The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Marc Serrao shares the lessons he’s learned along the journey of creating one of the world's greatest bakeries. He talks about the role of generosity and faith in his life and even gives advice to church leaders.About Marc Serrao: Marc and Susan Serrao started Oakmont Bakery in 1988, establishing themselves as the town’s only full service retail bakery. They began with 1,200 square feet, 2 children and a big dream. Since then, their space has dramatically expanded to over 12,500 square feet, making Oakmont Bakery one of the largest retail bakeries in America, their family has more than doubled, adding 3 more children, and their dream of owning a successful business that will serve Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities for generations to come has been realized.The bakery was established on firm Christian beliefs and an absolute dedication to excellence and integrity in all areas. In 2010 Oakmont Bakery was honored to receive "Retail Bakery of the Year" by Modern Baking magazine - the most prestigious award in the retail bakery industry given to only one bakery in the country each year. Marc and Susan attribute their success first to their strong faith in God, and then to their superior product, hardworking staff and loyal customers, for all of whom they are deeply grateful.Marc and Susan are blessed to work side by side with many of their family members to provide a positive working environment where lasting relationships are formed. They consider it an honor to serve Pittsburgh with the outstanding products that their talents, hard work and dedication have created.4 Key Takeaways:1. Marc talks about his career journey starting at age 14 to the present day.2. He discusses some obstacles he’s overcome, such as being sued and competition.3. Faith and giving are crucial to Marc's outlook on life. 4. Marc talks about work culture and why he believes in supporting his employee's dreams.Quotes From the Episode:“I like taking risks where I know what I’m capable of and I can climb to that.”“Lead like your legacy depends on it.”Resources Mentioned:Oakmont BakeryPittsburgh Leadership FoundationLee Kricher’s WebsiteConnect with Marc:Website| LinkedIn

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Mark Miller returns to the show to discuss his new book Culture Rules, and what he’s learned about culture throughout his career. About Mark Miller: 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. 4 Key Takeaways:1. Mark describes what he believes are the essential elements of leadership.2. He advises leaders to take action rather than getting hung up on semantics.3. Mark and Doug discuss what it takes to change the culture of an organization.4. Having listening skills is vital to leadership. Quotes From the Episode:“It is an unseen force, but it is the cumulative effect of what people see, hear, experience, and believe.”“Every organization has a culture, either by design or default.”“Listening only matters if you respond.”Resources Mentioned:Culture Rules by Mark MillerConnect with Mark:Mark’s Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedInPhone 678-612-8444

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Molly Fletcher shares some of the lessons she’s learned from working with some of the world's peak performers as a sports agent, her thoughts on youth sports, and her advice to women in leadership.            About Molly Fletcher: Hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN, Molly Fletcher made a name for herself as one of the first female sports agents. During her almost two-decade career and as President of CSE, Molly negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented over 300 of sports’ biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA TOUR golfer Matt Kuchar, broadcaster Erin Andrews and basketball championship coaches Tom Izzo and Doc Rivers.As a World’s Top 50 Keynote Speaker, she delivers her inspiring message to audiences around the world. She is the author of five books, including The Energy Clock, Fearless at Work, and A Winner’s Guide to Negotiating.Molly is the founder and host of the Game Changers with Molly Fletcher podcast, where she interviews experts and celebrities in every field including Arthur Blank, Dabo Swinney, John Mackey, Matthew McConaughey, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Simon Sinek.Her insights have been featured in prestigious media outlets, including CNN, ESPN, Forbes, Fast Company, InStyle, and Sports Illustrated. As the founder of The Molly Fletcher Company, she helps leaders transform workplace complacency with her Game Changer Negotiation Training and The Energized Leader programs.5 Key Takeaways:1. Molly shares about how she went from being a college athlete to finding her place in the sports agency field.2. She talks about some of the most memorable moments she’s experienced while working.3. Molly discusses what separates successful athletes from those who don’t make it.4. She talks about how she made the shift to becoming a full-time keynote speaker.5. Molly provides valuable advice to women in leadership.Quotes From the Episode:“I think if you align your values and goals with your behaviors, then the outcome of that is a better version of you every single day and that’s more fulfilling.”“If we’re aligning our values and goals with what matters most, it actually offsets burnout. I think the reason that people are so burned out is because the work they’re doing isn’t aligned with their deepest values.”“Be gentle on yourself.”Resources Mentioned:Mollys Ted TalkThe Naked Mind by Annie GraceBooks by MollyBook Molly as a Keynote SpeakerGame Changers by Molly Fletcher PodcastConnect with Molly:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | YouTube | TikTok

