The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Kadi discusses how she helps female individuals and teams fulfill their leadership potential within churches.About Kadi: Kadi Cole has spent the last twenty-five years serving in local church ministry as an Executive Director at one of America's largest and fastest growing multi-site churches, a Director at Leadership Network, and a founding member of the Women's Executive Pastor Network. Kadi authored Sticky Note Leadership, her bestselling book, Developing Female Leaders,and her newest book, Find Your Leadership Voice in 90 Days. She speaks at leadership conferences around the world.  ​Kadi​ holds a ​master’s ​degree in Human Resource Development and is passionate about helping organizations and businesses thrive​. Kadi is helping​ move the needle forward on diversity, and equipping faith-based leaders to fulfill their calling through her business, organization and church consulting, LifePlans, and leadership coaching.5 Key Takeaways:Kadi discusses her book, Developing Female Leaders.She talks about developing more female leaders who want to start a family or are raising a family.Kadi challenges people to make their ministry or organization more equitable.She talks about creating a safe space within the workplace for women and what that should look like.She discusses establishing your voice as a woman. Quotes From the Episode:“The higher you go in leadership, the more development needs to be done individually… You really need personal feedback.”“Leadership is incorporated into a young man's development from the very beginning. It is not so with women.”“The longer a woman serves on a church staff, the less confident she becomes in her ability to lead.”Resources Mentioned:Developing Female LeadersNecessary Endings Connect with Kadi:Website | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug shares some practical tips involving gratitude and encouragement. 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, 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.3 Key Takeaways:1. Doug shares a story that provides a great perspective on gratitude.2. He talks about how to increase gratitude through journaling and other methods.3. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging others and how to effectively encourage others.Quotes From the Episode:“My life has been transformed by the encouragement of others.”“Everyone on the planet needs encouragement.” “Silent gratitude never did anyone any good.” Resources Mentioned:The Five Minute JournalConnect with Doug:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Lee talks about all things leadership succession and how to address the topic at any stage of your leadership journey.About Lee: Lee Kricher is the founder of Future Forward Churches, a not-for-profit organization that provides resources for church leaders related to pastoral transition and church revitalization. Prior to his current role with Future Forward Churches, Lee served as the Senior Pastor of Amplify Church, a non-denominational church in Pittsburgh. Under his leadership, the church was transformed from an aging, dying church into a growing, multi-generational church. He then led a Seamless Pastoral Transition to a next-generation leader. Lee’s four decades of senior leadership experience in both the church and corporate worlds give him a unique perspective on change leadership and leadership transition in churches. He has a Master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Doctor of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.5 Key Takeaways:1. Lee talks about his book, Seamless Pastoral Transition.2. He talks about some of the pitfalls that interrupt leadership transition.3. Lee gives advice to leaders who need to start thinking of finding successors.4. He talks about how to best hand off the baton.5. Lee talks about stress management within leadership.Quotes From the Episode:“I think the most important thing is to recognize our mortality.”“Sharing leadership is important.”“I am a prayerful cheerleader for my successor.”“With the right number of things we are focusing on, we can do great things.”Resources Mentioned:Seamless Pastoral Transition by Lee KricherFuture Forward ChurchesNecessary Endings by Henry CloudGood to Great by Jim CollinsConnect with Lee:Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug talks to Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze about excellence, what it means to build a great organization, and why as a leader you give up the right to make excuses.About Horst: A legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze's teachings, and vision have reshaped the concepts of service and hospitality across industries.Mr. Schulze's professional life began more than 65 years ago as a server's assistant in a German resort town. Throughout the years he worked for both Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation before becoming one of the founding members of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1983. There Mr. Schulze created the operating and service standards that have become world-famous.During his tenure at The Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO, responsible for the $2 billion operations worldwide. It was under his leadership that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company became the first service-based company to be awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — twice.In 1991, Mr. Schulze was recognized as "corporate hotelier of the world" by HOTELS magazine. In 1995, he was awarded the Ishikawa Medal for his personal contributions to the quality movement. In 1999, Johnson & Wales University gave him an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree in Hospitality Management. Most recently, Mr. Schulze was honored with the “Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award” by Historic Hotels of America.After leaving The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Mr. Schulze went on to found The Capella Hotel Group. This luxury hotel company managed some of the most elite properties worldwide and gave Mr. Schulze the opportunity to further define the luxury hotel industry, receiving countless awards and recognitions.Today, Mr. Schulze serves as Expert in Residence at Arch + Tower, a boutique, organizational strategy consulting firm. He also recently completed his first book, titled “Excellence Wins.”4 Key Takeaways:1. He discusses the importance of vision in starting a company. 2. Horst shares his views on the state of work and leadership today.3. He talks about what he believes excellence is. 4. He gives advice to people who are looking for their purpose in life. Quotes From the Episode:“You should invite people to join your dream, your vision.” “Create excellence in what you’re doing.”“Be a leader of yourself.”“Keep always in mind your fellow human being.”Resources Mentioned:Excellence Wins by Horst SchulzeRitz-CarltonConnect with Horst:Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug and Rory talk about setting the foundation for your brand, building your own personal brand, and how you can turn it into a business. About Rory Vaden: Rory Vaden has dedicated his entire life to studying leadership and influence. His education and experience took him all the way from being raised by a single mother in a trailer park to becoming a New York Times bestselling author of the book Take the Stairs, a world-renowned Hall of Fame keynote speaker, and an Eight-Figure entrepreneur. He has developed dozens of insights, frameworks, and methodologies that led to a viral Ted talk and have been used by some of the most successful organizations in the world to mobilize their sales forces, develop their leaders and move their people into action.4 Key Takeaways:1. Rory talks about his background in leadership and the different stages of his career.2. He shares his definition of a personal brand. 3. He gives advice to aspiring speakers. 4. Rory discusses what he believes are the keys to building a successful personal business or brand. Quotes From the Episode:“What problem can you solve in one word?”“You are most powerfully positioned to serve the person you once were.”“A book should be a conclusion, not a hypothesis.”Resources Mentioned:Take the StairsRory’s Tedx TalkBrand Builders GroupFree Brand Strategy CallConnect with Rory:Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | YouTube 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Chad talks about how he got his start in the financial industry, raising kids who are smart and not spoiled, and his new book which is geared towards helping entrepreneurs with their mindsets. 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 his obsession with learning, growth, and self-improvement helped him get to where he is today.2. He discusses his book, Smart Not Spoiled, which he wrote to teach his kids about money.3. He shares some examples of what he’s taught his kids about entrepreneurship. 4. Chad talks about his thoughts behind his new book, Beyond the Money.Quotes From the Episode:“Something I think we can do better at is teaching our kids to be creative and earn money.”“Be good at something, enjoy it, and make sure people are willing to pay you for it.”“Be clear about your boundaries up front and decide what is critical.”Resources Mentioned:Smart Not Spoiled  by Chad WillardsonStress Free Money  by Chad WillardsonBeyond the Money  by Chad WillardsonGravystackConnect with Chad:Website | Twitter | Linkedin 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, you’ll hear our interview with Mike Sullivan, Coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. You’ll hear Mike talk about his favorite moments from both of his Stanley Cup runs, the lessons he’s learned from his leadership journey, how he turned around the Penguins so quickly and won two cups, his advice to his 20-year-old self, and more. Enjoy!3 Key Takeaways:1. Mike talks about the best part of winning two Stanley Cup runs.2. He talks about his journey as a hockey coach and some of the lessons he's learned along the way.3. He shares what he would tell his 20-year-old self if he knew then what he knows now.About Mike: Mike Sullivan was named head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 12, 2015 when the team fired coach Mike Johnston. Sullivan was coaching the Penguins’ American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre before being promoted to the NHL club.Sullivan was an assistant coach for the Vancouver Canucks for the 2013-14 season under coach John Tortorella. Prior to joining the Canucks, Sullivan was an assistant on Tortorella’s staff with the New York Rangers and, before that, was again an assistant for Tortorella with the Tampa Bay Lightning.Sullivan also served as head coach for the U.S. Men’s team at the 2007 World Championships in Russia. He also was an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team at the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.Previously, Sullivan spent two years as head coach of the Boston Bruins. In his first season in 2003-04, Sullivan led the team to the Northeast Division title. In 164 regular season games as a head coach, he had a record of 70-56-15-23 with a 3-4 playoff record.Sullivan joined Boston after spending one season as head coach of their top American Hockey League affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island. Following his stint with Providence, he was named the assistant coach of the NHL’s Bruins under then interim head coach Mike O’Connell.A native of Marshfield, Massachusetts, Sullivan played four seasons of college hockey at Boston University from 1986-87 until 1989-90. He scored 61 goals and recorded 138 points in 141 career college games. He was drafted by the New York Rangers as their fourth pick, 69th overall, in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, though he never signed with them. He began his NHL career in August of 1991 when he signed a free agent contract with the San Jose Sharks after spending one season with the San Diego Gulls of the International Hockey League. Sullivan went on to play 11 seasons in the NHL and scored 54 goals with 136 points in 709 games during his playing career.Connect with Mike:Webpage Quotes from the Episode:"Don't be so concerned about what other people think about you. Stick to your convictions." -Mike Sullivan "It's hard to be a head coach in this league if you're not willing to make tough decisions." -Mike Sullivan"Great players don't win championships in this league, great teams win championships."  -Mike Sullivan"Sometimes as a head coach you have to gain control by relinquishing control by empowering others."  -Mike Sullivan

