What's the single most powerful force behind sustainable transformation in leadership and life? According to leadership expert Dave Campbell, it's consistency.

In this deeply personal conversation, Dave reveals how he achieved the best physical shape of his life at age 55 through unwavering daily disciplines that transformed not just his body, but his leadership impact. His journey illuminates the critical connection between personal wellbeing and leadership effectiveness—"You have to take care of yourself, because your presence, your ability to show up, is absolutely critical."

Dave unpacks his "mind, body, soul" framework for holistic growth, explaining how carefully curating your daily inputs fundamentally shapes your leadership outputs. He challenges listeners with the confronting truth that "you get what you are, not what you want," prompting deeper reflection on the alignment between aspirations and current reality.

The conversation explores how identity shifts create lasting behavioral change, why environment is stronger than willpower, and the game-changing principle of "consistency before intensity" for anyone struggling to begin their transformation journey. Rather than aiming for dramatic overnight change, Dave advocates starting with small daily wins that compound over time.

Whether you're looking to elevate your leadership influence or transform any aspect of your life, this episode offers practical wisdom for sustainable growth. Start your journey today by choosing one small daily habit that aligns with your vision, committing to consistency, and watching as small wins compound into remarkable transformation.

Connect with David on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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Christian business leaders need to measure beyond traditional key performance indicators by adopting Kingdom Performance Indicators (KPIs) that track eternal impact. These new metrics reveal why we're doing business and who we're truly impacting beyond immediate stakeholders.

• Traditional KPIs measure financial and operational performance but fall short of measuring kingdom impact
• The shopping cart story illustrates how small acts of stewardship reflect our approach to business and leadership
• Kingdom Performance Indicators might include charitable impact, volunteer hours, or testimonials from affected lives
• Define your "why" with eternal significance—understand your purpose beyond providing products or generating profit
• Implement the 3H framework: Heart (demonstrating love), Home (cultivating culture), Hands (using resources to serve)
• Intentionally measure kingdom impact with SMART goals and regular assessment
• True success transcends the bottom line and creates a legacy of positive impact

Go and grow champions.

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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Rich Sanders brings a remarkably unique perspective to the Uncommon Leader Podcast as both a pastor and successful entrepreneur. With his powerful motto—"The more we make, the more we give"—Sanders tackles the perceived tension between Christian values and business success, offering a refreshing framework that celebrates both hard work and generous giving as expressions of faith.

Throughout our conversation, Sanders draws from his experience as a military veteran, business owner, and spiritual leader to illuminate how capitalism and Christianity can not only coexist but thrive together when properly aligned. He introduces the concept of "philanthropic capitalism" but takes it deeper, arguing that without genuine love for others, corporate giving risks becoming just another marketing strategy.

One of the most memorable moments comes when Sanders shares a profound encounter with a homeless man who, despite having nothing by conventional standards, demonstrated extraordinary spiritual wealth through his complete trust in God's provision. This story challenges listeners to reconsider what true abundance really means in both business and life.

For Christian business leaders navigating workplace dynamics, Sanders offers practical wisdom on leading by example rather than overt evangelism. "People will know you by your love," he explains, suggesting that authentic faith naturally shines through our actions, decisions, and treatment of others without requiring explicit religious language.

Sanders also introduces his nonprofit initiative, Koinonia Mission, created to help Christians serve their communities outside traditional church frameworks. This project reflects his commitment to making faith-based service accessible to everyone, regardless of their relationship with organized religion.

Whether you're a business professional seeking to integrate your faith more authentically in your work or simply curious about the intersection of spiritual and financial success, this conversation offers thoughtful insights on building a purposeful career that honors both profit and people. How might your business decisions change if you approached them through the lens of "the more we make, the more we give"?

Connect with Rick: https://christiancapitalist.life/

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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Trust forms the foundation of leadership, functioning like a bank account where we make deposits through positive actions and withdrawals through negative behaviors.

• Trust requires doing what you say, saying what you do, and being authentically human in all interactions
• It often takes "99 attaboys to make up for one aw crap moment" in leadership
• When trust is broken, asking for forgiveness isn't enough—behavior change is essential
• Apologizing without changing behavior is like "patching a bucket while still running water into it"
• The Platinum Rule suggests treating others how they want to be treated, not just how you want to be treated
• Building trust requires consistent deposits that accumulate interest over time

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and leave a five-star review to help more uncommon leaders discover this message. Until next time, go and grow champions.

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me

Trust is the ultimate currency in today's business landscape, and nobody understands this better than Marcus Sheridan. In this fascinating conversation, Marcus reveals how his near-business failure during the 2008 recession led him to discover powerful principles of trust-building that transformed his pool company into an industry leader and launched his career as a sought-after speaker and author.

At the heart of Marcus's philosophy are what he calls the "four pillars of a known and trusted brand" - be willing to say what others won't say, show what others won't show, sell how others won't sell, and be more human than the competition. Through compelling examples like Yale Appliance publishing which brands require the most service calls and his own company's radical transparency about pricing, Marcus demonstrates how vulnerability creates trust at scale.

The pride cycle emerges as a fascinating thread throughout our conversation - how pain leads to innovation, innovation leads to success, success breeds comfort, comfort kills innovation, and the cycle repeats. Breaking this cycle requires constant self-auditing and a willingness to disrupt your own business before someone else does it for you.

With AI transforming entire industries seemingly overnight, Marcus delivers perhaps his most provocative challenge: businesses cannot allow personal opinions about technology to interfere with smart business decisions. Those creating a culture of AI experimentation today will appear superhuman to competitors tomorrow, offering better services at previously impossible prices.

