Episodes

  • #769: Build It to Last: The Long-Game Strategy with Chad Smith

    #769: Build It to Last: The Long-Game Strategy with Chad Smith
    Feb 26 2026
    Episode Overview In this powerful episode of the Agent to CEO Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with Chad Smith for a deep conversation on leadership, faith, discipline, and building a real estate business that actually lasts. Chad shares his incredible journey—from chasing a music career and hitting rock bottom at 23, to rebuilding his life through faith, mentorship, and personal responsibility. He walks through how foundational principles—not tactics—became the key to scaling a $100M+ real estate team, leading hundreds of agents, and maintaining a 20+ year commitment to faith, family, and purpose. This is not a "hacks and scripts" conversation. This is about priority structure, uncommon honor, servant leadership, and what it truly takes to win long-term. If you want seven-figure success without sacrificing what matters most, this episode will challenge and sharpen you. Chad's Origin Story: From Rock Bottom to Real Estate Leadership Walking away from a soccer scholarship to pursue music Playing the Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood at 20 years old Facing rejection and spiraling into rock bottom by age 23 The life-changing influence of his uncle and exposure to Rich Dad, Poor Dad Discovering a new framework for life through faith and the "Man of Honor" message Committing to a priority structure that changed everything Chad made a declaration early: He would never become a "shooting star" again. The Priority Structure That Changed His Life Chad breaks down the foundation that drives every decision he makes: Faith Marriage Children Excellence in business to serve others Rather than building business at the expense of family, Chad built leadership capacity so he wouldn't have to choose between success and presence. He hasn't worked nights or weekends since 2009—and his production scaled because of it, not in spite of it. Uncommon Honor: The Core Value That Scales Culture Chad introduces the concept of Uncommon Honor, a leadership philosophy that drives his team culture. What it means: Honor those who showed you the way Honor your peers Honor those who can't "help" you Tell the truth—even when it's uncomfortable Protect the environment at all costs "If at any point I'm unwilling to say what needs to be said, that's the moment the environment begins to die." This is servant leadership without weakness. Truth with courage. Culture without compromise. The Leadership Shift: From Competitor to Capacity Builder Chad shares a powerful mindset shift: If you're threatened by your team's greatness, you'll never scale. He lives by this commitment: "I'm not afraid of you being great." Key leadership insights: Every dream is a dream inside a dream The moment a leader becomes a limiting factor to talent is the moment the relationship ends Competition is rooted in scarcity True growth comes from competing against your own potential This is the shift from ego-driven leadership to legacy-driven leadership. Building a $100M+ Team Without Losing Alignment Chad details how he: Went from individual agent of the year to scaling leadership capacity Helped grow a Keller Williams office to one of the most profitable in the world Sold 371 homes in a 12-month period with a lean, disciplined team Built core values intentionally—not aspirationally Created "The Real Solution" coaching community rooted in long-term principles His focus isn't hype. It's systems, discipline, daily consistency, and alignment. The Real Solution vs. The Easy Button Chad challenges the modern "magic bullet" mentality. In a world obsessed with shortcuts, he built growth through: Daily consistency (260+ live leadership sessions per year) Clear values Intentional mentorship Long-term commitment "You either train the algorithm, or the algorithm trains you." This is about discipline over distraction. Foundation over flash. Books & Influences Mentioned Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki The Success System That Never Fails – W. Clement Stone Wooten on Leadership – John Wooden John Maxwell leadership books Resources & Connect with Chad Instagram: @ChadSmithRealSolution Website: TheRealSolution.com Team: DFW Real Estate Team Final Takeaway This episode isn't about better scripts. It's about better structure. If you want to scale your real estate business without sacrificing your marriage, your kids, or your integrity, you must: Get your priority structure right Lead with uncommon honor Refuse to compete from scarcity Never become a limiting factor to your team Commit to consistency over hype Seven-figure success doesn't start with tactics. It starts with thinking like a CEO—and leading like a servant. "Seven figure success starts when you start thinking like a CEO." – John Kitchens Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoachLinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoachFacebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and ...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • #768: Building Leaders Who Build Leaders with Tina Caul

    #768: Building Leaders Who Build Leaders with Tina Caul
    Feb 24 2026
    Episode Overview

    In this episode, John sits down with Tina Caul for an honest and transformational conversation about leadership growth, emotional intelligence, and building an organization that scales beyond the founder.

