
How Leaders Think with Kenny Lange
Discover the secrets to impactful leadership with How Leaders Think, hosted by Kenny Lange. This podcast is your go-to resource for insights from top leaders across various industries. Each episode delves into the minds of successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, and thought leaders to uncover strategies for personal and professional growth.
Key Topics Covered:
- Emotional goals and effective leadership
- Coaching and employee retention
- Innovation and AI in business
- Escaping hustle culture
- Building strong organizational values
- Adaptability in nonprofit leadership
- The intersection of personal growth and spirituality
Join us every Wednesday to transform your leadership approach and unlock your potential.
Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Visit our website at kennylange.com for more resources and updates.
Latest episodes

Jun 25, 2025 • 35min
How Mike Roberts Thinks About Cost Optimization for Sustainable Growth
In this episode, Mike Roberts of ERA Group shares his unique perspective on running efficient, high-margin business units. With over 20 years of top-tier P&L management experience, Mike reveals why so many business owners and c-suite executives overlook impactful savings in non-core areas. His insights are a must-listen for leaders looking to drive profitability and efficiency without sacrificing focus on their core mission. Whether you’re a business leader, nonprofit executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to optimize your organization.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Mike Roberts ResourcesWebsite: https://usc.eragroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-roberts-a3869312/Email: mroberts@eragroup.comHashtags#HowLeadersThink #BusinessLeadership #Profitability #Entrepreneurship

Jun 18, 2025 • 45min
How Bart McCollum Thinks About Consistent Behaviors for Enduring Success
In this episode of How Leaders Think, Kenny Lange sits down with Bart McCollum—business leader, operator, investor, and co-author of "You Before Me." Bart shares his insights on transforming teams through servant leadership and behavioral psychology, revealing how clarity and trust can unlock traction at every level of a business. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll discover practical strategies for building great, enduring companies and empowering your team to thrive.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Bart McCollum Resources:Website: https://www.lime-media.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartmccollum/Book: You Before Me – https://www.amazon.com/You-Before-Me-Behaviors-Organizations/dp/1944265686Co-author & Mentor: https://geraldhannah.com/Books Mentioned:You Before Me by Bart McCollum & Gerald Hannah – https://www.amazon.com/You-Before-Me-Behaviors-Organizations/dp/1944265686Hashtags#HowLeadersThink #ServantLeadership #BusinessGrowth #TeamClarity

Jun 11, 2025 • 41min
How LaRhonda Hamilton Navigates Overcommitment For Meaningful Leadership
Welcome to another episode of "How Leaders Think" with Kenny Lange! In this conversation, Kenny sits down with LaRhonda Hamilton—criminal justice professor, US Army veteran, and passionate community advocate—to discuss the real challenges of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what matters most as a leader.LaRhonda shares her journey of learning to say "no," the importance of self-care, and how leaders can avoid burnout while still making a meaningful impact. Whether you're a high achiever, a servant leader, or someone struggling to juggle multiple commitments, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable stories.Listen in for actionable tips on:Creating healthy boundaries in work and lifePrioritizing your commitments for maximum impactThe power of saying "no" and how it leads to greater fulfillmentBuilding a sustainable leadership lifestyleOther places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Connect with LaRhonda HamiltonWebsite: https://tylerpaper.com/news/local/inaugural-tyler-event-celebrates-women-s-history-month/article_3c541150-bc5d-11ed-b59c-cffcf90c08c7.htmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larhonda-hamilton-09ab1575/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lahammie9940Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larhonda.r.hamiltonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3z_rejGP30#HowLeadersThink #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #Boundaries #ServantLeadership #LaRhondaHamilton #KennyLange #Podcast

Jun 4, 2025 • 45min
How Colton Stawser Thinks About Overcoming Resistance to Change in Non-Profits
In this episode of "How Leaders Think," Colton Stawser shares his unique perspective on leadership, change, and building organizations that make a real difference. We dive into the challenges of nonprofit leadership, the importance of identity, and how to create lasting impact in your community. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, Colton’s insights will help you navigate change and lead with purpose.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Colton Stawser's Resources:Website: http://www.coltonstrawser.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltonstrawser/#nonprofitleadership #changemanagement #organizationalchange

May 28, 2025 • 46min
How Cindee Williams Thinks About Harnessing Identity For Lasting Entrepreneurial Impact
On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Cindee Williams, founder of Lead My Life, for an inspiring deep-dive into the power of business identity and purpose-driven leadership. Cindee shares her entrepreneurial journey, from launching a business with a rusty pressure washer to helping midlife women and legacy entrepreneurs rediscover who they are, whom they serve, and why their work matters. Together, they discuss the importance of clarity, resilience through the grind of entrepreneurship, and building businesses that truly bless you back—not just generate income. Cindee offers practical insights on leveraging self-awareness, navigating changing seasons, and creating real impact, whether you’re leading a business, nonprofit, or team.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Cindee Williams Resources:Website: https://www.leadmylife.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindeewilliams/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imcindeewilliams/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Im.Cindee.L.WilliamsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CindeeWilliams1#leadership #selfawareness #entrepreneurship #businessidentity #personaldevelopment

