How to Lead with Clay Scroggins and Adam Tarnow

“Just ask more questions.”It’s classic leadership advice — but what if it doesn’t land the way you think?In this episode, we unpack a tension that’s come up again and again, especially with younger Millennials and Gen Z:Questions can build trust, open doors, and deepen connection — but when they feel forced, transactional, or performative, they do the opposite.We’ll explore:Why the best leaders still ask great questions — but never to manipulate.What younger employees are really pushing back on when they say, “Don’t interrogate me.”Four practical ways to make your questions feel authentic, not artificial.How to match your curiosity to the moment — whether you’re building rapport, coaching, or holding someone accountable.A simple gut-check to make sure you’re asking to connect, not control.Closing challenge:Before you ask your next big question, ask yourself: Do I really want to know the answer?Then pick one relationship this week and ask a better, braver question — and actually listen to what comes next.

Explore what Gen Z and millennials truly seek from their leaders. They desire genuine well-being, not just trendy perks. Purpose-driven work aligns with their values, while flexibility and a sense of belonging outweigh prestige. Leaders are urged to foster environments that support mental health discussions. Investing in employee growth can enhance loyalty, as many under 40 prioritize development and meaningful work over mere financial rewards. Listen for insights on fostering trust and connection in today's workplace.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor—and it’s not the end of the road. In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack four surprising reasons high-capacity leaders hit a wall—and how to bounce back without guilt or heroic grit. From emotional fatigue to financial pressure, they explore what’s really behind burnout and what to do when work won’t let up.You’ll learn why burnout isn’t always about working too much—sometimes it’s about doing the wrong kind of work. Plus, they share personal stories, practical rhythms, and one small step you can take this week to protect your energy and lead from a healthier place.Key Topics:The difference between burnout and exhaustionWhy boredom might be draining your energyHow to lead yourself through stress when no one else willWhat to do when financial pressure keeps you stuckWorkingGenius.com/HowtoLeadAbout Clay Scroggins:  Clay Scroggins is a sought-after ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠speaker and leadership coach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠known for his practical and engaging approach to leadership. He is the author of three books, most notably ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How to Lead When You're Not In Charge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. With a passion for helping leaders thrive in any environment, Clay brings valuable insights and real-world experience to this podcast and his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more at ClayScroggins.comAbout Adam Tarnow: Adam Tarnow is a recovering CPA and now a partner at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PeopleWorks International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where he heads the Leadership Development Practice. He is the co-author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Edge: How to Stand Out by Showing You're All In⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and shares his insights on leadership through his Substack, Beyond the Obvious. Learn more at AdamTarnow.com

Middle management is often viewed negatively, but it holds crucial potential for growth and transformation. The discussion reframes this role as a vital proving ground, emphasizing its ability to shape vision and resilience. Listeners explore how middle managers can empower themselves and others, shifting from feelings of powerlessness to proactive leadership. The importance of personal transformation is highlighted as a key component for navigating challenges and thriving in the future of leadership.

When you hear “control freak,” what comes to mind? Probably someone who micromanages, hoards tasks, and drives everyone nuts. But what if the real issue isn’t being controlling—it’s trying to control everything?In this episode, we reclaim the term and explore what it means to become an Enlightened Control Freak—someone who’s focused, self-aware, and ruthlessly clear about what’s theirs to own.You’ll learn a simple 1-2-3 framework to help you:Name what you wantSeparate goals from desiresControl the controllableIf you’re tired of being overwhelmed by things outside your control, this episode will show you a better path—one that leads to clarity, peace, and progress.Challenge: This week, make two lists—your goals and your desires—and ask: What can I control?About Clay Scroggins:  Clay Scroggins is a sought-after ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠speaker and leadership coach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠known for his practical and engaging approach to leadership. He is the author of three books, most notably ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How to Lead When You're Not In Charge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. With a passion for helping leaders thrive in any environment, Clay brings valuable insights and real-world experience to this podcast and his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more at ClayScroggins.comAbout Adam Tarnow: Adam Tarnow is a recovering CPA and now a partner at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PeopleWorks International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where he heads the Leadership Development Practice. He is the co-author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Edge: How to Stand Out by Showing You're All In⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and shares his insights on leadership through his Substack, Beyond the Obvious. Learn more at AdamTarnow.com