    Tina shares how she hit a leadership ceiling after building one of the top-performing teams at eXp—closing 700–800 deals annually—only to realize the real bottleneck wasn't systems or talent… it was her own leadership lid.

    This episode dives deep into what it really takes to evolve from leading buyers and sellers to leading leaders. From unpacking personal triggers to implementing structured leadership frameworks like the Pathway of Personal Responsibility, the EQ Matrix, and the Kairos Circle, Tina opens up about the uncomfortable—but necessary—work required to scale to the next level.

    If you've ever felt stuck at a growth plateau, frustrated with people problems, or unsure how to elevate your organization beyond your own capacity, this conversation will challenge and equip you to level up.

    Key Topics Covered The Leadership Lid

    • Why every business problem is ultimately a leadership problem

    • Recognizing when you've hit your leadership ceiling

    • Why what got you here won't get you there

    From Top Producer to True Leader

    • The shift from selling homes to leading people

    • The dangers of "high support, low challenge" environments

    • Why vulnerability builds trust inside organizations

    Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness

    • The EQ Matrix: self-awareness and others-awareness

    • Why leaders must master emotional regulation

    • How unresolved childhood patterns impact leadership decisions

    The Pathway of Personal Responsibility

    • Understanding triggers and avoiding emotional "pinball" reactions

    • Learning to pause, breathe, and respond instead of react

    • Extreme ownership in leadership

    The Kairos Circle Framework

    • Turning conflict into growth conversations

    • Creating safe, structured ways to unpack misunderstandings

    • How to prevent resentment from compounding over time

    Scaling Beyond Yourself

    • Why leaders must build leaders who build leaders

    • The importance of unified language and shared frameworks

    • Moving from checkers to chess as your organization grows

    Resources & Mentions

    • Leadership Gravitas by Eric Pfeiffer

    • Empower Coaching Podcast

    • Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

    • Headspace App (mindfulness practice)

    • Concepts discussed: Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Developmental Square, Pathway of Personal Responsibility, Kairos Circle

    Final Takeaway

    If your organization has plateaued, it's not a market problem. It's not a talent problem. It's a leadership growth opportunity.

    The size of your business will always reflect the size of your leadership capacity. And scaling requires more than tactics—it demands self-awareness, emotional maturity, and the courage to confront what's holding you back.

    Leadership isn't about control. It's about clarity, responsibility, and building leaders who multiply impact beyond you.

    "Every business problem is a leadership problem."

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
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    55 mins
  • #767: The Rise of Industry Voices: Why CLIMBR & Industry Speaks Matter Now with Kendall Bonner

    #767: The Rise of Industry Voices: Why CLIMBR & Industry Speaks Matter Now with Kendall Bonner
    Feb 19 2026
    Episode Overview In this powerful episode, John Kitchens sits down with industry powerhouse Kendall Bonner to talk about building true authority in real estate. From launching the CLIMBR Community to creating the Industry Speaks Academy, Kendall breaks down how agents can elevate from local operator to industry voice. They dive deep into personal branding, performance credibility, referral credibility, AI leverage, and why now is the time to stop playing small. If you've ever thought about growing beyond transactions — into influence, impact, and scale — this episode is your blueprint. Because the future belongs to those who learn, unlearn, and relearn. Key Topics Covered The Climber Community: Raising the Industry Standard Why today's real estate industry is drowning in noise The shift from information economy to trust economy How AI is accelerating both opportunity and skill gaps Why agents must look outside the industry for innovation Building a brand-agnostic, global community focused on growth Kendall explains how Climber Community was born from a mastermind moment — and why it exists to help agents adapt faster than the market changes. The Trust Crisis in Real Estate Most transparent time in history — yet least trusting AI-generated content and credibility challenges Why sales skepticism is at an all-time high The importance of leading with transparency In a world where consumers question everything, trust becomes your greatest differentiator. Personal Brand vs. Industry Brand Kendall breaks down the difference between: Building a scalable personal brand Elevating into an industry-level voice Diversifying marketing beyond traditional lead gen Structuring your business for scale using AI Her advice: Before you grow louder, grow more organized. The Credibility Gap: Why Most Speakers Never Break Through Kendall introduces her three-level credibility framework from the Industry Speaks Academy: Street Credibility You must have real experience and expertise. No shortcuts. Performance Credibility You must put in reps. Small rooms → Mid-size rooms → Large stages. One speech is not enough. Referral Credibility Event organizers need signals: Professional speaker assets Stage footage (not podcasts) Referrals from trusted sources Most aspiring speakers skip steps 2 and 3 — and never understand why opportunities stall. Why Speaking Changes Everything Being on stage: Opens rooms you'd never otherwise enter Puts you face-to-face with decision makers Expands your influence beyond production Elevates your perceived authority instantly Kendall shares how stages transformed her career — connecting her with CEOs, brand leaders, and national organizations. AI as Your Strategic Thought Partner Instead of fearing AI, Kendall recommends: Using AI to operationalize your business Organizing systems for scale Creating structure before growth Treating AI like a business consultant Scale doesn't come from hustle alone. It comes from structure. Resources Mentioned Climber Community → climbercommunity.com Industry Speaks Academy → speakonrealestatestages.com Authority Gap Assessment Speaker Readiness Checklist The Road Less Stupid – Keith Cunningham Alvin Toffler quote on learning, unlearning, relearning Final Takeaway The quality of your life — and your business — is a direct reflection of what you make non-negotiable. If you want to grow beyond transactions: Structure your business Build credibility intentionally Put in the reps Seek rooms that stretch you Learn, unlearn, relearn Because in 2026 and beyond, authority won't belong to the loudest voice. It will belong to the most prepared one. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoachLinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoachFacebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
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    54 mins
  • #766: Why Most Agents Don't Need Better Tactics — They Need Better Control with Jimmy Nelson

    #766: Why Most Agents Don't Need Better Tactics — They Need Better Control with Jimmy Nelson
    Feb 17 2026
    Episode Overview: In this powerful episode, John sits down with Jimmy Nelson to unpack a critical shift happening in real estate: AI is everywhere, but emotional intelligence is the true separator. From automation overload to shiny-object syndrome, agents are drowning in technology while skipping the internal work required to build something sustainable. Jimmy shares why inconsistency isn't a discipline problem — it's a regulation problem — and how agents must master self-awareness, identity, and emotional alignment before scaling with AI. This conversation dives deep into Human Plus thinking: emotional intelligence before automation, identity before scaling, and vision before decisions. If you want to future-proof your business in an AI-driven world, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Covered The Fork in the Road: AI Efficiency vs Human Connection The rise of AI and what it means for real estate professionals Why technology accelerates chaos if you haven't mastered discipline The "cold automation" model vs the Ritz-Carlton-level experience Why the future belongs to professionals who combine AI efficiency with human excellence The 75% Problem in Real Estate Two years in a row, 70%+ of agents didn't sell a home Why information is no longer the value — wisdom is The thinning of the herd and the leveling up of professionalism Why buyers and sellers now believe they know more than their agent Emotional Intelligence Before AI (Human Plus Framework) Timmy introduces the Human Plus model: Self-awareness before automation Emotional regulation before scale Identity before production Operators of AI — not AI operating you If you don't know who you want to be, AI will amplify confusion instead of clarity. The "Have, Do, Be" Trap Many agents operate backward: They chase the "have" (money, closings, recognition) Without becoming the person who consistently does the work The shift: Decide who you want to be Align your actions Then the results follow Why Most Agents Set the Wrong Goals When asked how much they want to make, most agents say "$100,000." But why that number? Why not $90K? Why not $200K? What is the purpose behind the number? The key is breaking big goals down into daily behavior: Conversations per day Appointments per week Agreements per month Math doesn't lie — but identity determines execution. Inconsistency Isn't a Discipline Problem Timmy's insight: "Inconsistency isn't a discipline problem. It's a regulation problem." Agents bounce between shiny objects because: They don't trust themselves They're emotionally misaligned They're chasing relief instead of results Technology reveals discipline. It doesn't create it. AI as a Mirror, Not a Crutch AI can be powerful — if used correctly. Practical exercise discussed: Ask AI to challenge your business model Have it ask you tough questions Use voice input for honest reflection Request direct, unfiltered feedback But remember: AI will gas you up if you don't bring discernment and critical thinking. The Work-Life Blend (Not Balance) Real estate creates guilt loops: When you're home, you feel like you should be working When you're working, you feel like you should be home The solution: Long-term vision Clarity of lifestyle goals Designing a sustainable model Finding What Lights You Up Within real estate, there are countless paths: Sales Marketing Social media Systems Development Coaching Community building The question becomes: What could you do for the rest of your life — even if you weren't paid for it? Then build the business around that. Resources & Mentions Elite Edge Network → EliteEdgeNetwork.com Human Plus Framework Chris Voss (Vision Drives Decision concept) Dan Sullivan – Unique Ability Working Genius Assessment StrengthsFinder Kolbe & DISC assessments AI Driven Leader (Geoff Woods) Jimmy also hosts weekly webinars every Thursday at 2 PM EST (details available through Elite Edge Network). Final Takeaway AI is not your competitive advantage. Emotional intelligence is. The agents who thrive in the next decade won't just automate — they'll: Master self-awareness Align identity with action Build clarity before scale Lead with vision, not reaction As John reinforced in the episode: Vision drives decision. Decision drives action. No vision, no deal. And as Jimmy summarized: Emotional Intelligence before AI. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoachLinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoachFacebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
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    56 mins
  • #765: Know Your Numbers: The CEO Discipline That Eliminates Chaos and Drives Real Growth with Joel Perso

    #765: Know Your Numbers: The CEO Discipline That Eliminates Chaos and Drives Real Growth with Joel Perso
    Feb 12 2026
    Episode Overview In this final installment of the Conquer the Operational Chaos series, John Kitchens and Joel Perso break down one of the most overlooked — yet most powerful — CEO disciplines: knowing your numbers. Growth without visibility creates chaos. More agents, more leads, more deals — without proper tracking — only amplifies inefficiencies. In this session, John and Joel unpack how to measure what actually matters, how to assign the right metrics to each role, and how to move from emotional decision-making to data-driven leadership. If you've ever wondered why your P&L says you're profitable but your bank account feels tight… or why your team feels busy but results are inconsistent… this episode will reset how you think about performance. Because if you don't know your numbers, you don't know your business. Key Topics Covered The Final Piece of Operational Clarity Recap of the Conquer the Operational Chaos framework: Week 1: The Operational Hire Week 2: Building Processes Week 3: Core Buyer & Listing Systems Week 4: Measuring What Matters Why growth without tracking leads to internal breakdown How knowing your numbers protects profitability and performance What "Know Your Numbers" Really Means The difference between tracking data and making decisions Why metrics exist to improve leadership — not to create busywork The CEO mindset shift from guessing to measuring The Financial Foundations Every CEO Must Understand Profit & Loss (P&L): Revenue, expenses, and true profitability Balance Sheet: Assets, liabilities, and owner equity Cash Flow: Why profit and cash are not the same Budget vs. Actual: Where silent leaks in your business happen Assigning Metrics to Every Role Every role in your business must have at least one key metric. Why? People want to know what winning looks like Clear agreements eliminate emotional performance conversations Numbers create accountability without friction Metrics vs. Targets (The Critical Distinction) Tracking a number isn't enough. You must define: What is success? What is the agreed target? What happens when we miss? Agreements replace expectations. Expectations create frustration. Agreements create alignment. Leading Indicators vs. Lagging Indicators Lagging indicators: Closings, GCI, volume Leading indicators: Conversations, appointments set, follow-up activity You can't control closings. You can control conversations. John's breakdown: Conversations → Appointments Set → Appointments Met → Agreements Signed → Closings Reverse engineer your goals down to conversations per hour. The Conversations Per Hour Framework This was one of the most tactical moments of the episode. Instead of asking: "How many conversations per day?" Ask: "How many conversations per hour?" Then reverse engineer: How many conversations does it take to set one appointment? How many appointments does it take to sign a client? How many signed clients does it take to close one deal? How many hours per week must be dedicated to outbound activity? When you know this math, success becomes predictable — not accidental. The "Protein, Carbs, and Fats" Principle Borrowed from Blake Sloan: Protein = Conversations Carbs = Appointment Asks Fats = Face-to-Face Meetings You can hit your main metric and still fail if supporting metrics are ignored. One metric matters. But supporting behaviors matter too. Where to Start Don't try to fix everything. Focus on one priority per quarter. If you're spending significant money in one area (Zillow, PPC, mailers, client events), optimize that first. Clarity compounds. Chaos compounds faster. Resources Mentioned Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits – Greg Crabtree Financial Intelligence – Karen Berman & Joe Knight Measure What Matters – John Doerr CSU Dashboard / CTE Business Tracking The Growth Centric – Systems Audit with Joel Perso John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway There are two major breakdowns in most small businesses: They don't know their financial numbers. They don't know how they're allocating their time. If you know your money and you know your time, you control your growth. If you don't — you're guessing. As Joel put it: "If you don't know your numbers, you don't know your business." And as John reinforced: "It's not conversations per day. It's conversations per hour." Measure what matters. Build agreements. Track leading indicators. Execute with clarity. That's how CEOs eliminate chaos. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoachLinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoachFacebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
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    59 mins
  • #764 How Leadership, Storytelling, and Service Create Real Estate Success with Joshua Wall

