Now Go, Lead

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon reflects on the unique burden leaders carry when they can see what lies ahead while the rest of the organization remains at peace in the present. Standing between the past and the future, he explores the tension of knowing change is coming without prematurely sounding the alarm or paralyzing progress. Drawing from his experience as both a leader and a fathe...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon uses the familiar concept of GPS navigation to explore a foundational truth about leadership development. While modern GPS systems make it easy to reach any destination, they all depend on one essential piece of information before the journey can begin: your current location. Leadership growth works the same way. Brandon reflects on the early days of buildi...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon explores one of the earliest and most important lessons for young leaders: humility. When leaders begin their journey believing they already have everything figured out, their ambition becomes self-focused and they start to see the world as an obstacle instead of a challenge to rise and meet. Through the story of the prophet Jeremiah, who was called to lead...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon explores the early and often overlooked stage of leadership known as the onset of the journey. This is the season when a leader in training spends years developing a vision long before taking a single public step. It is quiet, hidden, unglamorous work, and it demands confidence, patience, and commitment long before any followers appear. Drawing from the ear...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon explores one of the most painful and unavoidable realities of leadership: moving forward often means leaving something behind. While leadership is commonly described as progress and growth, the emotional cost of that progress is rarely acknowledged. Loss, grief, and unfinished chapters are part of the journey, and leaders must learn how to carry those exper...

What is calling you? In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon explores how our perception of time shifts throughout life and how that shift impacts the way leaders pursue vision. As kids we cannot wait to grow up, but as adults we long for things to slow down. Brandon shares personal reflections on nostalgia, the burden of vision, and the subtle tragedy of wishing away the very moments that make l...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon challenges leaders to ask a fundamental question: Is this just a job, or are we pursuing a vision? Through vivid examples and timeless lessons, he explores what separates a paycheck from a purpose and why organizations that fail to build a shared vision often struggle to grow. Whether you lead a small team or a thriving company, this episode reminds you tha...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon shares a powerful leadership reflection inspired by The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis. Through the story of Eustace, he explores how resentment and entitlement can quietly build “dragon scales” that harden our hearts and hold us back from true growth. Leadership maturity often requires submitting to painful but necessary transformation — letting...

Brandon Pinkerton discusses the challenges of leadership, emphasizing that mastering leadership skills can be a long process. He warns against lowering standards to make leadership easier, as it poses risks. Using the analogy of the second Top Gun movie, he illustrates the importance of demonstrating success to inspire others. Brandon argues that true leadership involves showing the way and believ...

In this deeply personal episode, Brandon shares a moving story about his journey through international adoption and fatherhood , and how his son, Zachary, became one of his greatest teachers in leadership, patience, and perseverance. Through the lens of their family’s experience, Brandon explores how the most challenging people in our lives often shape us in ways we could never anticipate. From th...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon shares a powerful reflection on what happens when the vision that once fueled your leadership begins to fade. Using his own story of leading through the pandemic and the lasting impact of remote work, he explores how shifts in culture, connection, and environment can leave leaders feeling unanchored and unsure of their next step. Brandon discusses how to re...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon explores the voices that shape our decisions — the encouragers, the critics, the seekers of justice, and even the inner voice that can sometimes mislead us. As leaders, learning to recognize which voices to trust and which to tune out can make the difference between clarity and confusion. Through relatable examples and thoughtful reflection, Brandon outline...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon explores the connection between risk and reward in leadership. Drawing from a funny and memorable story about his high school days as a mascot and an unexpected Valentine’s Day gamble, he unpacks what it really means to take a chance when the outcome is uncertain. Brandon reminds leaders that while risk can feel uncomfortable, success often depends on your...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon tackles one of the hardest realities of leadership: power struggles. Whether it is a trusted team member rising to challenge your authority or tension brewing behind closed doors, every leader eventually faces moments that test their stability and resolve. Drawing from real leadership experiences, Brandon shares how to recognize threats to your leadership,...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon reflects on the moment every leader faces — the realization that there is no one else to call for help. Drawing inspiration from a Navy SEAL training motto, he shares how true leadership means stepping up when things get hard, taking responsibility, and answering the call even when no backup is coming. You will discover: Why leadership means embracing respo...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon takes a lighthearted look at “Cake Day” culture, where every little milestone gets celebrated, and connects it to how leaders measure success. Drawing inspiration from a Seinfeld episode and today’s social media habits, he reminds us that real leadership is not about quick soundbites, easy wins, or popularity contests. You will discover: Why celebrating eve...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon explores the often-misunderstood role of anger in leadership. While conventional wisdom tells us to always cool off before making a decision, Brandon reminds us that emotions exist for a reason — and sometimes anger can be the spark that pushes us to make necessary changes. You’ll discover: Why anger can be both dangerous and useful in leadership The differ...

In this episode of Now Go Lead , Brandon unpacks the dangers of insouciance — that passive, “anything’s fine” attitude that can quietly creep into leadership. From a humorous but telling story about “the most passive man in the world” to real-world insights on decision fatigue, Brandon highlights why every leader eventually faces decisions that test their capacity. You’ll discover: Why passivity i...

In this short but powerful episode of Now Go Lead , host Brandon Pinkerton shares a personal story about a crisp white t-shirt, a volleyball tournament, and an unexpected stain that turned into a leadership lesson. True leadership isn’t about staying spotless and distant — it’s about being present, involved, and willing to get a little “dirty” alongside your team. Brandon challenges leaders to res...

 This week on Now Go Lead , we talk about something most leadership books ignore—your hands. From awkward photo ops to moments of steady guidance, Brandon unpacks how something as simple as hand placement reflects your awareness, your support, and your presence as a leader.

We don’t fear failure enough—but we should fear the wrong kind of success. In this episode of Now Go Lead , we unpack how small compromises, urgent distractions, and short-term wins can subtly steer a leader off-course. Let’s talk about how to recalibrate, refocus, and realign with your true vision before your "success" turns into sucksess.