Research from the Center for Creative Leadership shows that nearly 60% of new managers receive no formal training when they step into their first leadership role.

At the same time, Gallup reports that only about 44% of managers globally have received any kind of leadership development, leaving the majority to learn through trial and error.

In this episode of The Leadership Code Podcast, we sit down with Curtis Sprouse, a seasoned executive and advisor with nearly four decades of experience in high-stakes environments across healthcare, biotech, and medical innovation.

From serving as a CFO and CEO in startup settings to guiding companies through complex product development, Curtis has spent his career where decisions carry real consequences—for organizations and for people.

Curtis is the founder of EurekaConnect, a leadership firm grounded in behavioral science, focused on helping leaders better understand how their actions shape trust, engagement, and culture. He also launched the Institute for Biomedical Entrepreneurship, where hundreds of innovators have been trained and supported in bringing new ideas to life.

In this conversation, Curtis unpacks what really happens when leaders are unprepared—and more importantly, what can be done about it. We explore the hidden impact of leader behavior, why small shifts can create meaningful change, and how leaders can become more intentional in the way they show up for their teams.

This episode is a candid look at the gap between being promoted and being prepared—and a reminder that leadership isn’t something you’re handed. It’s something you learn, practice, and refine over time.