• 131: Dr. Liz Werly — What an Army Psychologist for Special Ops Teaches About High Performance and Emotional Intelligence
    Nov 7 2025
    How do the best military leaders go from operating at an already elite level… to an even higher level under pressure? In this episode, Army psychologist Dr. Liz Werly (who works directly with some of the U.S. military's most elite units) breaks down the exact framework she uses to help high performers: build accurate self-awareness using gold-standard assessments, "engineer" their personality to fit the context (calm under fire and present at home), develop emotional intelligence as the differentiator once IQ and talent are in place, and translate values into visible daily behaviors that protect what matters most. We also dig into groundedness and intentionality as core high-performance habits, the basics that leaders ignore at their own risk (sleep, rhythm, connection), and how generational shifts and resiliency trends are reshaping today's force and workplaces. In this episode, you'll learn: How Dr. Werly assesses elite leaders (IQ, Big Five, emotional measures) and turns data into a growth plan Why emotional intelligence becomes more important than raw intellect at higher levels of leadership A simple values → beliefs → behaviors framework (including the "20-minute Lego" example) How to recognize when your strengths (e.g., robotic under pressure) become liabilities at home or with your team Practical tools for grounding, bandwidth management, and emotional "dialing" What leaders need to understand about younger generations, resiliency, and expectations If you're already a high performer and want to become a more grounded, self-aware, and sustainable leader, this conversation is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Connect with Dr. Liz Werly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-h-werly-psy-d-b843b817/ Join the waitlist for the next Intentional Leader Lab cohort: intentionalleaderlab.com The views expressed in this episode are those of the participants and do not represent the official position of the U.S. Government or the U.S. Army. Chapters: 00:00 Intro – How elite leaders go from high to higher 00:33 Disclaimer + what this episode will cover 01:06 Welcome to The Intentional Leader Podcast + IL Lab mention 01:36 Meet Dr. Liz Werly & her work with elite military units 03:35 "If I walked into your office…" – her framework for high performers 05:19 Patterns, personality, and "engineering" your strengths 07:42 Robotic under pressure, distant at home – dialing traits up/down 09:20 Big Five, gold-standard assessments & why cheap tests fall short 11:24 Why tests need interpretation, not labels 13:18 How leaders react when they see their data 16:50 Values-based goals & Acceptance and Commitment mindset 18:58 IQ vs personality vs EQ – what you can actually change 21:00 The four pillars of emotional intelligence (Liz's breakdown) 24:25 Why EQ is the edge once IQ is "good enough" 24:50 Groundedness & intentionality as #1 performance levers 26:44 Designing your "ideal day" for this season of life 29:04 Sleep, basics, and whole-person performance 29:50 Values → beliefs → behaviors (the 20-minute Lego example) 32:36 When values collide (deployments, travel, guilt & shame) 34:44 Emotions as information vs letting emotions drive decisions 36:30 Generational friction & why it's an emotional intelligence issue 39:25 Tech, expectations, and how younger leaders are different 41:06 Resiliency, safety culture, and maturity gaps 43:18 Recruiting, mental health, and opportunity in today's force 45:00 Where to connect with Liz + her final advice to leaders 46:24 Outro – 5 practical challenges: grounding, values, bandwidth, dialing, feedback
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    49 mins
  • 130: Dr. Zach Mercurio — The Hidden Engine of High-Performing Teams: Mattering, Trust, and Purpose-Driven Leadership
    Oct 24 2025

    Apply to work with me 1-1: https://courses.calwalters.me/coaching

    Join the Intentional Leader Lab waitlist: https://courses.calwalters.me/intentional-leader-lab

    Learn more about Zach: https://www.zachmercurio.com/

    In this conversation, Dr. Zach Mercurio discusses the importance of creating a sense of purpose and mattering within teams. He emphasizes that feeling valued is a basic human instinct and that leaders play a crucial role in fostering an environment where everyone feels significant. The discussion covers the psychological impacts of not feeling like one matters, the barriers leaders face in demonstrating care, and practical strategies for enhancing team dynamics through small, intentional interactions. The conversation ultimately highlights the shift from traditional command-and-control leadership to a more trust-based approach that prioritizes relationships and emotional intelligence.

    00:00 Creating a Sense of Purpose in Teams

    02:10 Understanding the Cost of Not Mattering

    04:28 The Role of Leaders in Mattering

    07:56 The Importance of Mattering in Work and Life

    11:41 Barriers to Caring in Leadership

    16:10 The Shift from Command and Control to Trust-Based Leadership

    19:35 Leading Indicators vs. Lagging Indicators

    23:28 The Power of Small Interactions

    28:59 Practical Actions for Leaders to Show Mattering

    44:26 Noticing, Affirming, and Needing in Leadership

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    55 mins
  • 129: Dr. Ryan Gottfredson — The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation, Mindsets, Emotional Intelligence, and Becoming Better
    Sep 10 2025

    Update: Now only 6 spots left in the Intentional Leader Lab!

    ➡️ Learn about the Intentional Leader Lab: https://intentionalleaderlab.com

    Book a call: https://tally.so/r/w8X6dz

    Apply today: https://tally.so/r/nr40XM

    Please visit my website to get more information: https://calwalters.me/

    In this episode, Dr. Ryan Gottfredson returns to discuss the concepts of trauma, vertical development, and the distinction between 'being' and 'doing' in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and healing one's internal operating system to achieve true personal transformation. The conversation explores how mindsets shape our experiences and the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Ryan shares his personal journey of transformation and the impact of trauma on leadership effectiveness, providing insights into how leaders can grow both personally and professionally.

    00:00 Introduction to the Intentional Leader Lab

    01:12 Deep Dive with Dr. Ryan Gottfredson

    02:35 Exploring Mindsets and Personal Transformation

    04:49 The Importance of Vertical Development

    11:13 Understanding Self-Protective Fears

    16:12 The Doing Side vs. The Being Side

    22:42 The Impact of Trauma on Leadership

    29:58 Emotional Intelligence and Its Connection to Being

    38:47 The Neuroscience of Emotional Intelligence

    44:23 Ryan's Personal Journey of Transformation

    50:40 Final Thoughts on Becoming Better

    Takeaways

    - The Intentional Leader Lab offers a six-month leadership experience

    - Dr. Ryan Gottfredson emphasizes the importance of vertical development

    - Mindsets are crucial for personal transformation

    - Self-protective fears can hinder leadership growth

    - The distinction between doing and being is vital for leaders

    - Emotional intelligence is primarily a being side ability

    - Trauma can significantly impact leadership effectiveness

    - Awareness is the first step towards transformation

    - Expanding your window of tolerance is essential for growth

    - Healing one's internal operating system is key to becoming better

    #leadership #leader #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalintelligence #podcast #personalgrowth #growth #growthmindset #growthjourney #trauma #traumahealing #selfimprovement #selfcare #selflove #selfgrowth #intentionalliving #fear #fearless #team #teamwork #neuroscience #science

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    57 mins
  • 128: Accomplish Anything as a Leader with the 3 Levels of Clarity and the Intentional Leader Lab
    Sep 1 2025

    ➡️ Learn about the Intentional Leader Lab: https://intentionalleaderlab.com

    Book a call: https://tally.so/r/w8X6dz

    Apply today: https://tally.so/r/nr40XM

    The Intentional Leader Lab: A Mastermind for Successful Leaders Who Refuse to Plateau

    Even the best leaders can drift, but this carefully curated leadership community and Cal's Narrow Path™ Framework give you the tools, accountability, and systems to accelerate your growth.

    Only 11 spots left.

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    4 mins
  • 127: Dr. Travis Bradberry — Emotional Intelligence Expert Gives Practical Advice to Increase Your EQ, Increase Your Self-Awareness, and Change Your Thinking
    Aug 26 2025

    ➡️ Apply to the Intentional Leader Lab (only 12 slots available): https://intentionalleaderlab.com/

    In this conversation, Cal introduces the Intentional Leader Lab, a coaching program aimed at enhancing leadership skills through emotional intelligence. Dr. Travis Bradberry, an expert in emotional intelligence, discusses its significance in leadership, differentiating it from IQ, and the importance of self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence and the impact it has on personal and professional relationships.

    Dr. Travis Bradberry is a best-selling author and a leading expert in emotional intelligence (EQ), co-authoring the #1 bestseller Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and the book The New Emotional Intelligence. He co-founded TalentSmart, a provider of EQ assessments and training used by many Fortune 500 companies, and is currently the Chief People Scientist at LEADx. His work focuses on practical strategies and new research to help people improve their EQ, which impacts behavior, decision-making, and relationships.

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    45 mins
  • 126: Melody Wilding — How to Manage Up and 5 Conversations to Have with Your Boss
    Jul 23 2025

    ➡️ Get my free weekly newsletter (The Intentional Letter): https://courses.calwalters.me/signup

    🧭 Clarify Your Core Values: https://calwalters.me/course

    In this conversation, Melody Wilding, an expert in managing up, discusses the essential skills and strategies needed to influence your boss and navigate workplace dynamics effectively. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, establishing alignment, and taking ownership in your role. The discussion also covers setting boundaries, giving and receiving feedback, and the concept of the triple win, which focuses on finding mutually beneficial solutions for yourself, your boss, and the organization.

    Melody Wilding is the bestselling author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and the Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge.

    Melody is a licensed social worker with a master's degree from Columbia University, professor of human behavior at Hunter College in New York City, and former emotions researcher at Rutgers University.

    For more than a decade, she's helped top performers and leadership at the world's most successful companies — including Google, JP Morgan, and Verizon — to communicate more clearly, prevent burnout, and transform complicated workplace dynamics into powerful alliances that impact the bottom line.

    Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and dozens of other respected publications. She's a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and CNBC.

