McCoy Leadership

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!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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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"
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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.
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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
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!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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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"
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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.
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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
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!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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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
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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!
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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
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!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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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
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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.
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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
Vladimir's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation 
Your Brain at Work

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rachel Edmondson Clark on Sustainable Leadership and High Performance

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with powerhouse leadership coach Rachel Edmondson Clark, who shared her personal story of overcoming burnout and the crucial lessons she learned along the way. We explored why rest is a prerequisite—not a reward—for high performance, how to notice the early warning signs of burnout, and practical steps leaders can take to thrive under pressure without burning out. If you’re a high achiever striving for impact, don’t miss these actionable insights for building sustainable success.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Leadership and Living with Purpose
06:42 Executives' Hidden Struggle with Overwhelm
07:56 Taking Mental Health Seriously
11:43 Mood, Motion, and Performance Enhancement
16:30 "Essential Self-Care for Leaders"
20:23 Overcommitting: The Go-Getter Trap
23:26 Performance Through Balance and Integration
27:18 Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability
28:36 "Enjoy the Journey, Seek Support"
35:09 Overworked and Overwhelmed Reflections
39:14 "Integrating Movement into Workdays"
40:39 Encouraging Outdoor Team Breaks
45:05 Rituals and Focus for Improvement
47:34 Improving Education for Future Graduates
50:48 "Revisiting the Major Oak"
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Here are three key takeaways for leaders everywhere:
Rest is a prerequisite, not a reward: Optimal leadership and high performance require proactive self-care—think sleep, nutrition, and movement—not as a treat after the work’s done, but as a non-negotiable foundation for doing your best work.
Burnout is predictable—and preventable: High-achievers are often most at risk. Pay attention to the small signals: declining social connection, less patience, or changes in daily routines. Early self-awareness, setting sustainable habits, and asking for help can prevent crisis moments.
Role model and integrate well-being at work: Honest conversations about energy and capacity aren’t a weakness—they create trust. Model healthy habits for your teams and encourage breaks, walks, and real work-life integration to boost collective performance.
As I shared on the episode, be the scientist of yourself: track your habits, experiment, and see what truly restores you. Our leadership impact is only as strong as the care we give to ourselves.
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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
Rachel's Website
Linkedin
Book Recommendation
The Greatest Salesman in the World
 

Supporting New Leaders: Practical Steps for Leadership Success with Dale Turnbull

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Dale Turnbull, creator of the seven positions of leadership, to unpack what separates great leaders from everyday managers. We explored why communication styles matter, how adaptability shapes effective leadership, and the challenges new leaders face when leveling up. Dale shared practical strategies for shifting from managing to true leadership and the importance of daily reflection—celebrating your wins and identifying one thing to improve. If you’re ready to enhance your leadership impact, don’t miss this insightful recap!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Transformative Leadership in Recruitment
05:38 Communication: Learned or Innate?
09:54 "Leadership Styles: Pros and Cons"
11:55 Transition to Leadership Challenges
16:34 Leadership Support and Assessment Tools
18:03 Effective Leadership Training Engagement Techniques
20:57 "Leading Without Clear Direction"
24:07 Teaching Flexible Critical Thinking
27:33 Breaking Stuckness Through Role Change
30:48 Daily Reflection: Positivity and Improvement
36:48 Subscribe for Episode Updates
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3 key takeaways for anyone navigating their own leadership journey:
Leadership is About Flexibility: Dale emphasizes that great leaders adapt their style as needed. Effective leadership isn’t about sticking rigidly to one approach—it’s about knowing when to step in, step back, or let others take the lead.
Communication is a Learned Skill: Contrary to popular belief, being a great communicator isn’t something you’re just born with. With self-awareness, practice, and the right tools, anyone can improve (and should keep improving!) how they connect with others.
Daily Reflection Builds Better Leaders: Dale shared a simple but powerful habit: at the end of each day, write down two things you did well and one thing you’d do differently. This helps build confidence, encourages growth, and keeps you moving forward.
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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
Dale's Website
LinkedIn
Book Recommendation

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Jen Hardy’s Journey from Education to Leadership Transformation

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, we dove deep with Jen Hardy, COO at MotiveAction Academy, all about transformation, burnout, and courageous leadership. Jen shared her personal journey from exhausted educator to championing self-mastery and resilience for high-stress professionals. We talked actionable tips on breaking the "yes syndrome," the power of pausing before you react, building emotional literacy, and why leadership today is all about communication and self-awareness. If you’re ready to elevate your impact as a leader and support those around you, this episode is packed with insight you can use right now.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Career Shift Through Self-Discovery
04:12 Overcoming Burnout: Choosing Change
10:24 Teacher Support Urgently Needed
12:31 Enhancing Classroom Leadership Skills
16:13 "Yes Syndrome Culture"
19:33 The Power of Choice
22:05 Avoiding Saying "No"
26:24 "Managing Stress in High-Stress Jobs"
29:40 Journey to Self-Leadership Basics
31:36 Rethinking Work-Life Balance Myths
34:18 Redefining Retirement and Self-Mastery
39:24 Neuroscience in Leadership Decision-Making
41:20 Driving Results Through Self-Leadership
46:19 "Take a Moment to Reflect"
51:14 "Communication: Foundation for Resilience"
53:24 ChatGPT: Lifesaver for Entrepreneurs
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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
Jen's website
Linkedin
Book Recommendation
Already Free

Transforming Managers into Leaders with Greg Kaiser of Management Mastery Solutions

Today on the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Greg Kaiser, founder of Management Mastery Solutions, to dive deep into what actually turns managers into great leaders. Greg shared his journey from the corporate mail room to executive ranks, and highlighted the crucial need for real training—especially in communication—to bridge the gap between managing and leading. We explored why complacency can stall growth, the importance of purpose-driven motivation, and practical frameworks to empower teams at every level. If you’re looking to elevate your leadership game or strengthen your management skills, you won’t want to miss these insights!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Leadership Insights with Greg Kaiser
04:37 Settling for Mediocrity in Hiring
07:26 Construction Industry Resilience: 2008 Downturn
11:49 Framework for Evaluating Management Success
15:43 Early Morning Office Routine
18:48 Effective Communication for Business Success
20:45 "Legacy Beyond Business Policies"
26:26 Management and Leadership Overlap
28:44 Leadership Focus and Congruence
30:56 "Prioritize Connection Over Communication"
36:15 "Rethinking Mentorship Approach"
37:42 "The Value of Personal Connection"
41:12 Rapid-Fire Questions for Guests
45:31 Embracing AI as Productivity Tool
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Here are my top 3 takeaways for managers and aspiring leaders:
🔹 Build a Foundation of Communication:Communication is the bridge between management and leadership. It’s not about grand speeches but about connecting strategy to daily operations and making sure your team understands their purpose and value.
🔹 Don’t Confuse Goals with Metrics:It’s easy to give teams lofty goals, but real progress comes from setting clear, measurable targets. Break down goals into actionable steps and regularly review what’s working (and what’s not).
🔹 Embrace Continuous Learning & Mentorship:No matter your experience, there’s always more to learn. Seek out mentors (inside or outside your organization), invest in your development, and share useful insights with your team to help everyone grow.
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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
Greg's website
Linkedin
Book Recommendation
The Effective Executive