Whether you're looking to become the most trusted voice in your industry, break free from the pride cycle, or simply build a more resilient business in uncertain times, this episode offers practical wisdom you can implement immediately. As Marcus so powerfully states: "It's dumb not to dumb it down" - the goal isn't to sound smart, but to be understood.

Connect with Marcus:

Website

Endless Customers Book

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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What if everything you thought you knew about personal change was wrong? Michael Lopez, author of the Amazon bestselling book "Change: Six Science-Backed Strategies to Transform Your Brain, Body and Behavior," shatters conventional wisdom with science-backed insights that revolutionize how we approach transformation.

Drawing from his diverse background as a consultant, intelligence officer, athlete, and youth coach, Lopez reveals why most change efforts fail despite our best intentions. The problem isn't lack of motivation—it's that we're working against our brain's natural mechanisms rather than with them.

The conversation explores fascinating neuroscience concepts in accessible terms. Lopez explains that after age 25, our brains stop creating new neurons but can repurpose existing neural pathways—like deer creating trails through a forest by walking the same paths repeatedly. This means successful change requires not just adding new behaviors but consciously identifying what we'll give up to create space.

Most surprising is Lopez's perspective on stress. While chronic stress harms us, intentionally exposing ourselves to short-term, managed discomfort actually strengthens our anterior cingulate cortex—the brain region responsible for doing hard things. This explains why athletes often demonstrate exceptional mental toughness and why challenging ourselves regularly builds our capacity for change.

Whether you're a leader guiding organizational transformation, an athlete pushing performance boundaries, or simply someone wanting to break stubborn habits, Lopez offers practical strategies that work with your brain's natural processes. His approach isn't about willpower or motivation tricks—it's about understanding the biological foundations of change and leveraging them for lasting transformation.

Ready to develop change as a lifelong skill? This episode illuminates the path forward with the profound question: "Who might you be on the other side of what you're afraid of?"

Connect with Michael:

Personal Website

Book

LinkedIn

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me

How do you transform losing teams into champions? What makes an uncommon leader? Coach Jim Johnson discovered the answers to these questions through both devastating failure and extraordinary success during his 30-year basketball coaching career.

The journey begins with humility. After being fired from his first coaching position following 17 consecutive losses, Johnson realized he had much to learn about leadership. This humbling experience became the catalyst for developing seven leadership keys that ultimately produced 428 victories and transformed multiple basketball programs.

At the heart of Johnson's leadership philosophy lies the understanding that great leadership starts with self-leadership. "Who's the first person you need to lead? Yourself," Johnson explains. This means clarifying your personal mission and core values before attempting to lead others. From there, building trust becomes foundational—aligning words with actions, telling the truth (even when difficult), and providing specific, meaningful recognition.

The conversation takes an extraordinary turn when Johnson shares what he calls "the greatest night I ever had in coaching." The J-Mac story—where team manager Jason McElwain, a student with autism, scored 20 points including six three-pointers in the final four minutes of his first and only game—transcends basketball. What made this moment truly special wasn't just J-Mac's performance, but how the team deliberately chose to "shine the light" on their manager, exemplifying the "we over me" mentality Johnson had cultivated.

Throughout his leadership journey, Johnson discovered the power of vulnerability and becoming what he calls the "chief question asker" rather than simply providing answers. By shifting from dictating to listening, he empowered players to take ownership and exceed their perceived limitations.

Whether you're leading a business team, coaching athletes, or simply striving to become a better version of yourself, Coach Johnson's principles offer a roadmap for authentic, transformative leadership. His message—respect all people—serves as both a guiding value and a challenge to leaders everywhere.

Learn More About Coach Jim Johnson: Visit his website at coachjimjohnson.com for more information on his leadership programs and speaking engagements.

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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In this exciting episode, we're revisiting my engaging conversation with state champion Head Coach Jacob Gruse. Recorded during the onset of March Madness a couple years ago, this episode quickly became one of our most downloaded episodes! Join us as Coach Gruse shares his journey, insights on leadership, and powerful stories that have impacted his life and career.

Key Highlights:

• Leadership Impact: Jacob shares an inspiring story about how his parents influenced his leadership style and his upbringing in West Virginia. He delves into the values of hard work and sacrifice that his mom and dad instilled in him.
• Coaching Journey: Gruse reflects on his experiences from high school through various coaching roles, including a challenging period at West Virginia Tech, and the many hats he wore that shaped his appreciation for his assistant coaches.
• Family Sacrifices: The episode discusses the sacrifices made by his wife, Kristen, during their time apart when he pursued his dream of college coaching. Her unwavering support played a huge role in his journey.
• Humility and Growth: Coach Gruse talks about his continuous growth as a coach, thanks in part to the feedback from his character coach, Pastor John Sharp, and the importance of building strong relationships with his players.
• Legacy and Success: For Coach Gruse, success isn't just about winning games, but about the lasting relationships he forms with his players. He cherishes when former players return to visit and share life updates.
• Mantra of Being a Good Person: Gruse emphasizes the importance of simply being a good person, looking for opportunities to help others, and how this mindset can create positive change in the world.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: There’s No Place Like Home by Eddie Lloyd - A riveting read about Gruse's state championship journey with Cave Spring High School.
• Connect with Jacob Gruse on Instagram to stay updated on his coaching journey.

Join us as we listen to the wisdom of Coach Gruse and take away valuable lessons on leadership, sacrifice, and personal growth.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and followe

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me