Most people lead from a place of reactivity—waiting until problems explode before addressing them. But thriving leaders think differently. They focus on leading indicators—the proactive habits and actions that create success before the crisis ever shows up.

In this powerful solo episode, Mark Jewell breaks down the critical difference between leading and lagging indicators. You'll learn how to shift from reactive firefighting to intentional leadership, why energy management is more important than time management, and simple practices you can implement immediately to stay in control and drive results.

Whether you lead a sales team, a farm operation, or your own household, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you lead yourself—and others—more intentionally.

Key Takeaways:

🚦 Lagging Indicators = Late Symptoms

Retention issues, missed sales goals, burnout, cultural backsliding—these are lagging problems. They’re the result of what wasn’t addressed earlier.

🏁 Leading Indicators = Proactive Habits

Building the pipeline before you need it, addressing conflict early, managing your energy daily—these are leading behaviors that create success before crisis hits.

📅 Energy Management > Time Management

Most leaders think they have a time problem. In reality, they have an energy problem. Optimizing your mornings, managing dopamine, and knowing when you're sharpest will massively improve your productivity.

☀️ Success Starts with Sunrise

Small, intentional actions like viewing early morning light can impact your sleep, energy, and long-term focus far more than you realize.

📈 Pipeline Management: Text First, Ask Later

Building a pipeline isn't just about asking for business. It's about consistent, value-driven connection—without needing something in return.

🔍 Self-Awareness is Key

Frustrations, complaints, and recurring problems are your clues. Work backward from what’s irritating you today to find the leading habits you need to change.

Notable Quotes:

"Most people are reacting to the harvest. Thriving leaders are planting seeds every day." – Mark Jewell

"Energy management is the leading indicator. Poor time management is just the lagging symptom." – Mark Jewell

"You can’t manage what’s already out of your control. Focus on what you can lead today." – Mark Jewell

"The best leaders pick one major problem a week—and solve it." – Mark Jewell

"Success isn't about fixing things faster. It's about building systems that make problems smaller before they start." – Mark Jewell

🎯 Action Steps:

• ✅ List Your Current Frustrations – Identify your biggest lagging problems.
• ✅ Work the Problem Backwards – What proactive habits (leading indicators) would have prevented them?
• ✅ Pick One Problem Per Week – Focus on solving one root cause at a time.
• ✅ Start Your Day Proactively – No phone for the first hour. Protect your energy.
• ✅ Daily Text Habit – Reach out to 5 people daily without asking for anything. Watch your pipeline grow.

• Leading a sales team or agribusiness operation
• Feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or exhausted
• Ready to build systems that actually prevent problems
• Committed to leading yourself and your people with more intention