
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 5, 2022 • 57min
Mark Miller on Leadership Lessons from over 40 Years at Chick-Fil-A
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Mark discusses his journey at Chick-Fil-A, his book and general knowledge and advice surrounding leadership he’s learned throughout his life and career.6 Key Takeaways:He shares his insight to building a leadership culture.Mark talks about what he’s learned from Truett Cathy at Chick-Fil-A.He tells listeners why he wrote his books and what he hopes leaders can learn from them.Mark goes into detail about his newest book, Smart Leadership.He talks about having enough margin in life to achieve your leadership goals.He gives advice to aspiring authors. About Mark:Mark started over 40 years ago working as an hourly employee at a local Chick-fil-A. He has worked all across the business since then and currently serves as Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A. For the last 20 years, Mark has traveled the United States and the world focusing much of his time on serving leaders, helping them grow themselves, their teams, and their organizations. In Smart Leadership, he shares research-based “smart choices” the best leaders make to scale their influence and results. This will be Mark’s tenth book that he has either authored or co-authored. Quotes from the Episode:“You don’t build a leadership culture if everybody has their own working definition.” - Mark Miller“Independent of your bias, the best leaders value results and relationships.” - Mark Miller“I’ll be writing and tell myself ‘this is awful!’ and keep writing.” - Mark Miller“Great leaders serve.” - Mark Miller“Every leader has the capacity to change their world.” - Mark MillerGuest Resources: Leaders Made Here by Mark MillerSmart Leadership by Mark MillerThe Effective Executive by Peter DruckerHigh Performance Habits by Brendon BurchardConnect with Mark: Mark’s Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Mar 29, 2022 • 50min
Paul Martinelli on Investing in Yourself, Never Agreeing with Your Limitations, and Pricing Your Services
Send us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Paul talks about self-confidence, how his childhood experiences formed him into an entrepreneur, dreaming big, and making it big in his endeavors.5 Key Takeaways:He talks about how Napoleon Hill’s book, Think and Grow Rich helped him grow as a person.Paul shares his beliefs surrounding risk. He discusses how Bob Proctor changed his life.He highlights how crucial communication is to selling your value.Paul gives advice to listeners about pricing your services.About Paul: Paul Martinelli is an internationally acclaimed speaker, trainer, mentor, and coach who truly believes that if you can dream it, you can do it. His awareness and ability to apply the success strategies and principles that he has learned and taught to others, led to Paul’s success in life and business, including building 5 multi-million-dollar companies. He is the Founding President of the John Maxwell team and now leads the Empowered Living community, a global platform of more than 2.3 million followers, providing personal and professional development training and education to help individuals and businesses build and grow beyond their current results. Having worked his way up from mop bucket to multi-millionaire, Paul has practiced and proven what he preaches.Quotes From the Episode:“If I act on this idea, will it move me in the direction of my dream?” -Paul Martinelli“Risk is just a perception of our lack of resourcefulness.” -Paul Martinelli“I will never make an agreement with somebody’s limitations.” -Paul Martinelli“Proximity is power.” -Paul Martinelli“It pays to buy knowledge.”-Paul Martinelli“Find one thing and master it.” -Paul MartinelliGuest Resources Mentioned:Think and Grow Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Napoleon-Hill/dp/0785833528You Were Born Rich: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rPDhM-mIJIAllbirds shoes https://www.allbirds.com/As a Man Thinketh: https://www.amazon.com/As-Man-Thinketh-Complete-Original/dp/1523643536Pyscho-cybernetics: https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Cybernetics-Updated-Expanded-Maxwell-Maltz/dp/0399176136The Science of Getting Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Getting-Rich-make-money/dp/1516916816De Lebrije: https://www.librije.com/Kali’s: https://kalirestaurant.com/Bazaar: https://www.thebazaar.com/Your Invisible Power: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Invisible-Power-Genevieve-Behrend/dp/1603865136Connect with Paul:Facebook Instagram TikTok

Mar 22, 2022 • 51min
Tim Dumas on The Impact Hiring a Coach Can Make On Your Life
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Tim Dumas talks about how coaching has impacted his life both personally and professionally. 5 Key Takeaways:Tim gives advice for listeners who might be trying to find their right coach.He talks about how he started his business in the coaching industry.Tim provides advice for aspiring life coaches. He shares how the aspect of community in forums is helpful for personal development.He goes in-depth about how he manages his time effectively.About Tim: Tim Dumas is a Certified Coach, Speaker & Trainer with the John Maxwell Team, a Certified Facilitator and Trainer with the Extreme Leadership Institute, a Partner and Consultant with Virtuous Leadership LLC, a Forum Chair with MacKay CEO Forums and a Partner & COO with JAK’s Beer Wine & Spirits. When Tim is not coaching in the board room, he can be found coaching soccer and football with South Delta United and the South Delta Rams; respectively. Tim and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Tsawwassen, BC; just outside of Vancouver with their six children.Quotes From the Episode:“You can’t give what you don’t have.” - Tim Dumas“I will be coached for the rest of my days on Earth.” - Tim Dumas“I only go in (to an interaction) with the question, ‘How can I add value to you and your network’” - Tim Dumas“If you have a business meeting and you don’t have a DJ, you have a problem.” - Tim DumasGuest Resources Mentioned:Mackay CEO Forums: https://mackayceoforums.com/John Maxwell Group: johncmaxwellgroup.com/timdumas/AboutThe Traveler’s Summit: https://andyandrews.com/product/the-travelers-summit/Love is Just Damn Good Business: https://www.stevefarber.com/books/love-is-just-damn-good-business/Steve Farber’s Podcast https://www.stevefarber.com/podcast/Jon Gordon’s Podcast https://positiveuniversity.com/Jesse Cole’s Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-done-differently-with-jesse-cole/id1285008205Tim’s Website: https://www.servusleadership.com/pages/aboutTim’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/dumastimTim’s Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/servusleadership

Mar 15, 2022 • 50min
Aaron Walker on Why You Need to be in a Mastermind Group
Send us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug talks to Aaron about why he believes that aspiring leaders should consider joining a mastermind group.6 Key Takeaways:Aaron defines what a mastermind group means to him.He talks about the value of a diverse mastermind group and how having multiple perspectives have changed his life.Aaron shares the benefits of staying in a mastermind group long term. He discusses how he believes that joining a group is an investment rather than an expense.He tells listeners that he believes relationships are one of the most important strengths. He highlights the importance of spending time with family while you have the chance. About Aaron: Businessman and Life Coach, Aaron Walker, has inspired many through his leadership, mentorship, and consistent pursuit of excellence. He is an entrepreneur, owning 14 businesses over the course of 40 years. Through his participation in personal accountability groups, Aaron mentors individuals weekly now and has for over five years. He is the founder of Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind group. The Eagles Group, a collection of Nashville's most respected leaders met weekly for over a decade. At his local church, Aaron is an active member, team leader, Deacon, and teacher. Aaron values his time spent with family and friends. Sharing the past 40 years with his lovely wife Robin has been nothing short of spectacular. His two fantastic daughters and champion son-in-law have given Aaron & Robin five beautiful grandchildren. When time allows, Aaron enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, and is an avid reader.Quotes From the Episode:“It was a place where I really learned that vulnerability and transparency - where those two things intersect - that’s where strength really begins.” “Perspective is the number one value of being in these groups.” “Other people have insight and perspective I don’t have.”“If you really want to excel, you need to get in the community.”“Our net worth is directly proportional to our network.” “Relationships matter most.”Guest Resources Mentioned:Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind Group: https://tinyurl.com/3cxemptkThe Strategic Coach: https://tinyurl.com/3xs83crhProcrastinate on Purpose: https://tinyurl.com/4ky74bfmJBL Bluetooth Speaker: https://tinyurl.com/2bkvy2teHow to Win Friends and Influence People: https://tinyurl.com/yjmmen2aWho Not How: https://tinyurl.com/yucrmt6dTuesday Noon: tuesdaynoon.liveAaron's Linkedin: https://tinyurl.com/34tbjrj7Aaron's Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/2zjz6dm4Aaron's Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2zjz6dm4Aaron's Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/2p965482Aaron's Twitter: twitter.com/VFTcoachDoug’s Mentioned Resources:Gino Wickman’s Traction: https://ti

