High standards fuel performance. Expecting perfection paralyzes it. In this episode, John Eades shares a story from his trip to Scotland and what playing Muirfield Golf Course taught him about leadership. You’ll learn why leaders fall into the trap of perfectionism, how it impacts teams, and why progress is a better path than flawlessness. John unpacks the difference between high standards and perfectionism and gives three practical ways to lead with standards that inspire growth without creatin...
Aug 20, 2025•20 min
Winning is great, but it’s the relentless act of competing that makes it possible. In this episode, John Eades shares what his two alpha dogs, Penny and Charlie, taught him about refusing to quit — and why life rewards those who keep showing up. Quote of the Day: "Relentlessness beats talent when talent gets tired." 🎧 Subscribe to the daily newsletter: https://optimisticoutlook.beehiiv.com 📘 Get the Daily Optimism Blueprint: https://eyl.thinkific.com/order?ct=3f19e468-71bd-45bd-985f-da01d072e4...
Aug 13, 2025•3 min
"Team Building isn't an activity, it's a habit." In the lastest, episode, David Burkus joins John to talk all things teamwork and team building to help you more effectively lead your team. You can get David's book, Best Team Ever here . The book outlines five key strategies that top-performing teams share: Clarity – Everyone knows the team’s mission, how success is measured, and what’s expected of them. Connection – Team members feel personally connected to each other, not just the work. Contrib...
Aug 05, 2025•47 min
Most people confuse success with excellence. But they’re not the same. In this episode, John Eades shares the story of how British Cycling transformed from mediocre to dominant, unpacks why Joe Burrow’s post-game comments reveal the mindset of a high performer, and breaks down The Excellence Loop —a four-step framework to help you lead, work, and live with a higher standard. Quote of the Day: “Success is what you get. Excellence is what you become.” 🔗 Subscribe to the daily newsletter: https://...
Jul 23, 2025•18 min
A group of porcupines huddling together in winter provides an unlikely but powerful metaphor for leadership. In this episode, John Eades dives into the critical importance of direct dialogue and the necessity of difficult conversations for team performance, accountability, and growth. You’ll learn: Why avoiding conflict is more harmful than facing it The 3-part formula for effective direct dialogue: Standards, Evidence, and Courage How to act on the truth behind Alex Hormozi’s quote: “Confrontin...
May 21, 2025•21 min
"Great leadership inspires followership. It get people to follow the strategy. Followership doesn’t happen by just telling people what to do." Adam Weber joins the show in this week's episode. He is the former Chief People Officer at 15Five, co-founder of Emplify, and author of Lead Like a Human. You can learn more about Adam here Interested in booking a free workshop for your organization, go here ....
May 07, 2025•36 min
Talent gets the headlines, but character wins championships. In this episode, John Eades shares a story from NBA All-Star Draymond Green about his rookie teammate Trace Jackson-Davis — and the quiet, selfless act that every team leader should notice. Then, John introduces the Talent Cross Model, a practical tool for evaluating the people on your team through two powerful lenses: ability and selflessness. If you want to build a team that performs at a high level and elevates one another, this epi...
Apr 22, 2025•12 min
Proficiency in leadership doesn't always follow tenure. While tenure provides experience, without a growth mindset and a desire to learn, skill doesn't automatically improve. Take golfers as an example; plenty of golfers have played for decades, and rarely do they improve. The same is true in leadership. Tenure doesn't always equal leadership. However, in leadership, there are a few basic principles that, if you know them, can help you shorten your timeline to proficiency and deliver better resu...
Apr 09, 2025•21 min
Everyone is too busy focusing on themselves. "To get in the spotlight, you have to have a bias for action when no one is watching." In the latest episode, John Eades covers the Spotlight Effect, whereby we overestimate the degree to which other people are noticing or observing our appearance, actions, behaviors, or results. You can subscribe to the Optimistic Outlook for Free Here You can check out Amy Eades '"They Told Me to Share Newsletter Here"...
Mar 26, 2025•15 min
"The voice in your head that's telling you to quit isn't real. It's ego, and you can lower the volume of that voice." In the latest episode, Craig Siegel joins the show. He is the author of The Reinevention Formula, you can find it here. Subscribe to John's Optimistic Outlook Newsletter
Mar 12, 2025•36 min
"You won't get it if you don't ask." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, he covers five essential lessons from going to the Michael Marcagi concert. "If you want people to know you for something, you must make something." You can watch the show here on Youtube
Feb 26, 2025•17 min
In the latest episode of the podcast, John Eades covers 10 short messages to help you choose optimism today. Which one is your favorite? You can get the simple daily message of Optimism via email by subscribing for free here.
Feb 12, 2025•11 min
If you don't pick your optimistic voice, by default, you pick your pessimistic voice. In the latest episode, John Eades covers the Daily Free Three: Was how you thought today your best? Was what I did today my best? Was how you communicated today your best? You can subscribe to the free Optimistic Outlook Newsletter You can talk to a team member about Leadership Development Here...
Jan 29, 2025•16 min
Ever wondered how to deal with a toxic rock star employee? Or if it’s okay to show frustration in front of your team? In this episode of The John Eades Podcast, I tackle five of the trickiest questions managers face every day. “How do I deal with a star employee who’s becoming a toxic influence?” “What’s the best way to hold someone accountable without micromanaging?” “We lost a big client. My team is discouraged—what’s my first move?” “Is it ever okay for a leader to show frustration or cry in ...
Jan 15, 2025•19 min
"Just because you haven’t doesn’t mean you can’t." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, John covers how to make 2025 your best year ever. Define Your Personal Purpose To uncover a purpose that's bigger than a goal, one might ask: "What impact do I want to have on others or the world around me?" "What values and passions drive me to keep going even when things get tough?" "If I achieved all my goals, what would still feel missing or unfulfilled in my life?" For the sake of today, and ...
