"Even if we win the next three championships, I'll never forgive them for trading Luka."

I heard a fan say that, and it hit me—winning isn’t everything.

This trade isn’t just about basketball. It’s a reminder that sometimes, success comes at a cost, followers don’t always equal impact, and the ripple effects of our decisions go deeper than we realize. We chase the “win,” but at what price?

In this episode, I break down what this trade taught me—not just about sports, but about life. How do our decisions impact the people around us? Are we too focused on the outcome to see the relational consequences?

This one isn’t just for basketball fans—it’s for anyone who's ever had to make a tough call and wondered if they truly counted the cost. Let’s talk it out. Because honestly, as a Dallas native, I still need a support group.

It’s not self-promotion—it’s stewardship. Too many of us shrink back, afraid of looking like we’re bragging, when in reality, we’re just hiding.

In this episode, we’re tackling the mindset that keeps people playing small—the fear of putting themselves out there, the hesitation to own their gifts, and the excuse of “I don’t want to self-promote.” But here’s the truth: If you have something valuable to offer the world, it’s not arrogance—it’s responsibility.

We’ll unpack how to shift from insecurity to confidence, why visibility isn’t vanity, and how embracing your worth can create opportunities for others. It’s time to step up, show up, and bring your best to the table.

Quit playing small. The world needs all of you.

We’ve all heard the phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But what if the real problem isn’t learning new tricks—it’s actually using the ones we already know?

In this episode, we’re flipping the focus from more information to more application. 2025 isn’t about chasing the next big idea—it’s about putting what you already know into action. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and sat through the seminars. Now, it’s time to execute.

We’ll break down why knowledge without action is useless, how to bridge the gap between what you know and what you do, and why this could be the year everything finally clicks.

New year, same you—just better execution. Let’s make 2025 the year of application.

The Ryan Leak Podcast is back! After taking a hiatus, I’m bringing this show back with a fresh perspective, a simpler format, and one goal: to give you something practical, inspiring, and thought-provoking in every episode. No fluff. No wasted time. Just one idea—one nugget—to help you be more intentional, courageous, and hopeful about your life, work, and relationships.

In this first episode back, I share the real reason I hit pause, what I learned from stepping away, and why now is the perfect time to return.

Get ready—Season 6 of The Ryan Leak Podcast is here, and it’s packed with the short and sweet nuggets of inspiration you love. This season, we’re tackling real-life pressure, complicated people, and the gap between good and great—all with practical wisdom you can apply today.

Expect honest conversations, counterintuitive insights, and bite-sized motivation to help you level up in your leadership, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re chasing failure, navigating tough conversations, or learning to lead yourself first, this season is designed to push you forward and keep you moving.

Hit subscribe, share it with a friend, and let’s dive in—because Season 6 is all about helping you become who you were meant to be.

In this episode, Ryan Leak interviews Dr. Julia Wiener, a leadership and organizational development expert. They discuss topics related to culture, leadership, followership, and navigating challenges within the workplace. Dr. Wiener shares insights on how to create a positive impact on culture while working from home, the concept of intelligent disobedience, and the dynamics between leaders and followers. If you're looking for a culture coach, there's no one better than Dr. Julia. You can connect with her at ryanleak.com/coaching.

In this episode, Ryan Leak engages in a conversation with Vasti Cruz, a coach and founder of Healthy Heart Talks. They delve into the concept of wholehearted living, discussing how to move on from challenging situations, make authentic decisions, and bring your best energy to work and life. Vasti shares insights on the importance of aligning head and heart, letting go of past hurts, and embracing vulnerability to lead a fulfilling life.

You can connect Vasti Cruz at her website: https://www.healthofyourheart.com/

She's also available for coaching at: ryanleak.com/coaching