
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

Aug 23, 2022 • 49min
Dr. Henry Cloud on Leadership, Writing, And The Importance Of Coaching
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug interviews Dr. Henry Cloud. In the interview, they walk through the leadership principles taught in three of Dr. Cloud’s books, they talk about Dr. Cloud’s process for writing books and his advice for aspiring authors, his advice for young leaders, and the importance of coaching for leaders.About Dr.Cloud: Dr. Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, psychologist, and best-selling author. He draws on his extensive experience in business, leadership consulting, and clinical psychology, to impart practical and effective advice for improving leadership skills and business performance.In his leadership consulting practice, Dr. Cloud works with Fortune 500 companies and smaller private businesses alike. He has an extensive executive coaching background, and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time working with CEO’s, leadership teams and executives to improve performance, leadership skills, and culture.His experience includes three decades as a consultant, and as an entrepreneur, he started and grew a successful chain of treatment centers in over 40 cities across the western United States. His experience running a business of this magnitude lends credibility to his expertise on leadership matters in the companies with which he works.As a speaker, Dr. Cloud has shared the stage with many business and global leaders and experts, such as Tony Blair, Jack Welch, Condoleezza Rice, Desmond Tutu, Marcus Buckingham, and others.Dr. Cloud is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, with a B.S. in psychology. He completed his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Biola University and his clinical internship at Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. His philanthropic interests lie in homelessness in the inner city, as well as missions in the developing world. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tori, and their two daughters, Olivia and Lucy. He enjoys golf, scuba diving, boating, and fishing.4 Key Takeaways:1. Dr. Cloud discusses his book, Changes that Heal.2. He talks about 4 corner relationships and what those look like in one's life. 3. Dr. Cloud gives advice to aspiring writers. 4. He discusses why he coaches others and why he feels that people need coaching.Quotes From the Episode:“Learn how to be autonomous”. “Everybody’s gotta grow up and learn how to be an adult.”“There’s no such thing as a self-made person.”Resources Mentioned:Changes that Heal (Affiliate Link) The Power of the Other (Affiliate link)Necessary Endings Connect with Dr. Cloud:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Podcast | Instagram

Aug 16, 2022 • 36min
Doug Smith on How To Handle Transitions In Our Lives
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares lessons he’s learned about seasons of transitions in our lives. Whether you feel like you’re about to transition, you are in transition, or you know one day you will, we hope the lessons in the episode encourage you.About Doug: Doug Smith is the Director of Development at Light 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 at dougsmithlive.com, he is host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he 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.5 Key Takeaways: He discusses the four questions to ask yourself when you find yourself in a season of transition. Doug talks about navigating uncomfortable transitions. He reminds us that God has to dry up the well sometimes to push us forward. He gives advice on looking back on the previous seasons of your life. Doug reminds us that transitions can bring us to something better.Quotes From the Episode:“There will be times in your life where God has to dry up the well to get you to move and the best thing you can do when God says to ‘move’, is move.”“Believe in life cycles and seasons because they are real.”“Do not get bitter about your last season.”“Soon it’ll be better than it’s ever been.”Resources Mentioned:Matt Keller Leadership PodcastNecessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud (Affiliate Link)Connect with Doug:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

