Leadership gets thrown around so much that it’s lost meaning. We use it to describe control, management, or charisma—but the more I’ve lived through it, the more I believe real leadership is about thinking. It’s about clarity, purpose, and helping other people become who they’re capable of being. This conversation with Jeff West redefined a lot for me.
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We talked about the dragons that hold leaders back—fear, ego, comparison, and comfort—and how to slay them so we can think clearly, care deeply, and lead with alignment. Jeff’s perspective hit home because it connects the inner work to the outer results. Leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about creating the space and systems that let others think and grow. Caring means refusing to let people default on themselves. Competence means designing clarity so accountability is possible.
If you’re an owner who feels trapped running the machine instead of leading it, this episode is for you. It’s a masterclass in leading from within—thinking better, caring deeper, and designing a company that reflects your highest potential and brings out the best in everyone around you.

10 Key Takeaways (My Biggest Lessons)

• Leadership starts within. You can’t lead others until you lead yourself—and that begins with self-awareness.

• Slay your dragons. The real barriers are mental: fear, ego, comparison, and comfort. Once you see them, you can’t unsee them.

• Thinking is the work. White space and reflection are how leaders create clarity. If you’re always busy, you’re managing, not leading.

• Leadership vs. management. Management controls tasks; leadership inspires outcomes. Both matter—but clarity comes first.

• Care and competence. Caring isn’t coddling; it’s not letting people default on themselves. Competence gives that care structure.

• Purpose as a filter. Ask “why” until it becomes visceral. When purpose has you, it becomes your decision-making compass.

• Strategic distribution of problems. Build thinkers, not followers. A great leader creates leaders who can carry weight.

• Accountability through clarity. You can’t hold anyone accountable for something undefined. Clarity creates freedom.

• Fulfillment over validation. Success isn’t about being the best—it’s about being aligned, growing, and enjoying the process.

• Adversity builds competence. Growth comes from the hard things. Challenge is how leaders, and their teams, become great.
  

Who This Is For
For any business owner who feels like the game keeps changing, this episode will help you understand why. If you’ve ever wondered why your hard work isn’t compounding the way it should, or what Bitcoin actually means beyond speculation, this conversation connects the dots between money, time, and ownership.
Jeff West has over 40 years of business experience. During his career, Jeff has been part of four high-tech start-up companies. He was a founder and CEO/President of Silicon Logic Engineering from 1996 to 2008. Over the past seventeen years, Jeff has worked with dozens of companies in the upper Midwest. His experience working with business owners and executive teams includes over 2,500 coaching sessions. Jeff is also the facilitator of the Applied Leadership Program. The program has seen dozens of area executives and potential new leaders go through its two-year program. In 2025, Jeff wrote his first book. 'Becoming Your Own Dragon Slayer' is a leadership book for kids and teens. It's been a #1 New Release on Amazon in three different categories.

Chapters:

• (00:00) Defining great leadership using the NFL quarterback analogy

• (06:33) The children's book about dragons as mental blocks

• (10:43) Guardian dragons and learning to see mental obstacles

• (16:41) The four fears and how ego limits leaders

• (22:30) Management vs leadership and competent teams

• (32:45) Transitioning from owner operator to boardroom leadership role

• (35:37) Creating a meaningful purpose statement beyond mission vision

• (42:38) Caring for people means not letting them default themselves

• (1:07:00) Story of owner who hated his business and delegation

• (1:20:37) Building culture that attracts and retains great people

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Resources:
Website https://www.beardowninc.com/
Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/