The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith talks with Peter Ostapko, co-founder of Kinsman Journal and leader of the growing Kinsman community in Springfield, Missouri. Peter shares his journey from a career in banking to launching gatherings designed to help men find authentic brotherhood, friendship, and faith-driven connection.Together they discuss the loneliness epidemic among leaders, why local community is essential, and how intentional gatherings can transform lives. Peter also opens up about parenting, navigating career transitions, and the importance of slowing down and creating space for what matters most.Whether you’re a leader longing for deeper friendships, a father seeking wisdom, or someone discerning your next step, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Peter’s passion for community02:00 How Kinsman gatherings began and why men said, “I didn’t know how much I needed this”06:00 The power of local connection vs. national networks09:00 Structuring meaningful gatherings with intentionality13:00 Friendship, brotherhood, and why men struggle to connect17:00 Moving beyond transactional relationships20:00 The annual Kinsman Summit and why environment matters22:00 Publishing Kinsman Journal and the story behind it25:00 Fatherhood lessons: being intentional, dealing with your stuff, and prioritizing your marriage30:00 Discerning career transitions and leaning into curiosity35:00 Why Kinsman became a nonprofit and Peter’s approach to fundraising40:00 The importance of slowing down and creating space to rest42:00 Best advice Peter has ever received47:00 Bucket list dreams: Italy and visiting every MLB stadium with his kids48:00 What Peter would tell his younger self49:00 Legacy: being remembered as a faithful servant, husband, and father🌐 https://kinsmen.org/ – A high-quality publication for men exploring themes of faith, fatherhood, and work. 🌐 https://kinsmen.org/gatherings – Community events and annual summit hosted by Kinsman to foster brotherhood and authentic friendships.The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id1569987442?i=1000723571859🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug sits down with Matt Higgins, Executive Director of Hope Children’s Home in Tampa, Florida. Matt shares the powerful mission of providing a loving home and education to children from difficult circumstances, along with their new Bundles of Hope initiative that gives mothers in crisis pregnancies the gift of time and support.Links:Hope Children's HomeEpisode Highlights:00:00 Doug introduces Matt Higgins and the story of how they connected04:00 The mission and model of Hope Children’s Home08:00 Four pillars: physical needs, family environment, education, and faith14:00 Stories of transformation from children at Hope17:00 Aftercare and staying connected with alumni18:00 Bundles of Hope initiative and no-cost adoption vision25:00 Matt on taking over as CEO after his father’s leadership28:00 The unseen weight of leadership and why encouragement matters31:00 How to become the obvious choice for leadership roles33:00 Dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome34:00 The power of mastermind groups and surrounding yourself with stronger leaders39:00 Cutting meetings in half and lessons on leadership rhythms44:00 What went well and what went wrong in succession planning47:00 Best advice, parenting wisdom, and Matt’s legacy visionThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/VYNKN__xefE?si=Ip8hs24aXl4pAHBG🎙️ LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HJNhlqphdNFwt7xLTScpH?si=280a2dd8466e46bc 🎙️ LISTEN ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888?i=1000725681604🎙️ ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17808033SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a personal lesson on 9 Ways to Develop Your Character. As Doug explains, character development is the most important development for any leader—because without integrity, everything else eventually crumbles. Drawing from his own journey and the wisdom of mentors, Doug outlines nine practical and powerful ways to strengthen your character so that you can lead well, finish well, and live with integrity in every area of life.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:00:00 Introduction to Doug’s personal journey in character development01:00 Why only 2% of leaders finish well—and how to be one of them02:00 Step 1: Get a vision for your finish line03:00 Step 2: Follow God and allow Him to shape your character05:00 Step 3: The most dangerous prayer you can pray for growth06:00 Step 4: Surround yourself with people of high character07:00 Step 5: Listen to the small checks and convictions in your heart10:00 Step 6: Admit it, quit it, forget it13:00 Step 7: Get some real friends who love you enough to challenge you15:00 Step 8: Confess temptations before they become failures17:00 Step 9: Realize you are always an example—whether you want to be or not19:00 Doug’s hope: that every leader makes it to their finish line intactThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id1569987442?i=1000723571859🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Rob Dube, author of Shine: How Looking Inward is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom, co-written with Gino Wickman. Rob shares powerful insights on how leaders can balance their drive with inner peace, manage their energy, and lead with humility. From understanding the nature of being “driven,” to implementing the 10 Disciplines that protect your boundaries and amplify your impact, Rob offers practical steps to help leaders align their inner and outer worlds.00:00 Introduction to Rob Dube and Shine 01:00 Why looking inward fuels greater outer-world success 02:20 The power of sharing your inner story 04:55 Recognizing you’re not alone in leadership challenges 05:43 Discovery #1 – You’re driven: strengths, pitfalls, and management 07:52 Discovery #2 – Decisions from love vs. fear 11:23 Discovery #3 – It’s possible to be driven and have peace 14:55 The True Self Assessment and protecting your boundaries 17:10 Discipline #1 – 10-year thinking and living in the present moment 23:32 Discipline #5 – Knowing your 100% and working at your optimal capacity 27:35 Discipline #3 – Saying no with grace and setting mentoring boundaries 30:45 Discipline #10 – Being humble and practicing daily gratitude 35:02 Final encouragement to leaders: free your true self and shineThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodesSUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith flips roles as he is interviewed by Ron Moore on the Living Grounded Podcast. The conversation delves into a variety of leadership topics, including whether leaders are born or made, the importance of failure in growth, and the value of mentorship and personal development.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Episode00:41 Starting the Interview with Ron Moore01:28 Defining Leadership04:19 Born Leaders vs. Made Leaders11:55 The Role of Failure in Leadership16:32 Parenting and Leadership24:25 Authenticity and Character in Leadership26:15 Foundations of Leadership26:40 The Role of Vision and Inspiration28:02 Team Building and Execution29:04 Generational Leadership Challenges37:33 Servant Leadership Defined42:52 The Importance of Mentorship and Community49:03 Final Thoughts and PrayerThe Living Grounded Podcast - Real stories. Genuine faith. Through triumph and tragedy, The Living Grounded Podcast shares powerful stories of lives transformed by Jesus, even through the highs and lows.You can find The Living Grounded Podcast:On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@living-groundedOn Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3yOO6tq4QgnGd2blHJJiWh?si=3bab186664b941b2On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-living-grounded-podcast/id1703404695▶️ WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/-XOpbQwlFxs🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/b6ehe4ea🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://tinyurl.com/5n6mc6z7🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/16831008SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithliveThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares personal reflections and insights gained from turning 40. From expressing gratitude for life, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, to highlighting the significance of family and faith, Doug offers a comprehensive summary of his key takeaways over the years. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:32 Turning 40: Reflections and Gratitude01:40 Life Lessons and Personal Growth04:43 Finding Your Voice and Platform12:34 The Importance of Family15:53 Community and Personal Well-being17:42 Health, Fitness, and Faith21:11 Financial Foundations and Future Goals22:36 Conclusion and EncouragementThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3...🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episo...SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Kent Chevalier, Chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kent discusses his journey from a campus pastor to serving in the NFL, emphasizing the unique role he and his wife play in supporting players and coaches spiritually and emotionally.00:00 Welcome Back, Kent Chevalier!00:41 Role of a Chaplain in the NFL02:00 First Year Experiences08:06 Building Trust in the NFL12:50 Leadership Lessons from Coach Tomlin17:21 The Human Side of the NFL28:15 Addressing Accountability Among Peers28:39 Deflect the Glory Campaign33:06 The Origin Story of Becoming a Chaplain39:37 Do It Afraid: Embracing Faith Over Fear44:15 The Importance of Community and Brotherhood48:12 Encouragement for Church Leaders53:30 Final Thoughts and FarewellThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.Connect with Kent: https://www.kentchevalier.com/Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/WCJm8MDH1jE🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FETBcC2tk24UEbquEN8nY?si=b290e350eb6a4eba🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lessons-learned-from-being-the-pittsburgh-steelers/id495751888?i=1000715269373🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17427344SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Jeff Hancher, author of 'Firm Feedback in a Fragile World.' Jeff shares his journey from growing up in poverty to a successful 24-year career, emphasizing the pivotal moments shaped by firm feedback and strong leadership. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:35 The Journey to Writing a Book01:14 Overcoming Personal Struggles03:05 The Impact of Leadership05:16 The Role of Faith and Mentors06:40 The Importance of Firm Feedback10:00 Transforming Visions into Results12:54 Balancing Love and Accountability in Leadership14:47 The Power of Feedback24:20 Building a Leadership Brand25:50 Speed Limits and Accountability26:59 Setting Realistic Expectations28:26 Techniques for Accountability32:27 The Importance of Time in Leadership35:34 The Fragility of Feedback38:56 The Journey to Writing a Book44:23 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Advice48:06 Connecting with Jeff and Final ThoughtsThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3...🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episo...SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode, Doug Smith joins Nick Poole on the Calvary Leadership Podcast. Doug shares his journey from being unaware of personal development to becoming a champion of continuous growth is highlighted through his impactful story. Doug shares his life plan approach for setting long-term goals in various life areas—spirituality, marriage, family, finances, friendships, and health—and emphasizes the value of feedback, resilience, and effective mentorship. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:17 First Encounter and Early Memories00:47 Doug's Work and Personal Life00:54 The Importance of Personal Development02:02 Daily Disciplines for Growth04:01 Staying Connected to God05:15 Maintaining Hunger and Vision10:35 Seeking and Responding to Feedback15:39 Balancing Personal Development and Leadership17:03 The Value of Real-World Experience19:20 The Importance of Accountability20:58 Finding and Engaging with Mentors24:36 Preparing for Mentor Meetings27:43 Fostering Resilience and Adaptability30:44 Final Thoughts and EncouragementThe Calvary Leadership PodcastListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calvary-leadership-podcast/id1547285159The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3...🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episo...SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith and guest Ryan Leak discuss Ryan's journey as a New York Times bestselling author and speaker. Ryan shares his extensive experience of speaking at over 120 events annually and reaching millions through his work. They delve into the importance of stewardship over opportunism, balancing faith in God with personal hustle, and the need for character development and accountability among leaders.The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OX3YwUQby8H0S64Kwc2lX?si=33162b5d5b4b436c🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888?i=1000706493702 🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17088527SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive