
The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith
The L3 Leadership Podcast is focused on leadership development and personal growth. We are obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximizing the impact of your leadership. We release a new episode every week to help you grow and develop as a leader. You will hear a mix of personal lessons from our Founder, Doug Smith, and conversations Doug has with world-class leaders from around the world. Doug interviews leaders like Pittsburgh Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Penguins Coach, Mike Sullivan, Tony Horton, Liz Wiseman, Brian Tome, John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Ryan Hawk, Nona Jones, Claude Silver, Ken Coleman, Christy Wright, Rachel Cruze, Mark Cole, and many more. Our hope is that you will not only learn great leadership lessons but that you will catch great leadership from the lives of the leaders that we expose you to.
Latest episodes

Apr 22, 2025 • 44min
From Drug Dealer to Nonprofit Leader: Doug Smith's Remarkable Journey of Transformation
Send us a textIn this episode, Doug Smith, host of the L3 Leadership Podcast, joins the Lunch Break series of the Boss Juice Podcast to discuss his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful podcaster and leader in the Pittsburgh community. Doug shares insights on how he was inspired by mentors, the importance of community, and how no leader should do life alone. He also delves into his work with Light of Life Rescue Mission, focusing on addressing homelessness and helping people find employment. Additionally, Doug emphasizes the significance of teachability, generosity, and integrating faith with business. This conversation shows the value of resilience, supportive relationships, and intentional living in shaping effective leadership.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:24 Doug Smith's Background and Podcasting Journey02:52 First Big Interview and Lessons Learned03:58 Common Characteristics of Leaders05:52 The Importance of Community in Leadership11:59 Light of Life: Mission and Impact18:34 Pittsburgh's Support for Second Chances22:29 Doug Smith's Personal Story23:39 A Troubled Youth and Turning Point24:42 A Life-Changing Revelation25:58 The Start of a Leadership Journey26:34 Impact of Mentorship and Faith27:26 The Power of Social Media and Content Creation30:41 Balancing Faith and Entrepreneurship33:16 Generosity and Community37:00 Podcasting and Media in Pittsburgh40:18 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters42:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBoss Juice Podcast - No matter how successful someone may be, they always have their story to tell. Boss Juice is a podcast that interviews small business owners, entrepreneurs, founders and the like to let them tell their story. Not just their stories of success, but their stories of failures. We all can learn a lot about business and life by listening to the stories of others! You can find the Boss Juice Podcast:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BossJuicePodcast/podcastsOn Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4gGizC9jrTUf4GyTRDHKLt?si=a0062791bf574914On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boss-juice-podcast/id1669114003▶️ 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.