Mar 8, 2022 • 35min
Podcasting: Lessons Learned from Producing 300+ Episodes of the L3 Leadership Podcast
Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode, Doug talks about how he got started podcasting, what he believes is important for longevity, the benefits of podcasting and tips he has for podcast production starting out. 5 Key Takeaways:Doug talks about how podcasting can help your organization.He shares his number one tip to get going on your podcast.He talks about how to get guests to interview and how he creates his interviews that set him apart from other podcasts.Doug shares which feedback have been game changers for him. He tells listeners why they should stop comparing themselves to other podcasters.About Doug Smith: Doug 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.Quotes from the Episode:“You have to be willing to be bad in the beginning.”“Try to be unique and creative.”“Don’t be intimidated by the person you are interviewing.” “You’ll never get the feedback you don’t ask for.” “You have to have a strong why.”Resources Mentioned:GarageBand: https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/?cid=oas-us-domains-garageband.comRiverside FM: riverside.fm

Mar 1, 2022 • 49min
Jessica Jackley on Not Waiting for Permission to Change the World
Send us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Jessica shares how she found that the entrepreneur's path was one for her and why she believes disruptive ideas can change the world.6 Key Takeaways:Jessica talks about how Kiva got its start and grew into the billion dollar company it is today. She gives advice to other people who have an interest in entrepreneurship.Jessica tells listeners what role her faith played in her path.She talks about her other endeavors outside of Kiva, including Profounder, Alltruists, and her newest venture, Untapped. She shares how she is able to balance work and family and how her entrepreneurial path allows for her to be there for her family.Jessica tells us what she’s learned from having her platform.About Jessica Jackley:Jessica Jackley is an entrepreneur, investor and speaker. Over the last decade she has focused on financial inclusion, the sharing economy and social justice. She is also the founder of Alltruists and a co-founder of Untapped Capital. Jessica also co-founded Kiva, the first crowdfunding site for global microenterprises. Since 2005, Kiva has facilitated over $1.5B in loans worldwide. Jessica has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a certificate in Global Leadership and Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from Bucknell University, and honorary PhDs from Centenary College and Quinnipiac University. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Reza, and their four children.Quotes from the Episode:“You can work entrepreneurially in a large organization.”“To see what people do with so little is so empowering.”“There’s a lot of noise out there, I want to say things I need to say and that matter.” Resources from the Episode:Jessica’s Book Clay Water Brick: https://www.amazon.com/Clay-Water-Brick-Inspiration-Entrepreneurs/dp/0679643761/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423601740&sr=1-1&keywords=clay+water+brickJessica’s Website: http://www.jessicajackley.com/Jessica’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicajackleyAlltruists: https://alltruists.com/Kiva: https://www.kiva.org/lp/causesUntapped: https://www.untapped.vc/

Feb 22, 2022 • 41min
Aradhna Oliphant on Being Present, Work Life Balance, and Impacting Your Community
Send us a textAradhna Oliphant is the President and CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh. During its 30-year history, leadership Pittsburgh has produced over 2,400 informed and engaged leaders and linked them with opportunities to help serve our region. Her impressive full biography can be found on the company’s website.Today, Aradhna joins me to share her story. She talks about a leader’s responsibility to make an impact on their community, sharing concrete advice on how to do so. She discusses the topic of women in leadership, sharing her advice for them and for anyone who aspires to be a leader. She also offers her thoughts on work-life balance, especially when you’re raising kids.“Be your best self….Take the time to see the potential in you, and believe in yourself, and do something with it. You are in charge. No one else is in charge of you.”- Aradhna OliphantKey Takeaways this week on the L3 Leadership Podcast:● A leader’s responsibility in their community● Women in leadership● Advice for aspiring leaders● Work-life balance when raising a familyResources Mentioned:● Leadership PittsburghWelcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast!Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, where we’re obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the impact of your leadership.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts I Amazon MusicI YouTube

