Best Jim Riviello Podcasts (2025)

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E337: The AI-First Leader: How to Leverage AI to Save Time and Amplify Your Impact 11:11

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3d ago11:11

11:11

Let me ask you something — are you growing as fast as your business needs you to? Because here’s the truth: your team can only move at the pace you lead. If you stay the same, your decisions stay the same. Your systems stay the same. Your results stay the same. And in a world being reshaped by AI, speed, and constant change, the question isn’t “How…

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E336: Elevate Your Leadership Presence and Impact 7:52

17d ago7:52

7:52

You’ve led teams. You’ve delivered results. You’ve earned the trust that comes with experience.But the higher you go, the more you realize—leadership presence isn’t about your position or your title. It’s about the energy you bring, the clarity you create, and the influence you have on the people around you. Because people don’t just follow your in…

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E335: Why Most Goals Fail (and What Great Leaders Do Instead) 9:57

24d ago9:57

9:57

Every team has goals. But only a few actually hit them. The problem isn't ambition. It’s the absence of systems. Because strategy gives direction. But systems? That’s how leaders create momentum. Today, I’m breaking down how you can turn goals into reality by building systems that turn your intention into execution. Because having a team that execu…

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E334: How High-Performing Leaders Regain Motivation and Momentum 9:31

1M ago9:31

9:31

How do leaders regain lost motivation? At some point or another, every one of us will hit a rut. A moment when our energy is low and we’ve lost our focus and as a result our mojo (the spark we pride ourselves in having). Here’s the question - what do you do when that happens? Today, I am going to give you a simple way to reignite your motivation. L…

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E333: The productivity system that frees up your time 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Ever feel like your business only runs when you’re in the room? That’s not productivity—that’s dependency. Real productivity isn’t about squeezing more into your day. It’s about building a system that frees up your time, distributes ownership, and keeps the business moving without you in every decision. Today, I’m breaking down the productivity sys…

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E332: The Real Reason Why You're Still Burned Out 7:47

2M ago7:47

7:47

Let me ask you something. Have you ever thought, “If I just had more time and resources, I’d finally feel caught up”? More people. More tools. More hands on deck. Here’s the truth: without a productivity system, more resources and help doesn’t create freedom. It just magnifies the chaos. Today, I’m breaking down why burnout isn’t about your task li…

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E331: How Great Leaders Prioritize 8:17

2M ago8:17

8:17

Your calendar’s packed. Your inbox is overflowing. But here’s the real question—is any of it actually moving the needle? The most effective leaders don’t try to do it all. They are able to filter the noise and focus on the decisions and actions that create momentum. Today, I’m breaking down how the best leaders prioritize so you stop reacting and s…

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E330: My Favorite Leadership Productivity Hack 7:16

2M ago7:16

7:16

If you want to elevate your level of productivity, you have to elevate your level of self-reflection. Self-reflection is a habit - just like the habits I have been discussing over the last couple weeks. Today, I’m going to share with you a simple habit I use to evaluate my productivity. It’s called the Mirror Test and if you want to raise your game…

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E329: Leadership Metrics Every Leader Must Track 7:35

2M ago7:35

7:35

How do you actually know if you’re leading well? Not just driving revenue. Not just hitting targets. I’m talking about leading with clarity, intention, and long-term impact. Here’s the truth: most senior leaders measure the business… but not their leadership. And if you’re not tracking your leadership , you can’t improve it. Today, I’m breaking dow…

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E328: How Executives Lead Effective Meetings 8:48

2M ago8:48

8:48

Have you ever left a meeting wondering, “What was the point of that?” You’re not alone. Most meetings aren’t bad because people don’t care. They’re bad because no one’s owning how they’re run. The most effective executives don’t just show up to meetings. They architect them—intentionally and with purpose. Today, I’m breaking down 5 meeting strategi…

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E327: IQ vs EQ vs SQ: Which Matters Most for Leaders? 7:37

3M ago7:37

7:37

Have you ever worked with someone who was brilliant—but couldn’t lead? They nailed every metric. Sharp thinker. Polished communicator. But when it comes to people? Influence? Vision? They stalled. Because here’s the truth: IQ gets you in the room. EQ helps you lead the room. But it’s SQ that reminds you why the room even matters. Today, we’re unpac…

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E326 : Strategic Questions for Impactful Skip-level Meetings 10:08

3M ago10:08

10:08

Let me ask you something. When was the last time a skip-level meeting gave you real insight, not just polite updates? Skip-levels should be one of the most powerful leadership tools you have. But most leaders waste them. They walk out with surface-level check-ins instead of clarity, trust, and truth. Today, I’m sharing the strategic questions that …

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E325: How Leaders Make Impact That Outlasts Them 6:18

3M ago6:18

6:18

What would happen if you stepped away today? Would your team keep moving with clarity or would progress grind to a halt without you? Too many senior leaders build systems that depend on them—not because they want to, but because they mistake control for value. Today, I’m breaking down how great leaders create impact that lasts not just while they’r…

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E324: 6 Questions Every Leader Should Ask 8:30

4M ago8:30

8:30

Let me ask you something. Ever feel like every decision lands back on your plate? Like your team can’t move without you? It’s exhausting. And it’s not leadership. Most leaders carry more than they need to—not because their team isn’t capable…but because they’re not asking the right questions. Great leaders ask questions that unlock clarity, ownersh…

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E323: Management vs. Leadership: What’s the Real Difference? 7:30

4M ago7:30

7:30

Let me ask you something. Have you ever worked for someone who could manage but couldn’t lead? Someone who hit deadlines but left people drained? Yeah, me too. Here’s the truth: Management keeps the engine running. But leadership? That’s what moves the needle forward. Today, we’re breaking down the real difference between managing and leading and w…

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E322: 5 Game Changing Mindset Shifts You Need To Scale 8:30

4M ago8:30

8:30

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things but the needle’s still not moving fast enough? You’ve hired good people, added new tools, and you’re busier than ever… but growth still feels stuck. Here’s the truth: growth isn’t just about doing more, it’s about thinking differently. High-growth leaders don’t just tweak tactics. They upgrade their …

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E321: How High-Performing Teams Handle Pressure Without Burning Out (Part 2) 7:30

5M ago7:30

7:30

Have you ever wondered why some teams thrive under pressure—while others spiral? It’s not about talent. It’s not even about resources. It comes down to how those teams are built and how they’ve been led. High-performing teams don’t wait to be rescued. They think critically, solve problems early, and keep momentum—without burning out or pulling you …

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E320: Pressure Is a Privilege: What Great Leaders Know That Others Don’t (Part 1) 7:59

5M ago7:59

7:59

Let me ask you something. Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I don’t know how much more of this pressure I can take?” Yeah—me too. Pressure has a way of creeping in. It tests our confidence, our capacity, our clarity. Here’s the shift: Pressure isn’t the enemy—it’s a privilege. A sign you’re trusted and doing work that matters. Today,…

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E319: Mid-year Checkpoint: How to Re-align Your Team Around Company Vision 7:41

5M ago7:41

7:41

When’s the last time you paused—not to set new goals, but to check if your team is still aligned on the original ones? In fast-moving companies, clarity fades. A few pivots and new faces later, everyone’s busy but not always moving in the same direction. Mid-year isn’t just a time to measure progress. It’s a chance to course-correct, reconnect, and…

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E318: The Power of A Strong Leadership Brand (and how to build it) 8:30

5M ago8:30

8:30

Your leadership brand already exists. It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. And whether you’ve shaped it or not—it’s already shaping your reputation, your influence, and your opportunities. Today, I’m going to show you how to build a leadership brand that earns trust, drives results, and positions you as the kind of leader oth…

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E317: Effective Communication Strategies for Executives 7:11

6M ago7:11

7:11

As an executive, your communication does more than share information– it sets the tone. It all shapes how people experience your leadership. Today, I’m breaking down how to communicate with clarity, credibility, and calm, so your voice carries weight and your message resonates. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "The …

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E316: Influence Without Authority: Strategies for Senior Leaders 8:02

6M ago8:02

8:02

Some of the most influential leaders I’ve worked with didn't have a big title. No fancy office. No official mandate. But they had something better—influence. They were able to move people, shape decisions, and earn trust–all without needing a title. Today, I’m breaking down how to lead with influence—even if you're not the one in charge. Let’s dive…

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E315: Executive Presence Under Pressure 8:16

6M ago8:16

8:16

It’s easy to lead when things are going well. It’s harder when you’re under a lot of pressure. Executive presence isn't about having all the answers. It’s about how you carry yourself when the stakes are high. Today, I’m going to walk you through what “executive presence” looks like under pressure and how to lead in a way that earns trust and drive…

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E314: Leading Through Change and Uncertainty 7:56

6M ago7:56

7:56

Most leaders wait for calm. They think things will settle down after the next re-org…the next launch…the next big pivot. I used to believe that too. But here’s the truth: In fast-moving environments, calm isn’t coming. There’s only change—and how you lead through it. Today, I’m going to break down how to lead through uncertainty without losing mome…

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E313: Busy Leader? Here’s How to Say No Effectively 6:34