Apr 8, 2025 • 44min
The Critical Impact of Fathers: Dr. Meg Meeker on Why Dads Matter More Than They Know
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician and author who focuses on the critical role of fathers in parenting. Dr. Meeker discusses the impact of fatherhood on children's mental health, the challenges fathers face, and the importance of strong father-child relationships. She offers practical advice for parents, including how to handle discipline, talk to kids about sex, and maintain connections after divorce. The conversation also covers healing father-child relationships and raising confident, well-adjusted children.00:00 Introduction and Background00:53 The Importance of Dads01:28 Challenges and Cultural Shifts02:24 NFL and Fatherhood08:08 Encouragement for Single Fathers11:03 Healing from Past Wounds16:41 Reconciliation and Apologies21:13 Coaching and Resources for Dads22:18 Understanding Kids' Needs from Dads23:35 Forming Strong Attachments in Early Childhood27:34 Effective Discipline and Boundaries30:27 Talking to Kids About Sexuality34:59 Parenting Beyond Childhood37:12 Raising Confident Kids40:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for DadsThe 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 FULL EPISODE: https://tinyurl.com/mrxvsn5c🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://tinyurl.com/6re4mwrx🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://tinyurl.com/4e5uhdjv🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://tinyurl.com/r2mz3vd7SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Mar 25, 2025 • 46min
Family Team Meetings: The Weekly System That's Transforming Marriages
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith is interviewed by Dave D'Angelo on Northway Christian Community's Project 167 Podcast. They discuss various topics, including Doug's impactful work at Light of Life Rescue Mission, strategies for addressing homelessness, and practical insights on financial management within families. Doug shares his journey in leadership, the significance of regular family meetings, and the role of generosity in his life. This episode delves into the complexities of homelessness, mental health, and the opioid crisis, while also offering personal reflections on family dynamics, financial stewardship, and the importance of heart-led generosity.00:00 Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast01:23 Introducing Dave D'Angelo and the Project 167 Podcast02:11 Doug Smith's Role at Light of Life Rescue Mission04:07 Understanding Homelessness: Myths and Realities09:32 Generosity and Financial Wisdom13:20 Family Systems and Financial Peace23:27 Understanding Laura's Love for Details24:03 Family Team Meetings: A Weekly Routine24:29 Financial Stewardship in Marriage25:35 The Importance of IDS in Problem Solving26:37 Three to One: Strengthening Marital Bonds33:52 The Concept of Oneness in Marriage34:57 Generosity in Marriage: Learning from Brooke39:32 Encouraging Generosity: Lessons from Rick Warren44:18 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsThe Project 167 Podcast–where we share ways to bring God’s word and biblical principles beyond the one hour we spend in church on Sundays, and into the remaining 167 hours of our week. Thank you to Pastor Dave D'Angelo for having Doug on for this episode. You can find the Project 167 Podcast:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaY3oLiM0lSDTkTg_OQYVdW_oD2E7a114On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/31b93LnkgFZJryQyHOLZ8w?si=5a18d33cfa5e4503On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/project-167/id1799755945The L3 Leadership Podcast:▶️ WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/7axBStDM6Ig 🎙️ 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.

Mar 11, 2025 • 56min
From Part-Time to C-Suite: Christiana Smith Shi's Blueprint for Women's Career Advancement
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith interviews Christiana Smith Shi, discussing her new book 'Career Forward: Strategies for Women Who've Made It.' Christiana shares her extensive career journey from financial services to senior roles at McKinsey & Company and Nike. She highlights the importance of performance, taking calculated risks, and owning one's ambition. The discussion covers challenges faced by women in the workplace, strategies for work-life integration, and the significance of feedback. Christiana also emphasizes the need for a long-term career perspective and offers actionable advice for balancing career aspirations with personal life.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:26 Career Journey: From Midwest to McKinsey01:37 Transition to Nike and Board Roles02:29 Co-Authoring the Book with Grace Puma03:33 Key Differentiators in Career Success06:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome08:05 Andocia Marketing Solutions: Transforming Visions into Results09:21 Challenges Women Face in the Workplace11:04 Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Industries12:45 Owning Your Ambition16:37 Balancing Career and Family23:49 Navigating Career Forks in the Road27:12 The Importance of Feedback28:42 Addressing Mistakes and Moving Forward28:56 Learning to Manage and Lead Effectively30:00 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence34:00 Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-being35:56 Navigating Childcare and Career Decisions41:39 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Advice53:30 Final Thoughts and ResourcesThe 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 FULL EPISODE: https://tinyurl.com/mr2453vf🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://tinyurl.com/w5x47kba🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://tinyurl.com/3my9zhtk🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://tinyurl.com/2d2vmn5mSUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Feb 25, 2025 • 56min
MORE DEATHS THAN ALL THE AMERICAN WARS: Dr. Robert Marbut Reveals on the Fentanyl & Homelessness Crisis
Send us a textGuest: Dr. Robert Marbut, former Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on HomelessnessKey Topics:Dr. Marbut's journey to becoming the Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness under President TrumpThe interconnected nature of homelessness, substance use, and mental health crisesThe rapid escalation of the fentanyl epidemic and its devastating impactFive actionable steps to address the fentanyl crisisThe importance of personalized treatment plans versus one-size-fits-all approachesCritique of current policies that "make it easier to get high and harder to get treatment"Successful city models for effective homelessness treatmentAnalysis of why the 'housing first' approach falls shortPractical, treatment-based solutions for long-term successLinks: No Address DocumentaryFentanyl: Death IncorporatedTakeaways:Dr. Marbut advocates for a comprehensive, treatment-focused approach to address these interconnected crises, emphasizing the need for customized solutions rather than blanket policies.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 A Call from the White House02:27 Role and Challenges in Government04:13 Transition to Media and Fentanyl Documentary07:51 The Fentanyl Crisis in America12:22 Personal Stories and the Impact of Fentanyl14:49 Solutions and Strategies to Combat Fentanyl24:32 The Role of Narcan and Final Thoughts27:40 Policy and Harm Reduction in Cities28:35 Safe Consumption Sites: A Controversial Approach30:01 Democratic Mayors Seek Solutions31:24 California's Legislative Actions on Drug Use33:39 Homelessness Crisis: Beyond the Drug Problem34:10 Federal Definitions and Studies on Homelessness36:49 The Decline of Mental Health Facilities39:09 Proposed Solutions for Homelessness and Addiction44:54 Successful City Models and Their Approaches49:35 Documentaries 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.

Feb 18, 2025 • 50min
The Power of Being a Helper: MLB Manager Clint Hurdle on Legacy and Leadership
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith welcomes back Clint Hurdle for his third appearance. They discuss Clint's journey since leaving Pittsburgh, including his retirement, challenges during COVID-19, and his current role with the Colorado Rockies. Clint also shares his insights about retirement, the importance of authentic relationships, and the release of his new book, 'Hurdleisms: Wit and Wisdom from a Lifetime in Baseball.' They delve into lessons from Clint's father, parenting advice, and practical leadership tips. Listeners will find valuable takeaways on maintaining a positive outlook, handling failure, and the significance of being a helper in both personal and professional life.00:00 Welcome Back, Clint Hurdle!01:40 Life After Pittsburgh04:54 Retirement Reflections08:37 Introducing Hurdleisms16:15 Dedication to Big Clint19:08 Parenting Wisdom24:35 The Power of Ice Cream25:37 Hurdle-isms: Shower Well28:24 Building Your Own Mount Rushmore30:25 Embracing Failures: Friday Fails35:29 Proving Yourself Right39:13 Clint Hurdle's Legacy and Reflections42:24 The Importance of Journaling45:42 Final Thoughts and EncouragementOrder Clint's new book, "Hurdle-isms: Wit and Wisdom from a Lifetime in Baseball" out now: https://a.co/d/f7SX6avThe 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 FULL EPISODE: https://tinyurl.com/42drnf5x🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://tinyurl.com/2etedzf2🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ITUNES: https://tinyurl.com/bdcuhdmp🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://tinyurl.com/mrxeaff8SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 14min
Greg Furer on Why Mistakes Are a Good Thing
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith interviews Greg Furer, President and CEO of Beratung Advisors. They discuss the origins of their friendship, the transformative power of personal growth and reflection, and the importance of making mistakes and taking risks. Greg emphasizes the need for a supportive community and authentic leadership, sharing insights on the vital role of mentors and mastermind groups. They also delve into intentional living, legacy, and the profound impact of parenting and personal relationships on one's journey. The conversation underscores the necessity of aligning one's life goals with financial planning and concludes with practical advice for leaders to take action and grow.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:37 The Beginning of a Friendship02:20 Personal Growth Journey04:27 Transforming Visions into Results05:30 Political Involvement and Lessons Learned06:44 The Power of Failure and Pain11:51 Taking Risks and Entrepreneurial Leap18:46 The Importance of Community and Mastermind Groups31:46 Journaling and Self-Reflection36:57 The Importance of Personal Annual Reports37:44 Reflecting on Personal Milestones38:04 The Value of Year-End Reviews39:11 Leaving a Legacy Beyond Wealth40:45 Learning from Failures41:04 The Influence of Clint Hurdle42:26 The Power of Love in Leadership44:32 Parenting and Leadership Lessons51:46 The Significance of Branding56:38 Financial Planning and Goal Setting59:36 The Role of Community and Coaches01:02:33 Final Thoughts and Lightning RoundLearn more about Beratung Advisors on their website: beratungadvisors.comThe 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.

Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
Why You Need Friends that will Literally Slap You in the Face
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, you’ll hear Doug Smith being interviewed by Tom O’Boyle and Nate Devlin. The conversation originally aired on the Scattered Seeds Podcast. You'll hear me talk about: The state of homelessness in Pittsburgh Why we need friends that will literally slap you in the face How I'm currently growing in my leadership journey And much, much more! Resources Mentioned:The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene Light of Life Rescue MissionScattered Seeds PodcastTom O’Boyle Nate Devlin Connect with Doug SmithWebsite | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)| LinkedInRate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership

Jan 7, 2025 • 50min
Jeremy Pryor on Multi-Generational Family Leadership and the Greatest Business Book of All Time
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith interviews Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams. They discuss the influence of the traditional fairy tale 'Jack and the Beanstalk,' offering surprising insights into business and asset building. Jeremy explains the concept of Family Inc., which guides families in creating businesses to secure financial and relational freedom.The conversation explores how to raise and manage a large, multigenerational family, focusing on integrating family members into collective business ventures. Various success stories from the program highlight the efficacy of this approach, and Jeremy offers practical advice for families looking to start their own journey towards financial independence within a multigenerational framework. The episode also emphasizes the importance of transferring family assets and wisdom across generations to ensure continued prosperity.00:00 Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast00:25 Introducing Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams00:49 Sponsor Message: Andocia Marketing Solutions01:56 Diving into the Conversation with Jeremy Pryor02:46 Jack and the Beanstalk: The Greatest Business Book06:49 The Concept of Family Inc.07:29 The Importance of Family Integration15:27 Historical Context and Asset Building25:44 Scaling a Pool Service Business26:20 Opportunities in the Pickleball Industry28:18 The Importance of Multi-Generational Families31:22 Biblical Foundations of Family Mission33:03 Raising the Next Generation of Leaders45:10 Practical Tips for Large Families48:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJeremy's books 'Family Revision', '31 Creative Ways to Build Your Family Team', and 'Father's Compass' are available for purchase:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-Pryor/author/B07ZFVX5QB?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.To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.

Dec 17, 2024 • 15min
Doug Smith on How to Conduct a Year-End Review
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares his year-end review process, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth since 2004. Doug discusses the importance of reflecting on the year gone by to foster growth and documents his detailed approach to conducting a comprehensive year-end review. He includes practical tips and encourages creating a personalized review system. Additionally, the episode features a word from the sponsor, Andocia Marketing Solutions. Doug wraps up with thoughtful ways to conclude the review process and the benefits of such reflections.00:00 - Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast00:27 - The Importance of Year-End Reviews00:58 - Sponsor Message: Andocia Marketing Solutions02:08 - Starting Your Year-End Review06:05 - Essential Tools for Your Review08:23 - Creating Your Year-End Report12:26 - Wrapping Up Your Year-End Review14:29 - Final Thoughts 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.To find more leadership resources and helpful content for your leadership journey, check out our website at https://l3leadership.org/ today.About Doug: Doug Smith is the Director of Development atLight of Life Rescue Mission and Founder and CEO of L3 Leadership. He is the author of his eBook, “Making the Most of Mentoring”, a step-by-step guide to help you build and cultivate relationships with mentors. He blogs atdougsmithlive.com, is the host of the L3 Leadership podcast and is a sought-after public speaker. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, who currently works as an Account Executive at Ivalua. Together, they love family, personal growth, travel, working out, and serving others.Resources Mentioned:Year-End Review TemplateLiving Forward by Michael Hyatt (Affiliate Link)How to Journalmint.comThe Five Minute Journal AppQuotes from the Episode:"The best system for a year-end review is the one you'll actually follow.""The best way to learn something is to teach it to others."Connect with Doug:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram
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