On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Adam Malone, founder of the Tenacious Operator. We dove deep into what it really takes to build trust and resilience in teams—whether you’re leading in the boardroom or on the plant floor. Adam shared his journey from navigating distrust in the corporate world to becoming a leadership consultant, and we explored how empathy, authentic communication, and embracing healthy conflict can transform not only your business, but your whole community. If you want to elevate your impact as a leader, don’t miss these powerful insights!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 "Resilience Amid Nexus of Distrust"

05:25 No "They" in Teamwork

06:13 Empathy Builds Trust in Leadership

11:55 Workplace Communication Challenges

13:01 "Fostering Healthy Conflict Through Humility"

19:12 Embracing Conflict in Leadership

22:12 Merit-Based Diversity Hiring

25:34 Understanding Trust, Bias, and Leadership

27:59 "Communication and Connection Journey"

30:18 "Impact of Empathy and Trust"

34:17 Avoid Assuming Intent

37:46 AirPods and Perplexity Insights

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Here are 3 key takeaways that resonated with me:

🔹 Trust is Built on Empathy and Authenticity: Adam shared that trust hinges on leaders consistently demonstrating empathy ("Do you care about me?") and showing up authentically. When people feel seen and understood, team cohesion and performance soar.

🔹 Healthy Conflict Requires Intellectual Fallibility: Great leaders create environments where it’s safe to disagree and share ideas, addressing issues rather than avoiding them. Embracing the idea that we don’t have all the answers paves the way for better solutions and genuine collaboration.

🔹 The Value of Diverse Teams is Unlocked Through Psychological Safety: It’s not enough to focus on demographic diversity. Adam emphasized that the performance edge comes when teams are diverse and psychologically safe—so every voice can be heard and conflict becomes constructive, not destructive.

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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

Adam's website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendations

It's Your Ship

Unreasonable Hospitality

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we got real about the power of grace, community, and vulnerability in leadership. I opened up about a recent personal tragedy and how the support, forgiveness, and empathy from those around me helped transform pain into purpose. Joined by the insightful Traci Austin, we discussed how offering grace—to others and ourselves—builds true belonging, drives growth, and strengthens teams. If you’re ready to lead with impact, remember: don’t isolate. Lean into your community, be intentional, and start making positive change today.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 "Tragic Road Incident in Hagerstown"

05:57 Healing Through Grace and Community

08:31 Grace in Leadership and Community

11:18 Therapy, Leadership, and Trauma Healing

16:22 Bitter or Better: A Choice

18:12 Leadership Through Adaptation and Positivity

21:41 "Big Picture vs. Individual Tasks"

26:49 "Reflection on Emotional Impact"

28:14 Behavior's Impact on Others

32:27 Learning to Embrace Help

36:15 Change Starts With You

38:25 Intentional Daily Practices Matter

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Here are three key takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their leadership impact:

• Grace starts with yourself Before you can extend grace to others—at work or beyond—you have to learn how to offer it to yourself. Self-forgiveness lays the foundation for authentic, empathetic leadership.

• Isolation vs. Community When hardship strikes, you have a choice: to isolate and grow bitter, or embrace community and become better. Healing, growth, and transformation almost always happen in connection with others.

• Intentional Daily Change Real change in leadership and life comes from making intentional shifts—no matter how small—every single day. Whether it’s how you build your team, practice gratitude, or seek help, don’t wait for tomorrow to start. Begin today.

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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

Traci's LinkedIn

Trici's Website

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Cynthia Rapaido, a powerhouse in K-12 education and leadership. We talked about the challenges of transitioning from teaching students to leading adults, the game-changing role of mentorship, and how to define—and redefine—your personal “why” as you climb the ladder. Dr. Cynthia dropped insights on building inclusive, thriving school cultures and preparing students for real-world success, plus she shared wisdom from her new book, “Step Up Your School Leadership Game.” If you want actionable strategies to elevate your impact as a leader, this episode is packed with gold.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 "From Struggle to Teaching Passion"

05:12 Universal Value of Apprenticeships

08:50 Mentorship Toward Principalship Journey

11:16 "Discovering and Evolving Your Why"

17:16 Creating a Positive School Environment

18:58 Bridging Schools and Industry Needs

23:51 "Preparing Students for Opportunities"

28:07 "Should Everyone Be a Principal?"

29:33 "Choosing Leadership in Education"

33:23 "Rapid Fire Leadership Questions"

36:46 AI Advancements and Future Connections

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Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• 💡 Mentorship is Essential: Dr. Rapaido emphasized that real growth happens with strong mentorship—both from within your school and across your professional network. Don’t wait to be assigned a mentor; proactively seek out guidance to expand your perspective.

• 🧭 Your “Why” Will Evolve: Your motivation for leading will shift over time. Dr. Rapaido encourages leaders to regularly reassess their ‘why’—it’s not just about personal growth or compensation. Staying grounded in your purpose is key to navigating challenges and inspiring those you lead.

• 🚀 Hands-On Learning Trumps Theory: There’s no substitute for real-world experience. Whether it’s “student principling” or shadowing others, Dr. Rapaido recommends practical learning opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and day-to-day leadership realities.

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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

Cynthia's LinkedIn

Cynthia's Book

Book Recommendation

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Molly Denham—Air Force veteran, admin expert, and founder of Vexa Services and Vexa Software. Molly shared her inspiring journey from flipping slides on an overhead projector to leading executive support at the Pentagon and building her own tech company. We explored how admin professionals are true leaders and strategic partners in any organization, the power of adapting to change, and why communication is the secret sauce to success—especially in the virtual world. If you’re ready to level up your impact, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Administrative Career Progression Shifts

05:54 Adapting to Technological Progress

07:23 "Evolution of Administrative Tools"

13:16 "Admins as Strategic Leaders"

14:47 Admin Professionals as Office Leaders

21:14 Virtual vs. In-Person Roles

25:20 Virtual Communication Essential for Success

27:41 Miscommunication in Business Deals

30:32 Clarifying Executive Instructions

35:48 "Subscribe and Rate Us

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3 Key Takeaways:

• Adaptability is Non-Negotiable: Technology, from the first workplace computers to AI, has never “replaced” great administrative professionals—instead, it’s those who adapt who remain valuable. “The environment will change and you either have to change with it or you will be replaced by somebody who does.”

• Leadership Isn’t About Titles: Molly stressed that true leadership can come from any seat in an organization. Admin professionals act as a central point, often having a unique, influential perspective that can drive teams forward.

• Communication is King—Especially Virtually: With remote work on the rise, Molly shared that the #1 reason virtual admin relationships fail is lack of clear, consistent communication. Setting expectations and maintaining regular check-ins is critical for success.

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On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with executive coach John Little to talk all things leadership growth. John shared how his journey from sports and broadcasting to coaching taught him that practice and personal development never stop—no matter your career stage. We dug into overcoming limiting beliefs, building your leadership brand, and why accountability is truly the highest form of kindness. If you’re ready to level up your impact, remember: keep showing up, keep practicing, and never stop learning. For more insights, check out the full episode!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Leadership Journey Across Industries

04:42 "Leadership Lessons from Sports Struggles"

07:35 "Continual Learning for Lasting Success"

10:37 Preparing Teams for Success

14:26 Breaking Small Business Mindset Cycles

19:02 "Self-Branding for Leadership Success"

19:57 "Leaders: Connect as People"

25:04 Seek Clarity, Show Understanding

29:20 Bridging Generational Gaps at Work

31:17 Understanding Personal Perceptions

35:49 Navigating Difficult Conversations

39:51 "Accountability: Keys to Success"

43:08 AI Fashion Feedback for Gen X

44:06 "Rate and Explore More Episodes"

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Here are three key takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their leadership:

✅ Practice isn’t just for athletes or musicians—it’s critical for leaders, too. Ongoing self-development, whether through reading, feedback, or new challenges, is the key to sustainable success.

✅ Building strong teams starts with intentional onboarding and training. If your team isn’t performing, first look at the processes and preparation you’ve provided—not just the results.

✅ Your identity as a leader is your brand. You can (and should) evolve it! Consistency, vulnerability, and a growth mindset help you connect with your team and create a culture of accountability and continual improvement.

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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

Molly's Website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with executive coach John Little to talk all things leadership growth. John shared how his journey from sports and broadcasting to coaching taught him that practice and personal development never stop—no matter your career stage. We dug into overcoming limiting beliefs, building your leadership brand, and why accountability is truly the highest form of kindness. If you’re ready to level up your impact, remember: keep showing up, keep practicing, and never stop learning. For more insights, check out the full episode!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Leadership Journey Across Industries

04:42 "Leadership Lessons from Sports Struggles"

07:35 "Continual Learning for Lasting Success"

10:37 Preparing Teams for Success

14:26 Breaking Small Business Mindset Cycles

19:02 "Self-Branding for Leadership Success"

19:57 "Leaders: Connect as People"

25:04 Seek Clarity, Show Understanding

29:20 Bridging Generational Gaps at Work

31:17 Understanding Personal Perceptions

35:49 Navigating Difficult Conversations

39:51 "Accountability: Keys to Success"

43:08 AI Fashion Feedback for Gen X

44:06 "Rate and Explore More Episodes"

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Here are three key takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their leadership:

✅ Practice isn’t just for athletes or musicians—it’s critical for leaders, too. Ongoing self-development, whether through reading, feedback, or new challenges, is the key to sustainable success.

✅ Building strong teams starts with intentional onboarding and training. If your team isn’t performing, first look at the processes and preparation you’ve provided—not just the results.

✅ Your identity as a leader is your brand. You can (and should) evolve it! Consistency, vulnerability, and a growth mindset help you connect with your team and create a culture of accountability and continual improvement.