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, John Stahl-Wert returns to the podcast to talk about the role of pain in a leaders life, books he’s written, and provides some valuable advice to leaders who may be struggling.                   About John Stahl-Wert: Dr. John Stahl-Wert is a best selling author, speaker, and acclaimed authority in the field of leadership development. His focus is helping individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide to embrace and implement the principles of Serving Leadership.As an entrepreneur who successfully launched multiple for- and non-profit organizations, John understands the challenges of life and leadership that enables him to quickly and authoritatively connect with the hearts and minds of his audience.John serves as the President of Newton Institute, which provides leadership development training and resources to aspiring, emerging and existing leaders around the world. John also serves as Adjunct Faculty for the Ray Bakke Centre for Urban Transformation in Hong Kong and for Geneva College’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program.John’s best-selling books have been translated into nine languages, sold more than 120,000 copies, and have garnered praise from top leadership experts Ken Blanchard, Henry Cloud, Max DePree, Frances Hesselbein, Laurie Beth Jones, and William Pollard. Dr. John Stahl-Wert is a best selling author, speaker, and acclaimed authority in the field of leadership development. His focus is helping individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide to embrace and implement the principles of Serving Leadership.4 Key Takeaways:1. John talks about how leaders must “grow up” in order to truly serve.2. He shares his views on admitting faults and posturing yourself for improvability.3. John talks about his organization, Center for Serving Leadership.4. He provides some insight into what he believes causes insecurity in leaders and how to overcome that.Quotes From the Episode:“I don’t see problems when I have a strategy, I see solutions.”“It’s impossible to make progress if we cannot admit we have a problem.”“One of the chief roots of our insecurity is comparison.”Resources Mentioned:Books by JohnCenter for Serving LeadershipConnect with John:Website | Linkedin | Facebook 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Don Yeager joins Doug to talk about what he’s learned from influential leaders, storytelling, and his writing career.About Don Yaeger: As an award-winning keynote speaker, an eleven-time New York Times Best-selling author, host of the top-rated Corporate Competitor Podcast, Executive Leadership Coach, and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, Don Yaeger has fashioned a career as one of America’s most provocative thought leaders.He is primarily sought to discuss lessons on achieving Greatness, learned from first-hand work alongside some of the greatest sports and business legends in the world. Additionally, Don has been retained by companies and organizations to coach their leaders on building a culture of Greatness, using the framework built through his exhaustive study of Great Teams in sports and business, discerning the lessons we can learn from them. Throughout his writing career, Don has developed a reputation as a world-class storyteller, in fact, renowned thought leaders such as John Maxwell and Simon Sinek have called Don the best storyteller they have ever worked with! Because of these achievements, Don has been invited as a guest to every major talk show – from Oprah to Fox Business News, from CNN to Good Morning America.Don began his career as a reporter for the San Antonio Light where he rose through the ranks to pen investigative features for the daily. He later moved on to the Dallas Morning News. Following his stint in Dallas, he worked as a political editor for the Florida Times-Union. After four years, he decided to dedicate himself to the pursuit of writing books. Don’s first book, Undue Process: The NCAA’s Injustice For All, was published in 1990. In the 30+ years since, he has penned more than three dozen books, including an incredible ELEVEN New York Times Best-sellers.Born and raised in Hawaii, Don has traveled extensively through his career. A graduate of Ball State University where he was selected as one of the university’s “50 Graduates of Distinction” over its first century and subsequently was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022, Don now resides in Tallahassee, Florida. He and his wife, Jeanette, have a son (Will) and a daughter (Madeleine).4 Key Takeaways:1. Don talks about how he’s been able to meet with and be mentored by various influential leaders throughout the years and shares some wisdom he’s learned about interviewing leaders.2. He shares some tips for leaders who may want to get better at storytelling.3. Don gives advice to people who want to write books.4. He talks about some of the most influential leadership moments he’s witnessed and what he’s learned from those interactions. Quotes From the Episode:“One thing that I always look for are ways to ask the hard question.”“You need to be really passionate about whatever it is you’re going to write about.”“We have to remember that what we do matters, and we have to be reminded who it matters to.”Resources Mentioned:Don’s BooksConnect with Don:Website | Instagram | Linkedin | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Chad Willardson returns to the podcast to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, shares tips for entrepreneurs looking to level up, and provides some basic financial advice to anyone who is pursuing financial freedom. About Chad Willardson: Chad is the president of Pacific Capital, a fiduciary wealth advisory firm he founded in 2011 that serves entrepreneurs and families. His best-selling first book, Stress Free Money has been featured in Forbes 21 books to read in 2021, NBC News, and Yahoo Finance.In addition to serving the family office clients of Pacific Capital, Chad also manages the 450 million-dollar investment portfolio as the elected city treasurer of his community. Chad is recognized as one of the top wealth management experts in the country and has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes Inc., US News and World Report, Investment News, Entrepreneur, and Financial Advisors Magazines.  He lives in Southern California with his wife, Amber, and their 5 children.4 Key Takeaways:1. Chad talks about the changes brought about in the corporate banking world after the financial crisis of 2008, and why this drove him to start his own company in 2011 with no real entrepreneurship experience.2. Distractions such as media can get in the way of growth and self-development. 3. Chad gives a lot of credit to Dan Sullivan for his personal development. Chad and Doug discuss the four freedoms that he’s learned about from Dan’s program.4. He provides some general money advice for people who are looking to have more financial freedom. Quotes From the Episode:“Regardless of whether you own your own business or not, I believe that you should be working to maximize your own talents and gifts and doing something that you really have fun doing.”“The more I use my time for things that matter, then the more that I can grow.”“Don’t be miserly until some future retirement date, still enjoy your life. If you can’t enjoy the money you’re earning a little bit, then what’s the point? It’s not all about ‘I’m going to live life at some future date.’.Resources Mentioned:Dan Sullivan’s Strategic CoachSmart Not Spoiled by Chad WillardsonGravystackStress-Free Money by Chad WillardsonBeyond the Money by Chad WillardsonDie with Zero by Bill PerkinsConnect with Chad:Website | Twitter | Linkedin 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Taurea talks about lessons she’s learned in her leadership journey, what she learned during a dark season of her life, and her book writing process.About Taurea Avant: Taurea went from Foreclosure in 2009 to producing millions in sales in the MLM industry. She is the creator of The System Mastery and Show Your Success Workshops, Author of 11+ self-published books. She has been seen on Fox News, ABC News, Sheen Magazine, Successful Women Radio Show, IHeartRadio and more!  Taurea’s focus is on helping small-based business owners & independent distributors to develop, master, and remain committed to growing their businesses by providing valuable leadership and interpersonal skills. She offers timeless tips that support in real world interactions and discoveries on what it takes to be successful in today’s entrepreneurial world. She is a living example of creating a lifetime career and wants to help you get prepared for the journey. She knows what it takes to break through a multitude of challenges and focus on the future.4 Key Takeaways:1. Taurea talks about why she went from working in the business networking space to be a coach. 2. She talks about how John Maxwell has influenced her life and work.3. Taurea shares what the darkest season of her life was like and how she came out on the other side of it.4. She provides some valuable insight into what it takes to successfully write a book and then profit from their books. Quotes From the Episode:“Those that fail to plan, plan to fail.”“People don’t remember you for the clothes you wore, they don’t remember you for the jewelry you owned or the cars you drove, they only remember you for the impact you have on their lives.”“Stop being addicted to your own labor.”Resources Mentioned:Books by Taurea AvantHappy ScribeTaurea’s MasterclassConnect with Taurea:Website | Instagram | Linkedin | Facebook

