McCoy Leadership

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building a Purpose-Driven Life with Kirk McCarley

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Kirk McCarley—the Seed Sower Coach—to dive into the realities of work-life balance, leadership, and personal growth. Kirk shared how decades in HR shaped his passion for helping others break limiting beliefs, find clarity in their values, and move past fear and self-doubt. We talked about the changing face of workplace culture, the importance of relationships, and why defining your personal mission is crucial for lasting success. If you’re feeling stuck or searching for deeper impact, this episode is packed with wisdom you don’t want to miss.
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 McCoy Leadership Podcast: Kirk McCarley
04:37 Overlooking Rest and Leisure
06:51 Evolving Workplace Connectivity Challenges
13:47 Build Relationships Through Intentional Listening
16:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Coaching
20:00 Personal Branding and Strategy Development
24:25 Mission Statements: Anchor in Tough Times
29:05 Mrs. Clark's Resilient Life
30:19 Cherish Time Over Possessions
36:16 "Age Doesn't Define Success"
39:30 "Parenting Patience: A Success Story"
42:53 Zoom Life: Adopting Remote Work
------
Here are 3 key takeaways every professional should consider:
⭐️ Build Genuine Relationships: Kirk emphasized that real impact starts with intentional listening and relationship-building. Whether you’re leading a team or seeking career growth, take the time to truly understand and connect with others.
⭐️ Move Beyond Limiting Beliefs: Many of us struggle with imposter syndrome or doubts about what’s possible. Kirk’s advice? Identify your unique strengths, revisit your core values, and take action, even if the first step is small. Momentum is a powerful ally!
⭐️ Redefine Success & Balance: Providing for your family or team isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s about time, wisdom, and shared experiences. Kirk highlighted the importance of rest, reflection, and personal alignment to avoid burnout and model true leadership.
------
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.
------
Links
Kirk's Website
LinkedIn
Kirk's Book
Book Reccomendation

Aligning Values and Vision: Wendy Brand’s Six Pillars of a Thriving Organization

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Wendy Brand, a true expert in culture transformation with over 25 years in leadership roles. Wendy shared powerful insights on aligning company values, preventing burnout, and building intentional cultures where your team can truly thrive. If you’re serious about elevating your business and want to see 4x the results, start focusing on your organization’s culture today. Catch the full episode to learn about Wendy’s Thrive Framework and unlock the secrets to lasting employee engagement and retention!
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 Career Journey: Leadership and Transformation
03:08 Aligning Values in Sales Training
09:29 Understanding Stress and Health Impact
13:08 "Burnout, Recovery, and Giving Back"
16:51 Aligning Employee and Organizational Values
19:22 Addressing Career Growth & Recognition
21:31 Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection
27:32 "Enhancing Retention Through Alignment"
31:02 Leveraging AI for Business Culture
32:21 Align Jobs with Personal Mission
36:01 "Support & Stay Updated"
------
Here are my 3 key takeaways:
Intentional Culture is Everything: Culture isn’t “one size fits all”—what feels toxic for one may be energizing for another. The key is intentionality: clearly define and communicate values so employees can know if it’s the right fit for them.
Preventing Burnout is a Shared Responsibility: Burnout doesn’t just happen because of individual overwork. According to Wendy, organizations play a crucial role—and mismatches in values, workload, control, reward, community, and fairness can all contribute. Leaders have real power to make a difference.
The Power of Listening: Responsive listening (not just surveying employees, but following up and acting with transparency on feedback) is an underutilized leadership superpower. People want to feel heard and valued—it’s foundational for retention and performance.
------
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.
------
Links
Wendy's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation
Good to Great
 

Building Accountability and Discipline in Leadership: Insights from Mary Kelly

If you want to level up your leadership game, this episode is a must-listen. We sit down with Mary Kelly—leadership expert, economist, and bestselling author—to talk about the transition from military to business, why discipline and clarity are critical, and how to hold yourself truly accountable. Mary shares practical tools for planners, crisis management, and supporting your team in today’s fast-changing world. If you want actionable strategies to boost your productivity and help your people thrive, you’ll love this conversation—check out the full episode now!
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 "Leadership Insights with Mary Kelly"
06:01 Monthly Goal-Setting for OCD Enthusiasts
07:27 Monthly Reflection and Learning
11:16 Boundaries and Workplace Sensitivity
15:30 Navigating Leadership and Personal Boundaries
17:17 Navigating Uncertainty with Short-term Solutions
22:20 Military Crisis Management & Burnout
26:27 Navigating Young Adult Challenges
28:44 Embrace Risk, Diminish Fear
32:08 Return to Office and AI Future
35:57 Tariffs as Leverage Maneuver
38:04 Surging Living Expenses Concerns
41:48 Impending Job Market Shift
45:25 Optimism About AI and Labor
46:49 AI, Privacy, and Workforce Transition
50:03 Advice for Future Leaders
53:59 "Follow & Explore Past Episodes"
------
Here are 3 key takeaways from Mary’s conversation with Amos McCoy and Pete Mohr:
🔹 Discipline Drives SuccessMary attributes much of her post-military success to relentless daily discipline—using productivity sheets every single day to clarify goals, calls, and priorities. Creating and consistently following through on your plan is what separates success from stagnation.
🔹 Accountability Starts with SystemsShe shared her 12-Month Business Success & Accountability Planner, a simple and powerful tool to map monthly goals, identify priorities, and foster growth conversations within teams. Systematic tracking—with built-in reflection—boosts both personal and organizational accountability.
🔹 Leading People Means Knowing PeopleDespite military stereotypes, Mary revealed that strong leadership—especially in the Navy—means truly understanding your team as whole people. At work, ask about goals, support personal challenges, and offer development resources—because people stay when they feel seen and supported.
------
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.
------
Links
Mary's Website
Mary's Podcast
Book Recomendation
 

From Medicine to Executive Coaching: Carlos Davidovich on Adaptability and Attitude

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Carlos Davidovich—a medical doctor turned executive coach and TEDx speaker. We explored how embracing change, developing grit, and mastering your mindset are the keys to effective leadership. Carlos explained the science behind moving out of your comfort zone, how attitude multiplies your impact, and why knowing how your brain reacts under pressure can give you and your team a true advantage. If you want to elevate your leadership and unlock the potential within yourself and others, this episode is a must-listen.
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 Embrace Flexibility and Awareness
04:33 "Why We Delay Reinvention"
08:49 Attitude: The Ultimate Multiplier
10:50 Accept Life's Emotional Cycles
14:08 "Stop Playing the Victim"
19:38 Leader Manipulation Dynamics
23:24 Neuroscience Misconceptions in Leadership
27:31 Failure: From Impossible to Essential
30:56 Leadership vs. Management Realization
34:43 Preparedness Reduces Stress
37:48 Understanding Body's Energy Cycles
39:28 "Boost Productivity with Work-Rest Cycles"
42:41 Brain Energy Conservation Explained
48:34 Advice for School Administrators
50:19 AI: Efficient Information Organizer
------
Here are 3 key takeaways for leaders and professionals looking to elevate their impact:
🔹 Attitude > Skillset: Your abilities and education matter, but Carlos emphasized that it’s your attitude — your determination, grit, and willingness to push forward — that truly takes you to the next level.
🔹 Embracing the Pendulum: Life and leadership aren’t about permanently maintaining a “positive” state. We all swing between highs and lows. The wisdom lies in recognizing when you’ve drifted and learning how to return to your center quickly.
🔹 Lead Your Inner Team First: Effective leaders start by understanding and managing their own internal narratives. Reptilian instincts, emotions, logic, intuition — knowing which part of your brain is running the show in stressful moments can change everything.
------
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.
------
Links
Carlos' Website
LinkedIn
Carlos's Book
 

Building Trust and Collaboration for Smarter Leadership Decisions with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I dive into powerful decision-making with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn—award-winning investigative journalist turned author and creator of the AREA Method. Cheryl breaks down why understanding your own and others’ decision-making profiles is the secret to better business and stronger teams. We explore how leaders can foster more open, collaborative environments, and Cheryl shares actionable strategies to expand your judgment while countering biases. If you want to elevate your leadership and make smarter choices, you don’t want to miss these insights!
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 Investigative Journalism and Cognitive Biases
03:11 "Developing the Area Method"
07:45 Collaborative Decision-Making in Leadership
12:07 Adventurer vs. Detective Decision-Makers
14:47 "Understanding Decision-Making Profiles"
18:31 "Vision of Success Exploration"
21:32 Decision-Making: Fluidity vs. Commitment
26:06 Embrace Discomfort for Growth
29:12 Structured Decision-Making System
34:22 "AI's Role in Decision Making"
37:49 Key Skill for Future Leaders
39:36 "The Art of Learning's Value"
------
Here are 3 key takeaways for leaders and decision-makers:
🔹 Decision Making is a Skill, Not an Instinct: Cheryl’s AREA Method shows that good decisions require structure and reflection—not just gut instinct. She advocates explicitly defining your “vision of success” before diving into any choice.
🔹 Understanding Different Decision-Making Styles Accelerates Trust: Cheryl introduced five “problem solver profiles”—Adventurer, Detective, Listener, Thinker, and Visionary—emphasizing that recognizing these profiles in yourself and others helps foster better collaboration and communication.
🔹 Decision Making is Iterative, Not Linear: Circumstances change (think: pandemic pivots!). Cheryl advises us to keep feedback loops open, update our assumptions, and learn from past choices using tools like decision journals to continually improve our judgment.
------
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.
------
Links
Cheryl's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation

From Restaurant Exec to Marathon Runner: Ed Daugherty on Leadership, Feedback, and Persistence

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Ed Doherty—restaurant executive turned leadership consultant and author. We dove into his journey from leading massive teams in the restaurant industry to running nonprofits and writing his new book, Observations at the Speed of Life. Ed shared hard-won lessons on resourcefulness, persistence, the power of accountability, and why feedback is the ultimate leadership accelerator. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, Ed’s wisdom on mentorship and self-awareness will help you elevate your impact. Don’t miss it!
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 "Ed Doherty's Leadership Insights"
04:27 Reallocating Resources for Savings
07:26 Running for Charity: Self-Leadership Insights
10:44 Running Insights Shaping Leadership Business
16:14 Building Credibility for Goal-Setting
20:38 "Importance of Feedback in Career"
22:56 Navigating Feedback: Permission and Acceptance
28:22 Wednesday Blog Collection
29:26 "Aisle Seats and Unexpected Friendship"
35:42 "Key Skill for Student Success"
38:00 "Mastering Time Management Since 1974"
41:20 "Follow and Stay Updated"
------
Here are 3 takeaways leaders at every level can put into practice:
Seek Feedback Relentlessly: Ed emphasizes that “feedback is a gift.” Whether you’re new to leadership or a seasoned exec, embracing input (even when it stings) accelerates personal and professional growth. Don’t shy away from feedback—invite it and get comfortable acting on it.
Create Accountability with Your Goals: One of Ed’s secrets to persistence? He made his marathon goal public—creating external accountability. Sharing your ambitions with others makes you more likely to follow through and sets the stage for greatness over “good enough.”
Mentorship Is Non-Negotiable: Ed’s advice is clear—if you don’t have mentors, get them, and don’t pay for the privilege! The wisdom, support, and validation that mentors offer are invaluable, and learning from their experiences can save years of trial and error.
------
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.
------
Links
LinkedIn
Ed's Book
Book Recommendation

Elevating Leadership and Routines: Insights from Michael Klassen and the 5am Podcast

