

557: CEO of The Turk Group on Becoming the Leader Others Want to Follow
Jun 4, 2025
James Turk, an executive coach and CEO of The Turk Group, dives into the essence of impactful leadership. He shares insights on the shift from 'getting' to 'giving' in leadership, revealing why clarity and second chances are vital. James discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and perfectionism, offering advice on redefining success. His personal journey, including the motivations behind his book, The Giving Game, underscores the power of empathy in leadership. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to lead authentically.
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BuzzFeed Call Sparked Business
- James Turk almost did not call his contact at BuzzFeed, which could have changed his business trajectory.
- Making that call led to a partnership that grew from 85 to 3000 leaders, boosting his career significantly.
Starting Your Own Business
- Prepare for stress and financial challenges before starting your own business; have at least two years of financial runway.
- Focus on learning business skills like proposal writing, pricing, and pitching to increase chances of success.
Building and Maintaining Networks
- Start networking by attending conferences, joining user groups, and engaging on LinkedIn.
- Maintain relationships by regularly checking in with a genuine approach, not just when you need something.