Podcast Release Notes: Leader Formula – Episode 1

Episode Title: Defining Leadership: Starting from Within Hosts: Chris LaGarde & Steve Ciprani

Episode Summary

In this very first episode of The Leader Formula, Chris and Steve dive into one of leadership’s most foundational questions: What is leadership really? They explore personal definitions, where leadership begins (hint: it’s within you), and how your own self-awareness, purpose, and emotional intelligence shape the way you lead others. Expect honest conversation around the old debate of "are leaders born or made?", the importance of clarity and vision, and why leading yourself well is the first step to leading others effectively.

If you're a business owner, team leader, entrepreneur—or just someone passionate about leading with authenticity—you’ll find plenty to reflect on and apply.

Key Conversation Shifts & Timecodes

• [00:00] – Are Leaders Born or Made? Chris and Steve open with the classic leadership debate, exploring the nature vs. nurture question around leadership traits.
• [03:09] – How We Define Leadership Chris and Steve share and compare their personal definitions of leadership, referencing John Maxwell, Gary Keller, and Stephen Covey.
• [06:00] – Becoming a Better Leader: Where to Start They discuss how true leadership development begins internally, starting with reflection, clarity of purpose, and leading yourself first.
• [09:00] – The Emotional Reality of Leadership Chris and Steve talk about the humility, challenges, and emotional courage leadership demands—and how self-awareness becomes the most powerful leadership tool.
• [11:47] – Wrap-Up and Listener Reflection Chris and Steve encourage listeners to reflect: How do you define leadership, and how is your current definition shaping how you show up?

Call to Action

If this conversation sparked new insights or challenged the way you think about leadership, we’d love to hear from you! 👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow leader who would benefit. Next episode, Chris and Steve explore the role of identity in leadership—you won’t want to miss it!