Jan 01, 2025•20 min
"Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful." - Margaret Wheatley In the last episode of 2024, John Eades covers the 2025 Growth Audit. Which includes 6 questions to reflect on your previous year before heading into the new one: How have you positively influenced your team or organization? When did fear cause a lack of action? How have your leadership skills evolved, and what actions contributed to the growth? What ...
Dec 18, 2024•23 min
Her team performance was down, voluntary turnover was escalating, and she was really starting to question herself. Was she good enough for this position? Was she good enough for this role? Was she worthy enough for this responsibility? She had doubt and fear running through her veins. (The truth is we all do) BUt she had two big things going for her. She had a growth mindset and courage. In the latest episode, John Eades covers the fantastic story of a manager who did the hard work to skyrocket ...
Dec 04, 2024•15 min
"Being coachable is how you show the world that you have a hunger to get better and are willing to put in the work and effort." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, John covers 3 practical ways to remain coachable your entire career. According to Leadership IQ, if you aren’t coachable, it’s also tough to make a successful job move. They conducted a three-year study of 20,000 hiring decisions and asked, Why do 46% of new hires fail within a year and a half? The number one reason from ...
Nov 20, 2024•22 min
“Don’t get frustrated by what people are not, find joy in what they are." In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast, John dives into lessons learned from an experience with Jim Collins in Charlotte, NC. Specifically he covers principles, models, and ideas around: People Action You can learn more about Jim Collins here You can hire John Eades as an executive coach or speaker here You can learn more about LearnLoft here....
Nov 06, 2024•29 min
"Leadership doesn’t guarantee success, but a lack of leadership guarantees there won’t be success." In this week's episode, John covers the story of the Mexican Fisherman. While you can take different lessons and takeaways from the story, he covers: 1. Meaningful Progress Takes Time 2. Small Impact Matters As Well 3. Just Because It’s What Someone Else is Doing Doesn’t Mean you Have To You can learn more about LearnLoft's leadership development program here or have John speak at your next event ...
Oct 23, 2024•17 min
"Your beliefs and mindset have an enormous impact on your actions and outcomes." In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast, John covers The Dartmouth Scar experiment, an intriguing study about the power of your mindset. Here are three ways to avoid the victim-mindset Change Your Mindset Adjust Your Language Develop Thick Skin
Oct 09, 2024•17 min
"The team takes priority over the individual." In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast, John dissects the hard truths great leaders know about letting someone go. John explored the decision from Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dave Canalas to Bench Quarterback Bryce Young. Truth #1. Leaders make tough decisions Truth #2 - Someone's failure can be a reflection of your leadership Truth #3 - Leaders don't keep throwing good money after bad
Sep 18, 2024•17 min
"When there is a void in leadership, someone will fill it. In many cases, it's someone that might not know what they are doing.” In the latest episode of the John Eades podcast Will Jones joins the show. He is the President and CEO of Thompson Child & Family Focus. Looking for a partner to help develop leaders in your organization? Check out LearnLoft.
Sep 04, 2024•46 min
"Leaders who utilize their time and attention properly create more time tomorrow." In the latest episode, John Eades breaks down a critical leadership principle and how to use Time Management like the best leaders. You can learn more about the Accelerate Leadership Program Here Or you can get your copy of the 64 Day Excellence Planner Here...
Aug 15, 2024•17 min
"There is a lot to learn about how leaders handle success." In the latest episode, Jordan Montgomery, author of The Art of Encouragement , joins the show. We cover: How leaders handle success How leaders handle failure How to encourage others around you Why Encouragement is key to success You can learn more about Jordan Montgomery here . Looking for a proven system to help managers in your organization to become leaders? Check out the Accelerate Leadership System from LearnLoft ....
Jul 16, 2024•39 min
"If you struggle with confidence, focus on actions that build evidence." In the latest episode John Eades covers specific strategies and stories to help you build your confidence daily. If you prefer video, you can watch it on YouTube Here . How to build confidence: Demonstrate and Action Daily That Builds Evidence Shed Perfection Squash the Ant Build an Iron Council You can learn more about LearnLoft and the Accelerate Leadership Program Here: Hire John to speak at an upcoming company event her...
Jun 19, 2024•21 min
"A team is three or more people working together to achieve a common goal." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, Dr. Will Sparks joins the show. His latest book, Actualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance is now available. Interested in improving performance, reducing turnover, and improving leadership skills in your organization, reach out at learnloft.com....
Jun 05, 2024•48 min
“You have to want it, then you have to work for it in order to win it.” - Deion Sanders In the latest episode, John Eades covers: The difference in desire vs. dedication The Disappointment Gap How to increase Desire How to increase dedication You can get the 64-Day Excellence Planner here. You can subscribe on YouTube Here...
May 22, 2024•24 min
"A mediocre team can't suddenly become great on the day of the Superbowl." "Leaders set the culture, culture produces activities and behaviors, and the activities lead to the results." In the latest episode, Pete Angstadt , Chief Revenue Officer at Ping Identity , joins the show. We cover: Accountability High-Performance Mentality Culture Transparency Growth Mindset Command & Control Leadership...
May 09, 2024•51 min
"The words you say to yourself are the most important words you say." In the latest episode of the John Eades Podcast, John covered the important topic of your internal dialogue. Story of the lion and the sheep The Illusory Truth Effect Extreme Globalizing Words Act Differently Than You Feel Stop Saying "Can't" Get the 64 Day Excellence Planner or Schedule a Call to Develop Leaders in Your Organization...
Apr 24, 2024•22 min