Aug 9, 2022 • 52min
Jeff Henderson on How to Become Raving Fans of Your Customers
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug and Jeff discuss Jeff’s new book, “Know What You’re FOR: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Strategy for Life”.About Jeff: Jeff Henderson believes in the power of words. As an entrepreneur, speaker, pastor and business leader, Jeff is a master communicator at his core. He has witnessed firsthand the capacity for language to dictate vision and for vision to transform the cultures of companies and organizations worldwide. Recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of twenty speakers you shouldn’t miss, Jeff has helped lead three of North Point Ministries’ churches in the Atlanta, GA area since 2003. As a much sought after thought-leader, Jeff knows the value of effective communication to spur growth and believes it is the key to impact change in one’s life ultimately.Jeff has seen this outlook pays dividends in both the nonprofit and for-profit worlds. Prior to serving as a pastor, Jeff worked in marketing with the Atlanta Braves, Callaway Gardens, Lake Lanier Islands and Chick-fil-A, Inc., where he led the company’s sports marketing and regional marketing efforts. Jeff understands what it takes to build something from the ground up having founded several organizations including Champion Tribes, Preaching Rocket, MNTR (fka Launch Youniversity) and The For Company which helps churches and businesses grow by using the FOR strategy. Whether established or emerging, Jeff has a heart for developing leadership.Fueled by the passion to see individuals and businesses thrive, Jeff has become a trusted voice for those who want to see true success in themselves and their sphere of influence. Jeff has a way of inspiring people to reach their maximum potential while understanding that it will not only positively impact one’s company and organization but also establish a legacy of healthy growth.6 Key Takeaways:1. Jeff discusses his book, Know What You’re FOR.2. He gives advice to leaders on how to get clear on what they are known for.3. He discusses the importance of customer engagement on social media.4. Jeff talks about gratitude systems and how they add value to organizations.5. He shares how individuals can be for their cities.6. Jeff talks about what he is currently learning and working on.Quotes From the Episode:“You need to bake purpose into purchase.”“Never assume.”“Vision rarely repeated is quickly forgotten.”“My life moves to a better place when I move at a sustainable pace.”Resources Mentioned:Know What You’re FOR by Jeff Henderson and John C. MaxwellNorthpoint MinistriesConnect with Jeff:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Aug 2, 2022 • 22min
Doug Smith on How to Have Hard Conversations
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, you'll hear L3 Leadership Founder, Doug Smith, share on the subject, "How to Have Hard Conversations."About Doug: Doug Smith is the Director of Development at Light 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 at dougsmithlive.com, he is host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he 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.4 Key Takeaways: Doug shares his journey in learning how to have hard conversations. He talks about the ground rules everyone needs to agree on before having hard conversations. He walks listeners through the 7 steps he uses to have hard conversations. Doug shares how to recognize when you need to have a hard conversation with somebody.Quotes From the Episode:“In Matthew 18, Jesus sets up a process of having hard conversations.”“We go to people, not behind their backs.”“We have honest, hard, and awkward conversations all the time.”“We don’t let things linger.”“Learn and know that everybody communicates differently and we will respond accordingly.”Resources Mentioned:Changes that Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud (affiliate link)Future Forward ChurchesPittsburgh Property ShowcasePredictive Index Personality TestConnect with Doug:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

Jul 26, 2022 • 34min
Todd Henry on Going Full Time with Your Side Hustle, Leading Creatives, and Writing Books
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Todd talks to Doug about his transition from The Accidental Creative being a side hustle to a full time company, leading creatives, and writing books.About Todd: Positioning himself as an "arms dealer for the creative revolution", Todd Henry teaches leaders and organizations how to establish practices that lead to everyday brilliance. He is the author of five books (The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Louder Than Words, Herding Tigers, The Motivation Code) which have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he speaks and consults across dozens of industries on creativity, leadership, and passion for work. With more than ten million downloads, his podcast The Accidental Creative offers weekly tips for how to stay prolific, brilliant, and healthy.Todd's book Die Empty was named by Amazon.com as one of the best books of 2013.His latest book, The Motivation Code, is about the hidden forces that drive deep engagement and brilliant work.4 Key Takeaways:1. Todd breaks down what he feels creative people need in order to work well.2. He talks about how he got his start in podcasting and made the jump from having it be his side gig to full time.3. Todd discusses his upcoming book, The Daily Creative.4. He talks about his book writing process and gives advice to aspiring writers.Quotes From the Episode:“You have to have a vision for the direction you want to go.”“The more precise you can be in how you talk about what you do, the more likely you are to resonate with other people.”“Leading is about people.”“When you lead well your influence echoes for generations to come.”Guest Resources Mentioned:The Daily Creative by Todd HenryThe Accidental Creative PodcastThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierConnect with Todd:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

Jul 19, 2022 • 26min
Doug Smith on Lessons I'm Learning at 37 Years Old
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug takes some time to reflect on where he is in his life during his 37th year, what is important to him at this time, and the lessons he’s learned thus far.About Doug: Doug Smith is the Director of Development at Light 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 at dougsmithlive.com, he is host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he 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.4 Key Takeaways:1. Doug shares an exciting announcement!2. He reflects upon what getting older means to him.3. Doug talks about goals he came away with from a spiritual retreat.4. He emphasizes the importance of marriage, family, and legacy.Quotes From the Episode:“At 37, I’m still more grateful for life than I’ve ever been.”“Getting older is a gift.”“Always have something to look forward to.”“At 37, we’re stewarding a life for God.”“Your decisions matter.”“Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”Guest Resources Mentioned:Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin HardyLight Of LifeConnect with Doug:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

