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The Way of The Wolf

The Way of The Wolf

By: Sean Barnes
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 Leadership, Business, and Becoming the Best Version of Ourselves.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 258: Stop Chasing Degrees - Start Chasing Results

    258: Stop Chasing Degrees - Start Chasing Results
    Dec 2 2025

    Sean breaks down a conversation he had with a young professional who believed the only path to a better job was earning more letters behind his name. MBA, certifications, extra degrees… we talk about why those things rarely move the needle the way people think they do.

    This episode is all about:

    • Why your reputation matters more than your credentials
    • How to get “time in the seat” when you feel stuck
    • Why networking, showing up, and lifting others up is far more valuable than another degree
    • How to build real leverage by becoming known for results
    • The mindset shift that opens doors faster than any title ever could

    If you're early in your career, in transition, or questioning your next move, this is the reset you probably need.

    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 258 | 12.02.2025

    Episode Title: Stop Chasing Degrees – Start Chasing Results

    Key Moments

    00:00 – The conversation that sparked this episode 00:34 – The myth of “get another degree” 01:02 – Why letters behind your name don’t matter 01:33 – The credibility catch-22 01:52 – Getting your foot in the door 02:26 – How lifting others changes everything 02:57 – Stop chasing degrees. Start chasing results.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Most companies don’t care about the letters behind your name, they care about whether you can deliver.
    2. Success comes from experience, consistency, and being the person people want to work with.
    3. You don’t become great overnight; you grow through showing up, learning the environment, and helping others succeed.
    4. Stop chasing credentials you don’t need. Start chasing the kind of impact you want to have.

    Host: Sean Barnes

    Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

    https://www.seanbarnes.com

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

    LinkedIn Newsletter:

    https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

    The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

    YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://x.com/wolfexecutives

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

    https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

    Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
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    3 mins
  • 257: From Introverted IT Nerd to Executive Leader: Building a Powerful Personal Brand

    257: From Introverted IT Nerd to Executive Leader: Building a Powerful Personal Brand
    Nov 25 2025
    Sean Barnes, President of Wolf Executives and former VP of IT, HR, ESG, and Leadership Development in oil and gas, shares how building a personal brand became the biggest unlock of his life. From introverted “IT nerd” hiding behind a keyboard… …to an executive leading multiple functions and launching his own company… Sean walks through the exact mindset shifts and strategies that helped him build a reputation as a problem solver, leader builder, and trusted executive partner. Using examples from brands like Nike, Lamborghini, and Louis Vuitton, Sean breaks personal branding down to its simplest form: What are you known for when you’re not in the room? Podcast Show Notes – Episode 257 | 11.25.2025 Episode Title: From Introverted IT Nerd to Executive Leader: Building a Powerful Personal Brand Key Moments 00:00 – Opening and introduction 01:14 – Who actually has a personal brand? 01:53 – Nike vs. Reebok: what brand really is 03:29 – The introverted kid in the corner 04:21 – Discovering technology and drive 05:48 – Ladder climbed… purpose missing 07:06 – “I think I can lead HR” (and getting shut down) 10:39 – The email that changed everything 11:44 – Becoming VP of IT and HR overnight 12:08 – Learning to lead people, not just systems 13:11 – “All ships rise with the tide” 13:36 – Adding PMO and ESG to the mix 14:00 – Stacking domains: IT, HR, PMO, ESG, HSE, leadership development 15:08 – Entrepreneurship and adversity 15:40 – What this has to do with personal brand 16:06 – Lamborghini and Louis Vuitton: one-word associations 16:37 – Brand in its simplest form 17:20 – The three pillars: Clarity, Visibility, Value 17:37 – Clarity: getting real feedback (even from your nemesis) 18:55 – Aim your brand: who do you want to become? 19:29 – Visibility: how you show up in rooms and inboxes 20:28 – LinkedIn done simply 21:21 – Turning events into content 21:38 – Value: give more than you take 22:22 – The results: reputation, influence, and invitations 23:50 – Why this is a marathon, not a sprint 24:23 – Being spoiled for choice 25:33 – The playbook & closing challenge Key Takeaways Everyone already has a personal brand — it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room, whether you’ve been intentional about it or not.Clarity comes first: you need to know what you’re known for today and what you want to be known for tomorrow, then close that gap with deliberate growth.Visibility matters: how you show up in meetings, emails, conferences, and on LinkedIn shapes your executive presence and reputation.Value is the engine: approach every interaction by giving more than you take, even when it’s tiring, that’s how trust and reputation are built.Adversity and stretch roles are brand accelerators: saying yes to hard, unfamiliar opportunities forces growth and creates powerful stories about who you are as a leader.A strong personal brand gives you options: when you’re known and trusted, you’re no longer trapped in toxic cultures, you’re “spoiled for choice” in your career. Host: Sean Barnes Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com https://www.seanbarnes.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/ LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/ The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/ YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes https://x.com/wolfexecutives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
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    27 mins
  • 256: Becoming a Paid Speaker: What No On Tells You

    256: Becoming a Paid Speaker: What No On Tells You
    Nov 18 2025

    Sean Barnes pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to become a paid public speaker. Forget the “get rich from keynotes fast” promises, Sean shares the real story behind building influence, stepping on 100+ stages, and developing a clear, compelling message that event organizers actually want.

    He breaks down the discipline behind effective communication, storytelling, audience connection, and what separates aspiring speakers from the ones who earn their place on stage. If you're working to grow your leadership voice, build a personal brand, or become a paid speaker, this episode gives you the roadmap most people won’t tell you.

    Podcast Show Notes – Episode 256 | 11.18.2025

    Episode Title: Becoming a Paid Speaker: What No One Tells You

    Key Moments

    00:00 – Opening in Vancouver 00:33 – The “Spaceship Moment” 01:05 – Reflecting on 5 Years of Speaking 01:41 – The truth behind paid speaking 02:04 – The power of repetition 02:29 – What event organizers look for 02:57 – How to craft a compelling message 03:25 – Finding your life story

    Key Takeaways

    1. Paid speaking is a marathon, you earn your place through reps, not shortcuts.
    2. Stepping on as many stages as possible is the fastest way to grow your skillset.
    3. Event organizers are overwhelmed with requests, differentiation and relationships matter.
    4. Your story is your power: clarity, storytelling, and emotional resonance are non-negotiable.
    5. Influence is built over time through consistency, credibility, and the courage to share your message.

    Host: Sean Barnes

    Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

    https://www.seanbarnes.com

    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

    LinkedIn Newsletter:

    https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

    The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

    YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://x.com/wolfexecutives

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

    https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

    https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

    Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

    Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
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