What sets great leaders apart in times of crisis and change? In this week's episode, John shares a powerful insight he gained from Chick-fil-A chairman Dan Cathy on the importance of self-awareness and situational awareness for leaders — especially in tough times!

After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede discuss practical ways to cultivate these awarenesses as a leader. They explore how seeking honest feedback, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from role models can expand your leadership capacity.

Key takeaways:

• Self-awareness doesn't happen in isolation—it requires the courage to invite feedback from others and the humility to receive it.

• Before you can lead yourself effectively, you must first know yourself authentically. Self-awareness precedes situational awareness.

• Situational awareness grows through experience, but you can accelerate it by asking "What would a leader I admire do in this situation?" and seeking input from trusted mentors.

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Why Self-Awareness Sets Great Leaders Apart Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/SelfAware and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!

References:

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The Value of Going First Podcast Episode

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Brené Brown said, "Perfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from taking flight." And in this week's episode, John Maxwell is showing how that's true — and how acknowledging your flaws frees you to become a high road leader.

After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow explore practical ways to develop self-compassion, laugh at yourself, and believe in your unique potential, so you can apply John's insights to your life and leadership.

Key takeaways:

• Confident humility allows you to believe in yourself while still questioning your strategies.
• If you don't show yourself kindness, you won't be able to extend it to anyone else.
• The world needs you to embrace your humanness and step fully into your unique leadership greatness.

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Acknowledge Your Humanness Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Acknowledge and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!

References:

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Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)

Listen to John Maxwell's song, "Get Over Myself"

How to Be a Relatable Leader Podcast Episode

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Leading on the high road will always cost more than you think — but it will always be worth it. In this week's episode, John Maxwell prepares you for the price of leading with integrity and conviction!

After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share practical takeaways from John's insights so you can apply them in your life and leadership.

Key takeaways:

— Expect that the first time you pay the price will be the hardest.

— Your account is never fully paid. High road leadership requires ongoing sacrifice.

— The high road may cost you ground, power, money or celebrity. But you'll gain immeasurable growth, strength, true wealth and credibility in return.

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the What to Expect When You Take the High Road Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/WhatToExpect and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."

This episode is sponsored by BELAY:

Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters.

To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, 26 Things to Stop Doing in 2026. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access.

References:

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Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)

Strength and Resilience in Leadership Podcast Episode

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It's easy to value people you like. But as a leader, affirming people's worth isn't an option — even if you don't see eye to eye. In this week's episode, John Maxwell is sharing 4 practical ways you can develop the all-important skill of uplifting and valuing others!

After John's lesson, Mark Cole challenges you with 3 others-focused tasks to complete in the week to come so that you can apply this principle in your life and leadership.

Key takeaways:

• High road leaders value all people equally, even those different from them.

• Valuing people yields relational, emotional, and leadership returns.

• Valuing people is an intentional action, not a feeling.

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Great Leaders Value All People Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/ValueAllPeople and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!

References:

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The Heart of Leadership Podcast Episode

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Do you know why you want to lead? What drives your interactions with people? These are critical questions every leader must ask themselves for the good of those they lead — and in today's episode, John Maxwell is walking you through how to examine your motives as a leader!

After John's lesson, Mark Cole unpacks John's teaching points so you can apply them directly to your life and leadership.

Key takeaways:

• Motivation is about mutual advantage and empowering people, while manipulation is about personal gain and controlling people.

• Most aspiring leaders want to lead and be loved, but sometimes, they are mutually exclusive.

• To keep your leadership motives in check, regularly serve others without a title or position.

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Your Motives Matter Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/MotivesMatter and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!

References:

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Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)

Discover how to stop shrinking & start owning your life with Thanh Nguyen's Unshrink Yourself

6 Steps to Successful Personal Change (Part 1) Podcast Episode

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In this Thanksgiving-week episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell reminds us that effective, impactful leadership isn't about what you receive — it's about what you give. He explains how the most effective leaders focus on servant leadership, sowing into others, and making their contribution bigger than their reward.