May 21, 2025 • 38min
How Jay Owen Thinks About Staying Competitive by Embracing Artificial Intelligence
On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Jay Owen, CEO and founder of Business Builders, for a forward-thinking conversation about the impact of AI on leadership, creativity, and the future of work. Jay shares his perspective on how leaders can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, fuel innovation, and navigate rapid technological change. Together, they dive into the realities of adopting AI in agency and ministry contexts, overcoming fears of job loss, and the importance of intentional prompt engineering and creativity in a tech-driven world. Jay also offers practical advice for embracing AI as a tool for growth and staying ahead in a competitive marketplace. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just curious about the future of business, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you and your team thrive in the AI era.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Jay Owen Resources:Website: https://businessbldrs.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayowen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jayowenTwitter username: https://x.com/owendesignYouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-K1YUElkpzAh3RfNk_xhgBuilding a Business that Lasts: https://amzn.to/3GU4mqu#leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship
(00:00) - Tech Giants Compete for Attention
(03:52) - AI Awareness Gap Among Agency Owners
(07:31) - "Balancing Speed with Thoughtful Craftsmanship"
(11:03) - AI Shifts Student Perspectives
(13:34) - "AI Skills for Job Security"
(16:30) - "Adapting to AI Collaboration"
(22:24) - Navigating AI for Sustainable Leadership
(24:30) - AI Advisory Companion
(27:07) - AI as Personal Board of Directors
(31:17) - "In-Person Interaction vs. AI Bias"
(33:25) - Enhancing AI Instructions for Quality
(37:12) - Listener Appreciation & Feedback Request

May 14, 2025 • 44min
How Casey Muze Thinks About Empowering Teams by Slowing Down and Tuning In
Casey Muze, a music behavior cognitive specialist and founder of Avenue Speak, dives into the transformative power of being present as a leader. He shares how music therapy enhances mental health for diverse individuals, including neurodivergent youth and those with dementia. Casey emphasizes the importance of slowing down, fostering empathy, and developing genuine connections within teams. Listeners gain actionable tips for mindfulness, supporting others, and embracing intentional living to create a more compassionate work environment.

May 7, 2025 • 41min
How Chris Barnes Thinks About Evolving Leadership from Problem-Solving to Development
In a captivating discussion, guest Chris Barnes, a fractional integrator and executive coach at Wolf’s Edge Integrators, delves into evolving leadership. He emphasizes the shift from mere problem-solving to fostering team development. Barnes highlights the significance of self-awareness and conscious leadership, providing actionable frameworks like The Leadership Circle. He also critiques the dangers of insecurity in leadership that stifles team growth. With practical insights, he encourages leaders to embrace continuous personal growth and proactive strategies for meaningful organizational change.

Apr 30, 2025 • 42min
How Ian McCoog Thinks About Standing Out as an Emerging Leader
Ian McCoog, an author and researcher in contemporary leadership theory, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of leadership. He emphasizes the balance between achieving results and valuing people, discussing the shift from transactional to transformational leadership. Ian highlights the importance of self-awareness and reflection for emerging leaders while navigating complex environments. He also explores the impact of decisions on organizational culture, stressing that positive leadership can create a ripple effect, fostering trust and collaboration.

Apr 23, 2025 • 39min
How Dr. Michael Brabant Thinks About Becoming a Truly Trusted Leader
On today’s episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Dr. Michael Brabant, founder of Candor and Coherence, for a deep dive into leadership from the inside out. Together, they explore how prevailing definitions of success and productivity often emphasize external achievement—at the expense of true fulfillment. Dr. Brabant candidly shares strategies for helping leaders move from the “shallows” of surface-level influence into the “depths” of authentic self-alignment, unveiling the importance of rest, comfort in one’s own skin, and psychological safety. The conversation touches on recognizing hidden motivations, breaking free from societal and internal indoctrination, and building high-trust, high-performance cultures by leading from a place of inward calm and genuine presence. Packed with practical steps and thought-provoking wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to harmonize their personal and professional lives and lead with greater impact.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Dr. Michael Brabant Resources:Website: https://candorandcoherence.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brabant-phd-124963b/#howleadersthink #Leadership #Podcast #AuthenticLeadership #CandorAndCoherence #PsychologicalSafety #LeadFromWithin