Fight to Be Effective, Not Just Right

Leadership isn't about position, title, or authority—it's about who you are on the inside and how you show up every day for the people who depend on you. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Pohlman, bestselling author of Leaders Look Within and the upcoming book Leading with Zest, for a powerful conversation about values-based leadership, faith, health, and having the courage to lead from the heart.

Brent shares lessons from 31 years of marriage, raising a faith-centered family, and building a thriving workplace culture rooted in people-first leadership. We dive into why leaders must define a strong "why," how physical health fuels emotional and relational leadership, and how to have hard, triggering conversations without destroying morale—at work or at home. If you're a husband, father, or man who wants to lead with clarity, conviction, and integrity, this episode will challenge you in the best way.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] Why leadership applies to every man—especially husbands and fathers.

[2:07] Introducing Brent Pohlman and his leadership philosophy.

[2:29] 31 years of marriage and building a faith-centered family.

[2:53] Brent's son serving communion to Pope Francis and the power of faith legacy.

[3:20] Leading from the inside out instead of ego.

[3:45] Why leaders must define a strong, unshakable "why."

[4:43] Marriage, faith, and learning each other after decades together.

[6:16] Converting to Catholicism and claiming faith as your own.

[7:26] Reactive leadership versus values-based leadership.

[9:07] Faith moments that shape identity and conviction.

[11:01] Why leaders must look inward to understand values and motivation.

[12:16] Second-generation leadership and stepping into your own identity.

[14:28] Defining a personal leadership "why" that doesn't change weekly.

[15:26] The importance of physical health for leadership readiness.

[16:03] Daily workouts, awareness, and being prepared for pressure.

[18:08] Being fully present with your wife and kids.

[19:30] Leading at home the same way you lead at work.

[20:17] Developing people instead of managing them.

[21:03] Coaching versus training in leadership development.

[22:49] How direct conversations prevent cultural breakdown.

[23:59] Calling people forward without damaging morale.

[26:02] Fighting to be effective instead of fighting to be right.

[27:11] The power of using someone's name in hard conversations.

[30:03] Why people just want to be heard.

[33:06] Avoiding reactive cultures and emotional time bombs.

[35:08] Asking "What do you really want?" in conflict resolution.

[37:15] Introducing Brent's upcoming book Leading with Zest.

[38:41] People, process, and technology—in that order.

[39:10] Protecting imagination and creativity in a tech-driven world.

[42:16] Putting faith into action through workplace culture.

[45:09] Where to find Brent, his books, and daily reflections.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Leadership starts on the inside. You must know your values, faith, and motivations before you can lead others well.
2. A strong "why" stabilizes leadership. Without it, leaders become reactive and inconsistent.
3. Physical health fuels leadership presence. Energy, discipline, and consistency matter in how you show up.
4. Coaching builds leaders; training builds skills. Growth happens through direct, caring conversations.
5. People-first leadership creates thriving cultures—at work, at home, and in communities.

Links & Resources

• MicroFactor (1st Phorm):
• https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge
• Level-1 Protein (1st Phorm):
• https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge
• Brent Pohlman — Leaders Look Within: https://a.co/d/aIPZqXo
• Brent Pohlman — Leading with Zest: https://a.co/d/78BUngL
• Brent Pohlman Website: https://ceoofyourheart.com
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1424

Closing Remark

If this episode challenged you to lead with more intention, health, and heart, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Leadership isn't about perfection—it's about showing up aligned, grounded, and willing to grow.