Welcome to Backstage with Randy Phillips — a lighthearted dialogue meant to inspire every heart and home to live a life of purpose.

In this episode of Backstage with Randy Phillips, Randy sits down with Larry O’Donnell—former President and COO of Waste Management, business leader, and servant leader advocate. Larry shares his journey of faith, leadership, and personal growth, including lessons learned from his daughter’s challenges and his experiences as the first Undercover Boss. He unpacks the CLEAN acronym for leadership, emphasizing servant leadership inspired by Christ, and how it applies to every relationship in life. From navigating tragedy to reshaping corporate culture, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom for leaders in every space.
 

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Connect w/ Larry O'Donnell: https://larryodonnell.com

Buy Waste Management: https://amzn.to/3EAXf55
 

CHAPTERS 

0:00 Introduction to Larry O’Donnell and his journey
1:14 Water skiing love story with Larry’s wife, Dare
5:01 From lawyer to business leader: Larry’s career path
6:58 Turning around Waste Management
8:14 The CLEAN leadership principles
9:22 Leadership through servant principles
10:11 Larry’s journey to seminary
12:54 Transition from business to seminary later in life
14:00 Becoming the first Undercover Boss
17:22 Building trust by listening to frontline employees
20:07 Lessons learned from Larry’s father about servant leadership
22:50 Navigating leadership through empathy and accountability
25:48 The life-changing challenge with Larry’s daughter Lenley
28:11 Finding peace through John 9 and trusting God’s plan
30:45 Lenley’s impact on Larry’s faith
32:54 Handling grief and faith as a couple
35:49 Understanding workplace ministry
37:28 Blending faith and career without fear
39:02 Sharing Christ through genuine care
41:02 The CLEAN acronym explained: Commitment, Listening, Empathy, Accountability, Notice
43:01 The importance of mentors and having safe spaces to think
44:10 The purpose of Larry’s book: Sharing struggles and lessons learned
46:07 Lenley’s lasting impact on faith and others 
 

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