McCoy Leadership

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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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

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.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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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
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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.
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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
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!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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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"
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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.
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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 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!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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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"
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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.
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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
Mary's Website
Mary's Podcast
Book Recomendation