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Michael Klassen, veteran broadcast producer and host of the 5am Podcast. Michael shared how his journey in media shaped his ability to build strong teams, the importance of routines and rest for high performers, and the power of being intentional with your mornings. Whether you’re leading a boardroom, launching your own business, or striving to find balance in your busy life, Michael’s insights on preparation, refreshing others, and prioritizing your team’s wellbeing will leave you inspired to elevate your impact. Don’t miss this episode—tune in now!
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 Behind the Camera Success
04:35 "Learning Organization from Necessity"
07:50 "Naps Boost Brain and Body"
10:59 "Early Riser's Morning Routine"
13:41 Time Management Rituals
19:52 Valuing Team Members' Well-being
22:42 Continuous Learning for Leaders
24:40 Evaluating Daily Success and Priorities
29:37 "Leadership Insights from Four Hour Body"
33:03 Intentional Sabbath Planning Needed
35:28 Work-Life Balance Warning
40:16 Advice for Future Leaders
42:46 Automatic Intelligence Approach
------
Here are my top 3 takeaways that every leader and entrepreneur can use right away:
🔸 Preparation Meets OpportunitySuccess often looks like “luck” from the outside, but Michael emphasized that it’s about being organized, disciplined, and ready when opportunity knocks. “If we don't plan, we plan to fail.”
🔸 Refresh Others, Refresh YourselfBuilding a culture of encouragement is vital—whether you lead a boardroom or a podcast community. Michael’s mission with the 5am Podcast is to be a "purveyor of hope" and to uplift others, drawing on the belief that by refreshing others, we are refreshed ourselves.
🔸 Rest Is a Leadership DisciplineHigh-performing professionals need rest as much as effort. Michael discussed the importance of intentionally scheduling a true Sabbath—however it fits your life and business. Consistent rest sustains both personal health and effective leadership.
Listen to this episode if you want to rethink your approach to routines, inspiration, and leading with purpose. And check out Michael’s latest projects at fiveampodcast.com—especially his upcoming Smart Goal & Vision Journal!
------
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.
------
Links
Michael's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation
Bible

Innovation, Motivation, and Team Alignment: Insights from Vladimir Baranov

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Vladimir Baranov—a tech founder who’s navigated the worlds of fintech, aerospace, and now, coaching. Vladimir shares the lessons he’s learned on maximizing impact, why communication is the key to team success, and the importance of building context and alignment as companies grow. Whether you’re launching a startup or leading a team, Vladimir’s advice on embracing discomfort, prioritizing your first sale, and investing in human connections is a game-changer. Don’t miss these practical insights for leaders and entrepreneurs ready to level up!
------
Download your free episode guide here!
------
00:00 Finding My Pivot Point
03:32 From Space Dreams to Coaching Reality
07:27 Financial Industry Team Motivation Differences
12:46 Mitigating Miscommunication via Self-Awareness
16:12 Understanding Communication through Context
17:36 Align Team with Business Needs
23:25 Strategic Planning in Startups
25:40 Startup Financial Challenges Guidance
30:23 "Overcoming Entrepreneurial Discomfort"
31:24 Embrace Beginner's Mindset
36:50 Mastering Conversations with Strangers
38:17 Wallet Tracker for Quick Finds
------
Here are my top 3 takeaways for anyone navigating leadership, startups, or personal growth:
🔹 Sell Before You Build:As a founder or innovator, de-risk your journey by securing your first sale before focusing on product development. Don’t default to what you do best—step outside your comfort zone, talk to customers, and validate the demand. (You’ll thank yourself later!)
🔹 Communication ≠ Connection:It’s one thing to keep information flowing on a team, but genuine connection comes from learning each other’s contexts. Leaders who get to know their team members’ unique backgrounds build greater trust and alignment, boosting performance and resilience.
🔹 Embrace the Beginner’s Mind:No matter how skilled you are, starting something new—especially sales or marketing—means embracing discomfort and giving yourself permission to be a novice. Growth happens when you push through that learning curve and stay kind to yourself along the way.
If these insights resonate—or you’re facing your own leadership or founder roadblocks—tune in to the latest episode or grab a free coaching session at Human Interfaces Co/podcast.
------
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.
------
Links
Vladimir's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation 
Your Brain at Work