This episode is sponsored by The Fear Trap, a book designed to help leaders navigate fear and lead with confidence.

"Navigating Emotions in Leadership" Leadership Lessons from my conversation with Quentin Hodge, Part 2

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff introduces longtime friend and guest Quentin Hodge, a Senior Health and Safety Professional with over 20 years of experience. Mark and Quentin discuss the importance of knowing and understanding your team, navigating confrontational situations with emotional intelligence, and maintaining integrity and empathy in leadership. Quentin shares his personal journey and strategies for continuous growth as a leader, highlighting the impact of small, consistent efforts and mentorship. The conversation also explores how younger generations' unique skills, like gaming, can be leveraged in industrial settings. Listeners are encouraged to never give up, keep learning, and build strong relationships with their team for effective leadership.

00:00 Introduction: Knowing Your People

00:15 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

00:35 Guest Introduction: Quentin Hodge

01:10 Turning Around Safety in a Challenging Environment

03:33 Insights on Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

04:16 The Importance of Integrity and Empathy

08:07 Continuous Growth as a Leader

12:01 Adapting to New Generations in the Workforce

16:29 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Leaders

19:51 Conclusion and Call to Action

Free Learning To Lead Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Leadership, Trust, and Integrity: A Conversation with Quentin Hodge

This episode is sponsored by The Fear Trap,a book designed to help leaders navigate fear and lead with confidence.

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff is joined by Quentin Hodge, a seasoned safety professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. Quentin shares his journey from being an industrial hygienist to becoming a senior health and safety professional. He discusses the importance of integrity, trust, and empathy in leadership, especially in high-risk industrial environments. Quentin emphasizes the significance of relationship-building and offers insights into leading without positional authority. The episode also covers the challenges of overcoming fear and the value of continuous learning and humility in leadership roles.

00:00 Introduction to Integrity in Leadership

01:00 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

01:25 Introducing Quentin Hodge

04:32 Quentin's Leadership Journey

06:47 Building Trust and Relationships

16:11 Overcoming Fear in Leadership

20:17 Leading with and without Authority

24:40 Conclusion and Call to Action

Free Learning To Lead Resources

• Free Book: The Fear Trap
• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

 "Trust, Truth, and Leadership: A Mentorship Journey" Reflections on my Conversation with Steve Veale

Download This Episode's LeaderNotes Here: LeaderNotes

Get Your Free Book:  The Trust Gap

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff discusses key insights from his conversation with Steve Veale, the executive investor of Westridge Church. Mark emphasizes the importance of pursuing mentorship relentlessly and how it contributes to becoming a healthy leader, capable of being a strong influence on the team. He also explores the importance of trust in leadership, demonstrating that it enhances performance and drives organizational progress. Mark shares some recommended books from Steve, along with notable quotes on leadership, mentorship, and organizational culture. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to download leader notes and check out Mark's ebook, 'The Trust Gap.'

00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show

00:39 Key Takeaways from Steve Veale's Mentorship Insights

02:20 The Importance of Trust in Leadership

04:11 Recommended Reads and Resources

04:45 Steve Veale's Memorable Quotes

06:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Free Learning To Lead Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Download This Episode's LeaderNotes Here: LeaderNotes

Get Your Free Book: 

• Free Book: The Trust Gap

"The Speed of Trust: Insight on Leadership and Influence." My Conversation with Steve Veale Part 2

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff continues his conversation with Steve Veale, Executive Pastor of Westridge Church in Dallas, Georgia. They discuss the critical role trust plays in organizational success, leadership, and team building. Steve emphasizes the importance of having a diverse team and how different perspectives contribute to a healthy organizational culture. He also touches on the significance of self-leadership, seeking mentors, and leveraging those relationships for personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to download Mark's book, 'The Trust Gap,' to further explore the principles discussed. The episode concludes with valuable book recommendations for both leadership and personal development.

