The Unleashing Leaders Podcast

"You need to be more strategic." It shows up on performance reviews constantly. And almost nobody explains what it actually means. In this quick hit episode, Lee Scott breaks it down with a practical five level model that maps exactly where someone is on the strategic thinking spectrum and what it takes to move them forward. From the Hapless Victim defined by their conditions, to the Strategic Operator who is informed by them. Each level carries a distinct mindset, blind spot, and coaching approach. Whether you are developing someone else or trying to unravel the formula for yourself, this episode is for you. Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University: https://unleashingleadersuniversity.com/curriculum Learn more about Unleashing Leaders: https://unleashingleaders.com/ Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unleashingleaders Connect with Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeallenscott/ Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnleashingLeaders/ Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleashingleaders/ Key Takeaways: The 5 Levels of a Strategist: Hapless Victim, Blind Activist, Focus Doer, Efficient Performer, and Strategic Operator, what separates each one Conditions vs. Choices: the defining distinction between someone stuck at the bottom and someone operating at the top The Coaching Question Shift: why you cannot ask a Hapless Victim the same questions you ask an Efficient Performer and expect results Running From vs. Running To: how to help a Blind Activist stop reacting and start aiming Working Smarter, Not Harder: the time and priority questions that move a Focus Doer out of brute force mode Building Bridges Before You Need Them: what Strategic Operators do today that others won't think of until it's too late

Setbacks don't send a calendar invite. They show up at 6 a.m. on a Teams call. In a hospital room. On a battlefield. George Tagg Jr. has met adversity at every one of those addresses. And every single time, he found a way forward. Attorney. Former DOJ Nazi hunter. A State Department and DOD official who negotiated in the Caucasus, was on the ground in Kyiv when Russia's invasion began, and managed the deconfliction line between U.S. and Russian forces in Syria. George has served across multiple presidential administrations. He is now founder and CEO of GTC 360 Advisors. And writing a book on resilience, including a chapter on dealing with bullies. Starting with Putin. But if you ask George, his hardest moments were never on a battlefield. Losing his grandparents young. Then his father, one of the most magnetic lobbyists in DC during the 90s, gone suddenly to a heart attack six months after 9/11. George was 20. He could have gone the other direction. Instead, he picked up the legacy, held onto the lessons, and kept going. That is what this episode is really about. Not the geopolitics. The process. A repeatable, human way of turning your worst moments into the thing that moves you forward. If you have ever faced a moment that felt unsurvivable, this one is for you. Additional Resources: Connect with George on LinkedIn Learn more about GTC 360 Advisors Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Sign up for our newsletter! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Lick Your Wounds, Then Move: why giving yourself grace after a setback is not weakness, it is the first step The Blamestorm Trap: how blaming others feels good for a minute and keeps you stuck indefinitely The 180 Turn: George's three-phase framework from retrospective grief to forward-facing momentum The Rabbi Rule: why your results will never speak for themselves and the connective tissue that keeps you standing The Rule of Threes: why trying something once tells you almost nothing and how to find what reignites you Compounding Works Both Ways: small investments in action compound powerfully

In this episode, Steve Sorenson, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at Johnsonville, shares how intentional language, accountability, and empowerment form the backbone of a thriving organizational culture. Drawing from his leadership journey, Steve explores how redefining roles through clear language can unlock personal growth and drive team alignment. He unpacks Johnsonville's unique cultural framework where self-leadership, coaching, and communication are more than buzzwords and highlights the strategies they use to foster engagement at every level. From creating psychological safety to encouraging self-advocacy and feedback loops, Steve reveals how culture isn't just supported by HR, but built daily by every member of the organization. This episode is a guide for leaders who want to cultivate workplaces rooted in ownership, purpose, and trust. Additional Resources: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Johnsonville refers to its workforce as members, not employees. Words matter in defining organizational culture and relationships. High engagement scores reflect a strong organizational culture. Empowerment in decision-making is crucial for leadership development. Effective communication involves understanding interpretation, not just intention.

In this empowering conversation, Janeen Dodson shares her remarkable 27-year journey in California state government, from a student assistant to Deputy Director at the Department of Housing and Community Development. With humility, grit, and deep operational insight, Janeen explores what it means to lead from any level — emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and relationship-building in complex systems. She unpacks the challenges emerging leaders face when driving change without authority, the importance of understanding one's sphere of control and influence, and how perceptual acuity and bravery go hand-in-hand when disrupting the status quo. Janeen also dives into the power of feedback, embracing discomfort, and how senior leaders can remove barriers to unleash their teams' innovation. Additional Resources: Follow Janeen on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Janeen Dodson has over 27 years of experience in state government. Early experiences shape leadership perspectives and styles. Leadership is not dependent on a title; anyone can lead. Building relationships is crucial for emerging leaders. Understanding your sphere of control and influence is key to effective leadership.

In this episode of the Unleashing Leaders podcast, Lee Scott and Ross Thornley delve into the concept of adaptability in leadership, particularly during chaotic times. Ross shares his journey into leadership and the development of the Adaptability Quotient (AQ), emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and resilience in organizations. They discuss the challenges leaders face in recognizing stress signals and the necessity of difficult conversations. The conversation also explores the resilience maturity model and the significance of self-reflection in enhancing adaptability. Ross highlights the future of coaching, the integration of AI, and the importance of compassion in leadership. Ross Thornley is an Author & Keynote Speaker on Adaptability & The Future of Work. Serial Entrepreneur. Co-Founder of AQai - The World's Largest Community of Adaptability Certified Coaches. Host of DECODING AQ podcast. Additional Resources: Follow Ross on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Adaptability is crucial for leaders in chaotic times. Psychological safety fosters better adaptability in teams. Recognizing stress signals is essential for personal and organizational health. Difficult conversations can lead to growth and understanding. The resilience maturity model helps leaders navigate challenges.

In this conversation, Lee and Amy Bayer discuss the complexities of career breaks and re-entering the workforce, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by individuals who take time off for personal reasons such as parenting. Amy shares her personal journey in human resources, her experiences with leadership, and the importance of open communication between employees and employers. They explore the emotional aspects of transitioning back to work, the significance of self-discovery, and the need for patience and persistence in finding fulfilling career opportunities. Additional Resources: 16+ Years in Hospitality Procurement | Supply Chain, Contracting, + Delivering Value to Clients: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybayer/ Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Career breaks can be a source of pride and growth. Open conversations between leaders and employees are crucial. Self-discovery is key to finding fulfillment in work. It's important to recognize and address feelings of depression. The body keeps score of our emotional well-being.

In this episode, Debra Squyres reveals the nuanced relationship between the customer experience and team member experience. She debunks several myths about what it means to be a customer focused organization, including "The customer is always right" or "You can either have happy employees or happy customers." The reality is that our employees are the ones that create the customer experience. Debra covers practical strategies for leaders to implement intentional, steady, regular doses of recognition practices that build trust within their teams and help them deliver amazing customer experiences. She also shares emerging technology that can help leaders build effective and timely peer-to-peer and leader-to-team member encouragement and feedback. Additional Resources: Chief Customer Officer at Bonusly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrasquyres/ Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: - Exceptional customer experience is rooted in team member experience. - Great leaders model the way for how they want the customers to feel by how they treat their team members. - Building trust requires consistent recognition and feedback. - Ways to help reluctant leaders genuinely and more regularly recognize employees. - Recognition should be specific about behaviors and linked to outcomes. - Recognition is not just for superlative performance. - Understanding individual preferences is key to effective recognition. - Public recognition can be powerful but must be balanced with personal comfort.