Best Will Samson Leadership Podcasts (2025)

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From Climate Crisis to Climate Adoption: A New Era of Innovation with Josh Dorfman 47:34

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1h ago47:34

47:34

Episode Description What if solving climate change wasn’t about sacrifice, but about building a more abundant, prosperous future? In this episode of Mission Driven You, I talk with entrepreneur and storyteller Josh Dorfman—founder of Supercool and co-founder of Planted—about why we’ve entered a new era he calls climate adoption. The debate is no lo…

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What Makes Leaders Great Is Not What You Think/ Interview w/ Will Samson 30:39

5d ago30:39

30:39

Send us a text John introduces Will Sampson, Coach and Author. Will discusses challenges of conventional leadership wisdom, revealing why great leaders succeed not through control but by empowering others to shine. Drawing from his experience as a former director of change for a 53,000-person organization leading a $12 billion merger, Sampson share…

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What Happens When You Refuse to Look Away? with Ross Halperin 45:15

1h ago45:15

45:15

What does it mean to bear witness in a world where silence often feels safer? In this episode of Mission Driven You, I sit down with Ross Halperin, author of Bear Witness, to explore the extraordinary story of Kurt Ver Beek and Carlos Hernández—two men who risked everything to confront gang violence and systemic corruption in Honduras. Together, th…

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The Hidden Power of KPIs: Metrics That Drive Business Success 25:32

4d ago25:32

25:32

Send us a text Ever been blindsided during a performance review when your boss asks about KPIs you didn't even know existed? You're not alone. The world of Key Performance Indicators can seem mysterious and intimidating, but mastering these metrics is essential for leadership success. In this revealing discussion, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Po…

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Unlocking What’s Inside You: Steven Puri on Flow, Creativity, and Building a Life That Matters 53:59

5d ago53:59

53:59

Episode Description What if the biggest challenge of our lifetime isn’t external at all — but whether we’ll bring out what’s already inside of us? In this episode of Mission Driven You, I sit down with Steven Puri — technologist, entrepreneur, and creative visionary — to explore how we can live and lead from a place of authentic creativity in a cul…

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Stop Playing the Blame Game: How MBR Changes Organizations 21:19

20d ago21:19

21:19

Send us a text Accountability transforms organizations, but creating a culture where everyone takes genuine ownership is challenging. In this thought-provoking discussion, John and Greg break down Management by Responsibility (MBR) - the leadership philosophy that revolutionizes how teams approach challenges and results. At its core, MBR hinges on …

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Building Beyond the Algorithm: Hussein Hallak on Innovation, Integrity, and Human Connection 47:17

12d ago47:17

47:17

Episode Description Too often, conversations about leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship get reduced to surface-level soundbites — quick wins, growth hacks, and feel-good inspiration. But what happens when we step back and ask harder questions about the systems we’re building, the stories we’re living, and the future we’re shaping together? …

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Hire Smart, Onboard Smarter 25:24

25d ago25:24

25:24

Send us a text Finding and developing the right talent is perhaps the most consequential responsibility any leader faces. Yet many managers approach hiring with minimal preparation, relying on gut instinct rather than proven methodology. This episode John and Greg dive deep into the structured approach that separates successful hiring managers from…

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You’re Not Just in the Chaos—You Are the Chaos (Re-release) 25:23

19d ago25:23

25:23

Episode Description: What if I told you that the chaos in your life isn’t just happening to you—it’s happening through you? In this episode of Mission Driven You, I dive into the uncomfortable truth that you are the chaos—and the only way to regain control is through radical self-ownership. We explore: Why control is an illusion—and how trying to “…

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Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers: How True Teams Form 20:30

1M ago20:30

20:30

Send us a text The secret to exceptional team performance isn't found in buzzwords or corporate jargon—it's built through intentional leadership strategies that foster genuine connection. John and Greg dive deep into what truly makes teams work, beyond the superficial activities that many organizations mistake for real team building. Henry Ford's w…

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Eight Lessons That Changed Me This Year (And Could Transform Your Leadership) 39:15

1M ago39:15

39:15

Episode Description In January, I rebooted Mission Driven You — not to chase downloads or please algorithms, but to create from my capital “S” self. In this special episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s guided me since then: eight themes that have shaped over 60 episodes this year. We’ll explore how to lead and live with depth in a cultur…

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Problem-Solving Skills: Your Resume's Secret Weapon 16:05

1M ago16:05

16:05

Send us a text Struggling to make your resume stand out? The secret might be hiding in your problem-solving skills. In this revealing episode, John and Greg dive deep into how effectively showcasing your problem-solving abilities can transform your job search prospects. Drawing from an insightful article on Indeed.com, we break down exactly what em…

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Trust at a Distance: Leading with Empathy in the Remote Workplace — with Dr. Peggy Kendall 46:14

