McCoy Leadership

Breaking the Cycle of Micromanagement: Tactical Insights for Owners and Manager with Eden Lovejoy

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Eden Lovejoy, creator of the innovative Virtual GM Matrix. Eden shared her journey from small-town Alaska to transforming how businesses operate, emphasizing that today’s leadership is all about engaging with your team—not micromanaging. We explored why old-school management styles no longer work, how to create true accountability, and why articulating your mission and values is critical for small business success. Interested in building a more empowered team and scaling your business sustainably? This episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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00:00 Finding Focus in Small Business
05:47 Micromanagement's Persistence Across Generations
09:47 Evolving Business Ownership Mindsets
11:14 Pandemic's Impact on Workplace Accountability
15:34 Startups: Early Growth Challenges
18:11 "Building Accountability with Values"
24:53 "Authority for Accountability"
26:53 Evaluating Business Metric Effectiveness
30:51 "Small Business Challenges and Team Engagement"
32:57 Workplace Policy Avoidance and Solutions
36:12 Advice for School Administrators
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Top 3 takeaways:
🔹 Modern Leadership Is About Working With, Not On, Your TeamEden emphasized that people want to be worked with—not managed or micromanaged. Engaging today’s workforce (especially Millennials and Gen Z) means co-creating solutions and empowering them to contribute their strengths.
🔹 Your Mission, Vision, and Values Aren’t Just Wall ArtShe drove home the need for business owners (even solo founders) to articulate their why. Clearly communicating your mission and values, then actually living by them, is crucial for aligning your team and building accountability.
🔹 Accountability = Clear Results + Delegated AuthorityIt’s not about creating new rules every week. Eden suggests writing clear role definitions that focus on outcomes, then ensuring staff have the true authority needed to deliver. This shift from task-based management to results-based leadership increases ownership and reduces turnover.
If you’re a small business owner wrestling with team engagement, micromanagement, or scaling your leadership impact, give this episode a listen. Eden also shares more resources at https://yourbusinesslifestyle.com/ and on her LinkedIn.
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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
 
Eden's Website
https://yourbusinesslifestyle.com/
LinkedIn
Eden's Book
https://a.co/d/2WenmwR
Eden's Book Recommendation
https://a.co/d/9UG9371
 
 
 

Building Trust, Not Just Brands: Gee Ranasinha on Leadership, Marketing, and the Power of Connection

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Gee Ranasinha to unpack the real difference between marketing and promotion—and why so many businesses get it wrong. Gee dove deep into why emotional connection and understanding your customer beats chasing vanity metrics and empty ad spends every time. We talked about the role of behavioral science, the traps of AI in marketing, and how simply doing what you say you’ll do sets you apart as a leader. If you want to elevate your impact, connect with people, and truly grow your business, you won’t want to miss these insights!
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00:00 Boosting Sales Through Strategic Marketing
04:34 Leadership Meets Marketing & Psychology
07:56 "Marketing Misunderstood: Fundamentals Unchanged"
11:21 "Balancing Emotion and Logic in Marketing"
17:10 Misguided Marketing Assumptions
19:38 Shallow, Forgettable Marketing Woes
22:05 Children's Perception of Social Media
26:06 "Resurgence of Real Conversations Needed"
30:24 AI's Role in Auction Marketing
31:32 AI's Strengths and Misapplications
36:28 Automating Marketing with AI
39:54 "AI: A Tool, Not a Voice"
44:45 Marketing Fundamentals Unveiled
46:12 "Brand Awareness as Mental SEO"
51:04 "Commit to Your Promises"
53:06 "Balancing Business Freedom and Commitments"
56:30 "Love is the Killer App"
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Here are the top 3 takeaways you’ll want to consider for your own leadership or marketing journey:
🔑 Marketing ≠ PromotionPromotion is just a small slice of marketing. The real value (and business impact) comes from the strategic work: understanding your customers, creating memorable brands, and building long-term relationships—not just cranking out ads or social posts.
🔑 Emotional Connection Still WinsThe most effective marketing taps into both logic and emotion. Facts, bullet points, and features won’t stick unless you’re also building memories, telling stories, and truly resonating with people on a human level.
🔑 Technology Is a Tool, Not a SubstituteWhether it’s AI, social media, or the latest MarTech, these should amplify your human creativity, not replace it. Gee reminds us: “No one has satisfactorily answered the fundamental question of why I should bother to read something that you couldn’t be bothered to write.” Use tech as a second brain, but let your message be authentically yours.
Are you leading your business (or your marketing) with genuine connection and purpose? What’s working for you—strategy, emotion, technology, or some combination?
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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
Gee's Website
LinkedIn
Gee's Book Recommendations:
How Brands Grow (Byron Sharp)
Influence & Pre-Suasion (Robert Cialdini)
Thinking, Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman)
Nudge (Richard Thaler)
Love is the Killer App (Tim Sanders)
 

Jim Carrey with a PhD: Dr. Danny Brassell's Approach to Engaging Presentations

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring the dynamic Dr. Danny Brassell, known as the "Jim Carrey with a PhD." 🤩 With over 3,500 talks and 19 books to his name, Dr. Brassell shares his unique insights from his incredible journey—from the bustling world of journalism to the impactful realm of education and beyond.
In this captivating conversation, Dr. Brassell delves into:
The art of storytelling and its power to connect and move audiences.
Strategies for creating a memorable, impactful presentation.
Overcoming life's setbacks with resilience and positivity.
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00:00 From Bankruptcy to Speaking Success
05:54 "Ethical, Humorous Public Speaking"
08:02 Children's Insightful Questions
12:22 "Execution Inspires Famous Slogan"
14:23 Emotion Drives Effective Engagement
16:35 "Connecting Through Stories"
20:30 "Using Facebook Live for Daily Talks"
22:49 Effective Audience Understanding
27:08 Call an Expert
30:59 "Transformative Storytelling Success"
33:11 Story Cataloging for Leadership Lessons
37:50 Connecting Dots in Personal Narratives
41:09 "Impact of a Handwritten Letter"
43:10 Inspiring Overcoming Adversity Story
47:41 Turning Technical Issues into Triumph
50:26 "Ultimate Respect Bow Strategy"
53:29 "Key Advice for Future Leaders"
56:40 Free Storytelling Blueprint Offer
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Here's a quick recap of some key takeaways from the episode:
🔹 Storytelling Power: Dr. Brassell emphasized the importance of storytelling in presentations. Facts might tell, but stories sell. Connecting through stories can profoundly engage your audience and drive action.
🔹 Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing personal failures and vulnerabilities can create a stronger connection with your audience. This approach helps people see themselves in you, fostering trust and relatability.
🔹 Flexibility in Presentations: Whether faced with technical difficulties or adapting to different audiences, Dr. Brassell highlighted the importance of having varied strategies and stories ready to keep your presentation engaging and impactful.
For more insightful conversations on leadership and actionable strategies, make sure to follow the McCoy Leadership Podcast. And don't miss your chance to check out Dr. Danny Brassell's free storytelling blueprint at freestoryguide.com! 🚀
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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
Danny Brassell books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4338iMW
Danny's website:
https://wellcraftedstoryworkshop.com/blueprint
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybrassell/
The Success Principals by Jack Canfield
https://a.co/d/g2kxjgN
 
 

From Rock Bottom to Warrior: Martin Salama’s Journey to Living Incredibly Full Every Day

In this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, host Amos McCoy welcomes Martin Salama, creator of the Warrior's Life Code, for an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and authentic leadership. Martin shares his journey from losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis—his business, home, and sense of self—to rebuilding his life through coaching, self-discovery, and a new perspective on personal responsibility. He introduces the concept of “things happen through me,” discusses the importance of self-reflection during difficult times, and explains how the Warrior’s Life Code can help leaders and individuals shift from worrying to living fully every day. The conversation also covers practical strategies for balancing work, self-care, and family, the difference between reacting and responding as a leader, and actionable advice for school administrators and business professionals alike. Tune in for valuable takeaways on personal growth, leadership, and creating a meaningful and fulfilling life.
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00:00 Five-Year Health Club Project
05:17 Discovering Leadership Through Coaching
08:27 Reframing Life's Challenges
10:22 Rationalizing Against Personal Values
15:23 Overcoming Divorce and People-Pleasing
19:13 Leadership Shapes Business Culture
21:46 Balancing "Me Time" Effectively
25:01 Prioritizing Personal Time vs. Relationships
29:04 Self-Improvement's Impact on Leadership
31:15 Manager vs. Leader Dynamics
32:50 Transformative Self-Reflection Journey
36:52 Self-Reflection Scorecard Technique
41:15 Work-Life Balance Debate
44:23 Advice for Future Leaders
46:06 "Transformative Insights: Four Agreements"
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Here are my top 3 takeaways from this episode:
🔹 Transformation Begins with You: Martin emphasizes that real change in any organization starts at the top. As leaders, our own mindset, self-care, and willingness to evolve have a direct impact on company culture and team morale.
🔹 Live Incredibly Full Every Day: Martin’s LIFE acronym (“Live Incredibly Full Every day”) is a game-changer. He recommends dividing your day into “you time,” work, family/friends, and sleep—not necessarily in equal parts, but with intention. Balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about purpose and flexibility.
🔹 From Worry to Warrior: Reframing setbacks is essential. Martin encourages us to move from “Why is this happening to me?” to “Things happen through me.” It’s about taking responsibility, celebrating small wins, and choosing progress over perfection.
Highly recommend you check out the episode for a boost of motivation and practical leadership tips! And if you want to dive deeper into Martin’s work, his “Warrior to Warrior” book and resources are available at connectwithmartin.com
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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
Martin's Website
connectwithmartin.com
Martin's Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-salama-cpc/
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
https://a.co/d/9MRCArV
 

Breaking Barriers: Effective Leadership in Diverse and Multi-Generational Workplaces

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Joshua Hart—conflict management expert and PR operations director—who shared his inspiring journey from overcoming a speech impediment to thriving in leadership. We dug into reframing negative narratives, breaking generational myths in the workplace, and the power of intentional communication. Joshua’s practical advice on handling disagreements, empowering teams, and embracing open dialogue is a must-hear for any leader ready to level up. Don’t miss these game-changing insights you can apply to your business today!
Resources
Josh’s Website: joshhartconsulting.com
Josh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joshuahartconsulting/
McCoy Leadership’s Website: https://mccoyleadership.com/

Navigating Trust in Education: Lessons from Dr. Toby Travis' Journey

Hey there, entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts! I'm Amos McCoy, and I just had an enlightening session with Dr. Toby Travis on the McCoy Leadership Podcast. We dove deep into the essence of trusted leadership and how it can revolutionize education and business alike. Dr. Travis shared his journey from Pennsylvania to impacting global education with his Trust Ed framework. We discussed the importance of trust, individualizing learning experiences, and how business leaders can partner with schools for a brighter future. Join us to transform leadership and shape our future workforce. Check out the episode on our website or LinkedIn!
 
Books
Trust Ed: The Bridge to School Improvement https://a.co/d/dDjB98W
Most Likely to Succeed https://a.co/d/bBm5GZd
 
Resources
Dr Travis’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtobytravis/
McCoy Leadership’s Website: https://mccoyleadership.com/

John F. Hillen: From Soldier to CEO to Strategy Expert

Welcome back to the McCoy Leadership Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep with John F. Hillen, an accomplished leader with an extraordinary career spanning military, business, and academia. John shares how strategic thinking is crucial for navigating an ever-changing world, highlighting its role as a mindset rather than just a plan.
He emphasizes the art of connecting diverse elements, staying adaptable, and the importance of strategic thinking at all levels. Whether you're in charge or just starting out, you'll learn how to position yourself and your organization for sustainable success.
Don't miss this insightful conversation! johnhillen.com
 
The Strategy Dialogues:
https://www.amazon.com/Strategy-Dialogues-Business-Strategic-Management/dp/3903386316/ref=asc_df_3903386316?mcid=99a5c126a49932d7b91920aacf279dfe&hvocijid=17040717259531209095-3903386316-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17040717259531209095&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9006691&hvtargid=pla-2281435177818&psc=1
linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhillen/
 

Brandon Barnum Shares Tips for Turning Networking into an Impactful Experience

Welcome to the McCoy Leadership Podcast! I'm Amos McCoy, and today we dove deep with the incredible Brandon Barnum, CEO of HOA.com.
Known as the king of referrals, Brandon shares his journey from single dad to a thriving entrepreneur, emphasizing the power of networking and mentorship in driving success. We discussed how to turn networking into a fun, strategic activity and the art of building genuine connections. Whether it's about visualizing your goals or leading with empathy, Brandon's insights are invaluable for every business leader. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and practical tips!
www.HOA.com
www.brandonbarnum.com
The One Minute Millionare:
https://www.amazon.com/One-Minute-Millionaire-Enlightened-Wealth/dp/0609609491?tag=googhydr-20&source=dsa&hvcampaign=books&gbraid=0AAAAA-byW6B2GGDMRU82Cx9_sxU5C6D9p&gclid=CjwKCAjwwqfABhBcEiwAZJjC3gU5XldpHm013h3I6p1A0-5YEfq1TddYHEaPJEPzrJCecI8bZy5ixBoCs_4QAvD_BwE
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonbarnum/