Hiring the wrong person happens. Keeping them too long is the real mistake.

In this episode, Sean Barnes breaks down what leaders should do when a bad hire becomes obvious. From recognizing early warning signs to coaching, supporting, and ultimately making the tough call, this conversation walks through the real cost of ignoring a poor fit.

We explore how bad hires drain morale, push out high performers, and increase operational costs. More importantly, we unpack how leaders can prevent repeat mistakes by asking better questions, involving the team, and getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations.

If you’re a new leader or an executive responsible for building teams, this episode will challenge how you think about accountability, ownership, and the true responsibility of leadership.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 270 | 02.24.2025

Episode Title: Hiring Mistakes That Set Us Back Years

Key Moments

[0:00:00] – “Do Not Hire the Idiot”

[0:01:03] – Early Warning Signs of a Bad Hire

[0:02:07] – Coaching Before Cutting

[0:02:50] – The Real Cost of Keeping Them Too Long

[0:03:28] – The Financial Impact

[0:04:03] – Preventing the Next Hiring Mistake

[0:05:14] – Involving the Team in the Hiring Process

[0:05:45] – The Leadership Skill Most People Avoid

[0:06:23] – Act Quickly

[0:06:55] – A Skill New Leaders Must Develop

Key Takeaways

Bad hires reveal themselves quickly. Ignoring early signals damages morale, culture, and performance.

Leaders have a responsibility to support and develop someone they hired. But if performance does not improve, protecting the team comes first.

Hiring errors are leadership errors. Ask better questions, involve your team, and build a stronger interview process to prevent it from happening again.

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

TikTok:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theseanbarnes

1,097 applications in three days for a single VP-level role.

Key Moments

00:00 - 1,097 applications in three days: what that says about the hiring market

01:00 - AI on both sides: resume parsing vs AI-tailored applications

02:15 - Principle #1: Trust is king in hiring

04:00 - Principle #2: Everyone’s network counts, not just HR

06:00 - Principle #3: Why you should reward employee referrals

08:00 - Principle #4: Remove friction from your hiring process

10:30 - Principle #5: Know when to stop interviewing

12:00 - Closing thoughts: building an experience that attracts top talent

Key Takeaways

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes sits down with Rod Branch for a powerful conversation on what real leadership actually requires, caring, vulnerability, trust, and relationships.

Rod shares the story behind his upcoming book (built from 52 life lessons and four core themes), how writing vulnerably on LinkedIn opened the door to deeper impact, and why today’s leaders can’t hide behind titles, polish, or “corporate distance” if they want people to follow them.

Together, they unpack why psychological safety starts long before any initiative or culture statement, how “reasonable risk” changes the way HR and leaders serve the business, and why the strongest leaders are the ones willing to show up human first.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode xxx | 00.00.2025

Episode Title: People Matter More Than Power, Featuring Rod Branch

Key Moments

00:00 – Sean opens with a defining leadership line: presence over position.

01:25 – Rod explains what sparked the book: vulnerability, LinkedIn stories, and demand for more.

03:27 – Why vulnerability is becoming more accepted—and why leaders must model it first.

05:02 – Sean shares a moment where a leader’s vulnerability reshaped trust in a room instantly.

08:02 – Rod reframes imposter syndrome: if you don’t feel it, you’re not stretching enough.

10:10 – Sean reflects on taking jobs before he felt ready—and learning on the fly.

14:25 – Rod breaks down his leadership model and the “mosaic” of connected principles.

16:32 – Sean shares a keynote story and what happens when you get real in public.

19:03 – What vulnerability actually looks like day-to-day (hint: it’s not just trauma stories).

30:03 – Sean explains why HR should be a strategic advisor, not “the HR police.”

31:52 – Rod introduces “reasonable risk” and why zero-risk decisions don’t exist anymore.

36:03 – Sean unpacks why asking great questions is a career superpower.

43:20 – Rod shares the “penalty flag” story: how to coach behavior without losing the room.

49:27 – Rod’s Friday story: leadership is not making people perform for your title.

52:49 – Rod shares his book launch date: April 4, 2026 (his 68th birthday).

53:27 – The core lesson Rod would write on a matchbook: Caring.

Key Takeaways

Guest: Rod Branch, CHRO

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/rodbranch-hr

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

Thirteen years ago, Sean Barnes sent a job application email that was… one sentence long. No follow-up. No context. No response.

In this episode, Sean uses that moment as a launching point to unpack what really works in today’s job market, especially at the senior and executive level. With trust at an all-time low and AI optimizing both resumes and applicant tracking systems, standing out now requires more than a polished résumé.