1M ago46:14

46:14

Episode Description: In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Dr. Peggy Kendall, a seasoned communication scholar, Fulbright recipient, and professor at Bethel University. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kendall delves into the evolving dynamics of trust and leadership in our increasingly remote and hybrid work environments.…

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The Art of Work: Sharing Jeff Goins' Path to Meaningful Work 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

Send us a text What does it truly mean to find your calling in life? In this thought-provoking conversation, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell delve into Jeff Goins' bestselling book "The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do" to uncover the seven-stage journey toward meaningful work. Forget the misconception that…

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Unleashing People Energy: Transforming Leadership and Business with Alicia Parr 42:03

2M ago42:03

42:03

In this episode, Will Samson sits down with Alicia Parr, author of "People Energy Principles," to explore the transformative power of reframing leadership and organizational culture. Discover how Alicia's unique approach to harnessing people energy can propel growth and foster a more engaged, innovative workplace. From the art of reframing to the i…

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Stress Relievers: Practical Tips from the Mayo Clinic 19:57

2M ago19:57

19:57

Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. Stress has become our constant companion, but it doesn't have to control your life. Drawing from the respected research of the Mayo Clinic, John and Greg dive into evidence-based approaches to stress management that actually work. The body-mind connection is powerful, and physical activity stand…

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Why Great Leaders Create Problems on Purpose — with Ted Santos 46:22

2M ago46:22

46:22

Most leaders are taught to solve problems. But what if your greatest breakthroughs come from creating them? In this mind-stretching episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Ted Santos, the leadership disruptor behind the Disruptive Leadership Model. Ted works with CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs to rewire how they think about chaos, t…

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Calling BS on Leadership Hacks: What 200 Executives Taught Us About Real Change 24:59

2M ago24:59

24:59

In this solo episode of Mission Driven You, Will Samson shares surprising insights from a new survey of 200 C-level executives—and issues a bold challenge to modern leadership culture: it’s time to call BS on leadership hacks. If you've ever felt tempted by quick fixes and productivity “cheat codes,” this episode will push you to rethink what real …

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Promote from Within: The Leadership Secret You're Missing 21:23

2M ago21:23

21:23

Send us a text What separates exceptional leaders from merely competent managers? The answer lies in how they approach the growth and development of those they lead. Join John and Greg as they explore the heart of leadership's responsibility, to lend the helping hand to those on your team. Servant leadership flips traditional leadership models on t…

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Redemption, Identity, and the Real Work of Leadership with Ken Miller 43:27

2M ago43:27

43:27

What happens when your life completely unravels—and you decide to rebuild it from the inside out? In this powerful and deeply human episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Ken Miller, a speaker, social impact entrepreneur, and author of Becoming Ken. Ken’s story defies easy narratives. From growing up in a fractured identity to experienc…

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The New Collar Economy: Skills, Technology, and Workforce Trends 26:19

2M ago26:19

26:19

Send us a text Disruption isn't coming—it's already here. As we navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of work in 2025, organizations face a critical crossroads that will determine their future success or failure. This eye-opening episode dives deep into eleven transformative trends reshaping how we work, hire, and grow businesses in the coming ye…

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The Empathy Dilemma: Why Empathy Is Your Leadership Edge with Maria Ross 50:02

2M ago50:02

50:02

Empathy isn’t weakness. It’s strategy. In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will Samson sits down with Maria Ross, brand strategist, speaker, and author of The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, to reframe the role of empathy in leadership. As workplaces struggle with burnout, disconnection, and turnover, Maria makes the case that empathy is m…

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You Don't Need a Title to Transform Your Organization 21:55

3M ago21:55

21:55

Send us a text Failure isn't just inevitable in leadership—it's essential. This eye-opening conversation tackles the myth that great leaders emerge fully formed, revealing instead how true leadership is forged through stumbles, self-reflection, and resilience. We dive deep into Shane Wentz's fascinating journey from Army sergeant to corporate trans…

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Breath, Business, and the Meaning Economy with Leo Marrs 45:47

2M ago45:47

45:47

What do you get when you cross a nightclub owner, a somatic breathwork facilitator, and a student of integral theory? You get today’s guest—Leo Marrs—a mission-driven creator who walks the line between consciousness and commerce. In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Leo to explore his evolution from restaurant entrepreneur to …

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So...You Want To Be A Leader! 25:27

3M ago25:27

25:27

Send us a text Are you already a leader without realizing it? The journey toward leadership often begins long before you receive a formal title or position. In this enlightening episode of Success Secrets and Stories, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell unpack the subtle yet powerful indicators that suggest you're ready to step into a leadership…

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Rebuilding the Workplace from the Meeting Outward with Shane Parreco 48:45

3M ago48:45

48:45

Episode Description: What if your next meeting didn’t drain your energy—but actually moved your mission forward? In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will talks with Shane Parreco, systems thinker, product studio founder, and co-creator of AgendaKeeper, a tool designed to fix the fundamental dysfunction of modern meetings. But this isn’t a conver…

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Radical Self-Ownership — Reclaiming Your Leadership from the Inside Out (Re-release) 31:42

3M ago31:42

31:42

Episode Description: Success on paper doesn’t mean clarity in practice. In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will Samson continues the journey through the Resilience Stack by introducing Layer Two: Radical Self-Ownership—a mindset and practice that shifts you from reactivity to authorship, from control to clarity. If you’ve ever felt like you wer…

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The Essential Distinctions: Leaders vs. Managers in Today's Business World 23:00

3M ago23:00

23:00

Send us a text Join John and Greg as they discuss what truly separates leadership from management? While these terms are often used interchangeably, understanding their fundamental differences could be the key to unlocking your career potential and organizational impact. Leadership expert Amy Hamilton defines a leader as "someone that inspires othe…

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Mirror Moments and the Messy Middle with Chris Eversley 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

Episode Description: What happens when the identity you've built your life around… no longer fits? In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Chris Eversley—former professional basketball player, tech consultant, coach, and founder of Next Play, a platform dedicated to helping others navigate transformation. Chris’s journey is anyth…

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Rewrite the Code — How to Upgrade the Stories Running Your Life 33:06

3M ago33:06

33:06

Episode Description: You can’t lead well if you’re still running on outdated mental code. In this powerful solo episode of Mission Driven You, Will introduces the first layer of the Resilience Stack: the Mindset Reboot, or what he calls the code rewrite. Most high-performing leaders are relying on internal scripts written during times of survival—s…

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Leadership: How Bee Line Commercial, transformed into a Medical-Grade Cleaning Co. 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text In this podcast, join John and Greg as they interview, CEO Jamie Henry who won a 19th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners in the U.S. and globally! She never expected that purchasing her father's small janitorial business would lead to building Bee Li…

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Discomfort as a Compass — Leading with Clarity, Curiosity, and Culture with Arielle Lechner 44:00

3M ago44:00

44:00

Episode Description: Great leaders don’t avoid discomfort—they learn to follow it. In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Arielle Lechner, an executive coach and startup strategist who works with high-growth founders and senior leaders to turn complexity into clarity. Arielle brings a rare blend of operational insight, emotional…

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Upgrade Your Inner OS (Previously Released): How to Lead with Clarity in a World That Won’t Slow Down 28:15

3M ago28:15

28:15

Episode Description: If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly behind—no matter how organized, capable, or strategic you are—it may not be a time management problem. It may be your internal operating system. In this solo episode of Mission Driven You, Will explores the real reason high-performing professionals feel overwhelmed and burned out—and i…

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Beyond the Title: The Real Reasons We Step Into Leadership 26:08

3M ago26:08

26:08

Send us a text Leadership isn't merely about a title or position – it's a deeply personal journey shaped by unique motivations and developed through structured experiences. When asked why they became leaders, most people reveal fascinating stories that blend practical considerations with deeper aspirations to create positive change. From our hosts'…

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Rhythms of Change — Building Cities With, Not For, Communities with Mitchell Cohen 41:51

4M ago41:51

41:51

Episode Description: What if the key to revitalizing neighborhoods wasn’t just bricks and budgets—but songs, stories, and shared ownership? In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Mitchell Cohen, CEO of The Daniels Corporation and author of Rhythms of Change, to unpack one of the most inspiring urban redevelopment stories in Nort…

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You Can’t Lead What You Haven’t Faced: Building Inner Stability as a Leadership Imperative 31:22

4M ago31:22

31:22

🔥 Episode Description: In today’s episode, Will Samson tackles a hard but necessary truth: you can’t lead what you haven’t faced. As the world navigates seismic uncertainty—political, economic, and cultural—leaders are being exposed. Not for lack of skill, but for lack of inner stability. We’ve spent years being trained to manage people, projects, …

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Culture Killers: The Hidden Cost of Difficult People 24:10

4M ago24:10

24:10

Send us a text Difficult and toxic employees can devastate workplace morale, crush productivity, and drive your best talent out the door. Join John and Greg's conversation as they explore the article: Dealing with Difficult Employees by Michelle McGovern, HR Morning, from March 2023, as she highlights the alarming reality that 70% of employees have…

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Build a Brand That’s Truly Unforgettable — with Gair Maxwell 55:29

4M ago55:29

55:29

Episode Description: In a world flooded with noise, what does it take to stand out? In this unforgettable episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Gair Maxwell, international speaker and author of Big Little Legends, to unpack what makes a brand legendary. Gair shares why the most iconic brands in history aren’t built—they’re remembered—a…

