L3 Leadership Podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Leon Ford shares his profound journey from the brink of death due to police brutality to becoming a symbol of forgiveness and activism.About Leon Ford: Leon Ford is a celebrated author, social entrepreneur, impact investor, international speaker, and changemaker dedicated to driving positive change in his community and beyond.As a respected activist and mental health ambassador, Ford passionately addresses disparities by focusing on holistic wellness. His inspiring approach emphasizes the importance of resilience, transforming personal challenges into purpose, and creating a lasting societal impact.Ford's accomplishments include executive producing the Cannes Film Festival award-winning documentary Leon (2019) and Breaking Bread: A Conversation on Race in America (2021), which won a Shorty Award. President Obama's Volunteer Service Award (2017), The Root 100 (2018), Pittsburgh's 40 Under 40 (2019), Forbes 30 Under 30 (2023), and Nat

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Anne Beiler joins Doug to discuss her upbringing, Auntie Anne’s, and shares advice with listeners who may be struggling on how she navigates life’s more difficult seasons.About Anne Beiler: Anne Beiler, raised in an Amish-Mennonite community, faced immense tragedy when her 19-month-old daughter died in a farming accident, leading her into darkness and depression. Her marriage with Jonas suffered, exacerbated by an abusive pastor. Seeking healing, they pursued counseling and reconciliation, birthing a vision to offer free counseling services. To support this vision, Anne bought a concession stand, which evolved into Auntie Anne’s, the world's largest pretzel franchise. Despite her success, Anne battled depression, finding solace in sharing her story publicly. This act of confession liberated her and inspired her to help other women find similar freedom. In 2005, Anne sold Auntie Anne’s to pursue speaking engagements on leadership, purpose, and

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug is interviewed by his friend Zack Blair. Together, they discuss various topics, such as mental health, leadership, confidence, and parenting. About Doug Smith: Doug Smith is the Director of Development at Light of Life Rescue Mission and Founder and CEO of L3 Leadership. He is the author of his eBook, “Making the Most of Mentoring”, a step-by-step guide to help you build and cultivate relationships with mentors. He blogs at dougsmithlive.com, he is the host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he is a sought-after public speaker. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, who works as an Account Executive at Ivalua. Together, they love family, personal growth, travel, working out, and serving others.4 Key Takeaways:1. Doug shares his journey to confidence as a leader.2. Zack and Doug reflect on their friendship over the years and how having support is crucial to being a leader. 3. Being good with people involves showing an interest in o

In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Mark Miller, the former VP of High-Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A, joins us to reveal the core principles of "Uncommon Greatness."  About Mark Miller: Mark started over 40 years ago working as an hourly employee at a local Chick-fil-A.  He has worked all across the business since then and currently serves as Vice President of High-Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A.  For the last 20 years, Mark has traveled the United States and the world focusing much of his time on serving leaders, helping them grow themselves, their teams, and their organizations. 4 Key Takeaways:1. Mark shares how important vision casting is for individuals in leadership and entire organizations.2. Mark walks us through the five fundamentals as outlined in his book that can  transform your leadership approach.3. He talks about aligning vision, results, and relationships, all while keeping your core values intact.4. We discuss idea of servant leadership and how it helps crea

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, William Vanderbloeman joins Doug to share the groundbreaking insights he’s gained from conducting over 30,000 interviews and shares strategies that will equip you to identify and become the 'unicorn' in your professional sphere.About William Vanderbloeman: William brings over 15 years of ministry experience as a Senior Pastor, blending it seamlessly with executive search best practices to offer faith-based organizations a distinctive service. Before establishing Vanderbloemen Search Group, he apprenticed in executive search under a seasoned mentor with over 25 years of experience, gaining insights into corporate practices and search strategies used by renowned firms like Russell Reynolds. William's background also includes managerial roles in Human Resources within a Fortune 200 company, focusing on corporate culture integration and succession planning. His pastoral journey, which spans churches in North Carolina, Alabama, and Houst

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Jade Warshaw, a Ramsey personality, shares her journey to financial freedom and the importance of following the Baby Steps to get out of debt.About Jade Warshaw: Jade Warshaw, hailing from a musical background, spent 15 years as a professional vocalist, touring 92 countries alongside her musician husband. However, their story took a sharp turn with nearly half a million dollars in debt. Marrying in 2007, they faced a staggering $280K in student loans, coupled with credit card debts and unaffordable assets. In 2008, after discovering Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps, they embarked on a journey to financial freedom, taking up various jobs and even sharing their home with roommates. Despite financial strains, Jade prioritized quality meals, inspired by her childhood. Sharing recipes online, they built a community around debt-free living. In 2015, a debt-free business idea emerged, marking a turning point. By 2017, they celebrated paying off their last $

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug is interviewed by his long-time friend, Dan Herod for his podcast, Hope Between The Lines. They delve into relationships, mental health, grief, and more. About Doug Smith: Doug Smith is the Director of Development at Light of Life Rescue Mission and Founder and CEO of L3 Leadership. He is the author of his eBook, “Making the Most of Mentoring”, a step-by-step guide to help you build and cultivate relationships with mentors. He blogs at dougsmithlive.com, he is the host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he is a sought-after public speaker. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, who currently works as an Account Executive at Ivalua. Together, they love family, personal growth, travel, working out, and serving others.3 Key Takeaways:1. Doug shares a funny story of a prank his father and brother-in-law played on him years ago. 2. He talks about grief and mental health and shares his personal experience with these matters.3. Dan and D

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, bestselling author Jordan Raynor discusses his new book, The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity.About Jordan Raynor: Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work. In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own. Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.3 Key Takeaways:1. Jordan references scriptural foundations that redefine th

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Maggie Berghoff joins us to share her wealth of knowledge on functional medicine and personalized health.About Maggie Berghoff: Maggie Berghoff is a visionary entrepreneur with multiple online companies dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals. The journey began as she ventured into the role of an online health consultant, evolving into a substantial educational platform offering published books, online programs, recommended products, and diverse services aimed at helping individuals achieve balance in their lives. In addition to her health-focused venture, Maggie has established a business consulting company. Through this endeavor, she has empowered thousands of emerging entrepreneurs, providing guidance in building, branding, marketing, and scaling their own online coaching businesses. Beyond the professional realm, Maggie gracefully balances the role of a devoted mother to three young children. Her commitment to health, entrepreneur

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, we are joined by George Kamel, Ramsey personality and author, as he recounts his climb from being burdened by debt to securing a seven-figure net worth. About George Kamel: George Kamel is a personal finance expert and co-host of The Ramsey Show and Smart Money Happy Hour.  Following Ramsey’s proven money plan, George went from negative net worth to a millionaire in under 10 years. His goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid money traps so they can live a life with more margin, options and freedom.4 Key Takeaways:1. George shares his perspective on leadership in the digital age, focusing on impact rather than follower count. 2.  We dissect the cultural epidemic of debt that ensnares many in a relentless cycle and how achieving financial peace can rejuvenate our life experiences.3. George talks about why he believes cutting the credit cord leads to a more mindful approach to money management.4. You'll also listen to honest thou

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Esther Fedorkevich is joins us to discuss her journey in entrepreneurship and publishing, offering valuable advice for aspiring authors.About Esther Fedorkevich: Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency. She launched her career in 1997 as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, Esther sold a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a New York Times best-selling author and television host with a nationally syndicated radio program. She worked in the publishing department, selling and marketing Dave’s books and other projects, and fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was charged and decided to venture out on her own, selling books and ideas as a literary agent. Esther founded The Fedd Agency in 2003 and began investing in authors. Her first client came to her for help when William Morris could not secure a book de

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Rob Luna, a seasoned expert in wealth management joins us. Our chat traces Rob's path from his early days in the challenging streets of L.A. to his present role as a trusted figure for those grappling with the intricacies of wealth. As we unwrap the layers of his success, you'll gain insights into the profound impact of financial literacy and learn practical ways to build and safeguard wealth for the long haul.About Rob Luna: Rob Luna is confirmation that the American Dream is alive. He went from growing up hungry and battling the tough streets of Los Angeles, to becoming an Ivy League Alumnus and earning MBA degrees in two countries. His 25 years of experience includes consulting with companies such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook, managing money for some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, and building a multimillion-dollar business that was sold to a publicly-traded company. Today Rob oversees his group of companies focused on help

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Jamie Winship shares a wild story of how he solved a crime, why living out of our true identity enables us to live a fearless life, and more. About Jamie Winship: Jamie Winship has decades of experience bringing peaceful solutions to areas of the world that experience the highest levels of conflict.After a distinguished career in law enforcement in the metro Washington DC area, Jamie had a unique opportunity to bring his identity-centric approach of transformation to the field of education. He earned an MA in English and accepted a position at a university in Indonesia. Jamie developed a unique language acquisition program based on this premise: identity transformation is the key to acquiring new levels of learning in any field. His work drew the attention of Fulbright and other educational institutions which extended his work worldwide over the past several decades.Jamie has worked with leaders in professional sports, business, education, law enf

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug talks about how he does a year-end review, why he believes every leader needs to do their own, and how to do your own. About Doug:  Doug Smith is the Director of Development atLight of Life Rescue Mission and Founder and CEO of L3 Leadership. He is the author of his eBook, “Making the Most of Mentoring”, a step-by-step guide to help you build and cultivate relationships with mentors. He blogs atdougsmithlive.com, is the host of the L3 Leadership podcast and is a sought-after public speaker. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, who currently works as an Account Executive at Ivalua. Together, they love family, personal growth, travel, working out, and serving others.4 Key Takeaways:1.Why the best kind of year-end review is the one that you’ll actually follow.2. Why you should push forward, even if your first review won’t be perfect.3. The importance of scheduling a time and place for your review.4. What to bring with you to your

In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by bestselling author and renowned mental health expert, Dr. John Delony. We dive into his latest book, "Building a Non-Anxious Life" and uncover strategies on how to eliminate anxiety from our lives.About Dr. John Delony: Dr. John Delony is a bestselling author, mental health expert and host of The Dr. John Delony Show. John has two PhDs and over two decades of experience in counseling, crisis response and higher education. He is the author of the bestselling books Building a Non-Anxious Life, Own Your Past, Change Your Future and Redefining Anxiety.John has appeared on Fox News, Fox Business and Today and has been featured in the Real Simple and Fast Company magazines as well as HuffPost. He has also been a guest on The Minimalist Podcast, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast and the Mind Pump Podcast.John’s goal is to help people navigate tough decisions, improve their relationships, and believe they’re worth being well.4 Key Takeaways:1. We sh

Ever felt like you're running in circles as a leader, trapped in a maze of operational hurdles and communication gaps? Discover the magic of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) as we sit down with Tim Tandert, an expert EOS implementer, who brilliantly untangles the complexities of organizational management. Tim enlightens us about dealing with people issues, enhancing team communication through 'level 10 meetings' and the significance of having the right people in the right roles. Dive deeper into the story of organizational success as we discuss the power of traction and accountability charts in leadership. Unveil the simplicity and effectiveness of EOS, and how it can transform your business landscape. We also discuss the People Analyzer tool, the Vision Tracker and the concept of GWC (Get it, Want it, Capacity) - invaluable tools to find the right person for the right seat. The journey doesn't end here. Hear the success story of Tim, who journeyed through the highs and lows of his c

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug is interviewed by David McGlennen and talks about the impact of encouragement on young leaders, how growth requires endurance, and how suffering has played a role in developing as a leader. About Doug Smith: Doug Smith is the Director of Development at Light of Life Rescue Mission and Founder and CEO of L3 Leadership. He is the author of his eBook, “Making the Most of Mentoring”, a step-by-step guide to help you build and cultivate relationships with mentors. He blogs at dougsmithlive.com, he is the host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he is a sought-after public speaker. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, who currently works as an Account Executive at Ivalua. Together, they love family, personal growth, travel, working out, and serving others.4 Key Takeaways:1. Doug dives into the significance of endurance, patience, and the necessity of a long-term mindset in attaining leadership growth.2. He also uncovers the importance

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, we talk with Reid Carpenter, a Pittsburgh legend who had the audacity to dream of making his city renowned for God.About Reid Carpenter: Mr. Carpenter has a longstanding career in ministry and community service. Beginning in 1961, he served as the Pittsburgh area director for Young Life, a youth organization. Over the years, he held various roles, including regional director and director of Young Life's Northeast Division. In 1978, he founded the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation (PLF), a faith-based organization focused on addressing regional concerns through collaboration. Over 23 years with PLF, Mr. Carpenter initiated numerous ventures with local partners, securing over $500 million to support efforts for at-risk youth, prisoners, families, healthcare, housing, and addiction. He played a key role in establishing organizations such as the ANTI-Racism Institute, Pittsburgh Youth Network, CLEAR, and East Liberty Family Health Care Center. Add

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Dr. Asa Lee, President of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, joins us and shares his unique journey from the classrooms of public education to the holy halls of ministry and academia and the reasons for his professional choices. About Dr. Asa Lee: Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, a respected leader in theological education, assumed the role of President at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary on June 7, 2021. With degrees from Hampton University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Virginia Theological Seminary, Dr. Lee brings a wealth of academic and pastoral experience. Previously serving at Wesley Theological Seminary in various capacities, including vice president and director of African-American studies, Dr. Lee is known for fostering inclusive and academically rigorous environments. He is an ordained minister with a decade of pastoral experience at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Va. Dr. Lee is a member of several prestigious organizations, reflectin

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, we hear about the inspiring journey of four-time Super Bowl champion, John Colb, as he recounts his experiences in the NFL and some cherished memories.About Jon Kolb: Jon Kolb is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle and center for 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He was also an occasional strongman competitor in some of the early World's Strongest Man contests.Jon is also the founder of ATP (Adventures in Training with a Purpose), a Christian nonprofit organization focused on helping those most in need to improve their quality of life through an adventure of purposeful physical training.3 Key Takeaways:1. Jon recounts a hilarious incident involving Terry Bradshaw.2. He also shares insightful anecdotes from his time with the legendary coach, Chuck Noll, and the profound impact it had on his career.3. He talks about the commendable work being done by his organi