The Accidental Leader

"You're not a perfectionist. You're insecure about how your best effort will be received."  After a summer break, Bo is running solo to share one of his recent leadership struggles as an accidental leader. These struggles almost caused the end of the Accidental Leader Podcast. Listen in for a transparent and vulnerable conversation where Bo discusses his struggles with stoicism and...

Everyone tells themselves lies. These lies hold us back. Having the strength to push forward with truths is essential. Today, I'm joined by Amber Harsin. Amber is the CEO at Prodigy. We have an eye-opening discussion about the lies Amber had told herself throughout her journey to leadership. She talks about how her attitude shifted from just wanting a seat at the table while not being the head...

Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is essential to being a leader. Today, I get over my fear and step outside my comfort zone to interview Evan Leaphart, someone I don't know very well. Evan is the Founder of Kiddie Kredit and the Co-Founder of the Black Men Talk Tech Conference. We have a [something] discussion about Evan's entrepreneurial journey filled with ups and downs.  Time...

A leader's root system is what makes them the leader they are today. Our root systems tell us what to do, how to react, communicate, and think about things. It's not a choice. It's how we were taught. Today, I'm flying solo to discuss in-depth what a root system is. I get vulnerable and share a specific instance in my life that played a major role in negatively shaping the way I sa...

When new leaders come into an organization, it can cause a lot of fear. It's important to keep your head down and worry about what you can control. Today, I'm joined by Bob Quick, a Director of Radio Partnerships & Traffic at Motor Radio Network. Bob has been through numerous acquisitions in various companies he's worked for. He shares what he did to get through each one and the le...

Fear of change is a part of being an accidental leader. And if we're not faced with change and fear, there's probably a problem. Today, I'm joined by James Robert Lay, CEO of Digital Growth Institute. We have a free flow conversation about the fear of change, letting go of bad habits to grow and how to trust ourselves. We talk about the importance of executive coaching, therapy and put...

To be a great leader, you first have to lead yourself. You have to focus on yourself as a person and understand your traumas and your past. Today, I'm joined by Mary Jane Walsh, life coach and business coach from New Orleans. We have a candid conversation about coaching sessions with Mary Jane. We detail how Mary Jane was able to dig deep and ask thought provoking questions to help me grow as...

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." This quote from Heraclitus illustrates that in both life and business you can't go back. You can only go forward. Today, I discuss my recent trip to my hometown of Binghamton, New York and how it reminded me of that Heraclitus quote. It made me consider a series of "what-ifs&...

"Can't never did a thing." Every time we use the word "can't" we've already ruled out the possibilities of what we can and can't do. When we say "can't" we've already failed. Today, CEO of Lion's Share Credit Union, James McBride joins me to discuss how his diagnosis of cerebral palsy set him up for a life of not letting other people's percei...

Leadership and mental health isn't talked about often. It's uncomfortable and people often don't want to acknowledge it out of fear of it being perceived as a weakness. But when a leader is struggling with their mental health it's not a weakness. Today, author Paul Gaumer joins me to discuss his experience struggling with his mental health. Paul is the COO of an Illinois Credit Uni...

No leader's path is the same. But all leaders have certain things in common, authenticity, kindness and honesty just to name a few. Today, Jennifer Pham joins me to discuss her journey from a junior graphic designer to a Vice President at Your Marketing Company. Going from a team member who barely spoke in meetings to a true leader, Jennifer is the true definition of an accidental leader. Time...

Money is a resource we focus a lot on as leaders and profit isn't something we should be ashamed of. But sometimes profits aren't everything, we also have to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally and mentally. Today, author and entrepreneur, Jason Vitug joins me to discuss his career path from cleaning airport toilets to being a high level VP at a credit union to becoming an accid...

Leaders can't lead a team if they can't lead themselves.  Today I want to discuss a tough question. Leadership coach Brian Rollo joins me to discuss how leaders can't be great until they've learned how to lead themselves. To do that leaders should use the ACT Framework. Accountability, Communication and Trust. Once you've mastered this with yourself, you're then able to tur...

Time. It's simple but it is so important. Leaders have the unique ability to control their time. That's why it's so important to replace 'I didn't have time' to 'that project wasn't a priority'. Then sit back and reflect on what else you prioritized instead. Then reflect on whether you truly have your priorities straight. On today's episode, author and speak...

Being passionately curious and taking risks are just two of the key lessons that John Davison, Program Director at WHWK taught me when I was a teenager. I've carried those lessons and so many more with me throughout my entire journey as an accidental leader. Today, I wish I could have John on the show with me but due to scheduling conflicts, it's not possible. Instead, you'll hear me s...

What in the world is an accidental leader? In short, it’s anyone who finds themselves in a leadership role when they never had plans of being a leader. They never expected or maybe never even wanted to become a leader. And now, they have to make the best of it.  When people are thrust into these positions they’ve had no formal leadership training so they have to rely on their root systems. Root sy...