00:00 Introduction: The Speed of Trust

00:20 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

00:40 Diving into Trust and Leadership

01:41 Building a Results-Oriented Culture

08:25 The Importance of Diverse Leadership

11:12 Self-Leadership and Personal Growth

12:42 The Value of Mentorship

19:25 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

21:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

Free Learning To Lead Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Get Your Free Book: 

• Free Book: The Trust Gap

"Transforming Passion into Purpose," My Conversation with Steve Veale

In this episode, host Mark Cundiff interviews Steve Veale, the Executive Pastor of Westridge Church in Northwest Atlanta. Steve shares his 28-year journey in ministry and leadership, highlighting the church's notable achievements, including the planting of over 200 churches worldwide and its ministry to families with special needs. The conversation explores leadership lessons, the importance of investing in people, and the distinct challenges of leading in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Steve emphasizes the significance of vision, culture, and influence, particularly when working with volunteers. Additionally, Mark promotes his new book 'The Trust Gap,' which offers insights into increasing leadership effectiveness.

00:00 The Importance of Every Role in Ministry

00:19 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show

00:37 Meet Steve V: Executive Pastor of Westridge Church

01:22 Steve's Leadership Journey

01:39 Promoting the Trust Gap Book

02:05 Interview with Steve V Begins

02:17 Early Leadership Lessons

05:37 Challenges and Growth in Leadership

06:43 Leading Volunteers vs. Paid Staff

10:37 The Impact of COVID on Volunteerism

15:55 Building and Maintaining a Positive Culture

21:52 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Learning To Lead Free Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Get Your Free Book: 

• Free Book: The Trust Gap

Leadership Reflections with Insights from Robert Owens

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Kiv reflects on his compelling conversation with Robert Owens, highlighting key leadership lessons from Owens' career experiences. The discussion includes overcoming adversity, such as Owens' transition from CEO to working under a hostile competitor, and persevering with humility and courage. Key takeaways include the importance of servant leadership, clear communication, timely feedback, and maintaining a positive mindset during challenging times. Kiv also shares insights from his book, 'The Trust Gap,' available for free in the show notes.

00:00 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

00:07 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:24 Sponsor Message: The Trust Gap

00:52 Leadership Lessons from Robert Owens

01:36 Overcoming Adversity with Humility and Courage

03:23 Leading by Example: In the Trenches

04:31 Key Takeaways and Quotes

07:12 Three Pillars of Effective Leadership

09:21 Final Reflections and Conclusion

10:09 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Learning To Lead Free Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Grab This Episode's LeaderNotes

New:

• Free Book: The Trust Gap

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark interviews long-time friend and distinguished leader Robert Owens. Robert shares his journey from working at Lowe's to becoming Regional Vice President of Stratus Construction Solutions. 

He discusses his leadership experiences, the challenges he faced, and the key lessons he learned in both the nonprofit and business worlds. Robert emphasizes the importance of integrity, character, and caring for people in leadership. 

He also provides insights on balancing work and community service, the importance of safety in the construction industry, and the value of mentorship and continuous learning. This episode serves as a masterclass in servant leadership, grit, and humility.

00:00 Introduction: Building Influence Through Integrity

00:46 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

01:01 Meet Robert Owens: A Journey of Service and Leadership

02:39 Robert's Career Journey: From Lowe's to Leadership

03:47 Leadership Lessons from the Broom Closet

09:57 The Power of Influence in Nonprofit and Business Worlds

12:52 Continuous Learning and Personal Growth

15:43 Challenges and Strategies in the Construction Industry

19:48 Safety First: Leading with Care and Responsibility

23:29 Key Behaviors and Habits of Effective Leaders

27:09 Conclusion: Servant Leadership and Humility

Grab This Episode's LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's LeaderNotes Here: LeaderNotes

Learning To Lead Free Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff interviews long-time friend and leader Robert Owens. Robert shares his fascinating career and leadership journey, which began with his work at Lowe's and culminated in owning his own construction business. He offers raw insights into the challenges he faced, including the 2008 economic downturn, and how he navigated them with resilience and servant leadership. From being unexpectedly handed a company to overcoming personal and professional trials, Robert's story is a testament to the power of humility, dedication, and the importance of investing in people. Tune in to hear valuable lessons on leading with integrity and purpose.

Download This Episode's LeaderNotes Here: LeaderNotes

Episode Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Sweetest Memory

00:22 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

00:32 Meet Robert Owens: A Dedicated Leader

02:17 Robert's Career Journey Begins

04:41 Leadership Lessons from Lowe's

07:52 Thrown into the Fire: Early Challenges

15:25 Servant Leadership in Action

17:59 Navigating Economic Downturns

22:56 From Business Owner to Employee

24:37 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Grab This Episode's LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Learning To Lead Free Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

Harnessing Storytelling for Effective Leadership

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, we reflect on the recent interview with Shon Isenhour, focusing on the power of storytelling as a leadership strategy. The discussion covers how purposeful storytelling can drive organizational change, the concept of the Valley of Despair in change initiatives, and book recommendations to further enhance storytelling skills. Key points include the distinction between mere story time and impactful storytelling, as well as tips for navigating and marketing the journey through challenging phases of change. Listeners are encouraged to download Leader Notes for a summary of key takeaways and explore further learning resources.

00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show

00:19 Introducing Leader Notes

02:06 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership

09:01 Navigating the Valley of Despair

11:59 Recommended Reads for Leaders

14:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

Learning To Lead Free Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• Get your Free Learning to Lead Leadership Reading Guide Here
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Download This Episode's Leadernotes Here: LeaderNotes

Trust Over Titles: Effective Leadership in Reliability with Shon Isenhour - Part 2

In this episode of the 'Learning to Lead Show,' host Mark Cundiff continues his interview with Shon Isenhour, founder and owner of Eruditio, an education and training company. 

Shon shares insights on how influence is more impactful than titles in leadership, underscores the importance of engaging frontline leaders, and emphasizes the necessity of a proactive leadership approach. 

Through frameworks and storytelling, he illustrates strategies for ensuring sustainability in organizational reliability and discusses the significant role of effective leadership and communication. 

The episode also touches on the integration of AI in the manufacturing sector and its potential to enhance predictive maintenance and data analysis. Tune in to understand why leadership and process management are crucial for successful change initiatives in industrial manufacturing.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:43 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

00:57 Interview with Shon Isenhour: Background and Expertise

01:56 Key Learnings from Shon Isenhour

03:18 Leadership and Communication Strategies

11:11 The Role of AI in Reliability and Maintenance

14:14 Challenges in Maintenance and Reliability

16:53 The Importance of Process and Accountability

19:39 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

23:36 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Top Quotes from Shon on Today's Episode:

• "If you can't tell a story about why the change matters, no one else will either."
• "Leadership without authority is influence—earned, not assigned.
• "The front line can smell fake from 100 feet away. You don’t manage change—you lead it, shoulder to shoulder."
• "Reliability isn’t a program. It’s a promise. A way of working that people believe in."
• "Trust compounds. And in reliability work, trust is the currency of every decision people make on the floor."
• "If your change initiative dies the moment you leave the room, it wasn’t led—it was announced."
• "The people closest to the work often have the answers. We just need to make space for their voice to matter."

Key Topics Discussed Today:

1. The Challenge of Leading Without Authority

• Why influence > title
• Building trust over time with technicians and teams
• Showing consistency through small, repeated actions

2. The Power of Storytelling in Driving Change

• Using real-life examples to explain reliability concepts
• How leaders can translate abstract models (like ADKAR) into human terms

3. Frameworks for Sustainable Reliability

• Change management tools Shon uses: ADKAR, Kotter’s Model, Situational Leadership
• Avoiding the “initiative of the month” trap
• Measuring success beyond short-term wins

4. Engaging the Front Line

• Why language and listening matter
• Equipping supervisors with coaching, not just compliance tools
• Creating ownership instead of pushback

5. The Long Game of Leadership

• Why reliability is a culture, not a campaign
• How to build momentum without burnout
• The difference between ‘completion’ and ‘adoption’

Ways to Connect with Shon Isnehour

• LinkedIn
• Eruditio
• [email protected]

Book Recommendations by Shon:

• Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards
• Winning Body Language by Mark Bowden