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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

John's website

LinkedIn

Leadership Confidence Assessment

Book Recommendations

1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently

Emotional Intelligence

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Mark Teague, who went from working on a Texas farm to leading teams in global finance. Mark shared how old-school values like honesty, hard work, and respect still unlock real results in today’s fast-paced business world—and why mastering both your technical craft and your character is non-negotiable. We talked about embracing change, the power of teamwork, and how choosing your North Star can guide you through any challenge. If you want actionable leadership wisdom rooted in timeless principles, this episode is a must-listen!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Timeless Principles Ensure Modern Success

03:18 Balancing Tradition with Modern Farming

08:29 Building a Business with Faith

10:11 Integrity Essential in Commerce

13:20 Barriers to Defining and Achieving Success

19:33 Leadership Principles Drive Change

21:32 Disconnecting: Reconnecting with Simplicity

25:51 "Do Something, Always"

28:10 "Future Leadership Complexity"

30:01 Unity Through Bill of Rights

34:13 Congruence Model: Alignment for Commitment

37:59 Honesty, Skills, and Character

41:12 Engage & Follow for Updates

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Here are 3 key takeaways that stood out:

🔹 Master Both Skill & Character: Success in any field means being a technical expert and bringing strong personal values to the table. If you lack in either area—skills or integrity—you’ll be exposed and held back. Aim to excel in both.

🔹 Don’t Fear Change—Embrace It: Whether you’re transitioning industries or adopting new technology, adaptability is crucial. Life is a series of problems to solve and change is inevitable. The willingness to evolve sets true leaders apart.

🔹 Anchor Yourself in Lasting Principles: In a fast-changing world, having a clear North Star—a foundation of values and purpose—is more essential than ever. Whether rooted in faith, mission, or personal conviction, commit to it boldly and let it guide your decisions and your teams.

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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

Mark's Website

LinkedIn

Mark's Book

Book Recommendation

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we heard from Larry O'nan—a seasoned leader with over sixty years of experience in management, nonprofits, and fund development. Larry shared how his unexpected “left turns” in life became powerful opportunities for growth, and why embracing failure is essential to strong leadership. We also dived into the heart of intentional living and stewardship, discovering that true success comes from serving others and managing our resources with purpose. If you’re ready to lead with intention and find your “true north,” don’t miss this insightful conversation.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Unplanned Career Shifts and Growth

05:39 Embracing Unexpected Opportunities

07:56 Unexpected Career Shift

10:11 Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

16:37 Charity Motivation and Emotional Appeal

17:56 Stewardship Key to Fundraising Success

21:40 The Power of Giving and Asking

27:02 "Principles of Lifestyle Stewardship"

28:18 Degrees of Truth and Deception

31:37 "Life Isn't Disneyland"

35:19 "The Giver Needs to Give"

38:14 AI: A Blessing and a Curse

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Here are 3 key takeaways that resonated with me:

• Embrace Unexpected Turns: Larry’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear. Many of our biggest growth moments come from those “left turns” in life—unexpected challenges that become opportunities for leadership and reinvention.

• Intentional Living & Stewardship: True stewardship is about managing resources—skills, time, money—on behalf of something bigger than ourselves. Larry emphasizes that intentionality, rather than just technique, is what drives lasting impact in both leadership and fund development.

• The Importance of Flexibility & Team Ownership: As leaders, fostering adaptability and empowering your team to take ownership creates environments where both people and projects thrive. Larry’s approach of “managing by wandering around” shows that being present and attentive to your team’s real-time experiences fosters stronger results.

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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

Larry's Website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Chad E. Cooper—former Marine, Microsoft retiree at just 35, and high-level leadership coach. We dove deep into why values-driven leadership trumps just chasing tools and hacks, and why clarity, alignment, and resourcefulness are true keys to lasting success. Chad shared how the SERVE method reshapes leaders, and inspired us to let go of victim mindsets, adapt to new environments, and relentlessly pursue a legendary life. If you’re ready to level up your leadership and create real impact, this episode is a must-listen!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Marine Corps: A Value-Based Organization

04:01 "Navigating Life's Journey"

08:50 Decline of Malls and Map Reading

10:19 Adapting Military Leadership to Civilian Sector

14:41 Resourcefulness Drives Consistent Success

19:30 Changing the Conversation on Privilege

22:52 "Leadership Through Transformative Language"

24:00 "Aligning Purpose with Self-Talk"

28:57 "Feeding the Right Wolf"

30:33 "Prioritize Time for Impact"

35:55 "Revamp Curriculum: Focus on Outcomes"

38:52 "Surgical Tech Use with AI"

39:56 Follow & Subscribe for Updates

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Here are my top 3 takeaways for fellow leaders and professionals:

• Start with Self-Awareness: You can’t lead effectively without knowing where you are, where you’re headed, and who’s coming with you. Take a step back—get clear on your map before you start collecting tools for the journey.

• Adapt Your Tools to Your Environment: What works in one organization (or season of life) won’t always work in another. The best leaders regularly reassess their approach and let go of what no longer fits.

• Resourcefulness > Resources: Whether it’s running a plant or leading a global team, your capacity to find solutions (not just the “right” answer) is a game-changer. Embrace challenges as an opportunity to show creativity and grit.

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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

Chad's website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation