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!

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

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"

------

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.

------

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.

------

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.

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

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

------

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.

------

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.

------

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.

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

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"

------

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.

------

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.

------

Jennifer's Links

LinkedIn

Personal Website

Company Website

Book Recommendation

Jen's Book Pre-Order

On today's McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Mitchell Osmond, coach and host of the Dad Nation Podcast. Mitchell shared his powerful journey from personal struggle to success, talking candidly about overcoming family dysfunction, debt, and addiction, and how he rebuilt his home, health, and happiness. We dove into the importance of community, being open to help, and practical steps for maintaining balance as a leader and a dad. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or looking to grow, there’s a ton of inspiration and actionable advice in this episode. Check it out to elevate your impact—both at work and at home.

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

00:00 Coaching Men for Fulfillment

03:47 "Living a Life of Legacy"

08:23 Family Dynamics Affecting Marriage

13:32 Breaking Autopilot to Embrace Change

14:23 "Iron Five: Power of Community"

18:05 "Why Helping Others Feels Mutual"

23:19 "Listen or Solve?"

24:40 "Men, Overwhelm, and Seeking Help"

28:50 "Identifying Energy Drainers"

30:33 "Prioritization and Personal Mission"

35:09 Defining Success Beyond Work Metrics

40:01 "ChatGPT: A Game-Changing Tool"

41:29 "Thanks for Your Support!"

-----

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• Your Past Is Your Power:

  Mitchell Osmond reminds us that the struggles we've overcome uniquely qualify us to help others walking similar paths. Our lived experiences are not just scars—they’re credentials for contributing authentic value.

• Redefine Success on Your Own Terms: It's easy to chase external definitions of success, but true fulfillment comes from having your own “success statements.” Whether it’s being present with family or achieving professional goals, clarity and regular check-ins help keep your journey intentional and rewarding.

• Community & Accountability Are Game Changers: Transformation doesn’t happen in isolation.

  Mitchell Osmond’s “Iron Five” framework highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who elevate you—those who are willing to both support and challenge you.

------

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.

------

Mitchell's Links

LinkedIn

Website

Podcast

Book Recommendation

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Joel Goldberg, veteran sports broadcaster and author, as he shared powerful lessons from his journey in baseball and business. Joel dove into the importance of building trust, practicing your craft, and how small daily actions lead to big success—whether you’re leading a major league team or growing your company. If you’re ready to step up your leadership, connect authentically, and drive results, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now.

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

00:00 Broadcasting, Baseball, and Business Ventures

05:39 Social Media's Impact on Socializing

07:32 "Work, Learning, and Digital Socializing"

11:23 "Job Hunting Before the Internet"

15:15 "Importance of Communication Cues"

17:02 "Growth, Connection, and Success Advice"

21:35 "Start Writing by Logging Thoughts"

25:00 "Building Trust Through Interviews"

30:08 Accountability and Leadership in Sports

32:07 "Baseball Misread and Coaching Error"

37:18 "Small Ball, Big Impact"

38:43 Storytelling for Everyday Inspiration

43:36 "Raising Others One Inch"

46:07 "Controlling Energy Over Outcomes"

49:21 "Legacy of the Negro Leagues"

51:18 iPad Pro: Game Day Essential

------

Key Takeaways:

• Relationships Matter More Than Ever: Whether it’s breaking into TV with resume tapes (or links!), or standing out in a sea of LinkedIn messages, Joel Goldberg emphasized that personal connection—through a phone call, email, or face-to-face meeting—truly sets you apart.

• Small Ball, Big Results: Success isn’t just about home runs. Joel Goldberg shared how small, intentional actions—like accountability, trust-building, and doing the little things no one sees—add up to transformational results, both in baseball and business.

• Leaders Lift Others Up: Great leaders show positivity and are “energy givers.” Whether you’re an athlete, executive, or entrepreneur, creating a safe environment and taking responsibility—especially when things go wrong—cultivates trust and lasting impact on your team.

------

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.

------

Links

LinkedIn

Website

Book Recommendations

The Soul of Baseball

Small Ball Big Dreams

Small Ball Big Results

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!

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

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

------

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.

------

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.

------

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.

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

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

------

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.

------

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.

------

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.

------

Download your free episode guide here!

------

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

------

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.

------

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.

------

Links

Cynthia's LinkedIn

Cynthia's Book

Book Recommendation