Maxwell Leadership Podcast - podcast cover

Maxwell Leadership Podcast

John Maxwellmaxwellleadership.com
The Maxwell Leadership Podcast is a regular examination of what it means to be a transformational leader—someone who daily influences people to think, speak, and act to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. This podcast will teach you the principles, practices, and process of becoming a transformational leader because leadership isn't an event—it's an uphill journey. Every week we will offer a free tool to help you on this journey, so let leadership authority Dr. John C. Maxwell show you the way.
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Episodes

How Empowerment Fuels Team Success

How do the best leaders unlock extraordinary results in their teams? In this week's episode, John Maxwell reveals how empowering others not only helps them reach their potential, but also equips them to pass on that growth beyond themselves! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive into practical strategies and real-world examples to help you apply empowerment in your own leadership journey right away. Key takeaways: The strongest teams thrive when leaders actively demonstrate that th...

Jan 21, 202635 min

It's Not About You: Leadership, Communication, and Putting Others First

It's not about you—it's about them. In this week's episode, John Maxwell shares the powerful shift that transforms everyday leaders into extraordinary influencers and makes it possible for your leadership to truly impact others! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede share real-world examples of how making it about others unlocks trust, connection, and next-level leadership. Key takeaways: The more you focus on adding value to others, the more you'll receive value in return. To communicate ...

Jan 14, 202645 min

The Bookends of Success

Ready to discover the key to getting the most benefit out of every experience? In this week's episode, John Maxwell reveals the two "bookends of success" that elevate your preparation and multiply your results! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson discuss practical ways to apply John's powerful insights to your daily routines and most important goals. Key takeaways: Preparation on the front end and reflection on the back end transform average experiences into powerful growth opportunit...

Jan 07, 202639 min

Why Self-Awareness Sets Great Leaders Apart

What sets great leaders apart in times of crisis and change? In this week's episode, John shares a powerful insight he gained from Chick-fil-A chairman Dan Cathy on the importance of self-awareness and situational awareness for leaders — especially in tough times! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede discuss practical ways to cultivate these awarenesses as a leader. They explore how seeking honest feedback, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from role models can expand your leaders...

Dec 31, 202542 min

Acknowledge Your Humanness

Brené Brown said, "Perfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from taking flight." And in this week's episode, John Maxwell is showing how that's true — and how acknowledging your flaws frees you to become a high road leader. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow explore practical ways to develop self-compassion, laugh at yourself, and believe in your unique potential, so you can apply John'...

Dec 24, 202548 min

What to Expect When You Take the High Road

Leading on the high road will always cost more than you think — but it will always be worth it. In this week's episode, John Maxwell prepares you for the price of leading with integrity and conviction! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share practical takeaways from John's insights so you can apply them in your life and leadership. Key takeaways: — Expect that the first time you pay the price will be the hardest. — Your account is never fully paid. High road leadership requires ongoin...

Dec 17, 202540 min

Great Leaders Value All People

It's easy to value people you like. But as a leader, affirming people's worth isn't an option — even if you don't see eye to eye. In this week's episode, John Maxwell is sharing 4 practical ways you can develop the all-important skill of uplifting and valuing others! After John's lesson, Mark Cole challenges you with 3 others-focused tasks to complete in the week to come so that you can apply this principle in your life and leadership. Key takeaways: High road leaders value all people equally, e...

Dec 10, 202540 min

Your Motives Matter

Do you know why you want to lead? What drives your interactions with people? These are critical questions every leader must ask themselves for the good of those they lead — and in today's episode, John Maxwell is walking you through how to examine your motives as a leader! After John's lesson, Mark Cole unpacks John's teaching points so you can apply them directly to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Motivation is about mutual advantage and empowering people, while manipulation is about p...

Dec 03, 202542 min

Lead to Give, Not to Get

In this Thanksgiving-week episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell reminds us that effective, impactful leadership isn't about what you receive — it's about what you give. He explains how the most effective leaders focus on servant leadership, sowing into others, and making their contribution bigger than their reward. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share how this principle applies in today's organizations—from mentoring employees to overcoming entitlement and insp...

Nov 26, 202540 min

Stop Meaning Well, Start Living Well

In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell teaches why good intentions aren't enough—and how real growth begins when you choose intentional living. You'll discover the difference between passivity and purposeful action, and how intentional listening can transform your relationships and your leadership. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack how to apply these ideas in leadership, communication, and personal development. Together, they explore practical ways t...