    ➡️ Connect with Melody: https://melodywilding.com/

    00:00 Mastering the Art of Managing Up

    01:23 Understanding the Concept of Managing Up

    05:37 Navigating Workplace Dynamics

    07:52 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

    11:55 The Power of Effective Conversations

    15:35 The Triple Win Concept

    20:21 Establishing Alignment with Your Boss

    39:57 Taking Ownership in Your Role

    49:50 Setting Boundaries for Success

    53:35 Giving and Receiving Feedback Effectively

    Please visit my website to get more information: https://calwalters.me/

    🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@intentionalleader_calwalters/?sub_confirmation=1

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    57 mins
  • 125: Patrick Lencioni — The One Thing Every Leader Needs and His Top Advice to Leaders at All Stages
    Jun 30 2025

    ➡️ Get my free weekly newsletter (The Intentional Letter): https://courses.calwalters.me/signup

    In this episode of the Intentional Leader podcast, Cal and Patrick Lencioni delve into the core motivations behind leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving others over seeking personal gain. They discuss the impact of fear on leadership effectiveness, the necessity of daily self-reflection, and the significance of understanding one's wounds in shaping leadership styles. The conversation also touches on the importance of unity within organizations and offers practical advice for leaders at various stages of their careers, encouraging self-discovery and intentionality in leadership practices.

    Go deeper with Pat and his work:

    - The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooh27JebY2gN8wRMxtvnSo_5oO9jcZ6r0y7cdrS00K2kPh_-E0O

    - The Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/

    - At the Table Podcast: https://www.tablegroup.com/pat/#podcasters

    00:00 The Essence of Leadership Motivation

    02:55 Understanding the True Motive Behind Leadership

    05:41 The Impact of Fear on Leadership

    08:46 Daily Reflections and Intentions

    11:36 The Importance of Self-Discovery in Leadership

    14:40 Navigating Leadership Through Different Life Stages

    17:33 The Role of Wounds in Shaping Leadership

    20:26 Finding Peace Beyond Success

    23:29 Unity in Leadership and Organizations

    26:46 Advice for Young Leaders

    29:28 The Journey of Self-Awareness

    32:36 Leadership in the Later Stages of Life

    35:31 Creating Cohesion in Divided Times

    Please visit my website to get more information: https://calwalters.me/

    🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@intentionalleader_calwalters/?sub_confirmation=1

    ⭐⭐⭐ Audio Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms:

    ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-leader-with-cal-walters/id1468715294

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/41qlvUJj1Ej0hzNp3dC5wn

    🔗 Support Me Here! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/calwalters

    🔗 Stay Connected With Me. Linkedin (Cal Walters): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-walters-5571b824/

    Linkedin (Intentional Leader): https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-living-leadership/

    Website: https://calwalters.me/

    📩 For business inquiries: cal@calwalters.me

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    59 mins
  • 124: Geoff Woods — Leverage AI for Elite Thinking and Decision Making (The Ai-Driven Leader)
    May 29 2025

    ➡️ Get my Newsletter (Intentional Letter): https://courses.calwalters.me/signup

    Discover Your Core Values: https://calwalters.me/course

    Geoff Woods is the author of The AI-Driven Leader and the Founder of AI Leadership, where he empowers leaders to harness AI, escape operational overwhelm, and think strategically to accelerate growth.

    AI Leadership is spearheaded by Geoff Woods, a visionary leader with a proven track record helping companies grow through strategic thinking and AI-driven solutions.

    As the former Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel & Power, he drove market cap growth from $750M to $12B in four years through AI-driven leadership.

    He also co-founded the training and consulting company behind The ONE Thing, where he coached and advised companies with annual revenues from $10 million to $60 billion.​​

    In this conversation, Cal and Geoff explore the transformative potential of AI in leadership and decision-making. They discuss the importance of asking the right questions, mastering essential skills, and using AI as a strategic partner rather than just a tool. The dialogue highlights real-world applications of AI in business, including creating AI boards to simulate executive dynamics and enhance decision-making processes. The speakers emphasize the need for leaders to adapt to technological advancements and leverage AI to overcome significant challenges in their organizations. In this conversation, the speakers explore the transformative role of AI in leadership and decision-making. They discuss practical applications of AI in board meetings, presentation feedback, and strategic thinking. The importance of maintaining a thought leadership role while leveraging AI as a thought partner is emphasized, along with the need for leaders to adapt to the rapidly changing job landscape. The discussion also highlights lessons from Blockbuster's downfall and offers practical steps for leaders to integrate AI into their daily practices.

    00:00 AI as a Strategic Partner for Leaders

    07:23 Harnessing AI for Strategic Thinking

    21:43 Creating AI Boards for Leadership

    26:02 Real-World Applications of AI in Business

    27:51 Simulating Reality: AI's Role in Predictive Analysis

    29:03 Proactive AI Engagement: Preparing for Presentations

    31:20 Thought Leadership vs. Thought Partnership

    33:05 Building Your AI Board: A Personal Strategy

    38:50 Strategic Thinking: Lessons from Blockbuster's Downfall

    42:38 Practical Steps for Leaders: Using AI Effectively

    45:04 Future Skills: Preparing for an AI-Driven World

    49:52 Powerful Questions: Shaping Your Leadership Journey

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    52 mins