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The Influence Amplifier — How Embodied Leaders Create Quiet Power That Lasts 34:54

4M ago34:54

34:54

Episode Description: Charisma fades. Titles get forgotten. But presence—the kind that regulates a room and transmits trust—leaves a legacy. In this final installment of the Resilience Stack series, Will explores Layer Five: The Influence Amplifier, where leadership shifts from performance to embodiment. If Layers 1–4 were about inner construction, …

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Leading with Purpose: Transform Your Team and Results 32:14

4M ago32:14

32:14

Send us a text What if the key to transformational leadership isn't having all the answers, but knowing how to ask the right questions? Join John and Greg as they discuss leadership insights with Patrick Farran, PhD and MBA. Patrick reveals the secrets that many executives miss when stepping into new roles or leading significant change initiatives.…

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From Exit to Impact — Reinvention, Legacy & Leading With Purpose with Howard Pearl 44:07

4M ago44:07

44:07

Episode Description: What happens when you build a business, sell it for millions, and still feel like something's missing? In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will talks with Howard Pearl, CEO of CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), about the winding path from private sector success to mission-driven leadership—and why our biggest life shi…

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The Continuous Growth Loop — How Steady Systems Replace Burnout and Breakthrough Addiction 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

Episode Description: Breakthroughs are great—but they don’t build resilience. In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will introduces Layer Four of the Resilience Stack: The Continuous Growth Loop. This is the layer where personal transformation shifts from heroic effort to intentional rhythm—where growth stops being a sprint and starts becoming sus…

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Job Hunting? Don't Just Dodge Bullets, Look for the Green Flags 21:21

4M ago21:21

21:21

Send us a text Ever found yourself stuck in a workplace that just doesn't fit? The secret might not be in avoiding what's wrong, but in actively seeking what's right. This transformative episode John Wandolowski, and Greg Powell shifts the conversation from identifying workplace red flags to recognizing the green ones—those positive indicators that…

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Unlocking Your Impact — Marketing with Integrity and Mission with Sophie Lechner 44:17

4M ago44:17

44:17

Episode Description: Marketing doesn’t have to feel manipulative. In this powerful and grounded episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Sophie Lechner, author of Unlock Your Impact, to explore how mission-driven entrepreneurs can grow their influence—without selling their soul. If you've ever felt allergic to funnels, frustrated by formu…

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Interdependence — Why Resilient Leaders Don’t Climb Alone 34:28

4M ago34:28

34:28

Episode Description: You’ve mastered ownership. You’ve rewritten the old stories. Now comes the part most high-achieving leaders quietly resist: interdependence. In this solo episode of Mission Driven You, Will unpacks Layer Three of the Resilience Stack and introduces a powerful truth—real resilience isn’t about white-knuckling your way forward. I…

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The Leadership Shift: Learning to Lead Yourself First 22:50

4M ago22:50

22:50

Send us a text In this episode, John and Greg talk about what separates good leaders from truly transformational ones? The answer lies not in strategy, but in emotional intelligence—the leadership superpower hiding in plain sight. The article by Stuart Andrews, executive coach and author of "The Leadership Shift," presents a compelling case that mi…

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Leading Beyond the Curve — Human-Centered Strategy in the Age of AI with Fadi Hindi 58:29

4M ago58:29

58:29

Episode Description: We’re no longer preparing for disruption—we’re living inside it. In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Fadi Hindi, transformation strategist and advisor, to talk about what it means to lead in a world where AI, automation, and exponential technologies are not around the corner—they’re already here. Drawing …

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Radical Self-Ownership — Reclaiming Your Leadership from the Inside Out 32:27

5M ago32:27

32:27

Episode Description: Success on paper doesn’t mean clarity in practice. In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will Samson continues the journey through the Resilience Stack by introducing Layer Two: Radical Self-Ownership—a mindset and practice that shifts you from reactivity to authorship, from control to clarity. If you’ve ever felt like you wer…

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Interview: Unlocking Workplace Culture, with Laurie Clarke 35:39

5M ago35:39

35:39

Send us a text What makes a workplace culture truly effective? According to organizational change expert Laurie Clarke, it's found at the critical intersection of talent and design—where people and systems align to create meaningful impact. Join John and Greg as they interview Laurie on her insights of management as a consult for executive leaders.…

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Psychedelics, Presence, and the Ache for Meaning — with Alex Myers 47:39

5M ago47:39

47:39

Episode Description: What do we do when the frameworks we’ve used to make sense of life… stop working? When the stories we’ve told ourselves about success, identity, and healing begin to crack? In this powerful and raw episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Alex Myers for an unflinching exploration of consciousness, healing, and what it…