Nov 19, 202539 min

How to Make Your Future Bigger than Your Past

In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John C. Maxwell shares timeless principles for turning your personal development into a lifelong journey of growth. You'll learn how to use your past as a teacher—not a trap—and apply positive thinking techniques and goal-setting habits to create a brighter tomorrow. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson unpack how to apply these lessons to your leadership, helping you strengthen your success mindset, overcome setbacks, and keep movi...

Nov 12, 202533 min

Quiet Confidence: Leading Without the Applause

If your confidence is determined by validation, your performance will be, too. In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John is sharing 4 keys to shifting from reliance on recognition to resilient self-assurance! After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson discuss his insights to help you apply them directly for your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Value the process over the event. Don't take yourself too seriously. Never wait for someone else to raise the bar for you. Our BO...

Nov 05, 202533 min

The Future Begins with Z with Tim Elmore and John Maxwell

75% of managers report that Gen Z is the toughest generation to lead, and 30% have fired a Gen Z employee within a month of hiring them. Can you relate? Gen Z is in the workforce and they're here to stay – so tune in to today's bonus episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast to learn how to lead them most effectively! Join John Maxwell, Mark Cole, and Tim Elmore for a deep dive into Tim's newest book, The Future Begins with Z, and a powerful discussion poised to help you get the most out of your...

Oct 31, 202540 min

6 Steps to Successful Personal Change (Part 2)

"You're responsible for the changes that you make in your life. But the good news is you can make the changes you need to make in your life." In this part 2 episode of our series on successful change, John is equipping you with the insight you need to pivot your performance for good! After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow discuss his points to help you apply them directly for your life and leadership. Key takeaways: If change isn't awkward, it's not change. Celebrate small wins and lear...

Oct 29, 202538 min

6 Steps to Successful Personal Change (Part 1)

Where does change begin, and how can you make it last? This is the question at the heart of intentional growth – and in today's episode, John Maxwell has the answer for you! Tune in to learn 3 of the 6 steps to successful personal change. Stick around after John's lesson for Mark Cole's and Traci Morrow's insights designed to help you apply the lesson to your life and leadership! Key takeaways: One person cannot change another person. To change your outcomes, start by changing your thinking. Pos...

Oct 22, 202540 min

Rules of Resilience with Valorie Burton

How ready are you to handle life's curveballs, fast balls, and strike-outs? Resilience is your key to getting by in difficult times and growing into thriving in the good. In this bonus episode, Mark Cole and guest host Jared Cagle are joined by Maxwell Leadership mentor and thought leader Valorie Burton to dive into the ideas behind her latest book, The Rules of Resilience ! Key takeaways: If you are reading this, you have already developed some level of resilience. Expect the unexpected and be ...

Oct 17, 202543 min

A Leader Sees More and Before (Part 2)

In order to lead the way, you have to see where you're heading. In this week's episode, we're diving back into John Maxwell's two-part series helping leaders cast vision for their team! After John's insights, Mark Cole and Chris Goede share their experiences and analysis to help you see – and seize – your organization's future. Key takeaways: Great leaders ask questions to gain new insights. Growth is the only way to expand your capacity as a leader. Putting yourself in rooms where you can learn...

Oct 15, 202540 min

A Leader Sees More and Before (Part 1)

Leaders – are you practicing the "cycle of success," or are you limited by a lack of vision? In this week's episode, John is giving you some of his most powerful insights on how leaders can master the abundance mindset and pass it along to those they lead! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede unpack their major takeaways and help you apply them directly to your life and leadership Key takeaways: The ability to see a bigger picture and see it quicker is the mark of a true leader. Creativit...

Oct 08, 202541 min

What Happens When You Help Others Win

The first step toward helping someone become their best is to help them believe that they can. In this week's episode, John Maxwell shares the influential power of giving others a win! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson unpack his insights so you can apply them directly to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Pursue significance over mere personal success. To add value to others, you must value others first. When you help others win and succeed, you create a legacy of leaders. Ou...

