

The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Jun 14, 2022 • 46min
Ken Coleman on Going From Paycheck to Purpose
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Ken Coleman talks about topics such as The Great Resignation, promotions, and his new book, From Paycheck to Purpose.5 Key Takeaways: Ken talks about what coaching means to him and why he enjoys doing it.He talks about The Great Resignation and the effects of the pandemic on the US economy.Ken gives advice to leaders who are looking to attract and retain talent within their organization.He goes over his new book and summarizes each section. He talks about what to do in order to win a promotion within your organization.About Ken: Ken Coleman is the #1 bestselling author of The Proximity Principle and host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Ken Coleman Show. As America’s Career Coach, he helps callers discover what they do best so they can do work they love and produce the results that matter most to them. Whether you’re looking for a complete career change or you’re just unsure about what step to take next, Ken will help you get unstuck and get on the path to meaningful work.Quotes From the Episode:“Coaching is about transformation.”“They’re not looking for a better job, they're looking for a better life.”“That is where opportunities live, on the other side of a connection.”“Your time will come.”“You matter, you have what it takes, press on.”Guest Resources Mentioned:The Ken Coleman ShowFrom Paycheck to Purpose by Ken ColemanGet Clear Career AssessmentVansVoices of the Heart by Chip DoddSmartless PodcastPebble Beach Golf CourseConnect with Ken:Webpage | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Jun 7, 2022 • 47min
Brian Moran on The 12 Week Year: How to Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Most do in a Year
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Brian Moran discusses his framework for the 12 Week Year and shares how you can get more done in 12 weeks than most can in a year. 5 Key Takeaways:Brian shares his definition of accountability and what that means in relation to other people as a leader. He discusses why he wrote his book, The 12 Week Year.Brian talks about how shortening the timeframe to achieve a goal can bring clarity, momentum, and stress reduction.He shares the framework he provides leaders with to achieve their goals in the 12 Week Year.Brian discusses how he reviews his execution and results to accomplish more. About Brian: Brian is the CEO and founder of The Execution Company. He is a highly respected expert and accomplished executive who has developed a well-versed business perspective from his vast experience in consumer products, healthcare, food service, automotive and transportation and professional service sectors.Brian is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller, The 12 Week Year, a program developed to empower individuals and companies to achieve more in 12 weeks than what others accomplish in 12 months. The 12 Week Year philosophy and training program has been implemented worldwide with industry leading companies like Allstate, BBVA, Mass Mutual, Metronic, Merril-Lynch, Nationwide, Paycor, and Papa Johns.Prior to launching The Execution Company, Brian had leadership positions within Pepsico, UPS, Senn Delany Management Consultants, and National Automotive Corporation. Coupling his corporate experience with his entrepreneurial drive, Brian also co-founded Bio Inc, a health services provider specializing in wellness and medical surveillance performing on-site medical testing.A trusted strategic advisor and visionary, Brian volunteers his time to mentor promising entrepreneurs to refine, implement, and execute their business plans, and his charity work includes Susan G. Komen and CBMC. Quotes From the Episode:“In the end, you choose your consequences.”“Separate the starting from finishing.”“The 12 Week Year is about being great at a few things, rather than being mediocre at a lot of things.”“Do everything you can to grow.”Guest Resources Mentioned:The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington12 Week Year WebsiteUncommon Accountability by Brian P. Moran and Michael LenningtonFeel the Fear and Do it Anyways by Susan JeffersOne Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard Ph.D. Connect with Brian:Website | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn


