McCoy Leadership

Bridging School and Industry: Preparing Students for Success with Dr. Cynthia Rapaido

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Cynthia Rapaido, a powerhouse in K-12 education and leadership. We talked about the challenges of transitioning from teaching students to leading adults, the game-changing role of mentorship, and how to define—and redefine—your personal “why” as you climb the ladder. Dr. Cynthia dropped insights on building inclusive, thriving school cultures and preparing students for real-world success, plus she shared wisdom from her new book, “Step Up Your School Leadership Game.” If you want actionable strategies to elevate your impact as a leader, this episode is packed with gold.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 "From Struggle to Teaching Passion"
05:12 Universal Value of Apprenticeships
08:50 Mentorship Toward Principalship Journey
11:16 "Discovering and Evolving Your Why"
17:16 Creating a Positive School Environment
18:58 Bridging Schools and Industry Needs
23:51 "Preparing Students for Opportunities"
28:07 "Should Everyone Be a Principal?"
29:33 "Choosing Leadership in Education"
33:23 "Rapid Fire Leadership Questions"
36:46 AI Advancements and Future Connections
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Here are my top 3 takeaways:
💡 Mentorship is Essential: Dr. Rapaido emphasized that real growth happens with strong mentorship—both from within your school and across your professional network. Don’t wait to be assigned a mentor; proactively seek out guidance to expand your perspective.
🧭 Your “Why” Will Evolve: Your motivation for leading will shift over time. Dr. Rapaido encourages leaders to regularly reassess their ‘why’—it’s not just about personal growth or compensation. Staying grounded in your purpose is key to navigating challenges and inspiring those you lead.
🚀 Hands-On Learning Trumps Theory: There’s no substitute for real-world experience. Whether it’s “student principling” or shadowing others, Dr. Rapaido recommends practical learning opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and day-to-day leadership realities.
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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
Cynthia's LinkedIn
Cynthia's Book
Book Recommendation
 

From Air Force to Admin Innovator: Molly Denham’s Lessons on Leadership and Adaptability

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Molly Denham—Air Force veteran, admin expert, and founder of Vexa Services and Vexa Software. Molly shared her inspiring journey from flipping slides on an overhead projector to leading executive support at the Pentagon and building her own tech company. We explored how admin professionals are true leaders and strategic partners in any organization, the power of adapting to change, and why communication is the secret sauce to success—especially in the virtual world. If you’re ready to level up your impact, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Administrative Career Progression Shifts
05:54 Adapting to Technological Progress
07:23 "Evolution of Administrative Tools"
13:16 "Admins as Strategic Leaders"
14:47 Admin Professionals as Office Leaders
21:14 Virtual vs. In-Person Roles
25:20 Virtual Communication Essential for Success
27:41 Miscommunication in Business Deals
30:32 Clarifying Executive Instructions
35:48 "Subscribe and Rate Us
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3 Key Takeaways:
Adaptability is Non-Negotiable: Technology, from the first workplace computers to AI, has never “replaced” great administrative professionals—instead, it’s those who adapt who remain valuable. “The environment will change and you either have to change with it or you will be replaced by somebody who does.”
Leadership Isn’t About Titles: Molly stressed that true leadership can come from any seat in an organization. Admin professionals act as a central point, often having a unique, influential perspective that can drive teams forward.
Communication is King—Especially Virtually: With remote work on the rise, Molly shared that the #1 reason virtual admin relationships fail is lack of clear, consistent communication. Setting expectations and maintaining regular check-ins is critical for success.
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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
Molly's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation

Leadership for Every Generation: Managing Up, Feedback, and Bridging Experience Gaps

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with executive coach John Little to talk all things leadership growth. John shared how his journey from sports and broadcasting to coaching taught him that practice and personal development never stop—no matter your career stage. We dug into overcoming limiting beliefs, building your leadership brand, and why accountability is truly the highest form of kindness. If you’re ready to level up your impact, remember: keep showing up, keep practicing, and never stop learning. For more insights, check out the full episode!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Leadership Journey Across Industries
04:42 "Leadership Lessons from Sports Struggles"
07:35 "Continual Learning for Lasting Success"
10:37 Preparing Teams for Success
14:26 Breaking Small Business Mindset Cycles
19:02 "Self-Branding for Leadership Success"
19:57 "Leaders: Connect as People"
25:04 Seek Clarity, Show Understanding
29:20 Bridging Generational Gaps at Work
31:17 Understanding Personal Perceptions
35:49 Navigating Difficult Conversations
39:51 "Accountability: Keys to Success"
43:08 AI Fashion Feedback for Gen X
44:06 "Rate and Explore More Episodes"
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Here are three key takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their leadership:
✅ Practice isn’t just for athletes or musicians—it’s critical for leaders, too. Ongoing self-development, whether through reading, feedback, or new challenges, is the key to sustainable success.
✅ Building strong teams starts with intentional onboarding and training. If your team isn’t performing, first look at the processes and preparation you’ve provided—not just the results.
✅ Your identity as a leader is your brand. You can (and should) evolve it! Consistency, vulnerability, and a growth mindset help you connect with your team and create a culture of accountability and continual improvement.
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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
John's website
LinkedIn
Leadership Confidence Assessment
Book Recommendations
1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently
Emotional Intelligence
 

From Farmhand to Finance: Mark Teague on Leadership and Timeless Values

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Mark Teague, who went from working on a Texas farm to leading teams in global finance. Mark shared how old-school values like honesty, hard work, and respect still unlock real results in today’s fast-paced business world—and why mastering both your technical craft and your character is non-negotiable. We talked about embracing change, the power of teamwork, and how choosing your North Star can guide you through any challenge. If you want actionable leadership wisdom rooted in timeless principles, this episode is a must-listen!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Timeless Principles Ensure Modern Success
03:18 Balancing Tradition with Modern Farming
08:29 Building a Business with Faith
10:11 Integrity Essential in Commerce
13:20 Barriers to Defining and Achieving Success
19:33 Leadership Principles Drive Change
21:32 Disconnecting: Reconnecting with Simplicity
25:51 "Do Something, Always"
28:10 "Future Leadership Complexity"
30:01 Unity Through Bill of Rights
34:13 Congruence Model: Alignment for Commitment
37:59 Honesty, Skills, and Character
41:12 Engage & Follow for Updates
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Here are 3 key takeaways that stood out:
🔹 Master Both Skill & Character: Success in any field means being a technical expert and bringing strong personal values to the table. If you lack in either area—skills or integrity—you’ll be exposed and held back. Aim to excel in both.
🔹 Don’t Fear Change—Embrace It: Whether you’re transitioning industries or adopting new technology, adaptability is crucial. Life is a series of problems to solve and change is inevitable. The willingness to evolve sets true leaders apart.
🔹 Anchor Yourself in Lasting Principles: In a fast-changing world, having a clear North Star—a foundation of values and purpose—is more essential than ever. Whether rooted in faith, mission, or personal conviction, commit to it boldly and let it guide your decisions and your teams.
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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
Mark's Website
LinkedIn
Mark's Book
Book Recommendation

Embracing Life’s Left Turns: Larry O'nan on Leadership, Stewardship, and Intentional Living

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we heard from Larry O'nan—a seasoned leader with over sixty years of experience in management, nonprofits, and fund development. Larry shared how his unexpected “left turns” in life became powerful opportunities for growth, and why embracing failure is essential to strong leadership. We also dived into the heart of intentional living and stewardship, discovering that true success comes from serving others and managing our resources with purpose. If you’re ready to lead with intention and find your “true north,” don’t miss this insightful conversation.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Unplanned Career Shifts and Growth
05:39 Embracing Unexpected Opportunities
07:56 Unexpected Career Shift
10:11 Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
16:37 Charity Motivation and Emotional Appeal
17:56 Stewardship Key to Fundraising Success
21:40 The Power of Giving and Asking
27:02 "Principles of Lifestyle Stewardship"
28:18 Degrees of Truth and Deception
31:37 "Life Isn't Disneyland"
35:19 "The Giver Needs to Give"
38:14 AI: A Blessing and a Curse
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Here are 3 key takeaways that resonated with me:
Embrace Unexpected Turns: Larry’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear. Many of our biggest growth moments come from those “left turns” in life—unexpected challenges that become opportunities for leadership and reinvention.
Intentional Living & Stewardship: True stewardship is about managing resources—skills, time, money—on behalf of something bigger than ourselves. Larry emphasizes that intentionality, rather than just technique, is what drives lasting impact in both leadership and fund development.
The Importance of Flexibility & Team Ownership: As leaders, fostering adaptability and empowering your team to take ownership creates environments where both people and projects thrive. Larry’s approach of “managing by wandering around” shows that being present and attentive to your team’s real-time experiences fosters stronger results.
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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
Larry's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation

From Marine Corps to Microsoft: Chad E. Cooper on Legendary Leadership and Lasting Impact

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Chad E. Cooper—former Marine, Microsoft retiree at just 35, and high-level leadership coach. We dove deep into why values-driven leadership trumps just chasing tools and hacks, and why clarity, alignment, and resourcefulness are true keys to lasting success. Chad shared how the SERVE method reshapes leaders, and inspired us to let go of victim mindsets, adapt to new environments, and relentlessly pursue a legendary life. If you’re ready to level up your leadership and create real impact, this episode is a must-listen!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Marine Corps: A Value-Based Organization
04:01 "Navigating Life's Journey"
08:50 Decline of Malls and Map Reading
10:19 Adapting Military Leadership to Civilian Sector
14:41 Resourcefulness Drives Consistent Success
19:30 Changing the Conversation on Privilege
22:52 "Leadership Through Transformative Language"
24:00 "Aligning Purpose with Self-Talk"
28:57 "Feeding the Right Wolf"
30:33 "Prioritize Time for Impact"
35:55 "Revamp Curriculum: Focus on Outcomes"
38:52 "Surgical Tech Use with AI"
39:56 Follow & Subscribe for Updates
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Here are my top 3 takeaways for fellow leaders and professionals:
Start with Self-Awareness: You can’t lead effectively without knowing where you are, where you’re headed, and who’s coming with you. Take a step back—get clear on your map before you start collecting tools for the journey.
Adapt Your Tools to Your Environment: What works in one organization (or season of life) won’t always work in another. The best leaders regularly reassess their approach and let go of what no longer fits.
Resourcefulness > Resources: Whether it’s running a plant or leading a global team, your capacity to find solutions (not just the “right” answer) is a game-changer. Embrace challenges as an opportunity to show creativity and grit.
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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
Chad's website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation
 

Creating Careers, Not Just Jobs: Leadership Development in the Trades

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, we dove into the art of closing the leadership gap in the trades with Traci Austin, an expert in HR and talent strategy. Traci shared how mentorship, strong onboarding, and creating clear career pathways are essential for retention and building leaders from within. We explored how exposing young people early to trade opportunities, aligning company culture, and challenging outdated mindsets can help solve the workforce shortage in construction. If you’re ready to elevate your impact and rethink your leadership approach, this episode is a must-listen!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Mentorship and Diverse Career Paths
05:34 Promoting Trades as Career Paths
09:13 Calculating Employee Turnover Costs
10:56 Recruiting Challenges and Company Culture
19:09 Construction Contract Education Needs
21:35 Concrete Industry Hiring Insights
24:55 Future Workforce Development Episode?
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Here are my top 3 takeaways:
Retention is the Real Game-Changer: With hiring expensive and the talent pool shrinking, investing in retention and building a strong culture is more important than ever. Traci emphasized the necessity of mentorship, talent pathways, and ongoing development to keep great people engaged and growing within your organization.
Expose Youth to Career Options Early: Creating opportunities for middle and high school students to experience trades firsthand—and see what’s possible—makes a big difference. Traci shared how community engagement and hands-on exposure help reinforce that the trades offer not just jobs, but meaningful, long-term careers.
Mindset Makes All the Difference: Leaders can’t just accept high turnover and talent shortages as inevitable. Traci challenged organizations to shift their mindset—think creatively about internal career paths, training, and flexibility to meet both business needs and evolving employee expectations.
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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
Traci's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation

Creating Impactful Workplaces: Alicia Faricelli Reveals the Power of Authentic Leadership

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with emotional intelligence expert Alicia Faricelli, and we dove deep into how leaders can unlock self-awareness, resilience, and authentic impact. From managing stress and breaking out of fight-or-flight patterns, to transforming scarcity mindsets and building stronger teams, Alicia shared actionable tips you can implement right now. If you’re ready to stop fighting for your piece of the pie and start leading with intention and emotional intelligence, you’ll want to tune in to this episode!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Entrepreneur Coaching for Emotional Intelligence
03:21 Emotional Intelligence in Tough Industries
08:51 Disconnect for Happiness and Balance
10:04 Morning Routine for Balanced Work-Life
13:53 "Believing in Others' Potential"
18:59 "Serve Others for True Fulfillment"
22:24 "Receiving by Giving: Client Challenges"
24:06 Optimizing Hiring Processes
28:40 Align Personal and Business Vision
30:45 Defining Entrepreneurial Purpose
34:38 Embracing Change: A Healthy Approach
38:09 "Recommended Entrepreneur Book: Traction"
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Here are 3 takeaways every business leader should consider:
Emotional Intelligence Starts with the Nervous System: Alicia emphasizes that real emotional intelligence is rooted in a regulated nervous system. When leaders manage their stress and emotional responses, it ripples out—impacting productivity, relationships, and overall organizational culture.
Service Over Scarcity: The urge to “fight for your slice” is often rooted in scarcity mindsets passed down generationally. Alicia’s advice? Shift from a competitive to a service-driven approach—focus on how you can help others, and watch abundance return.
Hiring for Attitude Over Skills: Skills can be taught. Emotional intelligence, willingness to learn, and alignment with your mission are harder to cultivate. Look for energy, engagement, and adaptability when bringing people onto your team.
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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
Alicia's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation