Episodios

  • The Resilient Leader's Edge: Thriving Under Pressure, Ep68
    Mar 4 2025

    How do the best leaders stay calm and effective under extreme pressure? In this episode of No Limits Leadership, I sit down with Suzanne "Xena" Lesko, a retired Navy captain, combat veteran, and global leadership expert, to break down the mindset, habits, and skills required to lead through adversity.

    Suzanne shares her journey from the Naval Academy to the cockpit, leading high-stakes missions and navigating the challenges of being a female officer in a male-dominated field. She later transitioned into a public affairs leadership role, where she mastered strategic communication under pressure—a critical skill for leaders at every level.

    We dive into:
    Building Resilience Like a Muscle – Why adaptability, preparation, and mindset are key to thriving in high-pressure environments.
    "Go Ugly Early" Communication – How leaders can establish credibility and trust by addressing issues head-on.
    The Power of Mission-Critical Teams – Why diversity of thought and experience make the best teams unstoppable.
    How to Overcome Toxic Leadership – Strategies for maintaining integrity and effectiveness in challenging environments.
    The Role of Humor in High-Stress Situations – How levity and mindset shifts can transform tough leadership moments.

    Whether you're leading in the boardroom, on the battlefield, or in your own life, this episode is packed with battle-tested leadership wisdom you can apply immediately.

    🔗 Listen now and start leading with resilience!

    Keywords

    leadership, resilience, Navy, communication, service academy, adaptability, public affairs, personal growth, diversity, empowerment

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Resilience

    02:09 The Impact of Service Academies on Leadership

    08:05 Navigating Challenges in Naval Aviation

    11:58 The Importance of Leadership in High-Pressure Environments

    17:43 Effective Communication Under Pressure

    21:28 Defining and Building Resilience in Leadership

    26:45 Building Trust Through Transparency

    29:27 The Foundations of Resilient Leadership

    31:33 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

    33:29 Finding Humor in Adversity

    38:30 The Power of Creativity and Levity

    40:56 Epistemic Humility in Leadership

    47:34 Diversity as a Strength in Teams

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    49 m
  • How Elite Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams, Ep67
    Feb 18 2025

    In this powerful episode of the No Limits Leadership Podcast, host Sean Patton sits down with his longtime friend and West Point classmate, Matt Van Epps. Matt currently serves as the Commissioner of General Services for the state of Tennessee, bringing his military-honed leadership skills to the public sector. He is also a former aviation commander in the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), where he led some of the most complex and high-stakes aviation missions in the military.

    From their shared experiences at West Point and the post-9/11 military landscape to Matt's innovative work in Tennessee state government, this episode is packed with leadership insights.

    Listeners will discover:

    • The Power of Team of Teams: How Matt applies General Stanley McChrystal's 'team of teams' approach to build high-performing, cross-functional teams in state government.
    • The Role of Communication in Leadership: Why communication failures are at the root of most organizational breakdowns—and how Matt's military background taught him the importance of clear, consistent communication.
    • Learning from Failure: Matt shares a personal leadership mistake and the lessons he took away about decision-making and escalation protocols.
    • Patriotism and Perspective: A reflection on the unity the country experienced after 9/11 and why gratitude and civics education are critical for the nation's future.
    • Leading with Heart: How becoming a father has given Matt a new perspective on patience, presence, and the importance of supporting team members as whole people.

    Throughout the conversation, Sean and Matt connect the dots between military and civilian leadership, emphasizing the timeless principles of service, trust, and continuous learning. Whether you're leading a government team, running a business, or guiding a small group, this episode will leave you with actionable takeaways for building stronger, more cohesive teams.

    Don't miss this engaging discussion with a leader who's driving real impact in both his state and his community.

    🎙️ Listen Now and discover how you can apply these lessons to become a No Limit Leader.

    Guest: Matt Van Epps | Commissioner of General Services, State of Tennessee

    Host: Sean Patton | Founder of No Limit Leaders and Host of the No Limits Leadership Podcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background of Matt Van Epps

    03:06 Reflections on Army-Navy Rivalry and Patriotism

    05:52 Post 9/11 Experience and Its Impact on Leadership

    08:50 The Importance of Unity and Teamwork in America

    12:05 State Government as a Model for National Unity

    15:11 Civic Engagement and the Role of Veterans

    18:00 The Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

    21:10 Gratitude and Perspective from Military Service

    28:02 Finding Peace in Chaos

    32:35 Leadership Lessons from Military Experience

    39:13 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

    50:14 Becoming a Father: A New Perspective on Leadership

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    55 m
  • Whole-hearted Leadership - A Fresh Perspective, w/Lantz Howard: Ep66
    Feb 4 2025

    Most leaders are stuck in a cycle of people-pleasing, overcommitting, and avoiding the hard truths—and it’s killing their impact. In this episode, I sit down with Lantz Howard, executive coach and founder of Champion Hope, to break down what it really takes to lead with confidence, clarity, and conviction. Lantz helps high-achieving leaders escape burnout, develop emotional resilience, and take full ownership of their decisions. If you’re tired of leading from fear, struggling with tough conversations, or feeling stretched too thin, this episode is your wake-up call.

    Summary

    In this episode of the No Limits Leadership Podcast, host Sean Patton engages with executive coach Lantz Howard to explore the concept of wholehearted leadership. They discuss the fragmentation many leaders experience in their personal and professional lives, the importance of emotional awareness, and the balance between assertiveness and connection in leadership. Lantz shares personal stories of his journey towards leading with his whole heart and emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and psychological safety in creating effective leadership environments. The conversation also touches on the impact of external influences, such as news media, on emotional capacity and decision-making.

    Takeaways

    -Leadership is about managing tasks but leading people.

    -Many leaders struggle with emotional fragmentation.

    -Vulnerability in leadership fosters connection and trust.

    -Emotional awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

    -Leaders should not be responsible for others' happiness.

    -Creating psychological safety is essential for team dynamics.

    -Emotional capacity is more important than emotional intelligence.

    -The home environment serves as a critical leadership laboratory.

    -Growth in leadership is not a linear process.

    -Leaders must learn to listen and ask thoughtful questions.

    Chapters

    00:00 Wholehearted Leadership: A New Perspective

    03:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery

    05:43 Navigating Leadership Challenges

    08:35 Emotional Capacity vs. Emotional Intelligence

    11:32 Creating Psychological Safety in Leadership

    14:30 Vulnerability as a Strength

    17:13 Integrating Personal and Professional Growth

    20:10 Coaching Culture in Organizations

    26:47 The Art of Intentional Listening

    29:02 Coaching as an Experiential Learning Process

    30:38 Emotional Awareness in Coaching

    32:51 Clarifying Intentions in Conversations

    34:04 Lessons from Past Relationships

    37:22 Navigating Midlife Transitions

    39:43 Empowerment through Coaching

    41:43 The Impact of Media on Emotional Well-being

    Lantz’s Links

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lantzhoward/

    https://www.lantzhoward.com/

    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Tech Moves Faster Than Your Team—Here’s How to Catch Up, w/ Kevin Torf: Ep65
    Jan 29 2025

    Are you stuck in the endless grind of managing every little detail, fixing your team’s mistakes, and feeling like the weight of the entire business is on your shoulders? In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Torf, a veteran leader with over 40 years of experience, to unpack a game-changing leadership strategy: the Push-Pull Theory. You’ll learn how to stop micromanaging, empower your team to take ownership, and free up your time to focus on what matters most—growing your business. If you’re ready to stop working harder and start leading smarter, this episode is for you.

    Takeaways

    -The speed of technology is changing everything.
    -Empowering teams is essential for effective leadership.
    -Generational differences affect technology adoption.
    -Reflection is crucial for personal and team growth.
    -Transparency in communication prevents surprises.
    -Fostering innovation requires a balance of freedom and structure.
    -Defining a clear vision keeps teams aligned.
    -Coaching is more effective than traditional management.
    -Building team cohesion enhances project success.
    -Identifying and training future leaders is vital for organizational growth.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Kevin Torf and His Journey
    02:39 The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact
    05:59 Generational Changes in Technology Adoption
    08:21 Managing Complex Projects in a Changing Landscape
    10:31 Empowering Teams Through Leadership
    14:38 The Importance of Team Collaboration
    18:18 The Hybrid Agile Methodology Explained
    21:49 Defining Goals and Keeping Teams Aligned
    24:03 Fostering Innovation While Managing Risks
    26:54 Building Cohesion in Teams
    29:24 Identifying and Training Future Leaders
    32:11 The Importance of Reflection and Growth
    33:40 Adapting Frameworks to Technological Change
    37:43 Common Mistakes in Project Management
    40:10 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    Kevin Torf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevintorf/
    T2Group: https://t2group.com/
    Kevin's Book Getting The Job Done: https://a.co/d/3bv52kw


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    42 m
  • The Steady Leader w/Multi-Business Owner, Schuyler Williamson: Ep64
    Jan 7 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Sean Patton and Schuyler Williamson explore the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-leadership, and the ability to learn from adversity. They discuss how energy and influence play crucial roles in effective leadership, the significance of having a purpose that extends beyond oneself, and the dynamics of teamwork. Schuyler shares insights from his military background and how those lessons translate into the business world, ultimately advocating for a culture of growth and fulfillment within organizations.

    Takeaways

    • Leadership is fundamentally about love and caring for others.
    • Adversity should be viewed as an opportunity for growth.
    • Self-leadership is essential for effective leadership.
    • Leaders must teach their teams how to think critically.
    • Pursuing excellence rather than perfection leads to better outcomes.
    • Energy and mindset are contagious within teams.
    • A leader's purpose should be about serving others.
    • Creating a culture of growth requires intentionality and effort.
    • The lessons learned in the military can be applied to business leadership.
    • Effective leaders prioritize their own health to better serve their teams.


    Chapters

    00:00 The Importance of Strategic Thinking in Leadership
    01:54 Energy and Mindset: Keys to Effective Leadership
    04:23 Morning Routines: Setting the Tone for Success
    07:18 Leadership vs Management: The Pull vs Push Dynamic
    13:03 Translating Military Leadership to Business
    16:42 Leadership Mindset: Who Do We Need to Be?
    20:12 Learning from Adversity: After Action Reviews
    25:51 Evergreen Purpose: Fueling a Life of Service
    31:33 Health and Spirituality in Leadership

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    44 m
  • Scaling Success, w/ Business Coach Cayla Horey: Ep63
    Dec 23 2024

    In this No Limits Leadership Podcast episode, host Sean Patton interviews life and leadership coach Cayla Horey. They discuss Cayla's journey into leadership coaching, the challenges small business owners face, the importance of delegation, and the role of self-leadership in achieving success. Cayla emphasizes the need for awareness and mindset shifts to improve leadership effectiveness and shares practical strategies for effective delegation and utilizing contractors. The conversation highlights the transformative power of coaching and the impact of self-leadership on personal and professional growth.

    Cayla Horey's links:
    https://caylahorey.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/cayla-horey-a4ab661b1/

    Takeaways

    • Cayla has a long history in leadership and coaching.
    • Many entrepreneurs struggle with the transition from solopreneur to CEO.
    • Delegation is a critical skill for business growth.
    • Effective delegation involves empowering others, not just offloading tasks.
    • Self-leadership is essential for personal and business success.
    • Mindset and awareness are key to overcoming limiting beliefs.
    • Coaching provides valuable perspective and accountability.
    • Shifting thoughts can lead to better outcomes in leadership.
    • Building trust with your team is crucial for effective delegation.
    • Investing in coaching can accelerate personal and professional growth.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Leadership Coaching

    02:57 Cayla's Journey into Leadership Coaching

    05:27 Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs

    08:36 The Importance of Delegation

    11:17 Tactical Steps for Effective Delegation

    15:19 Utilizing Fractional Leadership

    19:28 The Role of Self-Leadership

    21:41 The Importance of Self-Leadership

    25:22 Mindset and Thought Patterns

    26:56 The Role of Coaching in Self-Improvement

    33:32 Challenging Limiting Beliefs

    41:12 The Ripple Effect of Leadership on Life

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    42 m
  • Master Change or Perish, w/ Ron Crabtree: Ep61
    Dec 10 2024

    Summary

    In this No Limits Leadership podcast episode, Sean Patton interviews Ron Crabtree, who shares insights on digital transformation, its components, and the challenges organizations face in implementing change. Ron emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between people, processes, and technology and discusses the ongoing labor shortage in various industries. He highlights the critical role of effective change management and communication in ensuring successful digital transformation initiatives while also addressing the need for organizations to adapt quickly to the ever-evolving business landscape.

    Ron Crabtree, is the founder and CEO of MetaOps™ and MetaExperts™Inc. He is an internationally recognized expert in leading-edge business process improvement methodologies. He is a Master Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a Certified Supply Chain Transformation Architect and also an expert in effective change management, facilitation and communications.

    Takeaways

    Digital transformation is a complex and evolving process.

    A significant percentage of digital transformation efforts fail to deliver expected results.

    Organizations face a labor shortage that impacts their ability to implement change.

    Effective change management is crucial for successful digital transformation.

    Communication and transparency are key to overcoming resistance to change.

    Middle managers play a vital role in driving change within organizations.

    Apathy can hinder progress in successful companies.

    Iterative approaches to change management can lead to better outcomes.

    Understanding the components of digital transformation is essential for leaders.

    Organizations must adapt quickly to survive in a rapidly changing environment.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation

    06:32 Understanding Digital Transformation Components

    13:59 The Role of People in Digital Transformation

    19:23 Navigating the Labor Shortage

    26:34 Change Management Challenges

    32:07 The Need for Agile Change Management

    37:40 Implementing Tangible Change

    43:26 MetaOps: A Solution for Rapid Change

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    48 m
  • Embracing Vulnerability to Lead with Purpose w/ Scott Jarrell: Ep60
    Nov 26 2024

    Summary

    In this episode of No Limits Leadership, Sean sits down with Scott Jarrell, a military veteran, healthcare leader, and entrepreneur dedicated to improving men’s health. Scott shares his journey from military service to building a mission-driven business, highlighting the power of vulnerability, resilience, and leading with love in every aspect of life.

    Scott shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a leader in the military and now in his professional life, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and community among men. They discuss the impact of personal loss, the struggle with self-promotion, and the importance of creating safe spaces for men to express their emotions and seek help. The conversation highlights the significance of perspective gained from military service and the need for courage in addressing mental health issues, particularly in the veteran community.

    Takeaways

    Scott emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences to inspire hope in others.

    The struggle between selflessness and self-promotion is a common challenge for leaders.

    Military experience provides a unique perspective on leadership and teamwork.

    Personal loss can lead to profound insights and growth.

    Effective leadership requires learning to follow and understanding the needs of others.

    Transitioning to military service can be a pivotal moment in one's life.

    Emotional health is crucial for overall well-being and effective leadership.

    Creating a safe space for men to express vulnerability is essential.

    Men's health issues, including hormonal imbalances, are often overlooked.

    Community and camaraderie are vital for supporting one another in difficult times.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

    02:13 The Struggle with Self-Promotion

    04:46 Lessons from Military Experience

    07:30 Understanding Perspective and Violence

    09:37 The Importance of Love and Unity

    11:59 Navigating Personal Loss and Growth

    14:24 Leadership and Following

    16:30 The Role of Fatherhood in Leadership

    19:07 The Impact of Military Training on Leadership

    21:43 Transitioning to Civilian Life

    24:14 The Importance of Vulnerability in Men

    26:45 Creating a Safe Space for Men

    29:07 The Role of Hormones in Mental Health

    31:23 The Journey of Healing and Recovery

    33:45 The Importance of Community and Support

    36:12 The Need for Open Conversations

    38:51 The Future of Men's Health

    41:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Más Menos
    52 m