The Dirty Side of Leadership

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin don’t just explore leadership—they dive headfirst into the world of power, influence, and how a few mic’d-up men with cigars and bourbon reshaped American politics. Known as the Pod Bros, these influential podcasters became a powerful force during the last presidential election cycle. They interviewed nearly every major conservative candidate, incl...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin define toxic positivity and the fallout of fake morale.  They provide information and solutions to combat this issue and they promote authenticity when dealing with issues at work.  Of course, there will be humor and relevant stories to enhance the conversation. Don't miss this important discussion. Sources: ChatGpt; https://www.shrm.org/execu...

Send us Fan Mail In this landmark episode, The Dirty Side of Leadership welcomes its very first guest—and we came out swinging. January Donovan, founder and CEO of The Woman School , joins Ron and Kristin to unpack why today’s women are emotionally burned out, mentally depleted, and spiritually disoriented. We’re talking about the high cost of removing skill-based training from womanhood, how femi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin explore the intricate workings of our brain and the chemicals that can enhance leadership skills. They discuss dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, testosterone and other aspects of the brain. This episode not only provides information on how to access these chemicals, it provides you with tools to administer these chemicals to build and strengthen rapp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the downfall of integrity in American culture. They discuss the "psychology of a sellout" and provide some reasons why people do it, such as self-preservation instincts and moral licensing. They cover some recent integrity and cultural collapses; and finally, they discuss the "9 Hidden Powers of Integrity". If you'r...

Send us Fan Mail In this throwback episode, we're going back to the very first episode where Ron and Kristin discuss different types of horrible bosses and the lessons you can learn on how NOT to lead. Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff Sponsor: 4Ward Operations Producer: Stephen Ridley Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast tak...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin break down leadership lessons from Biden’s cognitive decline. They not only discuss the obvious signs of his downward spiral, they provide sources from books and media that further breakdown the decline, the coverup and the damage this has caused to the American public. Don't miss this important episode! Sources: Book: Original Sin Jake Tapper...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin reveal that Alzheimer’s is the most feared disease in the United States—more than cancer, more than heart attacks. A 2024 survey by the Alzheimer’s Association found that over 66% of Americans fear memory loss more than death. As of 2025, over 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. That’s one in nine. And by 2050? Near...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin delve into - what some would call - a "taboo" topic. They discuss reasons why women, even the strong, independent ones, crave male leadership and are turned off by weak men. Research reveals that women who are with a passive man become hardened, resentful, or at least stressed out. The episode also covers why a man in uniform is attractiv...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the latest chaos out of New Orleans – a shocking jail escape that reads more like a movie script than a real-life breakdown of leadership. Ron adds his experience with jails and shares some insight on how such an easy escape was facilitated. This episode covers the leadership failures, the oversights, staffing, outdated technology and other...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin dive into raw meat, ripped abs and one massive lie.  They discuss the upcoming Netflix special on the Liver King, aka Brian Johnson. He built an empire preaching primal living and clean eating but behind the biceps was a pharmacy of muscle enhancing drugs. This episode will explore what his downfall teaches us about fake leadership. Sources: Netfli...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the recent and Kentucky Derby. The race was extra exciting as an underdog horse called Sovereignty, ridden by a Junior Alvarado, secured a Derby victory. They also unpack the many leadership lessons from horse racing and discuss the little known and controversial history of the derby itself. Whether or not you are into horse racing, you don...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss a dark part of history that is rarely discussed. The topic was taken from the book, "The Forgotten Home Child" by Genevieve Graham. Ron and Kristin discuss the fact that more than 100,000 children were shipped out of Britain to other parts of their dominion between 1869 and the 1940s. About 80% were shipped to Canada and the remai...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin address a trend that has become widespread in today's businesses and companies.  The term?  Unbossing.  They break down what it is and why is it trending?  A surprisingly high number—72%—of the youngest generation of workers say they’d rather be individual contributors than middle managers. Statistics also revealed that up to 80% of employees...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin ask the question:  Will Trump’s Tariffs Restore American Greatness or Isolate Us from the World? Listeners will learn the origin of tariffs in the United States, their purpose and results.  Ron and Kristin will compare tariffs from the past and discuss their purpose today.  They also explain how tariffs could reinvigorate on American manufacturing...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss recognition, its benefits and the results of withholding it from employees. While recognition is a simple, cost-free way to boost morale and productivity, many leaders are hesitant to offer it. Why would leaders withhold compliments? This episode breaks down the psychological underpinnings of this behavior, explores historical patterns, and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the impact of leaders who fail to take action regarding poor performers in the workplace.  They also delve into the psychology of poor managers who allow negative actions and behaviors to persist.  They issue a dire warning to such leaders that their lack of action diminishes their influence which, ultimately, leads to high turnover and a p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss disturbing stories that occurred at the hands of evil leaders throughout history.  They also discuss some of the modern slave labor that occurs in many well-known companies in the US and abroad. Warning: This episode might be disturbing to some people.  Sources: sfgate.com ; amnesty.org ; aljazeera.com ; epi.org ; hrw.org ; reuters.com ; cn...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin break down the difference between confidence and arrogance.  They explain that confidence is that inner assurance that you have the skills, knowledge, and ability to succeed. It’s the calmness in your decision-making and the ability to inspire trust in others. On the other hand, arrogance is an overestimation of one’s own abilities, often accompani...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin, discuss the realities of bureaucracy and its impact on business.  According to HBR.org, bureaucracy has few fans. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon calls it “a villain.” Berkshire Hathaway vice chair Charlie Munger says its tentacles should be treated like “the cancers they so much resemble.” Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, agrees that bureaucracy...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin, do a deep dive into the truth behind one of the biggest scams in modern politics—the business of homelessness and the money pit that is illegal immigration. This isn’t just a failure of leadership; this is intentional mismanagement, designed to benefit everyone except the people footing the bill—you, the taxpayer. Note: This episode is by no means...

Send us Fan Mail In this important episode, Ron and Kristin discuss scammers.  They provide personal stories and discuss scammers from a leadership perspective and how they use "dark psychology" for personal gain.  The hosts also break down two popular documentaries titled, Scamanda and the Search for Instagrams’s Worst Con Artist. They explore the steps they both took to garner empathy...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin take a deep dive into the leadership failures of the Department of Education.  They make the argument that a leader’s first job is to be a good steward of resources. That’s why financial waste is a sign of weak leadership. Out of the 365 Billion Dollar budget in 2024, the DOE spent: -$373 million on DEI training grants instead of real education. -O...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin, discuss the science behind the power of persuasion. They break down the steps to help both leaders and aspiring leaders be more effective at home or work.  They discuss such principles as Reciprocity, Commitment and Consistency, the proper use of authority, the advantage of being liked and the scarcity principle.  They also explain that in recent...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin break down 10 types of horrible bosses. They are: The Tyrant, The Showman, The Buddy, The Wet Noodle, The Incompetent, the Recluse, The Personality Disorder, The Nervous Nelly, The Do Nothings, and the Exaggerator. Ron and Kristin, not only provide characteristics of each, but provide strategies to navigate the complexities associated with these ty...