Oct 01, 202533 min

Write Your Own Story

What story are you writing with your life? In this week's episode, John Maxwell is sharing the two pillars he lives by that have helped him create a life story of profound significance. After his lesson, Mark Cole dives into deep application so you can confidently command your life's narrative. Key takeaways: You have the power to write your own life story. Don't let others write it for you. Put your giftedness alongside the needs of people. The way you make people feel is what they will remembe...

Sep 24, 202534 min

How to Embrace Intentional Living

If you want to achieve significance and success in life, you have to be intentional! In this episode, John C. Maxwell teaches a lesson on how you can embrace intentional living and make a difference in the lives of others. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson sit down to talk about what John has shared and offer practical advice that will help you apply what you've learned to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Intentional living is the bridge that will lead you to a life that mat...

Sep 17, 202532 min

3 Things Every Leader Needs to Thrive

3 things every leader needs, 2 longtime leadership experts, 1 can't-miss bonus episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast. In this episode, John Maxwell joins Mark Cole (live!) for a powerful discussion with author and speaker Jon Gordon. You'll discover the three key elements that every leader needs to thrive and succeed in their journey. Key takeaways: We were born to do something that's beneficial on purpose. When leaders come together to learn from each other, everyone grows. Track your succe...

Sep 12, 202546 min

How to Live with Purpose Every Day

Your anchor, your North Star, your wings, and your why – in today's episode, John is sharing a lesson that will help you find the foundation of all these things: your purpose. Discover practical steps and powerful insights for living every day with intention and discipline. After John's lesson, Mark Cole offers his perspective on how to apply it to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Finding your why gives you direction. You discover your purpose through your passion and your giftedness. Pu...

Sep 10, 202545 min

Discipline Keeps You Growing

As John C. Maxwell says, "Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing." In this episode, John is sharing a lesson on the importance of consistency in leadership and being intentional with adding value to others every day! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson break down John's insights and give you practical application for your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Continue to intentionally add value to people every day. The key to significance is consistency. Today matte...

Sep 03, 202533 min

How to Increase Your Focus

"Traction is always good; distraction is always bad." Wondering how you can maintain your focus in leadership, even during challenging times? In this episode, John Maxwell is sharing 5 things to put behind you and 5 things to put before you that will help you fix your energy on the things that matter most! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow sit down to talk about what John has shared and offer practical ways to apply it to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Dwelling on what you c...

Aug 27, 202546 min

Live Life Rich

Living life rich is about so much more than the number at the bottom of your bank statement. In this bonus episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, Mark Cole and Jared Cagle discuss freedom – financial, emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual – with speaker, coach, and financial expert Marissa Nehlsen! She's sharing her framework for flourishing that comes straight from her new book, Live Life Rich! Key takeaways: You are always enough and never too much. When your vision is clear, deci...

Aug 22, 202541 min

Do You Have Destination Disease?

Are you suffering from a case of destination disease? Symptoms include a quiet complacency, a decreased drive, a sense of "having arrived." In today's episode, John Maxwell is sharing 4 keys to defeat destination disease and recover your desire for constant improvement. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson unpack John's insights to help you apply them directly to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: The danger of getting good is that "good" is good enough to meet all of our needs. ...

Aug 20, 202535 min

Leadership Rhythm: When to Push, Pull, or be Patient

Ever wondered what dancing and effective leadership have in common? It's all about rhythm. In this episode, John Maxwell is sharing how you can know when to push your people, when to pull them, and when to be patient with them in the process. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow talk about what John has shared, as well as give you practical advice for how you can apply it to your personal life and leadership. Key takeaways: When you push people, you make pioneers out of them. It's eas...

Aug 13, 202543 min

Strategies to Stop Complacency

When you're tempted to stop moving forward, there are a few key strategies that will keep you going — and John Maxwell is sharing those strategies in this episode! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson sit down to discuss what John has talked about and help you practically apply it to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Busyness without productivity is an early sign of complacency. Go expose yourself to bigger, better, faster people. A goal that does not stretch you is not a worthy...

Aug 06, 202535 min

From Drift to Drive

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who drift through life and those who take ownership of their journey. In this bonus episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, Mark Cole and Jared Cagle are joined by Chris Robinson, who's sharing the story behind his brand-new book, and how it can help you move From Drift to Drive! Key takeaways: Get clarity on what you really want. Be intentional about learning from those ahead of you. Take action, even if you start small. In lieu of our usual ...

Aug 01, 202532 min
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