In this powerful season finale, I invite listeners to pause, reflect, and rediscover the heart of leadership. Through real stories, data-backed insights, and heartfelt reflection—including a tribute to my late mother—I explore the myth of more, the wisdom of rest, and the transformational power of saying both yes and no with intention.

I unpacks the toll of hustle culture, share a deeply personal story about grief and anxiety, and reintroduce a leadership rhythm called P.A.C.E.—Purpose, Action, Community, Enjoyment—that helps me lead with peace and presence.

You’ll leave this episode inspired to conduct your own Leadership Self Audit and recalibrate how you lead—starting with yourself.

 If you’re ready to give your team the greatest gift possible—a well-rested, well-boundaried, and fully present YOU—this finale is your call to action.

In this episode we're exploring a topic that's often overlooked, yet absolutely critical for your performance: sleep. Today we are slowing down to encourage leaders to Go to Sleep! If you’re a leader running on fumes, pushing through exhaustion, and wearing sleep deprivation like a badge of honor—this one’s for you. Studies consistently show that sleep deprivation significantly impacts cognitive function, decision-making, and emotional regulation. We explore data and stories that will connect the dots between sleep and business, and life, success. Our Slow Down Practice (SDP) is a collection of seven (7) considerations that will aid you in slowing down to leverage the immense benefits of sleep. 

In this episode, we take a step back to reflect on the transformative power of saying "no" with intention. We delve into how your “no” is a gift to be given purposefully. In doing so, it can create clarity and drive meaningful results in your personal and professional life. Discover how the gift of an intentional, slow "no", moves you closer to your desired results. We will, together, explore how to make deliberate decisions that honor your values and maximize impact. Whether it’s setting priorities or recognizing the importance of boundaries, this podcast offers actionable insights to help you Slow Down and LEAD.

In this episode, we take a step back to reflect on the transformative power of saying "yes" with intention. We delve into how embracing the idea that your “yes” is a gift to be given purposefully. In doing so, it can create clarity and drive meaningful results in your personal and professional life. Discover how to give the gift of an intentional, strategic "yes", one that fuels progress, mobilizes your team, eliminates waste, and moves you closer to your desired results. We will, together, explore how to make deliberate decisions that honor your values and maximize impact. Whether it’s setting priorities or recognizing the importance of boundaries, this podcast offers actionable insights to help you Slow Down and LEAD. --- Our Slow Down Practice (SDP) for this week is to simply, "Pause THEN Reply." 

In this episode we’re diving into a topic that’s trending among many leaders; however, it is often opaque relative to understanding its causes and how to prevent it. Today we are slowing down to combat anxiety among leaders. Anxiety and prolonged periods of stress impacts how we show up. Specifically it impacts our physical and mental health; our cognitive function; team dynamics, productivity and can negatively impact costs. In this episode we look at the data and the science related to anxiety among leaders. We discover what it looks like to move with P.A.C.E. as a means to help us practice slow leadership. - Our SLOW DOWN PRACTICE (SDP) is to block out 15 minutes of your calendar just for YOU. Use that time to go for a short walk outside, or just sit in the quiet and breathe. This is your time to reset. 

Leadership isn’t about moving fast—it’s about moving forward. Slow Down and Lead is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who are ready to cultivate intentional, impactful leadership. My name is John Henry Scott III and I am a Husband of 19-years, a Dad of 28-years, a United States Army Veteran, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach and Entrepreneur. In this episode I share the genesis of the podcast, lessons learned in my leadership journey that inspired this podcast and its why. The intent is to empower you to inspire your team, grow your vision, and navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and clarity.