Best Servant Leadership Principles Podcasts (2025)

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The 4 Critical Skills That Took This CEO 35 Years to Finally Learn | Terry Dunn - E28 1:16:42

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4d ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Dusty is joined by Terry Dunn—seasoned CEO and global business leader—for a conversation about trading the demands of the boardroom for the deeper purpose of helping leaders lead better. After 35 years building teams in more than 30 countries and steering companies through transformation and turnaround, Terry now dedicates his work to guiding execu…

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The 7 Rules of Engagement That Eliminate 80% Of Leadership Frustrations - E27 30:36

5d ago30:36

30:36

Dusty goes solo to unpack one of the most frustrating questions in leadership—why don’t people just do what they’re supposed to do? After nearly three decades leading teams, he’s learned it’s almost never an execution problem—it’s a clarity problem. In this episode, Dusty shares his Rules of Engagement framework, a simple but powerful tool that tra…

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Clinical Psychologist on Breaking the “Do-It-All” Mindset to Avoid Burnout | Dr. Lani Jones - E26 51:24

11d ago51:24

51:24

Dusty is joined by Dr. Lani Jones—clinical psychologist, executive advisor, and entrepreneur—for a conversation about walking away from the security of a children’s hospital career to build a life and business on her own terms. Lani shares how burnout in the healthcare system forced her to confront the difference between loving her work and losing …

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Stuck in a Safe Job That Drains You? How This Entrepreneur Turned a Crazy Idea Into a 6-Figure Business | Jason VanDevere - E25 53:58

18d ago53:58

53:58

Dusty is joined by Jason VanDevere—entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Goal Crazy Planner—for a conversation about trading the security of a fourth-generation family car dealership for the uncertainty of chasing a dream. Jason shares how his search for a tool to align daily habits with big-picture goals sparked the idea for his planner, eventu…

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Are You Playing to Win, or to Not Lose? 21:52

18d ago21:52

21:52

Have you ever worked in a place where people seemed more focused on not making mistakes than on actually pursuing excellence? It’s a culture where "playing it safe" becomes the unwritten rule. This episode was sparked by a powerful quote from Mark Goulston's book, "Just Listen," that perfectly captures this dynamic. We use that one idea as a launch…

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Two Tough Moments Every Leader Needs to Experience - E24 13:49

19d ago13:49

13:49

Dusty takes us deep into the defining “keystone moments” that shape who we are as leaders. From overcoming setbacks and defying expectations to standing firm in the face of doubt, he reveals how challenges become the very building blocks of strength, resilience, and clarity. With powerful personal stories and timeless lessons, this episode shows th…

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Trailer 2:10

18d ago2:10

2:10

By Jason Edwards

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How NBA Coach, Bill Foran, Used These Leadership Fundamentals to Build 4 Championship Teams | Bill Foran - E23 53:31

25d ago53:31

53:31

Dusty is joined by Bill Foran—the NBA’s longest-tenured strength and conditioning coach—for a conversation about the lessons behind four decades of building champions with the Miami Heat. Bill shares his unlikely path from small-town PE teacher to coaching legends like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, revealing how a love for developing athletes—not j…

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Five Questions That Transform Disengaged Teams Into Purpose-Driven High Performers - E22 21:06

1M ago21:06

21:06

Get the 5 Keystone Questions for free: https://5keystones.com/ Dusty goes solo to reveal the five keystone questions that separate transactional, clock-in teams from purpose-driven missionaries who bring their best every day. Through personal stories—including his early leadership challenges in the auto repair industry—he shows how answering these …

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Why Strong Marriages Create Stronger Leaders | Tony DiLorenzo - E21 50:58

1M ago50:58

50:58

Dusty is joined by Tony DiLorenzo—entrepreneur, podcaster, and co-creator of the One Extraordinary Marriage Show—for a conversation about how building stronger marriages makes us better leaders. Tony shares his unexpected journey from aspiring pro cyclist to marriage coach, opening up about the struggles he and his wife Elisa faced in their own rel…

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Our Most Powerful Leadership Lesson May Have Been Learned in Kindergarten - E20 15:46

2M ago15:46

15:46

Dusty goes solo to reveal a leadership superpower most of us learned at age four—connecting the dots. Through the story of his first leadership position, he shows how clarity of vision transforms everyday tasks from transactional work into meaningful contribution. Leaders who fail to connect the dots breed silos, waste, and disengagement, while tho…

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How a Homeless Woman Became This CEO's Greatest Leadership Teacher | Amanda Byrd - E19 49:44

2M ago49:44

49:44

Dusty is joined by Amanda Byrd, sales executive turned chaplain, coach, and founder, for a conversation about how compassion and courage can reshape not only our careers but our lives. Dusty traces Amanda’s journey from a pivotal act of kindness outside an emergency room to years spent serving in hospitals and hospice care, where she learned the tr…

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Episode 99 — Flow Optimization: Using Metrics to Improve Throughput 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

This episode concludes the series by exploring flow optimization as the capstone of agile delivery. Learners discover how metrics such as cycle time, throughput, and flow efficiency reveal opportunities to improve performance. The session emphasizes that optimization is about increasing finished value per unit of time without sacrificing quality. E…

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Episode 98 — Team Interfaces: Shielding the Team from Interruptions 31:35

2M ago31:35

31:35

This episode explores how teams manage interfaces with stakeholders and the broader organization to protect focus and flow. Learners examine practices such as designated product owners, communication protocols, and boundary-setting. The session emphasizes that shielding does not mean isolation but ensuring that input flows through the right channel…

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Episode 97 — WIP Limits: Constraining Work at Every Level 33:26

2M ago33:26

33:26

This episode introduces the concept of work-in-progress (WIP) limits as a tool for improving flow and reducing multitasking. Learners discover how limiting concurrent work prevents bottlenecks, shortens cycle time, and improves predictability. The session explains that WIP limits apply at multiple levels, from individual contributors to teams and p…

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Episode 96 — Collaboration: Strengthening Customer–Team Interaction 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

This episode reviews how collaboration between customers and teams sustains alignment and value delivery. Learners explore practices such as joint backlog refinement, co-creation workshops, and regular demos. The session highlights that collaboration reduces misunderstandings, builds trust, and accelerates learning. Examples show how PMI exam scena…

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Episode 95 — Acceptance: Validating Deliverables Against Criteria 32:25

2M ago32:25

32:25

This episode highlights the role of acceptance in confirming that deliverables meet defined criteria. Learners explore how clear acceptance criteria guide development, testing, and validation. The discussion emphasizes that acceptance ensures both quality and alignment with stakeholder expectations. Examples illustrate PMI exam scenarios where inco…

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Episode 94 — Customer Analysis: Identifying Users and Needs 32:59

2M ago32:59

32:59

This episode explores how agile teams perform customer analysis to ensure products address the right problems. Learners examine techniques such as interviews, personas, and journey mapping to identify user groups and their needs. The session emphasizes that customer analysis is not a one-time task but an ongoing process as markets and users evolve.…

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Episode 93 — Effectiveness: Evaluating Process Changes 32:57

2M ago32:57

32:57

This episode reviews how agile teams evaluate the effectiveness of process changes after implementation. Learners are introduced to methods such as pilot testing, A/B comparisons, and retrospective reviews to determine whether improvements achieved their intended outcomes. The session emphasizes that evaluation is essential to refining practices an…

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Episode 92 — Implementation: Executing Improvement Actions 31:17

2M ago31:17

31:17

This episode focuses on how agile teams translate improvement insights into concrete actions. Learners explore how to plan, prioritize, and execute changes within the flow of delivery. The discussion emphasizes embedding improvements in the backlog, assigning ownership, and measuring impact. Examples highlight PMI exam scenarios where improvements …

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Episode 91 — Evidence-Driven Improvement: Metrics and Feedback 34:34

2M ago34:34

34:34

This episode emphasizes the role of evidence in guiding continuous improvement. Learners discover how teams use metrics such as throughput, cycle time, and defect rates alongside stakeholder feedback to inform changes. The session explains that improvement should be anchored in data, not opinions, ensuring credibility and accountability. Examples i…

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Episode 90 — Iteration: Repeating Identification and Reduction Cycles 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

This episode emphasizes how iteration sustains continuous improvement. Learners discover how repeating cycles of waste identification, reduction, and reassessment ensures that improvements compound over time. The discussion explains that iteration is not limited to product development but also applies to processes and practices. Examples illustrate…

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Episode 89 — Waste Reduction: Prioritizing and Executing Improvements 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

This episode builds on waste detection by focusing on reduction strategies. Learners explore how to prioritize which wastes to eliminate first, based on impact and feasibility. The discussion emphasizes incremental execution of improvements to avoid overwhelming the team. Examples highlight PMI exam scenarios where waste persists because teams fail…

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Episode 88 — Waste Detection: Metrics, Tools, and Feedback Loops 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

This session examines how agile teams detect waste that slows value delivery. Learners explore categories of waste, such as handoffs, waiting, rework, and overproduction, and how tools like cumulative flow diagrams reveal inefficiencies. Feedback loops are emphasized as critical to identifying and reducing waste. Examples show how PMI exam scenario…

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Episode 87 — Value Stream: Visualizing End-to-End Flow 32:19

2M ago32:19

32:19

This episode introduces the concept of value streams, which map the flow of value from customer request to delivery. Learners explore how visualizing value streams reveals bottlenecks, handoffs, and delays that constrain throughput. The session emphasizes that understanding flow end-to-end enables teams to focus on systemic improvement. Examples hi…

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Episode 86 — Learning Loops: Preventing Recurrence with Lessons Learned 31:57

2M ago31:57

31:57

This session highlights how agile teams use learning loops to prevent recurrence of issues and embed knowledge into practice. Learners are introduced to methods such as after-action reviews, root cause follow-ups, and retrospective-driven experiments. The emphasis is on turning lessons into sustainable improvements. Examples show how PMI exam scena…

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Episode 85 — Monitoring and Control: Tracking Risks and Impediments 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

This episode focuses on how agile teams monitor and control risks and impediments once they are identified. Learners explore techniques such as risk boards, burndown charts, and regular reviews to track exposure and progress. The emphasis is on visibility, ownership, and adaptation. Examples show how PMI exam scenarios may present risks that disapp…

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Episode 84 — Prioritization: Sequencing Mitigation and Removal Work 32:40

2M ago32:40

32:40

This session dives into prioritizing work related to risk mitigation and impediment removal. Learners explore how to balance delivery of features with the necessity of addressing items that threaten flow and quality. The discussion emphasizes that prioritization must account for both value creation and risk reduction. Examples highlight PMI exam sc…

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Episode 83 — Team Engagement: Co-Creating the Best Course of Action 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

This episode explores how agile leaders engage teams by involving them directly in problem-solving and decision-making. Candidates learn how co-creation builds ownership, improves motivation, and strengthens outcomes. The discussion highlights practices such as collaborative workshops, consensus-building, and shared prioritization. Examples show ho…

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Episode 82 — Risk and Impediment Identification: Proactive Discovery 30:34

2M ago30:34

30:34

This session highlights the importance of identifying risks and impediments early before they escalate into major issues. Learners explore proactive techniques such as risk workshops, backlog reviews, and daily standups to surface concerns quickly. The episode explains how agile favors prevention and early discovery over reactive crisis management.…

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Episode 81 — Data-Driven Decisions: Using Metrics to Guide Action 30:20

2M ago30:20

30:20

This episode explores how agile teams move from intuition to evidence by making data-driven decisions. Learners discover how metrics such as lead time, cycle time, and customer satisfaction can inform prioritization, process changes, and risk management. The discussion emphasizes that data supports transparency, enabling teams to defend their choic…

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Episode 80 — Metric Review: Analyzing Trends and Variance 29:58

2M ago29:58

29:58

This episode highlights the importance of reviewing metrics regularly to analyze trends and variance. Learners discover how examining data over time reveals patterns that guide improvement. The session emphasizes that reviewing metrics is not about chasing numbers but about using evidence to drive better decisions. Examples show how PMI exam scenar…

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Episode 79 — Metric Radiation: Making Measures Visible and Useful 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

This episode reviews the concept of metric radiation, which ensures that measures are not hidden but made visible to everyone. Learners explore practices such as dashboards, information radiators, and physical or digital boards that display performance data openly. The goal is to make metrics accessible and actionable. Examples illustrate how PMI e…

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Episode 78 — Metrics Selection: Choosing Measures for Each Audience 29:08

2M ago29:08

29:08

This session explores how teams select appropriate metrics to guide decisions and demonstrate progress. Learners discover that different audiences—teams, product owners, executives—require different metrics to meet their needs. The discussion emphasizes that one-size-fits-all measurement undermines alignment and clarity. Examples highlight PMI exam…

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Episode 77 — Stakeholder Feedback: Routine Collection and Incorporation 31:07

2M ago31:07

31:07

This episode explains how agile teams build stakeholder feedback into the rhythm of delivery. Learners are introduced to practices such as sprint reviews, demos, and ongoing conversations that ensure stakeholders are part of the process. The emphasis is on making feedback routine rather than occasional. Examples illustrate PMI exam scenarios where …

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Episode 76 — Small Batches: Delivering in Thin, Testable Slices 29:32

2M ago29:32

29:32

This session reviews the agile practice of delivering work in small batches to reduce risk, increase feedback, and improve flow. Learners discover how small batches make problems visible earlier and create opportunities for rapid adjustment. The episode emphasizes that delivering in thin slices improves adaptability and stakeholder confidence. Exam…

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Episode 75 — Customer Satisfaction: Evaluating Experience and Outcomes 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

This episode explores customer satisfaction as the ultimate measure of agile success. Learners discover how to evaluate satisfaction through direct feedback, usage patterns, and outcome-based measures. The discussion emphasizes that delivering increments is not enough if customers do not find them valuable. Examples show how PMI exam questions may …

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Episode 74 — Domain 4 Delivery: Overview 28:44

2M ago28:44

28:44

This episode introduces the fourth PMI-ACP domain, Delivery, which focuses on executing increments effectively and ensuring value flows through the system. Learners gain an overview of the domain’s scope, including practices such as batching, feedback, metrics, and impediment management. The session also clarifies how this domain is weighted on the…

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Episode 73 — Results Validation: Customer Satisfaction and Business Impact 28:47

2M ago28:47

28:47

This session focuses on validating results to ensure that increments actually deliver value. Learners explore how customer satisfaction surveys, adoption rates, and business impact metrics provide evidence of effectiveness. The episode emphasizes that validation is essential to avoiding the trap of delivering outputs that fail to create meaningful …

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Episode 72 — Optimizing Value: Right-Sizing Increments and Scope 26:18

2M ago26:18

26:18

This episode examines how agile teams optimize value delivery by tailoring increments and scope to fit the context. Learners discover how right-sizing work enables teams to deliver meaningful outcomes without overloading or under-delivering. The discussion emphasizes that optimization is about maximizing value per unit of effort, not simply increas…

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Episode 71 — Defining Value: Success Criteria, Sustainability, and Compliance 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

This episode explores how agile teams define value in ways that extend beyond simple delivery of functionality. Learners are introduced to dimensions such as success criteria, sustainability, and compliance. Success criteria provide clear measures of what “good” looks like, while sustainability ensures that value is not achieved at the cost of long…

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Episode 70 — Transparency: Continuously Sharing Work Information 26:43

2M ago26:43

26:43

This session builds on earlier transparency topics, emphasizing the need for continuous sharing of work information. Learners discover how ongoing updates through daily standups, sprint reviews, and dashboards keep alignment strong. The episode stresses that transparency is not episodic but part of daily practice. Examples illustrate PMI exam scena…

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Episode 69 — Data Stewardship: Updating Metrics and Status 28:16

2M ago28:16

28:16

This episode emphasizes the responsibility of teams to maintain accurate, timely data for decision-making. Learners explore practices for updating metrics, maintaining dashboards, and ensuring that stakeholders have access to the most current status. The discussion highlights how poor data stewardship undermines transparency and credibility. Exampl…

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Episode 68 — Visualization: Boards, Story Maps, and Information Radiators 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

This episode explores visualization tools that enhance transparency and collaboration. Learners discover how boards track workflow, story maps illustrate customer journeys, and information radiators make critical information visible at a glance. Visualization is presented as a way to align teams, identify bottlenecks, and promote accountability. Ex…

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Episode 67 — Value Measurement: Tracking Outcomes and Benefits 31:32

2M ago31:32

31:32

This session reviews how teams measure value delivery by focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. Learners explore metrics such as customer satisfaction, adoption rates, revenue impact, and risk reduction. The emphasis is on using measures that reflect actual benefits to stakeholders. Examples highlight how PMI exam scenarios may present superfici…

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Episode 66 — Early Feedback: Demonstrating Value Frequently 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

This episode highlights the agile principle of seeking early feedback through frequent demonstrations and reviews. Candidates learn why showcasing increments regularly prevents misalignment, validates assumptions, and builds stakeholder trust. The discussion emphasizes that early feedback reduces risk and accelerates course correction. Examples sho…

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Episode 65 — Increment Goals: Defining and Communicating Objectives 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

This session explores how increment goals provide clarity and focus within each iteration. Learners discover how well-defined goals align teams, support prioritization, and set expectations with stakeholders. The episode highlights the importance of communicating goals consistently to prevent ambiguity. Examples illustrate how PMI exam scenarios ma…

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Episode 64 — Business Alignment: Ensuring Increments Match Priorities 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

This episode emphasizes that agile increments must always align with business priorities to deliver meaningful outcomes. Candidates learn how backlog items are sequenced and validated against strategic objectives, ensuring that delivery stays relevant. The session also explores how misalignment leads to wasted effort and diminished stakeholder conf…

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Episode 63 — Sizing: Collective Estimation and Relative Measures 33:30

2M ago33:30

33:30

This session reviews how agile teams size work collectively using techniques such as planning poker, T-shirt sizing, and relative estimation. Learners explore why relative measures of complexity are preferred over absolute time-based estimates, as they promote shared understanding and reduce bias. The episode emphasizes that sizing is a collaborati…

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Episode 62 — Decomposition: Splitting Epics, Stories, and Tasks 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

This episode highlights decomposition as the practice of breaking down large items into smaller, manageable units of work. Candidates learn how epics can be decomposed into user stories, and stories into tasks, to ensure iterative progress and early delivery of value. The session explains the benefits of decomposition, including reduced risk, clear…