11 Ten Leadership

Across 100-plus episodes, one thread has continually surfaced without ever being fully pulled: place. In this episode, Rob and David finally pull on that thread, asking a deceptively simple question: How does where you lead actually shape the way you lead? For leaders whose work has become increasingly remote, individualized, and untethered, it’s a question that gets to the very purpose of busines...

Employees with a strong sense of purpose are 5.6 times more likely to be engaged at work—yet only 18% of workers say their job has a purpose they believe in. In the 11 Ten Leadership’s State of Leadership Report, leaders consistently reported feeling more connected to their organization’s purpose than their teams. That gap isn’t just a statistic; it’s a leadership challenge. In this episode, Rob S...

What does it take to build a team that keeps getting better? The Oklahoma City Thunder's rise from a 24-win team to NBA champions in just three seasons offers an unexpected leadership blueprint. In this episode, Rob and David explore research on "super teams" and unpack the three traits that set them apart: they get more done, they make each other better, and they continually improve. Along the wa...

What does it actually mean to “give power away” as a leader — and why is it so difficult to do? In this episode, Rob Shields and David Spickard why leaders often hold onto control without realizing it, how identity and fear of insignificance drive that behavior, and what it costs teams when leaders don’t fully let go. The conversation also reframes vulnerability — not as weakness, but as strength...

In this episode of the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast, Rob Shields and David Spickard unpack one of the most concerning findings from the 2026 State of Leadership report: leader health is declining even as other leadership metrics improve. The conversation explores the growing tension between external success and internal depletion, revealing how burnout, stress, overwork, and “always-on” leadership cu...

What does it look like when leaders and their teams are in perfect alignment on trust, down to the decimal? In this episode, David Spickard and Rob Shields dive deep into one of the most compelling findings from 11 Ten Leadership's State of Leadership Report: trust scores that were identical between leaders and their teams, and what that means for building a thriving culture. The conversation gets...

In this episode, David Spickard and Rob Shields introduce the 2026 State of Leadership Report, built from insights gathered through the THRIVE Assessment™. The data reveals an encouraging trend: leaders and teams are thriving more than in previous years, with noticeable gains in trust, relationships, and value. However, a major tension remains—leader health continues to decline, highlighting a gro...

In this replay from August 2023, David Spickard and Rob Shielfs introduce David's book The Just Leader: Thriving in a Fractured World and share the heart behind it. Drawing from years of leadership experience and work in underserved communities, they explore why justice and thriving are deeply connected and why leaders today must be equipped to navigate both. This episode sets the stage for a conv...

We’re taking it all the way back to our very first podcast episode. In this kickoff conversation that originally aired on June 9, 2023, David Spickard and Rob Shields unpack the vision behind the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast and the powerful idea from Proverbs 11:10: when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices. They explore why leadership matters, how thriving leaders shape thriving organizations,...

In this replay episode from November of 2024 David and Rob explore the integration of mental health and leadership, both for oneself and for the people you lead. Dr. Jason Young, a seasoned psychotherapist, shares insights from his work with business leaders, discussing the impacts of exhaustion, isolation, and the need for human connection. The conversation emphasizes the interplay between spirit...

In this replay episode from March 2024, Rob and David unpack the concept of becoming a “Super Communicator” and why communication is at the heart of trust, leadership, and healthy team culture. Drawing from research and real-world leadership experience, they explore how the best communicators aren’t necessarily the most persuasive speakers — they are the most curious listeners. The conversation ce...

In this replay episode from September 2024, we revisit a powerful conversation with Lauren Gill. Lauren brings a deeply thoughtful, accessible, and biblically grounded perspective on faith, work, and justice, helping leaders understand how the gospel reshapes not only what we do, but why and how we do it every day. Together, David and Rob explore how our daily work fits into God’s larger redemptiv...

In this special 100th episode of the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast, hosts David Spickard and Rob Shields reflect on nearly three years of conversations at the intersection of leadership, faith, justice, and culture. This milestone episode looks back on the ideas that have shaped the journey so far—from thriving leadership and rest, to justice, generosity, money, place, and community. Through curated c...

In this replay episode from January 2024 David and Rob tackle the biggest challenges leaders face when setting business goals, break down the key areas every leader and business owner must consider when planning for the year, and explore why it’s never too late to start—or reset—your goals. Whether you’re leading a team or growing a business, this episode offers practical insight to help you appro...

In this replay from November 2023, David and Rob explore the world of philanthropy—where giving can go wrong—and how leaders can pursue justice in their generosity. They share five guiding principles to help shape thoughtful, responsible giving.

This episode originally aired in January 2024, and its message is just as relevant today. David and Rob kick off a series around the pursuit of wholeness by unpacking the importance of knowing why your organization exists, the difference between profit-centric vs. people-centric leadership, and how to integrate your why into everything we do—at work and beyond.

Leading today means understanding the motivations of a diverse, multigenerational workforce. In this episode of the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast, Rob Shields and David Spickard explore how leaders can inspire purpose, engagement, and growth among employees from every generation. Drawing on Gallup and Deloitte research, we discuss why younger employees prioritize purpose, why only a small percentage a...

In this episode hosts Rob Shields and David Spickard discuss the delicate balance leaders must maintain between micromanaging and delegating effectively. Drawing from a real-life example involving Carlie Irsay-Gordon of the Indianapolis Colts, they explore how leaders can set the right context for their teams to operate autonomously while ensuring accountability. The conversation delves into commo...

David and Rob sit down with Jon Houghton, CEO of Holy Post Media and Director of Chicago Fellowship, to explore what it truly means to lead with justice, faith, and compassion. Jon shares his journey from over two decades with Young Life to leading organizations that help people flourish—both spiritually and practically—in complex, post-Christian cultural contexts. From developing emotionally heal...

David and Rob engage in a profound conversation with Gabrielle Clowdus, founder of Settled, an organization focused on addressing homelessness in the Twin Cities. Gabrielle shares her journey from international poverty research to tackling homelessness in her own community through innovative tiny home villages and strong church partnerships. The discussion explores themes of proximity, rest, time,...

Rob and David welcome Steadman Harrison, a leadership expert dialing in from Ethiopia. Steadman shares his journey of democratizing leadership development through Lead Beyond, an initiative originating from the Center for Creative Leadership. The episode explores the challenges and solutions for effective leadership, including the importance of shifting from individual to collective success, navig...

Rob and David welcome back Jes Averhart, a leadership advisor and life coach, to discuss the evolution of leadership theories, the practical integration of AI as a co-creator in business, and the importance of ambidextrous leadership. The conversation touches on the significance of hope and trust in the workplace, strategies for maintaining curiosity in leadership, and the role of past successes i...

Rob and returning guest Dr. Jason Young explore the intricate relationship between contemplation and action within leadership. They define contemplation as a 'long loving look at the real,' emphasizing stillness, letting go, and hearing God's voice. Conversely, action is described as unpopular, disruptive, and slow, aimed at challenging the status quo in a just and authentic manner. They discuss p...

Rob and David engage in a meaningful conversation with two special guests, Dr. Keith Daniel and Steve Swain. Dr. Keith Daniel, co-founder of Resilient Ventures , and Steve Swain, Director of St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, share personal stories and insights into their leadership journeys, emphasizing the necessity for intentionality, proximity, and non-violence in leadership. They underscore t...

David and Rob discuss leadership, faith, and culture with Tim Spence, CEO of BSA LifeStructures . Tim shares his leadership journey, the importance of being faithful in small things, and how to foster a culture that prioritizes people and purpose. He recounts his transition into the CEO role, emphasizing trust, empowerment, and development. Tim also discusses his company's mission to improve lives...