After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share how this principle applies in today's organizations—from mentoring employees to overcoming entitlement and inspiring genuine employee motivation through example and gratitude.

You'll learn how to:

• Replace entitlement with a mindset of service and contribution.

• Lead through generosity, not expectation.

• Turn competition into collaboration by focusing on team growth.

• Model selfless leadership that strengthens trust and performance.

• Inspire others through consistent gratitude and example.

🎯 Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is the Lead to Give, Not to Get Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. To download the worksheet, go to MaxwellPodcast.com/LeadToGive and click "Download the Bonus Resource."

📈 Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team to grow your leadership skills and coaching business.

References:

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Great Leaders Value People Podcast Episode

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In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell teaches why good intentions aren't enough—and how real growth begins when you choose intentional living. You'll discover the difference between passivity and purposeful action, and how intentional listening can transform your relationships and your leadership.

After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack how to apply these ideas in leadership, communication, and personal development. Together, they explore practical ways to overcome procrastination, practice active listening, and bring accountability into your growth journey!

You'll learn how to:

• Move from good intentions to intentional action

• Turn reflection into growth and momentum

• Apply active listening to strengthen connection and influence

• Build accountability into your daily leadership habits

• Embrace intentional living to achieve long-term success

🎯 BONUS RESOURCE: Download the Stop Meaning Well, Start Living Well Worksheet with fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching at MaxwellPodcast.com/LivingWell and click "Download the Bonus Resource."

📈 Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team to grow your leadership and communication impact.

References:

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)

Start building your life on purpose with John Maxwell's Intentional Living (use code PODCAST for 15% off until 12/2!)

The Best Thing You Can Do for Yourself and Others Podcast Episode

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In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John C. Maxwell shares timeless principles for turning your personal development into a lifelong journey of growth. You'll learn how to use your past as a teacher—not a trap—and apply positive thinking techniques and goal-setting habits to create a brighter tomorrow.

After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson unpack how to apply these lessons to your leadership, helping you strengthen your success mindset, overcome setbacks, and keep moving toward your dreams.

You'll learn how to:

• Turn lessons from failure into lasting success

• Build momentum through daily self-improvement habits

• Use reflection to set meaningful goals

• Cultivate a growth-oriented, positive mindset

• Keep your leadership development journey alive

🎯 Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Make Your Future Bigger Than Your Past Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/BiggerFuture and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."

This episode is sponsored by BELAY:

Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters.

To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, 5 Blind Spots That Sink Your Leadership. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access.

References:

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)

How to Improve Every Day Podcast Episode

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If your confidence is determined by validation, your performance will be, too. In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John is sharing 4 keys to shifting from reliance on recognition to resilient self-assurance!

After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson discuss his insights to help you apply them directly for your life and leadership.

Key takeaways:

• Value the process over the event.

• Don't take yourself too seriously.

• Never wait for someone else to raise the bar for you.

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Quiet Confidence: Leading Without the Applause Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/QuietConfidence and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!

References:

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership app (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)

Leaving a Legitimate Leadership Legacy Podcast Episode

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75% of managers report that Gen Z is the toughest generation to lead, and 30% have fired a Gen Z employee within a month of hiring them. Can you relate? Gen Z is in the workforce and they're here to stay – so tune in to today's bonus episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast to learn how to lead them most effectively!

Join John Maxwell, Mark Cole, and Tim Elmore for a deep dive into Tim's newest book, The Future Begins with Z, and a powerful discussion poised to help you get the most out of your youngest team members and turn one of today's greatest leadership challenges into your organization's competitive advantage.

Key takeaways:

• Meet them in the middle. While Gen Z brings fresh perspectives and intuition about the future, they also want guidance from experienced leaders.

• Focus on meaning over money. While fair compensation is important, leaders can inspire greater loyalty by giving them meaningful objectives and the flexibility to tackle them creatively.

• Open lines of communication. Gen Z wants to have their voice heard.

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!

References:

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Get your copy of The Future Begins with Z by Tim Elmore

Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team