Peter Drucker once wrote, “For development is always self-development.” In this episode, we unpack why that simple idea might be the most overlooked (and freeing) truth in the professional world.Clay and Adam explore:Why so many people wait to be “developed” by their company or managerThe real reasons we resist taking initiativeWhat self-development actually looks like in everyday lifeThe role organizations should play (but often overplay) in your growthIf you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for someone to invest in you, this episode is your reminder: development doesn’t require permission—it requires a posture.About Clay Scroggins:  Clay Scroggins is a sought-after ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠speaker and leadership coach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠known for his practical and engaging approach to leadership. He is the author of three books, most notably ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How to Lead When You're Not In Charge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. With a passion for helping leaders thrive in any environment, Clay brings valuable insights and real-world experience to this podcast and his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more at ClayScroggins.comAbout Adam Tarnow: Adam Tarnow is a recovering CPA and now a partner at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PeopleWorks International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where he heads the Leadership Development Practice. He is the co-author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Edge: How to Stand Out by Showing You're All In⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and shares his insights on leadership through his Substack, Beyond the Obvious. Learn more at AdamTarnow.com

Many talented professionals believe they're not cut out for management, but it's often due to flawed systems rather than personal failure. The podcast dives into the shift in how younger generations view leadership roles, linking it to cultural influences like the infamous Dilbert cartoon. It highlights the importance of mindset in embracing management as a skill that can be developed. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to see their leadership journey as a path of growth, supported by mentorship and community.

Many talented leaders quietly do excellent work, wondering why no one sees it. If that’s you, you’re not alone. In this episode, Clay and Adam explore how to show up, stand out, and get noticed without becoming someone you’re not.They’ll cover:The difference between humility and invisibilityThree common reasons you feel overlooked (and what to do about it)How to get noticed without selling out: narrate your thinking, ask better questions, and offer help upwardThis episode is for leaders who want to be more influential without being louder—who want to lead with clarity, courage, and consistency.📝 “Don’t try to be louder. Just be clearer, bolder, and more consistent.”About Clay Scroggins:  Clay Scroggins is a sought-after ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠speaker and leadership coach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠known for his practical and engaging approach to leadership. He is the author of three books, most notably ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How to Lead When You're Not In Charge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. With a passion for helping leaders thrive in any environment, Clay brings valuable insights and real-world experience to this podcast and his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more at ClayScroggins.comAbout Adam Tarnow: Adam Tarnow is a recovering CPA and now a partner at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PeopleWorks International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where he heads the Leadership Development Practice. He is the co-author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Edge: How to Stand Out by Showing You're All In⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and shares his insights on leadership through his Substack, Beyond the Obvious. Learn more at AdamTarnow.com

You don’t have to hate your job to feel stuck in it. In fact, some of the most respected, well-paid professionals still find themselves restless, unmotivated, and going through the motions. In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack what it really means to feel “stuck” at work—and why it doesn’t always mean it’s time to quit.Drawing on insights from thinkers like Mel Robbins, Dan Heath, Jocko Willink, and Patrick Lencioni, they challenge the common belief that the only solution to feeling stuck is to change jobs. Instead, they offer a fresh perspective: what if “stuck” is just a signal, not a verdict?You’ll learn three common reasons people feel stuck (and what to do about each one), plus simple, practical strategies to reignite your growth, energy, and sense of purpose—without switching careers. Whether you’re feeling passive, frustrated, or disconnected from your “why,” this conversation will help you stop waiting for permission and start leading again right where you are.Key Takeaway:You don’t need a new job. You need a new mindset about the one you already have.About Clay Scroggins:  Clay Scroggins is a sought-after ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠speaker and leadership coach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠known for his practical and engaging approach to leadership. He is the author of three books, most notably ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How to Lead When You're Not In Charge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. With a passion for helping leaders thrive in any environment, Clay brings valuable insights and real-world experience to this podcast and his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more at ClayScroggins.comAbout Adam Tarnow: Adam Tarnow is a recovering CPA and now a partner at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PeopleWorks International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where he heads the Leadership Development Practice. He is the co-author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Edge: How to Stand Out by Showing You're All In⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and shares his insights on leadership through his Substack, Beyond the Obvious. Learn more at AdamTarnow.com

Most leaders overestimate what their team knows. We assume too much, communicate too little, and then get frustrated when people miss the mark.In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack the Curse of Knowledge —the tendency to forget what it’s like not to know something and share 4 practical ways to lead with more clarity:✅ Assume nobody knows anything✅ Define success clearly and repeatedly✅ Repeat yourself more than you think you should✅ Ask “What’s unclear?” instead of “Any questions?”About Clay Scroggins:  Clay Scroggins is a sought-after ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠speaker and leadership coach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠known for his practical and engaging approach to leadership. He is the author of three books, most notably ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How to Lead When You're Not In Charge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. With a passion for helping leaders thrive in any environment, Clay brings valuable insights and real-world experience to this podcast and his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more at ClayScroggins.comAbout Adam Tarnow: Adam Tarnow is a recovering CPA and now a partner at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PeopleWorks International⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where he heads the Leadership Development Practice. He is the co-author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Edge: How to Stand Out by Showing You're All In⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and shares his insights on leadership through his Substack, Beyond the Obvious. Learn more at AdamTarnow.com