11 Ten Leadership

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 Shields and David Spickard explore why purpose has become one of the most important conversations in leadership today. From the impact of COVID and remote work to the rise of AI and shifting generational expectations, they discuss why people are increasingly asking deeper questions about meaning, work, and contribution.They also unpack why many leaders struggle to articulate their own personal why, how purpose differs from success, and what leaders can do to help their teams move beyond simply knowing the mission statement to truly owning the mission. David closes with practical exercises leaders can use to reconnect with their purpose — and create cultures where people show up knowing exactly how their work contributes to thTIMESTAMPS00:00 – Purpose and engagement: the leadership challenge00:01 – The 5.6x engagement statistic and the purpose gap00:03 – Why purpose gets lost in organizations00:04 – Why purpose matters more than ever in today’s workplace00:07 – Work, faith, and human flourishing00:09 – AI, efficiency, and the deeper question leaders must answer00:10 – Why leaders often lose sight of their own why00:13 – Purpose versus success: understanding the difference00:17 – Signs your team has truly embraced the mission00:20 – Closing the gap between leaders and teams00:21 – Helping employees connect their work to impact00:24 – Why purpose can’t be treated as a profit hack00:25 – Practical exercises for discovering and renewing purpose00:28 – Final reflections and encouragement for leadersRESOURCES11 Ten LeadershipState of Leadership ReportStart With Why by Simon Sinek Gallup Employee Engagement Research

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 common challenges such as the dopamine hit from personal productivity, employees' requests for help, bosses' expectations, and the importance of having a broader definition of work. The episode concludes with practical advice for leaders on maintaining strategic focus and self-care.00:00 Introduction to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:06 Leadership Lessons from the Indianapolis Colts05:21 The Fine Line of Delegation and Accountability13:52 Challenges in Effective Delegation20:08 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysResources11 Ten Leadership

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, and transformative leadership, highlighting the importance of seeing and treating everyone as family. Challenges and opposition faced by Settled are also addressed, emphasizing the power of prayer and community.00:00 Introduction to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:21 Meet Our Guest: Gabrielle Clowdus04:53 Gabrielle's Journey and Calling09:22 The Birth of Settled and Its Mission19:36 Challenges and Opposition27:34 Leadership and Faith in Action30:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources11 Ten Leadership Settled

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 in fostering hope for the future. Listeners can expect a rich discussion on how to balance innovation with execution and the ethical considerations of new technologies in leadership.00:00 Introduction to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast00:48 Catch-Up and Personal Updates02:08 Welcoming Jes Averhart02:38 Jes's Background 05:14 Diving into Leadership Theories16:16 The Role of AI in Leadership23:59 Exploring Ambidextrous Leadership24:17 Balancing Innovation and Execution25:09 Personal Struggles with Execution28:05 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership29:36 Hope and Trust in Leadership32:51 Celebrating Successes and Milestones41:24 Final Thoughts and ResourcesResources11 Ten Leadership Jes AverhartLiving Beyond Burnout: Burnout Recovery Guide by Jes AverhartReinvention Roadmap® by Jes AverhartReinvention Road Trip Black Wall Street HomecomingGallup Article: What Do People Need Most From Leaders?

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 the concept of creating a culture of belonging to enable cities and communities to truly rejoice.00:00 Introduction to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:11 Meet Our Special Guests: Dr. Keith Daniel and Steve Swain04:00 The Journey of Friendship and Leadership11:56 The Power of Shared Experiences and Hospitality17:37 Creating Margin and Intentionality in Leadership24:08 Rejoicing the City: Leveraging Power and Influence31:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources11 Ten LeadershipStepUp DurhamHabitat for HumanityReCity

Rob and David are joined by Ryan O'Donnell, co-founder and CEO of Sunlight, a tech startup focused on improving the foster care system. Ryan shares his journey from launching tech startups to using technology for social good, driven by his personal experience as a foster parent.The discussion dives into the complexities of the foster care system, common misconceptions, and how Sunlight's product, 'Your Case Plan,' is working to reduce the time children spend in foster care by improving communication and coordination among stakeholders. Ryan also reflects on the importance of leaders working at the intersection of purpose, joy, and justice and challenges other leaders to cultivate similarly motivated leaders within their teams.00:00 Introduction: Purpose, Joy, and Justice00:39 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:29 Post March Madness Chat03:39 Introducing Ryan O'Donnell08:29 Ryan's Journey: From Food Drives to Tech Startups12:43 The Birth of Sunlight and Tackling Foster Care19:16 Challenges and Successes in Foster Care Tech25:10 How to Get Involved and Support33:52 Final Thoughts and Closing RemarksResourcesSunlightYour Case Plan