    #764 How Leadership, Storytelling, and Service Create Real Estate Success with Joshua Wall
    Feb 10 2026
    Episode Overview

    In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with Joshua Wall, real estate leader, marketer, and community advocate from Canada, for a powerful conversation on leadership, storytelling, and building a business rooted in service.

    Joshua shares his journey from early sales and marketing, to running a commission-based marketing agency, to serving on city council—and how each chapter shaped his leadership philosophy. Together, John and Joshua unpack why community involvement, authentic storytelling, and owning the client experience are no longer optional in real estate, especially in an AI-driven world.

    This episode is a masterclass in servant leadership, experiential marketing, and how agents can future-proof their business by becoming true ambassadors for the communities they serve.

    Key Topics Covered From Sales to Service-Driven Leadership

    • Joshua's early start in sales and marketing and how it shaped his mindset

    • Why working hard and having fun don't have to be mutually exclusive

    • How contribution and value creation became the foundation of his career

    Experiential Marketing That Actually Converts

    • Why people don't buy products—they buy stories and experiences

    • How Joshua built a commission-based marketing model tied directly to results

    • The power of storytelling over traditional "set it and forget it" advertising

    Community as a Competitive Advantage

    • What it really means to be a community ambassador in real estate

    • Supporting small businesses, neighborhood events, and local causes

    • Why showing up physically matters more than just writing a check

    Storytelling in the AI Era

    • Why storytelling is now a table-stakes skill for agents and leaders

    • Creating different versions of your story for different audiences

    • How long-form content builds trust in high-ticket sales like real estate

    Leadership, Politics, and Listening First

    • Joshua's experience serving on city council and in real estate leadership roles

    • Why asking "What do you want me to improve?" changes everything

    • The difference between forcing change and making meaningful improvements

    Building Legacy Beyond Transactions

    • How agents can create lasting impact beyond sales volume

    • Aligning business growth with values, family, and long-term contribution

    • Why trust, experience, and relationships will always outperform shortcuts

    Resources & Mentions

    • John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach

    • Local Chamber of Commerce involvement

    • Community partnerships with neighborhood associations

    • Long-form content and storytelling frameworks

    • Experiential marketing principles applied to real estate

    Final Takeaway

    The agents and leaders who win long-term aren't chasing tactics—they're building trust, stories, and community.

    By asking better questions, listening deeply, and showing up where it matters most, you don't just grow a business—you build a legacy.

    As Joshua Wall puts it:

    "People don't care what you can do. They care what you can do for them."

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
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    54 mins
  • #763: Conquering Operational Chaos: The Systems Every Agent Needs to Scale with Joel Perso

    #763: Conquering Operational Chaos: The Systems Every Agent Needs to Scale with Joel Perso
    Feb 6 2026
    Episode Overview

    In this episode, John Kitchens is joined by Joel Perso for Part 3 of the Conquering Operational Chaos Power Hour series—with a deep, tactical dive into real estate operations.

    This conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually breaks growing real estate businesses—not leads, not talent, but operational chaos. John and Joel break down how to build consistent, repeatable buyer and listing systems that protect client experience, elevate team performance, and unlock the next level of scale.

    If you've ever felt like your business would collapse if volume doubled tomorrow, this episode gives you the blueprint to fix it—before it costs you deals, reputation, or your sanity.

    Key Topics Covered

    Why Operations Are the Real Growth Constraint

    • Why there are no neutral client interactions—every moment builds or erodes trust

    • How inconsistent systems quietly damage brand reputation

    • Why most teams break after success, not before it

    The Power of Proven, Repeatable Systems

    • Turning chaos into clarity through documented processes

    • Why consistency beats talent when scaling a team

    • How systems protect culture, clients, and profitability

    Listing Systems That Create Confidence

    • Lead follow-up processes for expireds, FSBOs, and seller leads

    • Pre-listing packets, appointment confirmations, and pricing strategy

    • Walkthrough frameworks that demonstrate expertise and build trust

    • Setting expectations early to avoid pricing and timeline conflict

    Buyer Systems That Win Loyalty (and Offers)

    • Internet lead follow-up and buyer qualification frameworks

    • Why showings are the most underrated trust-building moment

    • Leading showings like an expert—not a door opener

    • Offer-writing consistency and marketplace reputation

    Contract-to-Close: Where Deals Are Won or Lost

    • Why handoffs between agents, TCs, lenders, and title matter

    • The mindset shift: assume no one else will catch the mistake

    • Reviewing title commitments, appraisals, and closing statements

    • Preventing last-minute chaos through proactive leadership

    Scaling the Right Way

    • Fixing "below-the-waterline" problems before cosmetic upgrades

    • Why V1 systems beat no systems—perfection comes later

    • How operational clarity unlocks recruiting, retention, and freedom

    Resources & Mentions

    • Agent to CEO Mastermind

    • CoachKitchens.ai – AI-powered systems and SOP support

    • Sisu – Dashboard, transaction management, and client portals

    • Honey Badger Nation Community

    • Growth Centric Consulting – Joel Perso

    Final Takeaway

    You don't scale by adding more leads—you scale by removing chaos.

    Operational excellence isn't about paperwork or bureaucracy. It's about leadership, trust, and delivering a consistent experience that compounds over time. When your systems are clear, your agents perform better, your clients trust deeper, and your business finally becomes scalable.

    As John puts it:

    "Assume no one else is going to do their job—and lead the entire transaction."

    That mindset changes everything.

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
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    53 mins
  • #762: Vision Over Comfort: The Real Work of Modern Leadership with Nick Nanton

    #762: Vision Over Comfort: The Real Work of Modern Leadership with Nick Nanton
    Feb 3 2026
    Episode Overview

    In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with longtime friend, accountability partner, and award-winning filmmaker Nick Nanton for a deep, reflective conversation on leadership, creativity, faith, and focus.

    What starts as a discussion about 12+ years of daily accountability quickly turns into a masterclass on vision, unique ability, storytelling, and why most leaders stay stuck doing work they've outgrown. Nick opens up about his journey from songwriter and law school graduate to Emmy-winning filmmaker, brand builder, and creative entrepreneur—and the hard decisions required to walk away from a business doing millions to pursue work that truly lights him up.

    This episode is for CEOs, agents, and entrepreneurs who feel successful on paper—but know there's another level of alignment, impact, and fulfillment calling them forward.

    Key Topics Covered Accountability & Long-Term Discipline

    • Why daily accountability partnerships outperform motivation

    • How peer accountability compounds over years—not weeks

    • The power of guardrails vs expectations in personal and professional life

    Vision, Leadership & Seeing What Others Can't

    • Why leaders are responsible for making others see the vision

    • The difference between having vision and communicating it

    • Why people will often reject a vision before they understand it

    From Safety to Purpose

    • The danger of clinging to "successful" businesses that no longer serve you

    • Why Nick chose to sunset a multi-million-dollar agency

    • How faith, surrender, and trust play a role in real leadership decisions

    Creativity, Storytelling & Unique Ability

    • Why creativity is problem-solving—not art

    • How to identify and honor the gifts that come naturally to you

    • The role of storytelling in leadership, branding, and influence

    • Why great leaders don't do everything—they do one thing exceptionally well

    Preparation Without Control

    • Nick's framework for preparing powerful conversations without scripting them

    • Why the goal is "the best conversation in the room that day"

    • Lessons from filmmaking that translate directly to business leadership

    Success, Pressure & The Zero Myth

    • "Nothing changes but the zeros"

    • Why bigger success brings bigger pressure—not peace

    • Understanding the pain-to-reward ratio at higher levels of leadership

    Resources & Mentions

    • The Working Genius – Patrick Lencioni

    • Unique Ability – Dan Sullivan

    • Jesus Calling – Sarah Young

    • The Bezos Letters – Steve Anderson

    • Insights from Richard Branson, Jack Canfield, Gary Vee, and Vern Harnish

    • John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach

    Final Takeaway

    Success isn't about doing more—it's about doing what you were uniquely designed to do and letting go of everything else.

    Nick's journey is a reminder that leadership requires vision, courage, and trust—especially when the next chapter doesn't come with guarantees. When you stop clinging to safety and start honoring your gifts, you don't just build better businesses—you build a better life.

    "You were made for something specific. When you stop overlooking your gifts, other people will start valuing them." – Nick Nanton

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
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    52 mins