This conversation breaks down why relationships, trust, and intentional networking matter more than ever, and how to use LinkedIn and in-person connections the right way.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 267 | 02.03.2025

Episode Title: Why Blindly Sending Your Resume Doesn’t Work

Key Moments

00:00 – 00:36 – Sean reflects on his current work with executives and stumbles across a job application he sent 13 years ago

00:36 – 01:35 – Reading the original one-line email, and the frustration that followed

01:35 – 02:00 – Why “here’s my resume, I’m a perfect fit” no longer works

02:00 – 02:33 – How AI has changed resumes, applicant tracking systems, and trust in the hiring process

02:33 – 02:56 – Using LinkedIn to build relationships instead of asking for favors

02:57 – 03:25 – How real conversations lower walls and open doors

03:25 – 03:58 – Why networking events matter, even if you hate “peopling”

03:58 – 04:22 – There is no silver bullet, only consistent, intentional effort

04:22 – 04:52 – What executive recruiting firms actually rely on to find candidates

04:52 – 05:27 – The hard truth about blind resume submissions

Key Takeaways

With AI everywhere, credibility doesn’t come from keywords, it comes from relationships.

The goal is connection first. Opportunities follow trust, not desperation.

Referrals and networks matter far more than blind applications, especially at senior levels.

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

There’s been a noticeable increase in turnover at the senior executive level, and with it, a flood of leaders trying to break into Director, VP, and C-suite roles.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 266 | 01.27.2025

Episode Title: How Senior Executives Win Interviews (And Why Most Don’t)

Key Moments

00:00 – 00:57 – Why executive burnout conversations are missing the point

00:57 – 01:54 – The expectation gap: why executives must arrive ready to solve problems immediately

01:54 – 02:47 – How deep research separates you from average candidates

02:47 – 03:49 – Why asking targeted, informed questions instantly elevates your status

03:49 – 04:39 – Addressing the fear of “giving away solutions” during interviews

04:39 – 05:42 – How transparency about real challenges builds credibility, not weakness

05:42 – 06:30 – Why sharing lessons learned shows adaptability, growth, and leadership maturity

06:30 – 07:30 – The hidden power dynamic in interviews, and how to shift it

07:30 – 08:31 – Examples of executive-level questions that signal strategic thinking

08:31 – 09:38 – How to close an interview clearly without sounding desperate

09:38 – 10:45 – Taking initiative, driving next steps, and leading the process forward

Key Takeaways

At the senior level, organizations expect you to contribute immediately. Preparation and insight are table stakes, not bonuses.

Great executives don’t wait until the end to ask questions. They create dialogue, challenge thinking, and engage as peers.

Clarity, confidence, and initiative at the end of an interview leave a lasting impression and reinforce executive presence.

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

People often ask how someone who was once a hardcore introvert, awkward, uncomfortable, and struggling to communicate, ends up delivering keynotes on stages around the country.

In this episode, Sean breaks down the real journey from introversion to confident public speaking, and why communication became the single most important skill he ever developed.

This is not about becoming louder or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about learning how to communicate clearly, connect authentically, and build confidence through competence and repetition.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 265 | 01.20.2025

Episode Title: How I Went From Hardcore Introvert to Confident Public Speaker  

Key Moments

00:00 – From introvert to keynote speaker

Key Takeaways

Master your craft first, confidence follows.

Anyone can learn it with reps, feedback, and intention.

The ability to communicate clearly opens doors, builds influence, and gives you choice.

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

Sean Barnes breaks down one of the most common career myths: that hard work alone guarantees advancement.

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

Sean walks through why so many high performers stall out at the manager or director level, how the Peter Principle quietly derails careers, and what it really takes to move from individual contributor to executive leader.

This episode is a must-watch for professionals who feel stuck despite working harder than everyone around them.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 264 | 01.13.2025

Episode Title: Why Hard Work Alone Won’t Get You Promoted

Key Moments

00:00 – Why “do the work” isn’t the whole story

00:29 – The corporate pyramid and the hustle mindset

01:06 – Why hard workers still get stuck

01:33 – Skill gaps that prevent upward movement

02:06 – The Peter Principle explained

02:31 – When titles outpace leadership capability

03:32 – Step 1: Observe leaders above you

04:16 – Executive communication vs task-level thinking

04:46 – Confidence vs competence in leadership

05:45 – Step 2: Intentionally develop new skills

06:20 – Why proximity to excellence matters

06:56 – Step 3: Apply, test, and refine

07:25 – Becoming a force multiplier

07:57 – The real path to meaningful career progression

Key Takeaways

Advancement happens when you develop the skills required at the next level, not just when you work harder at your current one.

Pay attention to how executives think, communicate, and influence, not just what they tell you to do. Leadership is learned through observation as much as instruction.

As you level up, success is no longer about individual contribution. It’s about becoming a force multiplier who elevates the people and outcomes around you.

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

This episode is a raw, reflective breakdown of the 10 most important leadership and business lessons learned over the past year, surfaced through intentional self-reflection and unexpected insights from AI tools like ChatGPT.

Rather than chasing more activity, this episode explores what actually moves the needle: clarity, alignment, structure, emotional intelligence, boundaries, and long-term thinking.

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or executive who feels stretched thin, emotionally drained, or stuck between growth and burnout, this episode will hit home.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 263 | 01.06.2025

Episode Title: 2025 Year End Review

Key Moments

00:00 – Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t

Key Takeaways

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes sits down with entrepreneur James Rasmussen to unpack the real story behind building, scaling, and exiting a business in the oil and gas services industry.

James shares how he and his brothers launched a company out of necessity, scaled revenue aggressively in the first year, and navigated the realities most entrepreneurs are never warned about, including cash flow strain, slow-paying customers, payroll pressure, and the emotional weight of being responsible for employees’ livelihoods.

The conversation goes deep into hard-earned lessons on saying no to customers, structuring credit, building trust with buyers, negotiating an exit without ego, and why timing can matter more than valuation. James also reflects on leadership during downturns, the impact of COVID, and what he would do differently if he were building again today.

This episode is an unfiltered look at entrepreneurship, leadership, and exit planning from someone who has lived it.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 262 | 12.30.2025

Episode Title: Why Giving Matters More Than You Think!

Key Moments

00:00 – Sean introduces James Rasmussen and why he respects his character

01:05 – The real reason James started a business: “We were tired of getting laid off.”

02:12 – Discovering a market gap: API standards and non-destructive testing

03:16 – Educating the industry and building a niche with little competition

04:53 – The bank story: asking for $80K and getting a $17K line of credit instead

06:30 – Bringing family in: James hires his mom to get the books right

07:32 – The certification grind and becoming “unstoppable” once trained

08:36 – Integrity moment: choosing people over money because his brothers use the equipment

09:41 – Six months in: ramping to $150K–$200K/month revenue

10:08 – How he scaled fast: part-time help, hiring smart, and paperwork discipline

11:25 – The cash-flow reality: customers dragging payments out to 180–190 days

12:42 – The hard skill: saying no and setting credit limits

13:33 – Sean’s “worst customer” story and why cash flow is survival

14:58 – “It’s a gift until they pay you.” (game-changing mindset)

16:18 – Corporate vs field tension in oil & gas—and why it hurts vendors

18:06 – Exit wasn’t planned: how the opportunity “fell in their laps”

19:48 – Trust builds the deal: friendships formed before negotiation

21:23 – Negotiation: low offer vs “I want $10M” and then getting serious fast

23:32 – Why it worked: alignment, not greed, and they really wanted the people

25:17 – The hidden stress of leadership: 15 families depending on you

29:26 – Biggest lesson: buy assets to increase valuation

30:29 – Exit advice: negotiate employee contracts like your future depends on it

31:02 – Timing matters: sold in Nov 2019, COVID hit months later

33:44 – COVID layoffs + whiplash rehiring: brutal leadership reality

38:09 – Final advice: be goal-oriented, be fair, and make sure both sides win

Key Takeaways

Guest: James Rasmussen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rasmussen-374847257/

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify:

Many leaders believe networking is about being outgoing, charismatic, or naturally confident. In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes breaks that myth wide open.

Drawing from his own journey as a lifelong introvert, Sean shares how he learned to work the room not by changing who he was, but by adding structure, intention, and curiosity to how he connected with people.

This episode walks through three simple, practical strategies that help leaders build genuine relationships at conferences, events, and professional settings, without the awkward small talk, forced energy, or anxiety spiral.

At its core, this conversation is about building trust, strengthening your personal brand, and creating opportunities long before you actually need them.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 261 | 12.23.2025

Episode Title: How to Work the Room: 3 Networking Skills Every Leader Needs

Key Moments

00:00 – 01:05 | From Extreme Introvert to HR Leader

01:05 – 01:35 | Why Watching From the Back of the Room Wasn’t Enough

01:35 – 04:22 | Skill #1: Remember Their Name

04:22 – 05:53 | Skill #2: Match Their Energy

05:53 – 07:53 | Skill #3: Ask Better Questions

07:53 – 08:53 | Why People Walk Away Trusting You

08:53 – 09:58 | Relationships Create Opportunity

Key Takeaways

Host: Sean Barnes

Website:

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series:

YouTube:

Twitter:

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok:

Email: [email protected]

Audible:

Spotify: