McCoy Leadership

Connecting Science and Leadership: Wendy Hultmark’s Experience Coaching Lab Leaders

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Wendy Hultmark, a leadership and career coach for scientists, to unpack what it really takes to build engaged, high-performing teams—even in environments as unique as the research lab. Wendy shared her journey from a rewarding HR career to coaching, dished out actionable advice for business owners without formal HR, and highlighted why trust and mission alignment are crucial for any leader. If you want to elevate your leadership and truly support your people, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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05:44 Creating an effective work environment
07:56 Building trust for better results
13:31 Challenges in lab leadership
16:12 Paths to Becoming a Lab Leader
20:28 Deciding to address performance issues
22:26 Teaching mental math at work
29:00 Managing lab funding decisions
30:54 Gaining clarity through a mental shift
35:52 Advice on anticipating challenges
39:18 Discovering a 1992 Sears Wish Book
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Here are 3 key takeaways for leaders in any field:
Create Environments for Success: Remove obstacles and clarify objectives so people can do their best work—not just complete tasks. Leadership is about fostering conditions for others to thrive.
Humanity Drives Results: Leaning into the “human side” of leadership—building trust, engaging teams, and being transparent—actually accelerates results and aligns teams.
Leadership Is a Skill, Not an Accident: Many technical experts find themselves in leadership roles without formal training. Investing in leadership development is crucial, regardless of your industry.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Wendy's LinkedIn
Wendy's Website
Wendy's book reccomendation

From Ministry to Marketing: Charlie Sells on Clear Messaging and Leading with Curiosity

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with branding strategist Charlie Sells to unpack the real story behind building a strong brand. We talked about why consistency across your business matters way more than chasing the latest trends, and how getting clear on who you serve is the key to standing out. Charlie shared his top tips for solopreneurs, business owners, and leaders—reminding us that curiosity and asking better questions always beat certainty. If you’re serious about leveling up your brand and leadership, this episode is a must-listen!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 From Ministry to Marketing
06:09 "Defining Branding and Consistency"
07:57 Simple, Consistent Customer Communication
13:39 Rethinking Agency Playbook Strategies
17:15 Certainty Erodes, Exploration Builds
18:10 "Yearly Brand Coaching Matters"
22:05 Building Foundations Beyond Branding
25:54 Leadership Through Curiosity
29:03 "Overcoming Comparison & Finding Focus"
33:26 "Charlie Sells: Services & Clarity"
36:00 "Lead Every Day Insights"
39:00 AI Tools and Prompt Strategies
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Some key takeaways that stood out to me:
Consistency Outperforms PerfectionPosting something consistently is more valuable than waiting for perfection. As Charlie Sells says, stepping into the arena and building consistency trains your audience and builds trust over time.
Get Curious & Ask Better QuestionsBefore diving into tactics and tech, get genuinely curious about your business, your processes, and your customers. Great leaders don’t assume they have all the answers—they ask better questions and listen deeply.
Know Your Customer Before MarketingWhether you’re a solopreneur or growing business, don’t fall into the trap of thinking your product or service is for everyone. As Charlie puts it, “your product could be for anyone, but it’s definitely not for everyone.” Start with understanding your customer before you dive into brand building or marketing.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Charlie's LinkedIn
Charlie's website
book recommendation
 

Building Stronger Tech Foundations: Matt Dorman on When and Why to Hire Outside Experts

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Matt Dorman, co-founder of Endeavor, to talk all things digital transformation for manufacturing. We explored why keeping your company’s tech stack modern is crucial, how small businesses can avoid common mistakes when updating their websites and workflows, and why integrating accurate, actionable data is non-negotiable in today’s market. Matt also shared top trends, including the rise of practical AI solutions and advice for when to call in the pros. If you’re ready to future-proof your business, you won’t want to miss these insights!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 "Early Internet Fascination"
06:11 "Ensuring Accurate, Updated Information"
10:13 "Tech vs Content Company Identity"
12:39 "Team Expertise vs. Individual Hiring"
15:22 Website Issues: Maintenance vs. Rebuild
19:07 "Streamlined Problem Solving Approach"
23:34 "Navigating Subscriptions and Platforms"
26:32 Monitoring Website Performance Issues
31:45 "Importance of School Clubs"
32:55 "Open Claude AI Tool"
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Here are my top 3 takeaways for leaders and innovators looking to leverage digital tools for business growth:
🔹 Maintenance Is Key: Don't wait until your website or systems are broken to make changes. Regular updates and ongoing maintenance can save you from major headaches and costly rebuilds down the road.
🔹 Know When to DIY vs. Hire Experts: While DIY tools can get you far, as your digital needs grow more complex—especially with integrations and automation—it pays to bring in specialized partners. The value isn't just in coding, but in strategic guidance and scalability.
🔹 Data Accuracy Drives Trust: Outdated or inaccurate information erodes customer trust instantly. In today's fast-paced world, ensuring data is current, consistent, and actionable is essential for both B2C and B2B businesses.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Matt's LinkedIn
Matt's website
book recommendation
 

From Integrity to Humor: Jim Carlough’s Roadmap for Modern Leadership Success

If you want to take your leadership to the next level, you can’t miss this conversation with Jim Carlough, author of The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership. We dive into the timeless principles every leader needs—like integrity, empathy, stability, focus, and even humor. Jim shares powerful stories and actionable strategies for building trust, reducing turnover, and creating teams that perform—and stay. Whether you’re leading a business or your own family, these insights will help you lead with purpose and impact.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 "Leadership Gaps and Workplace Issues"
04:31 "Reducing Leadership Turnover Challenges"
08:03 "Integrity as a Guiding Pillar"
14:08 "Prioritizing Family Builds Commitment"
16:09 Compassion Leads to Better Deals
20:27 "Learning Through Mistakes and Perspective"
25:30 "Leadership Focus Fixes Failures"
27:22 Focus Drives Success and Innovation
33:15 "Bold Icebreaker at Presentation"
36:55 "Finding Value in Books"
39:01 "AI Boosts Productivity and Research"
41:47 Podcast Wrap-Up and Thanks
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Here are 3 key takeaways:
Integrity is Non-Negotiable: The foundation of effective leadership is transparency and integrity. When you operate with honesty, you foster trust and psychological safety for your team.
Empathy & Compassion Drive Performance: Recognizing your team’s humanity—and responding with genuine empathy and compassion—not only supports well-being but also boosts loyalty and productivity.
Stability & Humor Matter: Consistent, stable leadership helps teams weather challenges, and a touch of humor builds stronger bonds and a positive atmosphere, even during high-stress moments.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Jim's LinkedIn
Jim's Website
Jim's Book
 
 

From Stuck to Unstoppable: Ed Muzio’s Practical Tools for Accelerating Team Performance

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Ed Muzio, founder of Group Harmonics and bestselling author, to dive into the power of iterative management. Ed shared why high-performing teams make more mistakes—because they’re always taking action, learning, and adapting. We explored how real progress happens when leaders shift from rigid planning to empowering teams, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and constantly improving. 
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 "Steps Informing Progress"
06:36 "Leadership Requires Different Skillsets"
09:07 Decisions Drive Success
10:53 Adapting Through Mistakes
14:02 "Preventing Failure Through Incremental Adjustments"
17:47 Unlocking Systemic Change Problems
23:57 Iterative Management Culture Shift
25:22 Embracing Cross-Functional Collaboration
28:14 "Streamlined Problem-Solving Process"
33:34 "Game-Changing Navigation Evolution"
35:02 "Finding Direction Without GPS"
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Here are 3 key takeaways you don't want to miss:
Iterative Execution Drives SuccessEd Muzio emphasized the power of taking incremental steps, learning, and adjusting along the way—rather than waiting for the perfect plan. High-performing organizations make more wrong decisions simply because they act and adapt faster.
Collaboration > HierarchyMoving from traditional "North American management" to an iterative approach means fostering group intelligence. When teams focus on collective goals and share resources openly, cross-functional problem-solving becomes the norm and political silos disappear.
Tools Are Only as Good as the Team Using ThemWhile strategic planning and models matter, Ed Muzio highlighted that unleashing group intelligence is the game-changer: “They will find the models when you release the group intelligence.” Building systems that listen and empower quick decisions can create immediate, measurable impact.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Ed's LinkedIn
Group Harmonics
Ed's Book
 

How to Create Meaningful Workplace Experiences That Retain Talent

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Oksana Lukash, an inspiring people strategist with over 20 years of HR experience. We dived deep into what it really means to build workplace cultures where employees truly matter—and how that drives better customer experiences and business success. Oksana shared actionable tips on hiring for true value alignment, creating environments that ignite performance, and why embracing who you are is the key to great leadership. If you want to elevate your team and lead with heart, this conversation is a must-listen!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Journey to HR Advocacy
04:38 Cultural Work Norms and Expectations
08:01 "Prioritize Employees for Better Service"
11:03 Balancing Mission and Employee Focus
13:19 "Balancing Employee Passion and Business"
17:24 "Interview Alignment and Company Values"
20:43 "Recruiting Challenges and Culture Fit"
25:44 "Redefining Workplace Policies Respectfully"
29:39 Uncovering Employee Potential
33:01 Cost of Living Adjustment Process
37:14 "Authenticity Over Chasing Trends"
40:35 "Be Yourself at Work"
42:51 Prioritize Basics in Education Funding
45:42 "AI: Creating Capacity, Not Efficiency"
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Top 3 takeaways
🔹 Culture Fit Starts Early: Oksana emphasized that companies should be unapologetically clear about their culture and values—not just during onboarding but throughout the entire recruiting process. This helps attract talent who will truly thrive in your environment.
🔹 Investing in Employees Pays Off: Treating your team as your most valuable asset isn’t just good for morale—it’s good for business. Companies that go above and beyond for employees naturally see those same employees deliver outstanding service to customers.
🔹 Personal Growth is Key: Oksana’s approach to development puts the responsibility on both leaders and employees. Encourage team members to own their growth, then support them with projects and experiences that align with their goals—even if that sometimes means helping them grow beyond your organization.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Oksana's LinkedIn
Oksana's Website
Book Recommendation
 

Overcoming Mediocrity: Dr. Matt Kutz’s Approach to Personal and Professional Growth

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Matt Kutz to dive deep into what it truly means to become epic in our leadership journey. From lessons learned in sports medicine and coaching to transformative life experiences, Dr. Kutz revealed how excellence, perception, inspiration, and compassion are key to overcoming mediocrity. If you’re ready to level up, embrace feedback, seek guidance from multiple coaches, and strive for continuous improvement—this episode is for you. Let’s commit to taking our leadership seriously and rising above average together!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 From Frustration to Fulfillment
06:25 Maximizing Potential Beyond Formal Education
09:10 "Elite Athletes' Work Ethic"
12:55 "Recognizing and Addressing Weaknesses"
15:12 "Honesty in Assessments Matters"
19:04 "Facing Cancer and Growth"
20:25 "40 Days of Writing Resilience"
26:15 "Ambition vs. Contentment"
27:05 "Lessons from Auctions and Dreams"
30:13 "Parable of the Talents"
34:29 "Thanks and Subscribe!"
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Here are my top 3 takeaways:
Coaching Isn’t Optional for High Performance: Just like elite athletes have multiple coaches and never stop practicing, leaders must also embrace continuous growth by seeking feedback and outside guidance. Don’t settle—keep leveling up!
Self-Awareness is Critical: Many leaders shy away from honest self-assessment, and that’s a huge barrier. Whether it’s formal assessments or 360-degree feedback, the real progress happens when we’re open, vulnerable, and willing to confront our blind spots.
Strive for Excellence, Not Just “Good Enough”: Dr. Kutz’s ‘EPIC’ mindset—Excellence, Perception, Inspiration, Compassion—challenges us to break free from mediocrity and continually pursue our fullest potential, both personally and professionally.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Dr Matt's Links
LinkedIn
Personal Website
Company Website
Book Recommendation
 
 
 

The Power of Story: Charlie Wetzel’s Journey Through Writing, Coaching, and Leadership

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Charlie Wetzel, a prolific author who's written over 120 books—including several New York Times bestsellers. Charlie shared his incredible journey from struggling writer to collaborating with John Maxwell for more than three decades, unpacking the power of writing, leadership, and authentic communication. We discussed why every leader should develop their writing skills, the impact of AI in publishing, and Charlie’s mission to coach aspiring authors.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 "Prolific Journey in Writing"
06:38 "Overcoming Writing's First Challenge"
08:27 First Article Published Journey
11:22 "Writing: Environment and Structure"
14:40 "Writing and Speaking Effectively"
20:03 AI: A Mix of Mediocrity
21:42 AI in Creativity and Content
26:53 "Human Touch Matters More"
28:30 "Build Teams Over Dinner"
31:12 "Author Coaching and Mastermind Program"
34:51 "Coaching Writers for a Decade"
40:42 "Five Levels of Leadership"
43:28 "Unlocking Doors Through Reading"
45:19 "Embracing Simplicity in Technology"
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Here are 3 key takeaways:
Writing clarifies thinking and expands influence: As Charlie Wetzel says, “You really don’t know what you think about a subject until you’ve written it down.” Leaders who learn to write effectively not only become clearer communicators—they also gain the power to impact audiences far beyond their immediate sphere.
AI can’t replace human storytelling: While technology provides new tools, Charlie cautions that AI-generated content lacks authenticity, soul, and the unique perspective that only you can offer. If you want your message to resonate—especially in books or courses—your personal experiences and voice matter.
Human connection matters more than ever: In today’s tech-heavy environment, simple gestures—like handwritten notes, phone calls, or face-to-face conversations—are becoming even more meaningful. As Charlie observes, real leadership is rooted in personal touch and genuine relationships.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership?  Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Charlie's LinkedIn
Charlie's Website
https://learn.charliewetzel.com/courses/answerthecall
Book Recommendations
The Five Levels of Leadership
The Master Plan of Evangelism