The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, you’ll hear Gordon MacDonald, pastor and best-selling author, share leadership advice for every decade of your life, the importance of rest, and more!About Gordon: Gordon MacDonald has been a pastor and author for over forty years. For many years he pastored Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts, and continues to serve as Pastor Emeritus. He has also provided leadership to influential ministries such as Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which he served as President for three years, and World Relief, which he currently serves as Chairman. Gordon’s best-selling books include Ordering Your Private World, Mid-Course Correction, and, most recently, A Resilient Life. He also writes and serves as Editor-at-Large for Christianity Today’s Leadership Journal. When not writing, leading, or speaking at conferences, Gordon and his wife Gail can be found hiking the trails of New England.6 Key Takeaways:1. Ambition in leadership can be positive,  but it does have a spectrum that must be kept in check. It’s good to want to make a difference, but “Drivenness must be consecrated daily”.2. “Business brings emptiness. I always keep a sabbath.” There are no two sabbaths that are the same. It’s all about getting true rest and being renewed. If you can’t get everything done in 6 days, then you’re either doing too much or are doing it wrong. 3. About every seven years, your dreams will get tested. This is either because you fail, or someone fails you.4. Right now at 81, I am most interested in raising up younger pastors and being a spiritual father to those who will go after me. 5. For those who are looking for a spiritual father or a mentor, my advice is to start “dating”. Date your potential mentor, take them to coffee, ask them questions, see how you click and whether or not you hit it off. Don’t just ask someone to be your mentor. Take it slow and take time to develop a real relationship first. 6. Failure always generates humility. Always take full responsibility for your mistakes. Think about what you can learn from them and what you can teach others from them. Never cover up your mistakes.Quotes from the Episode:“Drivenness must be consecrated daily.”“Busyness brings emptiness. I always keep a sabbath.”“Failure always generates humility.”"Never ever waste a crisis. A crisis always produces new answers, new insights, and new people.”“The practice is painful so that the game is pleasurable.”Resources Mentioned:Ordering Your Private World, by Gordon MacDonaldMid-Course Correction by Gordon MacDonaldA Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug Smith interviews Wayne Cordeiro, Founding Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii with over 11,500 in weekend attendance. In the episode, Doug and Wayne discuss leading on empty and the effects of burnout.About Wayne: Dr. Wayne Cordeiro is founding pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii, and through New Hope International, over 152 churches have been planted worldwide. He is an author, songwriter, and highly sought-after speaker. He has authored 14 books, including The Divine Mentor and Leading on Empty. Wayne and Anna, his wife of nearly fifty years, have three children and nine grandchildren. They live in Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Cordeiro serves as the president of New Hope Christian College, which specializes in developing leaders for creative arts, theology, and leadership. He has recently planted New Hope West, a Doing Church as a Team congregation.5 Key Takeaways:1.Wayne and Doug discuss the importance of focusing on discipleship in ministry leadership. Church planting and success in the ministry is a result of proper discipleship. Character-development is crucial.2.Wayne talks about burnout and the telltale signs of depression in leadership. It’s not something that you can plan for. Burnout is restored by healing, adjustment, and rescheduling.3.There’s a difference between tiredness and burnout. Tiredness is resolved by better sleeping habits, burnout is not.4.Wayne discusses solitude’s importance to our mental and spiritual health. Solitude is not isolation. Isolation is getting away from people. Solitude on the other hand is a planned away time with God.5.Suffering in leadership is actually okay. If you never suffer, you never grow and never learn. Typically our darkest moments in leadership are right before our brightest moments.Quotes from the Episode:"When you're going through burnout, a night or two of rest doesn't bounce you back.""Even though it's a tough season, don't be afraid of it"."Often, failure comes right before success."Resources Mentioned:Leading on Empty by Wayne CordeiroThe Divine Mentor by Wayne CordeiroSifted by Wanye CordeiroNew Hope Fellowship ChurchConnect with Wayne:Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug talks about how he does a year-end review, why he believes every leader needs to do their own, and how to do your own. About Doug:  Doug Smith is the Director of Development atLight 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 atdougsmithlive.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.Why the best kind of year-end review is the one that you’ll actually follow.2. Why you should push forward, even if your first review won’t be perfect.3. The importance of scheduling a time and place for your review.4. What to bring with you to your review.Resources Mentioned:Year-End Review TemplateLiving Forward by Michael Hyatt (Affiliate Link)How to Journalmint.comThe Five Minute Journal AppQuotes from the Episode:"The best system for a year-end review is the one you'll actually follow.""The best way to learn something is to teach it to others."Connect with Doug:Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, David talks about the leadership lessons he learned at Chick-Fil-A, what set it apart as an organization, and so much more.About David: David Salyers was one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A. He spent 37 years in the Chick-fil-A Marketing Department and most recently served as a Vice President. Having worked at Chick-fil-A for most of his career, he saw the principles of servant leadership and compassion play out in the growth of more than 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country. David is now using his expertise and passion to spark the growth of individuals, teams, and organizations. He serves as a board member for numerous organizations and has helped launch several startups and nonprofits. Notably, David is a Founding Partner of Roam, a shared workspace that is on a mission to Make Work Matter.In 2018 David founded Spark a Revolution, where he and his team help companies create a competitive advantage by building remarkable cultures and brands, and co-wrote his book, Remarkable!, to impart leadership lessons that transform workplace culture.David is known for his marketing mind, servant’s heart, entrepreneurial spirit, and his ability to intuitively see what others and organizations could be rather than simply what they currently are.4 Key Takeaways:1. David shares some valuable information a mentor shared with him as a young leader.2. He talks about using your platform of business to be rich, not get rich.3. David shares how his experience with addressing customer pain points creates long-term value for a business.4. He talks about what he’s learned about culture from working in marketing. Quotes From the Episode:“The people you’ll be surrounded by will mold and shape who you become.”“Does the job you’re signing up for all you to do what you’re uniquely gifted to do?”“Money is the fruit, not the object of a career.”“Life has to be lived forward, but is best understood in reverse.”Resources Mentioned:Remarkable! By David SalyersConnect with David:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

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