The Jon Gordon Podcast

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Mac Lake for an honest, funny, and deeply meaningful conversation about faith, leadership, and purpose. Mac shares his journey from a shy kid in a tiny West Virginia town, to becoming a pastor, leadership developer, and the father of chart-topping Christian artist Brandon Lake We talk about the setbacks, faith steps, and even awkward dating stories that shaped Mac's life, the surprising ways God weaves together our stories, and the keys to building a strong marriage that gets better over time. Mac offers practical, eye-opening leadership wisdom, like the "learning, growing, mastering" model for developing teams, why investing in yourself unlocks your potential to invest in others, and how to lead with both skill and spirit (plus, he shares the simple-but-powerful system for one-on-ones you need to try). Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Start off your week with a new perspective on this Positive Mindset Monday! This episode dives into the power of thinking like a rookie, embracing big dreams, asking bold questions, and believing that anything is possible. You'll hear a motivating story about how approaching challenges with curiosity and optimism, instead of limiting beliefs, can lead to surprising wins and new opportunities. Discover how to balance the wisdom of experience with the hungry, hope-filled attitude of a beginner. If you're ready to shake off the "curse of experience" and create your own good old days, this episode is for you. Pass the encouragement along and inspire someone to dream big this week! Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Samuel Wilkinson from Yale for a truly fascinating and thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of science, faith, and evolution. Dr. Wilkinson shares the journey that inspired his book, Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence, and together we dig into some of life's deepest questions: Can science and spirituality really go hand in hand? How do evolution and faith both help shape our understanding of human purpose? We unpack everything from the "dual potential" within human nature, our capacities for both selfishness and sacrificial love, to the mysteries of free will, consciousness, and whether our brains are actually wired to tune into higher frequencies like love, positivity, and connection. We also challenge some big assumptions about the origins of humanity, what really drives our instinct to help others (even at great personal cost), and why strong family bonds are central to both our biology and our society. If you've ever wondered how science and spirituality might fit together, or questioned whether there's purpose woven into the process of evolution, this conversation is going to open your mind and encourage your spirit. Don't miss it! About Dr. Samuel Wilkinson, Samuel T. Wilkinson is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Yale Depression Research Program. He received his MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His articles have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. He has been the recipient of many awards, including Top Advancements & Breakthroughs from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation; Top Ten Psychiatry Papers by the New England Journal of Medicine, the Samuel Novey Writing Prize in Psychological Medicine ( Johns Hopkins); the Thomas Detre Award (Yale University); and the Seymour Lustman Award (Yale University). Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode for Positive Leadership Tip Wednesday, we dive into the concept of a "caring trademark", that unique, personal way leaders show their team they truly care. Hear real-life examples, from handwritten thank you notes to incredible acts of kindness, and discover why having your own caring trademark sets you apart as a leader. You'll be inspired to find and nurture your own authentic way to connect with others, lift your team, and make a lasting impact. If this message resonates with you, feel free to share it and help spread the power of positive leadership! Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Kick off your week with a dose of motivation in this Positive Mindset Monday episode! This time, the focus is on an empowering question: Are you a shark or a goldfish? Explore the difference between waiting for opportunities to come to you and taking bold, proactive steps to chase them down. You'll hear insights on why it's more important than ever to develop a "shark" mindset, one that's driven, energetic, and resilient, even when times get tough. Discover what it means to seek out success with integrity, work hard, and believe in a sea of possibilities. Whether you've been coasting along or you're ready to attack new challenges, you'll find fresh encouragement to swim faster, push further, and become the kind of leader who thrives no matter the circumstances. Dive in, get inspired, and make this week the one where you stop waiting and start creating your own momentum. Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Caleb Altmeyer, founder of Helping Captives and dedicated anti-trafficking advocate, dives into pressing issues of online safety and human trafficking. He reveals that 80% of trafficking cases start online and discusses predators' grooming tactics. Caleb offers parents practical strategies, including monitoring tools and fostering open communication with their kids. He challenges common misconceptions about trafficking in America, highlighting the need for community support and cultural shifts to protect vulnerable populations and promote healing.

In this episode, I talk about the power of connection at the top of every great team. Inspired by a conversation with Miami Heat coach Eric Spoelstra, I'll share why a united and committed leadership team is essential, not just for each other, but for the whole organization. When leaders are connected, they can better serve their people, build strong relationships, and create a culture that lifts everyone to new heights. If you find this message helpful, pass it along to encourage others to strengthen their own leadership teams! Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Start your week with a fresh boost of encouragement on this Positive Mindset Monday! In this episode, we're exploring the powerful perspective of turning loss into opportunity. Whether you're facing a setback at work, navigating personal challenges, or just dealing with the everyday frustrations (like losing your keys!), you'll discover how each loss can actually open the door to growth and resilience. Learn why staying strong through adversity doesn't just help you bounce back, it helps you bounce forward, coming out even stronger and wiser. If you're looking for inspiration to turn tough moments into powerful lessons that fuel your future success, this episode is for you. Share it with someone who might need a lift, and let's make every loss a stepping stone to something greater. Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Damon West, a college professor and bestselling author, shares his incredible story of redemption from a 65-year prison sentence to a life of purpose. He discusses the transformative power of his message, inspired by his latest book, ‘Six Dimes and a Nickel.’ Topics include navigating life on parole, the principles of resilience and faith, and the significance of forgiveness. Damon emphasizes the importance of paying it forward and reflects on his journey of personal accountability and healing, aiming to inspire others with his story of hope.

In this episode, I explore a key principle of positive leadership: the importance of filling communication gaps before negativity takes hold. Just as silence can fuel uncertainty and doubt, proactive leaders step in with transparency, authenticity, and clarity. When you address miscommunication and keep your team informed, you create an environment of trust, alignment, and connection. I hope this message empowers you to lead with open, honest communication. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who could use an encouraging reminder! Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!