Jul 12, 2022 • 57min
AJ Vaden on Building and Monetizing Your Personal Brand
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, AJ talks about how she helps people find their own personal brand and why having a personal brand is important for success. About AJ: AJ Vaden is Co-founder and CEO of Brand Builders Group, an international speaker, million-dollar producer and cohost of The Influential Personal Brand podcast. As a personal brand strategist, she challenges and inspires people to reinvent themselves as part of building and monetizing their personal brand. AJ has personally worked with thousands of individuals to help them focus their expertise, expand their reach, build their reputation and brand the one thing no one else has, their name.Over the last 10 years she has been a part of founding, launching and building a very successful 8- figure coaching business, a multi million-dollar consulting business, and a 7-figure speaking business. Along with her company Brand Builders Group, AJ was featured in a 3-page spread in Success Magazine on the impacts of personal branding as well as recently being named as one of the Top 5 Personal Branding Speakers of 2019. Her client roster includes working with top level executives from organizations such as Bridgestone, Verizon Cellular Sales, Home Franchise Concepts and DIRECTV as well as working with well known speakers, best selling authors, entrepreneurs and online influencers such as mega podcast host Lewis Howes and original “shark”, creator of the infomercial and serial entrepreneur Kevin Harrington.AJ has taken 25 years of setbacks, successes, tragedies and overcoming and distilled them into simple yet powerful lessons that will help anyone become better than ever.4 Key Takeaways:1. AJ gives advice to someone looking to narrow down their personal brand.2. She talks about how her company, Brand Builders Group, works with people looking to build their personal brand.3. AJ talks about how personal brands are a growing trend.4. She highlights how important content creation is for growing your personal brand.Quotes From the Episode:“Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should.”“I want to be someone who is known for making a difference in this world.”“Personal branding is an extension of who you are and what you want to be known for.”Guest Resources Mentioned:Brand Builders GroupFree Brand CallConnect with AJ:Instagram | Website | Facebook

Jul 5, 2022 • 15min
Ed Glover on Why Leaders Need to do Something about the Fatherlessness Issue in our World
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Ed Glover shares the vision of why he started the ManUp conference and the impact it’s had on the community.About Ed: Rev. Dr. Ed Glover is the Founder and President of Urban Impact Foundation. He currently serves as Associate Preacher and Director of Urban Missions at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, PA. Pastor Ed and his wife Tammy have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.5 Key Takeaways:1. Ed shares his goals behind ManUp.2. He provides statistics on the impact of fatherlessness.3. Ed talks about what Urban Impact does from day to day.4. He talks about the impact that Urban Impact has on the community.5. Ed shares a message he feels is relevant to men today.Quotes From the Episode:“I wanted to impact men, and I wanted to impact the fatherless.”“Fatherlessness is destroying the family, it’s destroying the very fabric of our country.”“We’re encouraging men to get involved in their community.”“You repent and God redeems.”Guest Resources Mentioned:ManUp PittsburghUrban Impact FoundationConnect with Ed:Webpage

Jun 28, 2022 • 22min
Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin on the Power of Being a Listening Leader
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin discusses ManUp, an annual conference in Pittsburgh that encourages men to maximize their impact in their home and community and raise awareness towards fatherlessness. He also talks about his career, sports, and his favorite leadership principles.About Mike: Mike Tomlin was named the 16th head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history on January 22, 2007. Hired at the age of 34, Tomlin became only the third head coach hired by the Steelers since 1969. In his 14 seasons as head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tomlin has accomplished many things that have never been done in the team's storied history. A franchise known for stability at the head coaching position, Tomlin ranks among the League's longest-tenured active head coaches entering the 2021 season.Mike also founded the ManUp conference 10 years ago in partnership with the Urban Impact Foundation.4 Key Takeaways:Mike talks about ManUp and how it is relevant to him personally.He discusses balancing work and family.Mike shares his favorite sport outside of football.He talks about one leadership principle that he carries with him.Quotes From the Episode:“As leaders, we need to continually listen.”“Listening is a skill.”“Part of good leadership is being open to ideas.”“I’ll tolerate you until I can replace you.”Guest Resources Mentioned:ManUp PittsburghUrban Impact FoundationConnect with Mike:Webpage | Facebook | Twitter

Jun 21, 2022 • 53min
From Being Burned Alive to Inspiring the World with John O'Leary
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, John O’Leary shares his story, some of the lessons he’s learned throughout his journey, his faith and discusses his book On Fire.5 Key Takeaways:John talks about his experience as a child being burned and what he learned from it.He shares how faith has been instrumental in his journey.John discusses how he got his start in motivational speaking.He talks about a few points from his book, On Fire.John provides advice to aspiring speakers and authors looking to level up. About John: In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live. Today, John is the author of the #1 National Bestselling books ON FIRE and IN AWE. The latter released in May 2020 with many saying it is the message we all need right now. John is the host of the top-rated Live Inspired Podcast and a live and virtual event speaker teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children and his relationships with friends and family.Quotes From the Episode:“Your life is a gift.”“I believe God is big enough to elevate the way I view my life.”"I choose to thrive.”Guest Resources Mentioned:On Fire by John O’LearyLive Inspired PodcastSign up for John’s Free 21 Day ChallengeConnect with John:Website | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn