I’ve loved appearing on podcasts this year. I have appeared on 30 of them already! Which is mindblowing. I will keep posting them as the hosts make them public. (Teaser: I am launching my own podcast…stay tuned.)
It’s been a fantastic experience that has stretched me and made me think deeply about who I am and what I believe. Every leader needs to answer these questions, but it’s especially important to me that you get to know me. Podcasts have been an incredible platform for doing that. I’ve been able to share my story, experiences, and thoughts candidly and intimately, which I hope has been helpful and inspiring for others. If you haven’t had a chance to check out any of the podcasts I’ve appeared on, I highly encourage you to do so. I think you’ll be surprised and delighted by what you hear. You can check out the link here.
These three questions were asked of me as a prerequisite to my interview. I thought I would share them here.
3 Questions.
- Tell me why you’re so passionate about leadership.
I am passionate about leadership because leadership is the engine for impact. How we lead ourselves determines how we lead others. I have been a part of incredibly impactful leadership teams. I have also been a part of painful experiences. I have seen what leadership looks like when it is done well and when it is done poorly. There are a lot of people out there who want to make a difference in the world. And there are a lot of people out there who are looking for someone to follow. But what we need are leaders who can inspire others to greatness. I want to be a leader who can bring out the best in people. Leadership is not about title or position. Leadership is about influence and impact. Leadership starts with ourselves. We need to be the kind of leader that we want to follow. We need to lead by example. So why am I passionate about leadership? I believe it is the key to making a lasting difference. When we can lead ourselves and others well, we can change the world for the better.
- What would you change and why if you had a magic wand that could change one thing in the world?
If I could change anything in the world, I would make HOPE tangible for everyone. Hopelessness depletes vision, creativity, and innovation. It’s the silent killer of dreams. When we have hope, we believe that anything is possible. When we have hope, we can see possibilities amid challenges. Hope gives us the courage to take risks and pursue our dreams. Unfortunately, many people give up on their dreams because they lose hope. They can’t see a way out or a way forward. Hope can be tangible. When hope is tangible, the brave spirit of humanity erupts to create and innovate like never before. When hope is substantial, the scarcity mindset is diminished, and we cheer each other on and help each other win.
This is why I am an executive coach. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience hope, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
- Tell me briefly about a leader who left a significant mark on your life.
A leader that has had an impact on me was my youth pastor. Craig Cunningham. I wouldn’t say that I grew up in a broken family. But it sure was complicated. I felt like a misfit. I was talented and had figured out a way to get lost and hide in music. Craig helped me find a regular place to belong. I wasn’t a typical “church kid .” I had only started to attend youth group because of my girlfriend. Even still, I found my way into some pretty dark places in my teenage years. Craig never gave up on me. He would always be there for me, no matter what I had done or where I had been. Craig taught me what it looked like to love unconditionally. He showed me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about being present and available for people. He taught me that true leaders are servants who are willing to go the extra mile, even when it’s not convenient or easy.
I remember when I was at the first concert that I ever saw. Of course, I couldn’t play guitar, piano, or sing at the time. But, something in me told me that THIS was what I was supposed to be doing. I wanted everyone in my life to experience what I was experiencing. I had no idea that this would eventually lead to a lifelong love of making music and mentoring others who love music too.
When we experience something good, we want everyone in our lives to share that. The same goes for leadership. I have experienced great leadership victories and want to share that experience with others. I always tell people, “you don’t choose to be a coach; being a coach chooses you.”
This is why I am an executive coach. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience hope, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
