What does it really take to lead in today’s uncertain, high-stakes world? According to General James “Spider” Marks—a West Point grad, decorated U.S. Army intelligence leader, and former CNN national security analyst—it’s not titles or talk that define a leader. It’s behavior.

In this powerful two-part conversation, Spider joins Dr. Foster Mobley on Step Wise to share hard-earned leadership truths from over 40 years at the highest levels of military and corporate life. In Part 1, they dig into why real leadership often begins with pain—not pleasure, the role of vulnerability in effective executive leadership, and how accountability, sacrifice, and integrity build trust and impact.

This episode is for current and aspiring leaders, executives navigating change, and anyone committed to leading with purpose and action—not just words.

🎧 Listen now to explore:

• Why “behavior over beliefs” is Spider’s north star
• The danger of a “comfort crisis” in modern leadership
• How to lead turnarounds and earn trust—starting on Day One
• The overlooked power of vulnerability in command
• What it really means to show up for your team

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe to Step Wise wherever you get your podcasts.

#Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #CareerGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #StepWisePodcast #SpiderMarks #FosterMobley

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

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To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

What do spies, scientists, and great bosses have in common? Mike Mears, former CIA Chief of Human Capital and founder of the CIA Leadership Academy, joins Foster Mobley on Step Wise for a fascinating, story-filled conversation on what really makes people tick. With experience ranging from the military to General Electric to government intelligence, Mike shares actionable insights drawn from behavioral science, human nature, and decades of leadership work. He also unpacks the ideas behind his new book, Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation. You’ll leave this conversation with tools—and a mindset—that could change the way you lead.

You can find out more about Mike Mears on his website: https://bit.ly/4jPoGaR

-or-

Purchase his book here: https://amzn.to/4lQxT4E

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

Jeff Immelt, former CEO of GE and author of Hot Seat: What I Learned Leading a Great American Company, joins Foster for a wide-ranging conversation on modern leadership, generational change, and the power of perseverance. Jeff reflects on his years at the helm of GE, his transition into teaching and mentoring, and the values that shaped him through triumph and failure. From leading through economic crises to investing in leadership development and tackling digital transformation, Jeff doesn’t shy away from the lessons that leadership can only teach the hard way. If you’re a leader, founder, or simply someone navigating change—this one’s for you.

Find Jeff Immelt's books here: https://bit.ly/42MWNJB

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

Season 1 of Step Wise brought raw, revealing conversations with leaders across industries—and we’re just getting started. In this quick teaser, Dr. Foster Mobley reflects on the lessons, the listeners, and the magic of Season 1—and shares a sneak peek of the voices joining us for Season 2. From GE's Jeff Immelt to CIA's Mike Mears, from global strategists to soulful entrepreneurs, we’re diving even deeper into what shapes extraordinary leadership.

Because when you set the table and invite the right people, magic happens.

New episodes begin April 30. Let’s go.

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

After interviewing some of the most insightful leaders across industries, it’s time to turn the mic around. In this special episode of Step Wise, host Dr. Foster Mobley takes center stage as Jana Devan interviews him on the key lessons, themes, and personal takeaways from the first season.

Foster reflects on conversations with top executives and leadership thinkers, including Janet Foutty, Valorie Kondos Field, Kent Thiry, and Paul Viviano, about how leadership is evolving to be more human-centered, purpose-driven, and deeply connected to well-being. He also shares his own philosophy on leadership, coaching, and why the relationship between leaders and followers is more important than ever.

Join us for an inspiring look back at Season One, Foster’s personal leadership journey, and what’s next for Step Wise!

#FosterMobley #StepWisePodcast #Leadership #Authenticity #CEOCoaching #HumanCenteredLeadership

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

www.instagram.com/fostermobley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

In this insightful episode of Step Wise, Foster Mobley sits down with Jen Fisher, a trailblazer in workplace well-being and human sustainability. As Deloitte’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer and now its Human Sustainability Leader, Jen shares her inspiring journey, from creating a groundbreaking role to becoming a voice for the evolving future of work.

Together, they dive into:
🌱 How organizations can prioritize human sustainability, including well-being, equity, and purpose.
🌍 The impact of workplace culture and leadership behaviors on employee wellness.
💡 Why leaders must embrace vulnerability and empathy to meet the demands of today’s workforce.
🔄 How the pandemic reshaped expectations for leadership and workplace dynamics.
💬 Practical strategies for leaders to balance personal well-being with organizational responsibilities.

Jen also shares personal insights as a cancer survivor and caregiver, emphasizing the importance of integrating human values into professional spaces. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about creating healthier, more sustainable work environments.

🎙️ Tune in to discover how organizations can rise to meet the moment and truly leave their people better than they found them.

#Leadership #Wellbeing #HumanSustainability #StepWisePodcast #FutureOfWork

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

www.instagram.com/fostermobley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

Join Foster Mobley in a compelling conversation with Erin Rocchio, a managing partner at Evolution and founder of Wholeness at Work. Together, they dive into the evolving demands on leaders in today’s high-pressure environments, tackling issues like burnout, the integration of personal and professional well-being, and the shifting dynamics of leadership. Erin shares insights into how societal pressures are reshaping workplaces, the need for conscious and relational leadership, and the critical importance of personal development for leaders.

Discover transformative ideas about authenticity, resilience, and integrity in leadership, as well as practical strategies to build trust, foster curiosity, and nurture authentic relationships. Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully in your life and work, this episode offers profound wisdom and actionable inspiration.

Don’t miss this deep, heartfelt dialogue that explores how leaders can thrive and connect in a world that demands both courage and humanity.

Here's what we'll cover: 

• the requirement for an evolved skillset in leaders to include EQ (Emotional Intelligence)
• what happens when leaders don't respond with an "evolved" skillset
• how work has evolved into a team sport due to complexity of issues
• her take on the antecedents of an evolved leader
• the importance of a supportive boss to an employee's development 

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

www.instagram.com/fostermobley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

In this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Anthony Stephan, Chief Learning Officer for Deloitte U.S., for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, learning, and the future of workforce development. Anthony shares his inspiring journey at Deloitte, where he leads a talented team dedicated to advancing the skills of 173,000 professionals to stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• requirements for upscaling talent in response to environmental challenges
• how a world-class professional services organization educates and develops people
• how he views Deloitte's responsibility to use a "yes and" strategy to develop business skills and human skills
• his characterization of the 3 A's - attention, awareness and acceptance as core human skills
• how the firm values, and clarity about them are central to training and development
• his personal experience of evolving from successful business leader to a more deeply authentic approach
• how Deloitte measures the effectiveness of their learning and development efforts

Anthony also shares how his personal values, commitment to growth, and focus on “not knowing” have shaped his leadership philosophy. This episode offers actionable insights for executives navigating rapid change and fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and growth.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step in your leadership journey.

🔗 Find tools, reflection questions, and more at fostermobleymt.com.
#Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment #Innovation #LearningAndDevelopment

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

www.instagram.com/fostermobley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

In this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Dr. Sachin Jain, president and CEO of Scan, to discuss navigating leadership challenges in today’s turbulent healthcare landscape. Dr. Jain, a Harvard-trained physician with vast experience in both public and private sectors, offers insights into leading through crisis, fostering transparency, and balancing authenticity with performance demands. The conversation dives into the importance of authenticity, the delicate art of setting boundaries, and the vital role of psychological safety. Dr. Jain’s reflections on truth-telling, vulnerability, and clarity are essential listening for leaders at all levels.

• the challenge facing leaders from a dynamic and tumultuous world
• his take on authenticity (versus "letting everything hang out")
•  authenticity in the era of "curated personas"
• his role and belief as a "truth teller"
• trust and safety as antecedents to authenticity
• the underlying and continual need for "4K clarity"

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

www.instagram.com/fostermobley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.

Join Foster Mobley in an exceptional second conversation with Joe Mello, renowned leadership architect behind DaVita’s transformation. In this deep dive, Joe unpacks the essence of authentic leadership. From honing decision-making and discernment to creating ‘leadership bandwidth’ by empowering others, Joe shares actionable insights on asking the right questions and fostering genuine growth within teams. Foster and Joe also explore purpose, core values, and the art of meaningful alignment. Tune in to discover transformative leadership principles that foster high-impact, resilient organizations.

In this episode you will find:

• the importance of metrics for everything
• the difference between a "talk to" and a "talk with" agenda
• learning how to separate judgments and facts

Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.

www.instagram.com/fostermobley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/

To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.