The John Eades Podcast

A group of porcupines huddling together in winter provides an unlikely but powerful metaphor for leadership. In this episode, John Eades dives into the critical importance of direct dialogue and the necessity of difficult conversations for team performance, accountability, and growth. You'll learn: Why avoiding conflict is more harmful than facing it The 3-part formula for effective direct dialogu...

"Great leadership inspires followership.  It get people to follow the strategy. Followership doesn't happen by just telling people what to do." Adam Weber joins the show in this week's episode. He is the former Chief People Officer at 15Five, co-founder of Emplify, and author of Lead Like a Human. You can learn more about Adam here   Interested in booking a free workshop for your organization, go...

Talent gets the headlines, but character wins championships. In this episode, John Eades shares a story from NBA All-Star Draymond Green about his rookie teammate Trace Jackson-Davis — and the quiet, selfless act that every team leader should notice. Then, John introduces the Talent Cross Model , a practical tool for evaluating the people on your team through two powerful lenses: ability and selfl...

Proficiency in leadership doesn't always follow tenure. While tenure provides experience, without a growth mindset and a desire to learn, skill doesn't automatically improve. Take golfers as an example; plenty of golfers have played for decades, and rarely do they improve. The same is true in leadership. Tenure doesn't always equal leadership. However, in leadership, there are a few basic principl...

Everyone is too busy focusing on themselves. "To get in the spotlight, you have to have a bias for action when no one is watching." In the latest episode, John Eades covers the Spotlight Effect, whereby we overestimate the degree to which other people are noticing or observing our appearance, actions, behaviors, or results. You can subscribe to the Optimistic Outlook for Free Here  You can check o...

"The voice in your head that's telling you to quit isn't real.  It's ego, and you can lower the volume of that voice."  In the latest episode, Craig Siegel joins the show.  He is the author of The Reinevention Formula, you can find it here. Subscribe to John's Optimistic Outlook Newsletter

"You won't get it if you don't ask." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast,  he covers five essential lessons from going to the Michael Marcagi concert.   "If you want people to know you for something, you must make something." You can watch the show here on Youtube  

In the latest episode of the podcast, John Eades covers 10 short messages to help you choose optimism today.  Which one is your favorite? You can get the simple daily message of Optimism via email by subscribing for free here. 

If you don't pick your optimistic voice, by default, you pick your pessimistic voice. In the latest episode, John Eades covers the Daily Free Three: Was how you thought today your best? Was what I did today my best? Was how you communicated today your best? You can subscribe to the free Optimistic Outlook Newsletter   You can talk to a team member about Leadership Development Here

Ever wondered how to deal with a toxic rock star employee? Or if it's okay to show frustration in front of your team? In this episode of  The John Eades Podcast, I tackle five of the trickiest questions managers face every day. "How do I deal with a star employee who's becoming a toxic influence?" "What's the best way to hold someone accountable without micromanaging?" "We lost a big client. My te...

"Just because you haven't doesn't mean you can't." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, John covers how to make 2025 your best year ever.  Define Your Personal Purpose To uncover a purpose that's bigger than a goal, one might ask: "What impact do I want to have on others or the world around me?" "What values and passions drive me to keep going even when things get tough?" "If I achieve...

"Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful." - Margaret Wheatley In the last episode of 2024, John Eades covers the 2025 Growth Audit.  Which includes 6 questions to reflect on your previous year before heading into the new one: How have you positively influenced your team or organization? When did fear cause a lack...

Her team performance was down, voluntary turnover was escalating, and she was really starting to question herself.  Was she good enough for this position? Was she good enough for this role?  Was she worthy enough for this responsibility? She had doubt and fear running through her veins.  (The truth is we all do)  BUt she had two big things going for her. She had a growth mindset and courage.   In...

"Being coachable is how you show the world that you have a hunger to get better and are willing to put in the work and effort." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, John covers 3 practical ways to remain coachable your entire career.  According to Leadership IQ, if you aren't coachable, it's also tough to make a successful job move. They conducted a  three-year study of 20,000 hiring d...

"Don't get frustrated by what people are not, find joy in what they are." In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast, John dives into lessons learned from an experience with Jim Collins in Charlotte, NC.   Specifically he covers principles, models, and ideas around: People Action You can learn more about Jim Collins here You can hire John Eades as an executive coach or speaker here You can le...

" Leadership doesn't guarantee success, but a lack of leadership guarantees there won't be success." In this week's episode, John covers the story of the Mexican Fisherman.  While you can take different lessons and takeaways from the story, he covers:  1. Meaningful Progress Takes Time  2. Small Impact Matters As Well 3. Just Because It's What Someone Else is Doing Doesn't Mean you Have To You can...

"Your beliefs and mindset have an enormous impact on your actions and outcomes." In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast, John covers The Dartmouth Scar experiment,  an intriguing study about the power of your mindset.  Here are three ways to avoid the victim-mindset Change Your Mindset Adjust Your Language Develop Thick Skin    

"The team takes priority over the individual." In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast, John dissects the hard truths great leaders know about letting someone go.  John explored the decision from Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dave Canalas to Bench Quarterback Bryce Young.  Truth #1. Leaders make tough decisions Truth #2 - Someone's failure can be a reflection of your leadership Truth #3 - L...

"When there is a void in leadership, someone will fill it. In many cases, it's someone that might not  know what they are doing." In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast Will Jones joins the show. He is the President and CEO of Thompson Child & Family Focus.  Looking for a partner to help develop leaders in your organization?  Check out LearnLoft.

"Leaders who utilize their time and attention properly create more time tomorrow." In the latest episode, John Eades breaks down a critical leadership principle and how to use Time Management like the best leaders.  You can learn more about the Accelerate Leadership Program Here Or you can get your copy of the 64 Day Excellence Planner Here  

"There is a lot to learn about how leaders handle success." In the latest episode, Jordan Montgomery, author of The Art of Encouragement , joins the show.  We cover: How leaders handle success How leaders handle failure How to encourage others around you Why Encouragement is key to success You can learn more about Jordan Montgomery here . Looking for a proven system to help managers in your organi...

"If you struggle with confidence, focus on actions that build evidence." In the latest episode John Eades covers specific strategies and stories to help you build your confidence daily.  If you prefer video, you can watch it on YouTube Here .  How to build confidence: Demonstrate and Action Daily That Builds Evidence Shed Perfection Squash the Ant Build an Iron Council You can learn more about Lea...

"A team is three or more people working together to achieve a common goal." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, Dr. Will Sparks joins the show.  His latest book, Actualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance is now available.  Interested in improving performance, reducing turnover, and improving leadership skills in your organization, reach out at learnloft.c...

"You have to want it, then you have to work for it in order to win it." - Deion Sanders In the latest episode, John Eades covers: The difference in desire vs. dedication The Disappointment Gap How to increase Desire How to increase dedication You can get the 64-Day Excellence Planner here.    You can subscribe on YouTube Here

"A mediocre team can't suddenly become great on the day of the Superbowl."   "Leaders set the culture, culture produces activities and behaviors, and the activities lead to the results." In the latest episode, Pete Angstadt , Chief Revenue Officer at Ping Identity , joins the show.  We cover: Accountability High-Performance Mentality Culture Transparency  Growth Mindset Command & Control Leadershi...