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug discusses why you need a bucket list, what your bucket list could look like, and how you can continuously check items off your list. About Doug Smith: 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, 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.4 Key Takeaways:1. Doug talks about how his father-in-law opened up the world to him, inspiring him to have life-changing experiences.2. He urges listeners to recognize that life is short. 3. Doug talks about what a bucket list is and how his bucket list is structured to inspire listeners to start their own list.4. He discusses some ways to cross items off of your bucket list. Quotes From the Episode:“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”“Always be adding to your bucket list.”“Always ask who, not how.”“Ask God to open up doors for you and give you bucket list experiences you couldn’t even dream of.”Resources Mentioned:My Plan For Living To 156 by Dan SullivanConnect with Doug:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram 

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Anton Gunn talks with Doug about his leadership journey that turned into his career, his experience playing football in college, and important lessons he’s learned in life. About Anton: Anton Gunn is a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and the world’s leading expert on Socially Conscious Leadership.He has a Masters's Degree in Social Work from USC and was a Resident Fellow at Harvard. He is the bestselling author of The Presidential Principles and has been featured in TIME magazine, the Wall Street Journal, BBC, NPR, and on Good Morning America.As an International speaker and consultant, he has worked with organizations like T-Mobile, Sodexo, KPMG, Emory Healthcare, Bernard Health, Blue Shield of California, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Boeing.From playing SEC football and being the first African American in history elected to the SC legislature from his district early in his career to now serving as the CEO of 937 Strategy Group and serving on multiple boards, he has spent his life helping people build diverse high performing teams and world-class leadership culture.4 Key Takeaways:1. Anton talks about the album that changed the trajectory of his life.2. He recounts his experience playing football at the University of South Carolina.3. He talks about his journey working in politics starting at a local level working in healthcare to becoming a Senior Advisor to President Obama.4. Anton talks about his new book, Just Lead. Quotes From the Episode:“Your mindset matters more than your skillset.”“As a leader, you should always keep your promises.”“There’s never a wrong time to do the right thing.”“When you’re passionate about something, do something about it.”Resources Mentioned:Pulp FictionJust Lead by Anton GunnThe Audacity of Leadership by Anton GunnMore Books by AntonAudibleConnect with Anton:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | InstagramEpisode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/338

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Erin and Doug talk about how authenticity can be your superpower in your career, how she makes decisions, increasing employee engagement, leadership development, and more.About Erin Hatzikostas: Erin Hatzikostas is a former corporate CEO turned founder of b Authentic, Inc. She is an author, a TEDx and Keynote speaker, a career coach, a podcast cohost, and Running Man enthusiast. At the age of 42, Erin became the CEO of a nine-figure 1,000-employee healthcare financial company where she led a massive turnaround, tripling earnings and sending employee engagement skyrocketing in just three years. Just when things were going great, Erin decided to walk away from the corporate world. She realized it was her reliance on authenticity that allowed her to say yes to the big girl job, but also to achieve incredible results.Through her company, b Authentic Inc., she’s on a hellbent mission to eradicate the all-too-fake corporate environment by inspiring and enabling an army of people to crush their careers without compromising everything else.Erin is the friend, the mom, the coach, guru, and the boss you’ve always wanted all rolled into one.4 Key Takeaways:Erin discusses with Doug why she left the corporate world to start her own company. She talks about how she was able to drive employee engagement in her corporate job.She shares why she believes being authentic will help you get better results in your career.Erin talks about how she teaches others to grow as leaders through keynote speeches and workshops. Quotes From the Episode:“Authenticity does not mean to be yourself.”“Leadership shouldn’t be a popularity contest.”“It was my authenticity that drove results.”“People respect authority, but they follow authenticity.”Resources Mentioned:B AuthenticYou are a Badass by Jen SinceroHow I Built This PodcastSpeakernomics PodcastConnect with Erin:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram | YouTube