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First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠

First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠

By: Timothy Dean Smith Leadership Speaker Coach and Podcast Host
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About this listen

Leading people is the most important responsibility in the world, yet, alarmingly, 60% of first-time leaders fail.


With over 4 decades of experience in leader development and culture improvement, I created this podcast to help you solve 3 critical and costly people problems:

1. Endangered People Skills: The Communication Paradox

2. Peer to Leader, Now What?

3. Sunday Feelings About Monday Mornings

If you’re a first-time leader, someone who hires or promotes first-time leaders or a solopreneur building your first team, this is your podcast.

I’m Timothy Dean Smith, your host & coach.

Monthly, from January through July, I’ll offer you concise, practical solutions you can apply immediately and benefit from for a lifetime.


If you find my solutions valuable, share this podcast with your collages, wherever they listen to podcasts.

Leading people is the most important responsibility in the world and I’m here to ensure your leadership matters.

Thank you for listening to the

First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast.

Take care.

If you need a Leadership Speaker or you need help with Leader Development and/or Culture Improvement, visit tdspi.com and Click on Meet Me.

I look forward to our "get to know each other" conversation.

Treat people like they make a difference and they will.

© 2026 First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Leader "Fix-it" Obsession: Being the Hero Hurts

    Leader "Fix-it" Obsession: Being the Hero Hurts
    May 1 2026

    "Send me a text message and let me know what you think of the First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast."

    A common pitfall for first-time leaders is, the "Fix-it" Obsession. I will explain why "rescuing" your team often leads to burnout for you and stagnation for them. You attempt to be the hero, but you become a bottleneck, holding your team back.

    If you need assistance assessing and accelerating the transformation and transition of first-time leaders, Click Meet Me or visit tdspi.com.

    Support the show

    Timothy Dean Smith
    First-Time Leader Accelerator & Coach
    Podcast Host
    www.tdspi.com
    tds@tdspi.com
    (607) 221-6191

    Thank you for listening to the First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Peer to Leader: It's Not a Promotion

    Peer to Leader: It's Not a Promotion
    Apr 1 2026

    "Send me a text message and let me know what you think of the First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast."

    Often when a peer is select to lead their current team, the process is mistakenly viewed as a promotion, when it’s actually a career transformation and transition.

    If you need assistance of a first-time leader trainer, coach and/or dysfunctional culture improvement, click here, schedule our "get to know each other" conversation.

    Treat people like they make a difference and they will.

    Support the show

    Enroll in First-Time Leader Transformation & Transition Workshop

    Timothy Dean Smith
    First-Time Leader Trainer & Coach
    Podcast Host
    www.tdspi.com
    tds@tdspi.com
    (607) 221-6191

    Thank you for listening to the First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Leader Illusion: You Can Feel It

    Leader Illusion: You Can Feel It
    Feb 27 2026

    "Send me a text message and let me know what you think of the First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast."

    This episode is about recognizing and taking the first step to correct Leader Illusion.

    If you think you’re leading but feel like no one is following, your initial instinct is usually right. You are probably experiencing leader illusion. People may give you the illusion they are following you, because they must, due to your title, formal authority and your control of their professional destiny. This is leader Illusion.

    If you need assistance with leader development and/or dysfunctional culture improvement, click here, schedule our "get to know each other" conversation.

    Treat people like they make a difference and they will.

    Support the show

    Enroll in First-Time Leader Transformation & Transition Workshop

    Timothy Dean Smith
    First-Time Leader Trainer & Coach
    Podcast Host
    www.tdspi.com
    tds@tdspi.com
    (607) 221-6191

    Thank you for listening to the First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
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