The Lost and Found Leadership Podcast

Hey there leader! Today in Leadership Lost and Found join Randy and Jim as they talk with Barry Vandeveer about his journey from software developer to CTO, CIO and now COO, and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. We cover practical topics like transitioning from individual contributor to people leader, hiring and mentoring talent, navigating cultural change after acquisitions, making data-driven spend decisions, and the importance of listening and being available for your team. Barry also shares personal anecdotes — founding Travelocity, a brief stint as a flight attendant, earning an MBA while raising a family, recovering from burnout, and his current focus on integrating AI at Datacore — giving real-world examples of leadership in action.

Hosts Randy Fields and Jim Desmond explain what a leadership theme is, why it matters, and how a single word or phrase can focus decisions and boost team engagement (and with a theme song). They share examples like “Strong” and “Establish the Work,” and discuss how themes help prioritize, protect time, align teams, and prevent drift. Listeners are encouraged to choose and communicate a clear theme for the year to lead with consistency, care, and lasting impact.

Hosts Randy and Jim explore what everyday leadership really looks like — consistent, intentional behaviors that make teams better. Through stories and practical tips they emphasize valuing others’ time, showing up visibly, giving in-the-moment feedback and gratitude, protecting focus time, and practicing servant leadership. The episode breaks everyday leadership into simple habits you can adopt daily to build trust, boost confidence, and create space for people to do their best work.

In this engaging episode of Leadership Lost and Found, hosts Jim Desmond and Randy Field dive deep into the concept of servant leadership. They explore its significance, historical context, and practical application in today's corporate world. The discussion moves from a light-hearted start, acknowledging May historical moments, to a profound analysis of leadership styles, using the analogy of a hero's journey. The hosts draw inspiration from thinkers like Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, and John Maxwell, contrasting traditional authoritarian leadership with a more empathetic, people-focused approach. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they reveal how being a guide rather than a hero can multiply leadership influence and enhance team productivity. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring leaders who wish to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment, ensuring their teams thrive by aligning individual motivations with organizational goals. Their conversation offers not only a deep understanding of servant leadership but also practical advice on embracing humility, resilience, and empathy as key leadership traits.

Spotting talent takes....talent. You cannot rely solely on HR for assistance...you as a leader must know what good looks like...and be able to see it (or the potential for it) in others. Join Jim Desmond and Randy Fields as they talk about talent assessment (from hiring it, grooming it, and promoting it). Grab a drink of some kind and listen in on how you can assess others and yourself. And how bad Monkey Shines scared Jim and Randy back in the 80's.

Join Jim and Randy (and maybe a leader named Ike) as they dive deep into why leaders should take all the blame and give away all the credit. Ike's letter to the troops: https://taskandpurpose.com/history/d-day-letter-from-eisenhower/ Ike's letter in case of failure: https://www.businessinsider.com/d-day-in-case-of-failure-letter-by-general-eisenhower-2012-6 Here is a link to the book on Amazon "How IKE led" : https://www.amazon.com/How-Ike-Led-Principles-Eisenhowers/dp/B082VJYL1R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LS2WMTDUYJZJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pvl-uBLY_QH6lB4pLBcLoQ.rFJYaK-TdPh6109uN6nSu3Bf9QfEMnsaxbhhW2FT4iI&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+ike+led&qid=1717862474&sprefix=how+ike+le%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1

How and when do you do it? Join Jim and Randy as they talk about the importance of delegation in your leadership. You do it...NO....you do it!

Join Randy and Jim as they (finally) get together to discuss the Social Revolution. What is the Social Revolution? You'll have to listen to find out.

Happy New Year (Yes, we are painfully aware this is waaay late for the New Year, bear with us)!! Join Randy & Jim as they take on another episode of leadership from the trenches! Tales from the Trenches Part Deux!!

Join Randy and Jim as they discuss expectations, setting them, meeting them and most importantly how to avoid Randy's blast radius when he sneezes. Happy Thanksgiving!

Randy and Jim have a special guest in this episode. Kevin Wilson, joins our intrepid duo. Kevin is a former Marine, paramedic, sheriff's deputy, SWAT team member, sniper, and leader as well as having a storied career in private security, encompassing executive protection, and kidnap and recovery work. So grab a cup of coffee and join us as we talk about leading through a crisis.

Join Randy and Jim as they explore the concept of consistency in leadership. You might also want to bring the cover sheet to your TPS report.