Desi Payne

The Energized Leader

Business EN ↓ 31 episodes

The Energized Leader is the podcast for leaders who are ready to boost morale, increase engagement, and build a workplace culture people genuinely love. Hosted by keynote speaker, motivational humorist, and author Desi Payne , this show delivers a weekly jump-start of insight, inspiration, and energy. You’ll hear practical strategies, real-life leadership stories, and uplifting conversations with leaders from some of America’s top workplaces—all focused on helping you become the best version of yourself at work and at home. From handling stress and burnout to creating connection, laughter,...

Author

Desi Payne

Episodes

E6 Dave Hirst: Feed Kids Not Trash Cans Leadership Lessons From School Nutrition 20.01.2026 32:30

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Dave Hirst, a school nutrition leader who proves that the best leadership strategy is simple: empower your people. Dave shares why nearly his entire team followed him to a new district, how trust and valuing people creates loyalty, and what it looks like to decentralize leadership so teams grow with confidence and ownership...

E5 How a Superintendent Builds Connection Trust and Energy in a School District with Dr. Grenita Lathan 12.01.2026 15:10

What does energized leadership look like inside a high impact school district? In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne interviews Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of the largest public school district in Missouri, and a Women Who Mean Business award recipient. Dr. Lathan shares practical education leadership strategies for building an energized workplace culture, increasing...

E4 Enthusiastic Leadership in Healthcare How Donna Isgett Builds a Culture People Love 06.01.2026 24:08

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, to unpack what energized leadership looks like inside a high pressure healthcare environment. Donna shares the one word she believes defines an energized leader, enthusiastic, and explains how enthusiasm spreads when leaders connect people to purpose and consistently show up...

E2: From Drift to Drive How Leaders Beat Complacency with Chris Robinson 01.01.2026 25:48

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne welcomes Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, for a powerful conversation on what it takes to lead with energy, clarity, and purpose. Chris shares insights from his USA Today bestselling book From Drift to Drive: A High Achiever’s Guide to Breaking the Chains of Complacency, including why complacency is not lazi...

E3 How to Get Your Spark Back: Quarterly Clarity Breaks for Burned-Out Leaders with Logan Aguirre 01.01.2026 28:07

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with Logan Aguirre, owner of 417 (Four One Seven), a media and lifestyle brand based in Springfield, Missouri that celebrates community, connection, and experiences across the Ozarks. Logan shares what it’s like to lead a family business, buy it from your parents, and grow into leadership through trial by fire, including the les...

E1: Desi Payne Trailer: Reconnect With Your Why And Lead With Energy 25.12.2025 7:42

Welcome to The Energized Leader Podcast with Desi Payne, where leaders learn how to build a positive workplace culture and stay energized in the middle of overwhelm, deadlines, and difficult people. In Season One, Desi shares practical leadership strategies that boost morale, motivation, and momentum, plus interviews with leaders from some of America’s top workplaces. This episode kicks off the se...