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Matt Keller returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Donkey Mission, the importance of humility in leadership, and shares some vulnerable lessons he learned in a dark season in his life. About Matt Keller: Matt Keller co-leads Next Level Church with his amazing wife Sarah, which they started in 2002 in Fort Myers, FL (www.NextLevelChurch.com). He also oversees a family of churches who are on mission together called the Next Level Relational Network (www.NLRN.org). And last but not least, he loves watching baseball with his two adulting sons, Will & Drew. You can follow Matt on Instagram @matthewwkeller 3 Key Takeaways:1. Matt talks about his leadership journey and how his faith has helped him find his unique path as a leader. 2. He discusses where the saying “Fully Known, Fully Loved, and Fully Challenged” came from and what it means within the context of pastoring and leadership.4. He shares with listeners what “threshold of scary” is and how to get through those difficult seasons.3. Matt talks about his new book, Donkey Mission.Quotes From the Episode:“All of the great leaders walk with a limp.”“We all have those donkey mission moments in our leadership journey.”“Your future provisions are found in your donkey missions.”Resources Mentioned:Books by Matt KellerNLRN - Known, Loved, ChallengedNLRN - Threshold of Scary TeachingThe Awe of God by John BevereNLRN - S Curve TeachingConnect with Matt:Website | Instagram

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Megan Hyatt Miller talks about the lessons she’s learned from her father, Michael Hyatt, why mindset is everything, how to win at home and work, and more. About Megan Hyatt Miller: Megan Hyatt Miller is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Michael Hyatt & Company and the co-host of the popular business podcast, Lead to Win. She is also Michael’s oldest daughter. As the architect of Michael Hyatt & Company’s standout culture, she is committed to helping her team win at work and succeed at life, while also delivering phenomenal results to their customers. Under her leadership, Michael Hyatt & Company was named as one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces for 2020, which ranks the top companies in America for their employee engagement. When she’s not taking the company to new heights, she’s fully present at home with her husband Joel and five kids in Franklin, Tennessee.5 Key Takeaways:1. Megan discusses how having certain constraints can benefit your organization.2. She talks about her personal experience as CEO and President of Full Focus.3. Megan tells listeners how we can distinguish the difference between reality and stories that our “inner narrator” tells us.4. She defines what a work-life balance is to her and how having a good balance can benefit everyone. 5. Megan gives advice to parents who are considering adoption and shares her experience with adoption.Quotes From the Episode: “Imagine a better story.”“Having the margin you need outside of work actually drives results.”“If you want to show up and do your best work for the long haul, you need to give your brain a break.”Resources Mentioned:Business AcceleratorFull FocusMind Your Mindset by Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller Win at Work, Succeed at Life by Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller Connect with Megan:Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Dr. Cloud is back for another episode to discuss his new book, Trust: Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken, his views on mental health and leadership, and setting boundaries.About Dr. Henry 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 to working with CEOs, 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 shares his views on the current mental health status of both leaders and the general population as a result of COVID.2. He talks about trust and distrust in different institutions and shares examples of what that looks like.3. Dr. Cloud talks about how trust can be repaired even if it is broken at some point. 4. Doug and Dr. Cloud talk about setting boundaries and how context is essential for defining boundaries.Quotes From the Episode: “Find somebody who knows what they’re doing. A very good psychologist, psychiatrist, and mentor... Don’t go through this by yourself. There are people who know what to do.”“Trust fuels investment.”“You can be reconciled with somebody, but still not trust them.”Resources Mentioned:Trust: Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken by Dr. Henry CloudBooks by Dr. Henry CloudConnect with Dr. Cloud:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Podcast | Instagram