Melanie's solution: Coalition proposal

01:09:48 Repentance and national sins discussion

01:17:09 National repentance and moral courage

01:20:47 Discussing spiritual solutions to problems

01:27:05 Reflections on October 7th events

01:29:26 Considering collaborating with someone

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

The Man That I Would Become: Lessons from a Life of Hard Work, Faith and Purpose by Victor L. Bretting
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Exploring the intersection of legacy, grit, and faith, this episode features a candid conversation with Victor Bretting about his memoir, The Man That I Would Become. The discussion unpacks the vital role of hunting in conservation and ecological stewardship, the necessity of resilience and discipline for the next generation of leaders, and how faith shapes enduring leadership and personal purpose. Listeners gain actionable insight on leading by example, persevering through adversity, and shaping a legacy that lasts beyond a single lifetime.

• Book Title: The Man That I Would Become
• Author: Victor Bretting
• Hosts: Jesan Sorrells & Victor Bretting

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Time-Stamped Overview:
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00:00 Victor's hunting and ranching journey

03:24 Transitioning Ranch to Charity Work

06:34 Understanding conservation and its benefits

11:07 Books on masculinity and fatherhood

15:15 Balancing mental and physical work

16:11 Discussing empathy in construction

20:15 Understanding hard-headed empathy

24:27 Challenges for Young Professionals

28:28 Reflections on Upbringing and Family

30:49 Parenting different age groups

35:54 Importance of Biblical Foundations

39:37 Reflections on Retirement Life

43:34 Books every leader should read

44:49 Impactful books on teamwork
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Connect with Victor by clicking the links below:
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• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Man-That-Would-Become-Lessons/dp/B0H2BMNTFQ/
• Website: https://brettingtexanranch.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-bretting/

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

Neuromancer by William Gibson with John Hill and Jesan Sorrells
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Jesan Sorrells and John Hill dive deep into William Gibson’s Neuromancer, unravelling how this seminal work predicted the psychological and societal ramifications of our fully networked times. They discuss the book’s dystopian tech vision, how its themes shaped tech leadership and culture, and why leaders must now confront meaning, value, and noise in a flattened digital world. Together, they examine Gibson’s influences, the enduring tension between art and commerce, and the urgent leadership challenge of integrating humanity and technology in the 21st century.

• Book: Neuromancer
• Author: William Gibson
• Guests: Jesan Sorrells, John Hill

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Time-Stamped Overview
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00:00 Observing tech use at the store

05:36 Post-Cold War tech realities

11:57 Reflecting on book rereads

17:52 Influence of Gibson on tech leaders

27:13 Gibson's shift from sci-fi

32:45 Struggling with overwhelming concerns

38:31 Sci-fi themes of immortality

43:09 Themes of timeless cultural issues

49:49 Tolkien's Influence on Fantasy Writers

52:51 Reflecting on cyberspace concepts

01:01:13 Discussing Neuromancer's Relevance Today

01:02:47 Discussion on demonizing new trends

01:11:43 Finding time for self-reflection

01:14:47 Discussing hierarchy of meaning

01:21:45 Expanding the franchise legally

01:27:45 Discussing human nature and warfare

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells
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Dive into Don DeLillo’s Cosmopolis as Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the novel’s critique of leadership in an era of wealth, technology, and cultural upheaval. They discuss the dangers of disconnected leadership, the ongoing crisis of accountability among elites, and the pitfalls of managing strictly by data and dashboards. The episode draws sharp parallels between fictional failures and real-world leadership challenges, offering actionable lessons for those navigating today’s ever-shifting leadership landscape.

• Book Title: Cosmopolis
• Author: Don DeLillo
• Hosts: Jesan Sorrells, Tom Libby

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Time-Stamped Overview
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00:00 Eric Packer's limousine journey.

09:54 Discussing a prolific modernist author.

16:00 DeLillo's risk-taking in writing.

17:47 Reflecting on character minimalism.

25:36 Discussing key themes in book and movie.

28:33 Early AI's impact on finance.

35:52 Challenges of Leadership Disconnect.

41:42 Billionaires don't live in my town.

49:38 Reflecting on 9/11 emotions.

55:27 Catharsis in Cosmopolis.

56:19 Reflections on WWII veterans' honor.

01:06:32 AI accountability in decision-making.

01:09:49 Wealth Redistribution for Global Issues.

01:15:24 Discussing money and character.

01:18:23 Exploring Worldview and Character Development.

01:27:08 Discussing a retirement plan.

01:31:38 The crisis of tech outpacing morality.

01:35:09 Gut feeling vs data in decisions.

01:40:30 Leadership lessons from Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo.

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger
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Diving into Kurt Vonnegut’s Welcome to the Monkey House, Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger examine the prophetic warnings about conformity, institutional control, and the battle over language and individual agency. The conversation connects the stories “Harrison Bergeron,” “Report on the Barnhouse Effect,” and “Where I Live” to today’s challenges for leaders navigating a culture of safetyism, linguistic manipulation, and technological disruption. Practical takeaways center around preserving individual responsibility, resisting institutional overreach, and regrounding leadership in local, real-world community.

• Book title: Welcome to the Monkey House
• Author: Kurt Vonnegut
• Host: Jesan Sorrells, Guest: Libby Unger

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Time-Stamped Overview:
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00:00 Discussing 20th-century sci-fi authors

08:46 Kurt Vonnegut's literary journey

12:12 High school memories and Vonnegut

18:13 Publication dates and context of stories

26:07 Lindsay Clancy's controversial trial

27:31 Jury deadlock in Lindsey Clancy case

34:20 Reflecting on Gloria Steinem's Impact

42:31 Authors and technology of books

47:38 Vonnegut's views on language usage

52:27 Technology, communication, and culture overlap

58:36 Hourglass analogy and chaotic transitions

01:01:24 Impact of 2020 lockdowns

01:05:56 Barnhouse effect report analysis

01:16:06 Discussing global conflict and climate agendas

01:19:58 American culture and equality debate

01:27:48 Reflecting on personal growth

01:32:19 Exploring an abandoned harbor clubhouse

01:34:09 Wendell Berry and localism themes

01:43:28 Local community and cultural shift

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

---

• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

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A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World
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The panel examines the meaning and crisis of literacy in a post-literate society and what it means for 21st-century leadership. The discussion highlights how declining long-form reading impacts critical thinking, decision-making, and social cohesion, while exploring the evolving responsibilities of leaders as communicators, teachers, and curators of insight in a digital, short-attention world. Practical strategies and perspectives are shared for bridging generational gaps, fostering book-based conversation, and adapting leadership to new realities.

Mentioned Book Titles and Authors:

• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
• Leadership Lessons from the Five Books of Moses by Jonathan Sacks
• The Odyssey by Homer (referencing Emily Wilson’s translation)
• Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
• Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
• Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• The Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist Papers
• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill

Host: 

• Jesan Sorrells

Guest Panelists:

• Richard Messing
• John Hill
• Tom Libby
• Brian Bagley
• Hana Kabele Gala
• Neal Kalechofsky
• Dorollo Nixon, Jr.
• David Baumrucker
• Christen B. Horne
• Dr. Moumin Quazi
• Hana Kabele Gala

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The Articles that Inspired the Conversation:

• The End of Reading is Here by Rose Horowich - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/08/reading-crisis-postliterate-age/687618/
• Leading in the Post-Literate West by Jesan Sorrells - https://jesanmsorrells.micro.blog/2026/07/16/leading-in-the-postliterate-west.html

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells
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Exploring Václav Havel’s influential essay, The Power of the Powerless, Jesan Sorrells and Harvey Seifter unpack what it means for leaders to “live in truth” in the face of societal conformity. They examine the dangers of moral and cultural hollowness, the practical implications of dissidence, and how authentic leadership begins with individual conscience rather than systemic change. The episode also connects Havel’s ideas to modern challenges in leadership, ethics, and the search for a transcendent anchor in turbulent times.

• Book: The Power of the Powerless
• Author: Václav Havel
• Guest: Harvey Seifter Host: Jesan Sorrells

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Time-Stamped Outline:
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00:00 Discussing "The Power of the Powerless"

11:43 Forming and Scaling Arts-Based Organizations

17:12 Raising kids as future leaders

23:11 Discussing LLMs and historical figures

24:37 Discovering Vaclav Havel's Plays

30:48 Generational challenges in Hollywood writing

37:13 The need for societal self-reflection

42:12 Rereading a book in Prague

46:35 Reflecting on 9/11 and authenticity

52:32 Weekly Bible discussion lunch

57:36 Relatable job struggles and realities

01:05:45 Feeling disconnected from larger systems

01:08:49 Havel's philosophy on private pursuits

01:16:14 Turning to Biblical truth

01:23:22 Exploring the concept of truth

01:28:10 Value of truth in oppressive regimes

01:34:33 Differentiating ethics from morals

01:40:03 Connection between arts and ethical leadership

01:42:09 Empowering leaders for innovation

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Connect with Harvey Seifter by clicking on the links below:

• Creating Futures That Work - https://futuresthatwork.com/
• The Art of Science Learning - https://www.artofsciencelearning.org/
• Harvey Seifter LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hseifter/

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

---

• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

The Life of Henry V by William Shakespeare w/Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki
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Delving into William Shakespeare’s The Life of Henry V, Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki analyze the cultural foundation of leadership, the decline of cultural confidence in Western societies, and the complex responsibilities leaders face when making consequential decisions. They connect Shakespeare’s lessons on accountability and mentorship to today’s leadership crises—highlighting generational gaps, the impact of cultural narratives, and how leaders can prepare to uphold a standard in turbulent times.

• Play: The Life of Henry V
• Author: William Shakespeare
• Guest: Zac Stucki
• Host: Jesan Sorrells

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Time-Stamped Outline:
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00:00 Debating France's royal succession

21:07 Discussing OK Boomer Cultural Dynamics

24:34 Emergence of New Political Powers

42:06 Discussing future Shakespeare episodes

43:58 Portraying the French as complex characters

01:00:11 The thin red line of America

01:05:25 Shakespeare's historical context and audience

01:23:28 Defining true intelligence beyond academics

01:31:32 Child's simple requests for water

01:46:11 Current insurgency tactics and alliances

01:55:04 Post-War Nuremberg Trials Discussion

02:00:40 Discussing moral standards and politics

02:15:59 Discussing King Harry's Agincourt dilemma

02:28:08 Learning from older generations

02:35:29 Wrapping up the podcast episode

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/.

The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare w/John Hill and Jesan Sorrells
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Unpacking Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Coriolanus, this episode draws out timeless leadership insights on integrity, social hierarchies, and the tension between individual values and the demands of the group. The hosts explore how Coriolanus’ unwavering personal code clashes with political and social expectations, what the play reveals about family as the first organizational structure, and why the forces of social conformity remain so powerful for modern leaders. The discussion also connects classic themes to today’s leadership challenges, including sales management, organizational power, and navigating cultural shifts in a digitized world.

• Play Title: The Tragedy of Coriolanus
• Author: William Shakespeare
• Hosts: Jesan Sorrells (Host); John Hill aka Small Mountain (Co-host)

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Time-Stamps:
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00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare 
02:49 Information overload and war reporting.

10:39 European history and colonization context of Coriolanus.

25:35 Shakespeare's portrayal of motherhood in Coriolanus.

35:15 Discussing a sales coach's priorities.

44:53 Historical view on war from Coriolanus as opportunity.

55:22 Coriolanus's pride and public perception.

01:10:39 Challenges in sales and marketing ethics.

01:18:22 Realizing the value of partnership.

01:29:00 Redefining the employee-supervisor relationship.

01:38:05 Dealing with manipulative conversations.

01:49:55 Conversations on genuine apologies.

02:02:21 Discussing Volumnia from Coriolanus.

02:10:34 Finding Your Own Community.

02:28:00 Discussing salesperson job interviews.

02:29:48 Encouraging kids to ask why.

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

---

• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/