What if your biggest breakthrough starts where you’ve been saying “can’t”? We celebrate episode 200 with Scottie Pennington, a COO who scaled operations across eight sites while proving that lean, faith, and relentless discipline can transform people and performance. From foundries and scrapyards to maintenance shops that used to be locked down, Scottie shows how 5S and clear communication can shift culture fast—especially when you win over the quiet influencer everyone trusts.

We dig into the shift from doing to developing, and how to avoid becoming the leadership lid as your scope expands. Scottie explains why multiplication beats control, how he built a bench of directors leading plant managers, and why intentionality and gemba rigor still matter when your calendar explodes. His lens is practical and people-first: build leaders who build leaders, and watch results follow. Along the way, he shares the foundations that still guide him—Maxwell’s laws, The Goal, 360 Leader—and how those principles anchor daily behavior.

• COO journey across multiple business lines and sites
• Lean and 5S implemented in foundries and maintenance
• Winning buy-in through communication and influencers
• Avoiding the leadership lid by growing leaders
• Intentionality, discipline, and gemba rigor
• Fitness as process: Spartan races, from if to when
• Family priorities, protected time, and boundaries
• Faith, integrity, trust, and using your gifts
• Practical advice: remove the can’t box and add yet

Then we go personal. Scottie quit alcohol, embraced Spartan races, and replaced motivation with discipline. He describes the “if to when” mindset, dropping 40 pounds, and crossing a Beast finish line wearing Philippians 4:13, a moment powered by faith and family. With six grandkids and a spouse who protects the schedule, he talks about saying no, honoring boundaries, and living integrity when no one is watching. If you’ve ever wondered how to integrate purpose, performance, and personal health without losing your soul, this conversation gives you a map—and a push.

Ready to grow leaders who multiply leaders, implement 5S where it’s hardest, and trade “can’t” for “yet”? Hit play, subscribe for more uncommon leadership stories, and leave a review to help others find the show. Then tell us: what habit will you turn from if to when today?

Connect with Scottie Pennington:
➡️ LinkedIn (primary): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottie-pennington-mba-a4b3b129/overlay/contact-info/

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me