On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, to dive deep into the real essentials of leadership. We talk about the power of personal development, why human connection matters more than ever in a tech-driven world, and how classic principles still drive results even as tools change. If you want to elevate your leadership, master communication, and keep growing—this conversation is packed with insight you don’t want to miss. Listen now and take your impact to the next level!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 "Personal Development Beyond School"

05:11 "Coaching, Relationships, and Punctuation"

09:28 "Timeless Gratitude in Business"

13:04 "Learning, Reflection, and Innovation"

14:58 "Leadership: Growth, Not Manipulation"

19:12 "Human Connection Amid Tech Growth"

21:38 "Leadership: Influence vs. Manipulation"

25:18 "Constantly Improve and Connect"

28:20 "Global Influence Through Technology"

30:20 "One Message for Educators"

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Here are 3 key takeaways from our discussion:

• Human Connection Will Always Win: As Alan Lazaros pointed out, in an increasingly tech-driven world, genuine human connection and community are the differentiators. People crave belonging and real interaction—no algorithm can replace that.

• Personal Development Is Non-Negotiable: Our education system teaches plenty about professional success, but as Alan Lazaros shared, “personal development is not a part of it, whereas professional development is.” Skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and self-awareness are must-haves for 21st-century leadership.

• Tech Is a Tool, Not a Crutch: Embrace innovation and use platforms like ChatGPT to learn and level up, but never outsource your authenticity. Let tech enhance your message, not replace your voice.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

LinkedIn

Website

Book Recommendation

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Roggen Frick, who started operating heavy equipment at just three years old and turned hands-on skills like welding into a thriving business. Roggen shared his journey from college decisions to launching Bare Iron Works, the challenges of project management in construction, and the critical leadership lesson of listening to experts on the ground. We also took a closer look at prevailing wages in construction, breaking down what it really means for workers and companies. If you're passionate about leadership and the realities of building a business from the ground up, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

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00:00 From Welding Hobby to Business

04:17 Dirt Bike Crash Alters Path

09:36 Endless Dirt Relocation Tale

12:47 Understanding Leadership Through Listening

16:27 Prevailing Wages and Labor Costs

17:51 Construction Laws and Industry Impact

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Top three takeaways:

• Embrace Hands-On Learning Roggen Frick's practical experience—from operating machinery as a child to welding in high school—shows the power of learning by doing. Sometimes, hands-on skills are just as valuable as what’s learned in the classroom!

• Adaptability Drives Growth Whether it was pivoting from running a college business to finishing his degree and working in commercial construction, or navigating complex project challenges, adaptability was key in Roggen Frick's success.

• Leadership is Listening Managing projects with diverse teams taught Roggen Frick to listen to experts in each trade—recognizing that strong leadership means valuing your team’s expertise and fostering a collaborative approach.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

LinkedIn

Website

Book Recommendation

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Jennifer Donahue, a retired Navy captain, engineer, and now speaker and author. Jennifer shared her incredible journey—how building Barbie dream houses as a kid led to leading 1,800 Navy Seabees worldwide. We talked about the real foundations of leadership: being yourself, building trust, and adapting your style to empower your team. Jennifer also opened up about overcoming self-doubt and her upcoming book, Becoming: Harnessing Your Inner Strength by Silencing Self Doubt. If you’re ready to level up your leadership and make a lasting impact, this episode is a must-listen.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Navy Engineer's Journey to Leadership

06:20 "Finding Leadership Through Authenticity"

07:29 "Leadership Through Selflessness"

13:31 "Building Trust in Crisis Leadership"

17:21 Adapting Leadership and Communication

18:53 "Tailoring Leadership to Individuals"

22:56 "Power of Overcommunicating Effectively"

28:30 "Building Requires Every Perspective"

32:20 "Bleacher Report Obsession Admitted"

33:09 "Thanks and Stay Tuned"

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Here are my top 3 takeaways from the conversation:

• Authentic Leadership Wins: Jennifer Donahue stresses the power of being yourself as a leader. Trying to mimic others undermines trust; authenticity attracts loyalty and builds stronger teams.

• Trust is Everything: Building trust before a crisis hits is essential. When tough moments arise, your team will follow you with confidence if you’ve invested in genuine relationships.

• Adjust Your Style: Great leaders adapt their approach based on the team and situation. What motivates one person might overwhelm another—communication and flexibility are key to supporting everyone’s success.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Jennifer's Links

LinkedIn

Personal Website

Company Website

Book Recommendation

Jen's Book Pre-Order