Feb 15, 2022 • 35min
Jon Gordon on How to Become a Professional Author and Speaker
Send us a textJon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits. He is the author of 24 books including 12 best sellers and 5 children’s books. His books include the timeless classic The Energy Bus, which has sold over 2 million copies; The Carpenter, which was a top 5 business book of the year; Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, The Power of a Positive Team, The Coffee Bean, Stay Positive, and The Garden. Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, The Golf Channel, Fox and Friends, and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Los Angeles Dodgers, Campbell’s Soup, Dell, Publix, Southwest Airlines, Miami Heat, The Los Angeles Rams, Snapchat, Truist Bank, Clemson Football, Northwestern Mutual, West Point Academy, and more. Jon is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Masters in Teaching from Emory University. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations, and teams.Today, Jon joins me to talk about his journey to becoming a professional author and speaker. He shares how his positive mindset has affected his life holistically and discusses what went into the decision to begin writing and speaking. He gives an insight into his writing process and shares the best question to ask yourself when deciding what to write. He notes the power of just getting out there, warns against trying to combine too much into one book, and shares many other tips for any aspiring writer or speaker.“This is not about seeing the world through rose colored glasses. This is knowing that you have the power to overcome the thorns.”- Jon GordonKey Takeaways this week on the L3 Leadership Podcast:● Jon’s story● The power of a positive mindset● Why most authors are speakers as well● What to ask yourself before writing a book● The writing processResources Mentioned:● Jon’s booksWelcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast!Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, where we’re obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the impact of your leadership.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts I Amazon MusicI YouTube

Feb 8, 2022 • 22min
Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Send us a textThe L3 Leadership podcast has been around for 304 episodes now, and it’s only one of the ways that L3 Leadership pursues its mission, vision, and values.Today, I talk about L3 Leadership, sharing our story and explaining what we do. I talk about the vision of L3 Leadership and note the power of asking. I recognize my mentors and inspirations and tell what “L3” stands for. I share the five core values of L3 Leadership, as well as the four main actions we take to live those values. Finally, I share how you can get involved in L3 Leadership.“We believe that everything gets better when a leader gets better.”- Doug SmithKey Takeaways this week on the L3 Leadership Podcast: ● Our story● The mission, vision, and values of L3 Leadership● How L3 Leadership works to make Pittsburgh famous for God● The transformative power of leadership● The five core values of L3 Leadership● The power of community● The power of a mastermind group● How to get involvedResources Mentioned:● L3 Leadership● L3 Leadership - Mastermind Groups● Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation● L3 One Day● dougsmith@l3leadership.orgWelcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast!Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, where we’re obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the impact of your leadership.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts I Amazon MusicI YouTube

Feb 1, 2022 • 56min
Mark Schultz - How to Write Songs that Deeply Impact People, Advice to Young Artists, and How to Use Your Platform to Make a Difference
Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Mark Schultz. Mark tells us about his journey in being a successful Christian artist. He shares his process of songwriting, offers advice to young artists and discusses the importance of using your platform to give back.Episode Summary:Mark Schultz is a Christian artist who has sold over 1 million records. He has been nominated for numerous Dove Awards, winning his first at the 2006 Dove Awards. He has had over 13 Number 1 singles and has landed the top spot on Billboard’s Christian Adult Contemporary Songwriter List. Together, Mark and his wife, Kate, founded The Remember Me Mission, a non-profit dedicated to helping orphans all over the world. The Remember Me Mission has raised nearly 2 million dollars toward healthcare and education for orphans at home and abroad. Mark is the father of two adopted children and is also actively involved in his church.Six Key Take-AwaysHe tells us about his early years in Nashville and how he became a well-known artist.His experience growing up as an adoptee and how that’s influenced his decision to adopt children of his own and has motivated him to help others. He talks about his process as a songwriter and gives advice to young musicians who are just getting started. Mark discusses what storytelling means to him and how he uses it to reach people. He talks about what he has learned from having his platform and the influence God has given him. Mark also shares the importance of investing in family and being a Dad.“The people who made the biggest impact in my life were the ones who said, ‘I’m in.’”- Mark SchultzQuotes from the Episode“The key is to use your platform to lift others up.”“The best things happen to me outside of my comfort zone.”“Getting out of my comfort zone is where the magic happens.”“Find other people who don’t have a voice and be their voice.”“Take real life and turn it into art.” “If you’re meant to be in the music business (making music) you’ll find a way.”Links MentionedMark’s Website: https://markschultzmusic.com/Mark’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markschultzMark’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mschultzmusic/Mark’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLJLH--5bbEAxGeIm4iENg Mark’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0s7Ro7Q2XagXEYhWbI9PHv?si=T3_rSCjjSnaqHjHlk1MA0Q Family Christian Stores: https://www.familychristian.com/homeRemember Me Mission: https://markschultzmusic.com/remember-me-mission/Positive Parenting Solutions: https://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/parenting-expert-amy-mccreadyThis episode is sponsored by Beratung Advisors and Henne Jewelershttps://www.beratungadvisors.com/https://www.hennejewelers.com/Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, where we’re obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the