Wired to Lead

The Four Types of Leaders – And Why You Can't Be All of Them

What happens when your greatest strength as a founder becomes your biggest leadership blind spot? And how do you scale a company without losing yourself – or your team – in the process?

In this episode, Julia sits down with Matt Watson, a Kansas City-based serial entrepreneur who's built and exited three companies, created over 1,000 jobs, and learned the hard way that self-awareness beats hustle every time. Matt is the founder of Stackify, VIN Solutions, and FullScale, and author of Product Driven – a book on software engineering and leadership that's really about knowing what you're good at and hiring for the rest.

This conversation goes deep into the realities of scaling businesses – the pivotal moments of self-awareness, the dangerous traps of complacency, and the intentional choices that separate sustainable growth from burnout.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The Sears origin story: How saying yes to a panicked car dealer launched a multimillion-dollar career
• The four types of engineering leadership (strategic, operational, technical, product) – and why trying to be all of them will kill your company
• The "Rocket Fuel" moment when Matt's COO told him his million ideas were creating chaos, not inspiration
• Why complacency cost him 15% of revenue – and how to stay growth-focused without burning out
• How to know when you've outgrown your people (and how to have that conversation with integrity)
• Why every founder needs peers, mentors, and "a therapist of some form" to process the weight of leadership
• The shift from building companies for exits to building ecosystems that create meaningful work for hundreds of families

Whether you're a founder struggling to delegate or a leader stuck doing work you hate because you think you have to, Matt's wisdom on leading from your strengths will change how you build.

ABOUT MATT WATSON:

Matt Watson is a Kansas City-based serial entrepreneur and founder of Stackify, VIN Solutions, and FullScale. Over his career, he's created more than 1,000 jobs and helped scale multiple companies to successful exits. He's a passionate advocate for self-aware leadership, building meaningful work, and helping other entrepreneurs scale without losing themselves in the process. Matt is also the author of Product Driven and host of the Startup Hustle podcast.

Connect with Matt:

• Book: Product Driven
• Website: Product Driven (productdriven.com)
• Company: FullScale (fullscale.io)

I hope you enjoy this episode!
Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
Julia and the Wired to Lead podcast team

Connect with Julia Lefevre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaklefevre/
Visit the Brave Restoration website here: https://braverestoration.org/

What if leading change didn't have to burn out your team?

Nissi Ozigbu has spent 15 years as a change management expert helping organizations transform without losing their people. In this conversation, she reveals why most change initiatives fail, how motherhood reshaped her leadership style, and what it takes to build change capability from the inside out.

You'll discover:

• What change management actually is (and why organizations misunderstand it)
• Why constant change is causing a global burnout crisis
• How one piece of painful feedback transformed Nissi's entire approach to leadership
• Why change fails when senior leaders don't embody the transformation
• How to create psychological safety during organizational transition

Nissi champions integrated leadership—where who you are, what you believe, and how you lead are fully aligned. Her journey from rigid performance manager to compassionate leader offers a roadmap for anyone navigating transformation.

If you're leading change and your team is exhausted, this episode will reframe everything.

Connect with Nissi: https://www.thegrowthhut.co.uk/

Hari Gopu's journey from the son of Indian immigrants in 1980s Australia to leading infrastructure and energy companies across three continents wasn't about climbing a ladder—it was about learning to read the room, watch for truth in actions not words, and never stop asking "why?"

In this episode, Hari shares hard-won lessons about transformational leadership, including:

• Why explaining "the why" once (or even ten times) isn't enough
• The confronting survey result that changed how he approaches safety culture
• How to bridge generational divides in an era of information overload
• Why the best leaders recruit people better than themselves
• The power of "freedom within boundaries" to unlock creativity
• How staying proximate to your team prevents the "ivory tower" trap

Whether you're navigating organizational change, building trust across diverse teams, or trying to stay focused when everything feels urgent, Hari's story offers a masterclass in leading with clarity and humanity.

What happens when a military-trained leader learns that authority alone doesn't build great teams? Gabe Disbrow, President and CEO of Lever Supermarkets, shares his journey from top-down command in the military to connection-driven leadership in a 100% employee-owned company.

From Command to Connection: Leading with the Umbrella ModelIn this episode, Gabe reveals his "umbrella leadership model"—a framework for protecting your team while empowering them to take risks and grow. He also opens up about the mistakes he made early in his career (the "fixer trap"), how he navigated COVID-era burnout, and why he measures success by whether employees would bring their grandma to see where they work.

If you're an emerging leader struggling to balance speed with empowerment, or a seasoned executive rethinking what truly drives performance, this conversation will challenge how you think about accountability, failure, and what it means to lead with credibility.

What You'll Learn

• The transition challenge: Why military leadership doesn't translate directly to civilian workplaces (and what to do instead)
• The umbrella model: How to take responsibility for your team's first mistakes while building their decision-making confidence
• Behavioral baselines: The subtle art of noticing when someone's "off" and turning it into meaningful connection
• The fixer trap: Why doing everything yourself creates short-term wins but long-term organizational failure
• Crisis leadership lessons: What COVID taught Gabe about resource management, burnout, and widening your KPI lens
• The grandma test: Gabe's definition of workplace success (and it's not what you think)
• Employee ownership dynamics: How peer-to-peer accountability creates an "extra gear" most companies never access

Carl Bowden made a decision that shocked everyone: after building a successful leadership coaching company for 4.5 years, he walked away to join someone else's team.

But here's the twist—it might be the smartest career move he ever made.

In this raw and revealing conversation, Carl takes us inside the brutal reality of entrepreneurship: the sleepless nights when he couldn't pay rent, the isolation when success felt impossible, and the perfect storm of personal tragedy that forced him to question everything. Then came one networking conversation that changed his entire trajectory.

This isn't your typical "follow your dreams" entrepreneurship story. This is about knowing when to pivot, how to stay true to your mission while changing your path, and why sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is admit you need help.

Carl reveals the counterintuitive leadership wisdom he's learned: why vulnerability is your secret weapon, how a CEO managing 8,000 employees does it with two words, and why the best leaders know when to let go of control.

Episode Highlights:

• The John Maxwell book that rewired his brain (and why he read it 5 times)
• How outdoor leadership retreats became his unexpected niche
• The honest moment that launched his business: "I'm scared"
• Why 40+ years of research proves honesty trumps charisma in leadership
• The networking conversation at a mergers & acquisitions happy hour that led to his dream job

In this episode of Wired to Lead, Julia LeFevre engages with Mike Fidgeon, a seasoned healthcare executive, discussing the complexities of leadership, resilience, and the importance of relational connections. Mike shares his journey from sports to leadership, emphasizing that leadership is a continuous learning process. They explore how past experiences shape our responses and the significance of creating a supportive environment for growth. The conversation also touches on the neuroscience behind leadership and the challenges of transitioning between different leadership styles. 

I hope you enjoy this episode!
Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
Julia and the Wired to Lead podcast team

Connect with Julia Lefevre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaklefevre/
Visit the Brave Restoration website here: https://braverestoration.org/

Listen to Wired to Lead on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1hed3JQ5LGi5sQcAXBCYk5
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wired-to-lead/id1818563028
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e45fe954-ce5e-43d9-92ac-cee721d8dc5c/wired-to-lead

#WiredToLead #JuliaLefevre #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessAtWork #ResilientLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #WomenInLeadership #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TeamLeadership #MotivationalPodcast #LeadershipTips
Wired to Lead, hosted by Julia Lefevre, explores the intersection of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Each episode dives into practical strategies and inspiring stories designed to help leaders build self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity in their leadership style. Whether you’re an emerging leader or an executive, Wired to Lead provides tools to develop emotional intelligence, improve team dynamics, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

In this engaging conversation, Julia LeFevre and Shelton Banks explore the transformative journey from traditional career training to innovative strategies that empower job seekers. Shelton shares his personal story of overcoming adversity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, self-education, and storytelling in professional growth. They discuss the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector and the need for a new approach to job training that focuses on individual strengths and connections. The conversation highlights the significance of building genuine relationships and the power of narrative in interviews, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and effective path to success.

I hope you enjoy this episode!
Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
Julia and the Wired to Lead podcast team

Connect with Julia Lefevre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaklefevre/
Visit the Brave Restoration website here: https://braverestoration.org/

Listen to Wired to Lead on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1hed3JQ5LGi5sQcAXBCYk5
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wired-to-lead/id1818563028
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e45fe954-ce5e-43d9-92ac-cee721d8dc5c/wired-to-lead

#WiredToLead #JuliaLefevre #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessAtWork #ResilientLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #WomenInLeadership #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TeamLeadership #MotivationalPodcast #LeadershipTips
Wired to Lead, hosted by Julia Lefevre, explores the intersection of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Each episode dives into practical strategies and inspiring stories designed to help leaders build self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity in their leadership style. Whether you’re an emerging leader or an executive, Wired to Lead provides tools to develop emotional intelligence, improve team dynamics, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

In Episode 13 of Wired to Lead, former MLB reliever Evan Marshall—who climbed from a fourth-round pick to a reliable bullpen arm for the Diamondbacks, Mariners, Indians, and White Sox—opens up about how a near-fatal skull fracture reshaped his approach to game and life. Tune in for an inspiring tale of grit, recovery, and the mental wiring it takes to lead under pressure.

I hope you enjoy this episode!
Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
Julia and the Wired to Lead podcast team

Connect with Julia Lefevre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaklefevre/
Visit the Brave Restoration website here: https://braverestoration.org/

Listen to Wired to Lead on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1hed3JQ5LGi5sQcAXBCYk5
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wired-to-lead/id1818563028
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e45fe954-ce5e-43d9-92ac-cee721d8dc5c/wired-to-lead

#WiredToLead #JuliaLefevre #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessAtWork #ResilientLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #WomenInLeadership #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TeamLeadership #MotivationalPodcast #LeadershipTips
Wired to Lead, hosted by Julia Lefevre, explores the intersection of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Each episode dives into practical strategies and inspiring stories designed to help leaders build self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity in their leadership style. Whether you’re an emerging leader or an executive, Wired to Lead provides tools to develop emotional intelligence, improve team dynamics, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

In this conversation, Chris Weakly, founder of Logical A, shares his journey as an autistic professional dedicated to helping businesses attract and retain autistic talent. He discusses the high unemployment rate among neurodivergent individuals, the challenges they face in social interactions, and the importance of curiosity and connection in the workplace. Chris emphasizes the value of neurodivergent talent and encourages businesses to have open conversations about inclusivity and support. He also shares personal insights about his experiences and the importance of being authentic.

I hope you enjoy this episode!
Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
Julia and the Wired to Lead podcast team

Connect with Julia Lefevre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaklefevre/
Visit the Brave Restoration website here: https://braverestoration.org/

Listen to Wired to Lead on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1hed3JQ5LGi5sQcAXBCYk5
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wired-to-lead/id1818563028
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e45fe954-ce5e-43d9-92ac-cee721d8dc5c/wired-to-lead

#WiredToLead #JuliaLefevre #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessAtWork #ResilientLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #WomenInLeadership #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TeamLeadership #MotivationalPodcast #LeadershipTips
Wired to Lead, hosted by Julia Lefevre, explores the intersection of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Each episode dives into practical strategies and inspiring stories designed to help leaders build self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity in their leadership style. Whether you’re an emerging leader or an executive, Wired to Lead provides tools to develop emotional intelligence, improve team dynamics, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

In this episode of Wired to Lead, Julia LeFevre interviews Christopher Swing, the president and CEO of Vantage Surgical Solutions. They discuss Chris's unique leadership journey across various industries, the importance of scaling in leadership, and the lessons learned from mistakes. Chris shares how his childhood experiences shaped his approach to risk management and leadership, and how his definition of success has evolved over time. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning from peer to boss, the significance of creating a positive organizational culture, and the pressures leaders face in their roles.

I hope you enjoy this episode!
Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
Julia and the Wired to Lead podcast team

Connect with Julia Lefevre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaklefevre/
Visit the Brave Restoration website here: https://braverestoration.org/

Listen to Wired to Lead on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1hed3JQ5LGi5sQcAXBCYk5
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wired-to-lead/id1818563028
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e45fe954-ce5e-43d9-92ac-cee721d8dc5c/wired-to-lead

#WiredToLead #JuliaLefevre #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessAtWork #ResilientLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #WomenInLeadership #MentalHealthAtWork #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TeamLeadership #MotivationalPodcast #LeadershipTips
Wired to Lead, hosted by Julia Lefevre, explores the intersection of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Each episode dives into practical strategies and inspiring stories designed to help leaders build self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity in their leadership style. Whether you’re an emerging leader or an executive, Wired to Lead provides tools to develop emotional intelligence, improve team dynamics, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.