7M ago6:34

6:34

Let’s be real—your calendar isn’t packed because you’re too nice. It’s packed because it lacks boundaries. Saying yes to everything doesn’t make you committed. It makes you unavailable for what actually matters. Today, I’ll show you how to say no—clearly, confidently, and without guilt. No burned bridges. No second-guessing. Just boundaries that pr…

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E312: Why Executives Need to Refuel Their Energy 7:08

7M ago7:08

7:08

Many executives believe if you're not grinding, you're falling behind. But what if that mindset is actually what’s holding you back? If you want to scale your team, your business, and your leadership—you need energy. And energy doesn’t come from more hustle. It comes from intentional self-care. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Downloa…

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E311: How to Prioritize Like a CEO 10:49

7M ago10:49

10:49

Most leaders don’t have a time problem, they have a priority problem. Too many executives feel overwhelmed not because they lack time, but because they’re spending it on the wrong things. Today, I want to walk you through how CEOs prioritize differently than other leaders and why the way you prioritize is either accelerating your impact or quietly …

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E310: How to make tough calls with confidence 5:50

7M ago5:50

5:50

Nothing stalls progress like an indecisive leader. You know the feeling—the weight of making the "right" call, the fear of backlash, the endless loop of "What if I’m wrong?". Today. I’m going to show you how to make tough calls with confidence—without second-guessing yourself. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "The C…

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E309: Speak Like a Leader: Phrases That Inspire Action 8:14

8M ago8:14

8:14

Most leaders don’t realize that how they speak is just as important as what they say. The language you use either builds trust or breaks it. Today, I’m breaking down leadership phrases that will inspire action, drive ownership, and help you communicate with more clarity and impact. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "…

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E308: 5 leadership habits will change everything 8:11

8M ago8:11

8:11

Your leadership is shaped by the small, often invisible habits—how you show up and how you lead when no one’s watching. But here’s the catch: if you’re not careful, bad habits will chip away at trust and limit your impact—without you even noticing. Today, I’m breaking down five everyday habits that can elevate your leadership. Let’s dive in. >> Lin…

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E307: How High-Performers Build Leadership Confidence 7:31

8M ago7:31

7:31

Confidence is one of the most overcomplicated topics in leadership. Today, I’m going to break down the fastest way to build unshakable confidence—the kind that transforms how you show up, speak up, and lead at the highest level. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "The CEO Shift: Empower Your Leaders to Think Like Entr…

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E306 : 3 things to cover in weekly team check-ins 7:18

8M ago7:18

7:18

If your team dreads your weekly check-ins, there’s a reason. Too many meetings drag on or turn into endless status updates that no one actually needs or wants. When done right, a weekly check-in can become the engine that keeps your team aligned and moving forward. Today, I’m going to unpack three things you should cover in every team meeting to ma…

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E305: When good employees underperform: What Leaders Need to Do Next 7:23

9M ago7:23

7:23

Every leader, at some point in the career, has faced it—that moment when a once-reliable, high-performing employee starts underperforming. Your job isn’t to swoop in and solve everything. Instead, it’s to help them regain momentum without micromanaging. In this episiode, I’m going to unpack how you can get good employees back on track. Let’s dive i…

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E304: 5 Ways to Hire Top Talent 9:55

9M ago9:55

9:55

Too many companies rely on generic job postings and drawn-out interviews that push great candidates away instead of pulling them in. In this episode, I’m sharing proven strategies to accelerate your hiring process and land top talent—plus a bonus tip that makes referrals effortless. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: …

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E303: How to keep your best people engaged 9:13

9M ago9:13

9:13

Losing great talent can sometimes look like a subtle disengagement, minimal effort, or great ideas left unspoken. Your best people will leave when they feel undervalued. If you’re not keeping them empowered and connected to a larger mission, you risk losing them. So, how do you keep your best employees engaged and thriving? Let’s break it down. >> …

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E302: How to lead a diverse team effectively 8:14

9M ago8:14

8:14

Leading a diverse team isn’t always easy. Differing approaches and opinions can either be your greatest asset or a constant source of tension on the team. In this episode, I’m unpacking some common sense ways to turn a team of diverse characters into a strength that fuels momentum. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "…

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E301: Why Coaching Youth Sports is Great for Leadership Development 10:18

9M ago10:18

10:18

In this episode, I’m going to break down why coaching youth sports is one of the most practical, hands-on ways to develop the leadership skills you need to thrive in any arena. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "The CEO Shift: Empower Your Leaders to Think Like Entrepreneurs and Lead Like Owners" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cleve…

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E300: 5 Team Communication Mistakes Leaders Must Avoid 7:52

10M ago7:52

7:52

Communication is the heartbeat of leadership, yet it’s where many leaders fail. In this episode, I’m going to unpack five common communication mistakes leaders make and, most importantly, practical strategies to fix them. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "The CEO Shift: Empower Your Leaders to Think Like Entrepreneu…

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E299: Assuming Good Intentions Can Change Everything 7:17

10M ago7:17

7:17

In this episode, I’m going to show you how assuming good intentions isn’t just a mindset—it’s the cornerstone of leadership. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) Download my eBook: "The CEO Shift: Empower Your Leaders to Think Like Entrepreneurs and Lead Like Owners" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clevelfreedom.com/the-ceo-shift⁠⁠⁠⁠ 2) Grab a FREE COPY o…

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E298: Creative Ways to Align Your Team Around a Shared Vision 8:32

10M ago8:32

8:32

Let’s be honest—getting everyone moving in the same direction is no small task, especially when your team has diverse priorities, ideas, and personalities. But here’s the thing: without alignment, the best ideas never come to life. Today, we’re not just talking about creating a vision; we’re diving into how to make it real, how to ensure your team …

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E297: How to Drive Growth Without Being the Bottleneck 7:57

10M ago7:57

7:57

Growth is the goal of every successful organization, but for many leaders, it often feels like a double-edged sword. You want to see your team and business thrive, yet you find yourself in the middle of every decision, every process, and every outcome. In this episode, I will show you how to lead differently—how to create systems, empower others, a…

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E296: The Leadership Legacy You’re Building—Is It the One You Want? 9:41

11M ago9:41

9:41

Your leadership legacy isn’t something you leave behind—it’s something you’re building right now, in every decision, every interaction, and every moment. The real question is: Are you shaping it intentionally, or is it just happening by default? In this episode, we discuss the habits and choices that define your leadership legacy. Let’s dive in. >>…

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E295: The #1 Mindset Shift C-Suite Executives Must Make in the Year Ahead 10:07

11M ago10:07

10:07

As we launch the new year, I want to challenge you to rethink your approach to leadership. In this episode, I will share the #1 mindset shift that has had a profound impact on my life–personally and professionally. I will also unpack how you can use it to transform your business, your leadership, and your personal life. Let’s dive in. >> Links ment…

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E294: Turn Holiday Chaos into Meaningful Moments 5:37

12M ago5:37

5:37

During the holidays, it’s easy to lose sight of what the season is really about. Many of us get overwhelmed and frustrated with even more things to do. We’ve all been there—crowded stores, last-minute shopping, year-end deadlines, family obligations, and an endless to-do list. Sound familiar? While today’s message is brief, it's a powerful reminder…

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E293: Lead A Team That's Ready for Anything 7:35

12M ago7:35

7:35

Every leader wants a team that anticipates, takes ownership, and aligns with the organization’s vision. But too often, leaders solve problems that shouldn’t be theirs. The key isn’t more effort—it’s empowering others to step up. Today, I’m going to unpack HOW to lead a team that’s ready for anything. Let’s dive in. >> Links mentioned within << 1) I…

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E292: How to Free Up Your Time for Strategic Vision 9:40

1y ago9:40

9:40

Time—it’s the one thing we all wish we had more of, yet too often, our time is consumed by endless meetings and fixing things others should handle. When you’re stuck in this cycle, there’s no room to think, plan, or focus on the moves that truly grow the business. Leadership isn’t about grinding —it’s about inspiring progress and driving meaningful…

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E291: How Gratitude Inspires Action 4:31

1y ago4:31

4:31

Gratitude—it's one of those things we often talk about, especially during the holiday season, but let's be honest, how often do we practice gratitude every single day? And, more importantly, how does gratitude move the needle in business? Today, I want to unpack how leaders can demonstrate their gratitude to inspire others to take action. Let’s div…

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E290: How To Stop Micromanagement Your Team 7:22

1y ago7:22

7:22

Imagine having a team of capable leaders who take ownership and handle challenges without you constantly needing to micromanage everything. That’s not wishful thinking–it’s entirely possible. Today, I’m going to unpack how to stop micromanaging and build a team that not only takes things off your plate but also drives your business forward. Let’s d…

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E289: Master the Art of Giving Constructive Feedback 8:28

1y ago8:28

8:28

As a senior leader, there’s one tool that can make or break your impact—constructive feedback. But here’s the catch: too many leaders either dodge it, sugarcoat it, or drop feedback like a hammer. Today, I’m going to show you how to strike the perfect balance—delivering feedback that drives performance and deepens trust with your team. Stay with me…

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E288: How to Build A High-Performing Team 8:51

1y ago8:51

8:51

If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by fires to put out, stalled projects, or lack of results, you’re not alone. Your team, whether they are direct reports or those you partner with, are not delivering at the level you need them to, and guess who is suffering? You. If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right spot because today, I’m going t…