L3 Leadership Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful message titled Advice for the 60+ Crowd: How to Make the Most of the Final Season of Your Life.After speaking to a group of seniors at a local church in Pittsburgh, Doug realized this message applies to every leader—no matter their age. This episode is a call to live with intention, finish well, and invest your life into what matters most.Doug challenges listeners to think deeply about legacy, transitions, and the role they play in shaping future generations. Through personal stories and practical questions, he equips you to shift your priorities, strengthen your disciplines, and maximize your impact in the time you have left.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction and why this message matters02:00 – Honoring the generation that came before us04:00 – Doug’s story and the impact of mentorship07:00 – Your legacy is what you set into motion09:00 – The question: What do you want said at your funeral?10:30 – Why transitions

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful talk he gave for Keller Williams titled How to Build a Great Life.Doug walks through the principles that have shaped his own journey—from a difficult upbringing to leading a nonprofit, raising a family, and developing leaders—and challenges listeners to stop simply “accepting” life and start intentionally building one that truly matters.This episode goes beyond career success and focuses on what it really means to win in life: strong relationships, purpose, growth, and intentional leadership. Doug provides practical frameworks and actionable steps to help you clarify your vision, grow daily, build meaningful connections, and become the leader you’re capable of being.If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions or unsure how to reach your full potential, this episode will challenge you to take ownership and start building a life you’re proud of.Doug Smith – Host, L3 Leadership PodcastWhat You’ll Learn W

Send a textMost leaders think they’re growing—but in reality, they’re just repeating the same year over and over again.In this powerful conversation, Doug sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, to unpack why over 90% of leaders plateau—and what it actually takes to reach your potential.Chris shares the mindset shift that changed his life from chasing success to developing others, how to become a “star maker” leader, and the hidden danger of complacency he calls “the secret place of satisfactory success.”If you want to get promoted, multiply your impact, and avoid drifting through your career, this episode is a must-listen.

Send a textWhat would people say about your life at your memorial service?In this deeply personal episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares the powerful leadership lessons he learned after attending the memorial service of legendary pastor and leader Jeff Leake.For over two hours, story after story was shared about a man who finished his race with his faith, family, character, and calling intact. The experience forced Doug to ask a question every leader must wrestle with:Am I living in a way that will lead to a life well lived?⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Why this memorial service deeply moved Doug02:00 – Doug’s relationship with Jeff and the impact of mentorship04:00 – The 2% principle: Finishing with family, character, and calling intact08:00 – “Nobody has a dad like my dad” — intentional parenting that lasts12:00 – Why family must come before success14:30 – The urgency of spiritual fathers and mothers18:00 – Becoming a spiritual parent to the next generation20:30 – “Calm always wins” — emotion

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and bestselling author of The Future Begins with Z: 9 Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the Workplace.After following Tim’s work for nearly two decades, Doug finally gets to have a conversation that every leader needs to hear. Together, they unpack the realities of leading Generation Z, why three out of four managers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage, and how leaders can shift from frustration to opportunity.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Why Tim wrote The Future Begins with Z02:00 – The alarming stats about managing Generation Z03:45 – The “Peter Pan Paradox”: Age of authority ↓, age of maturity ↑07:00 – Artificial maturity: Overexposed to information, underexposed to experience12:00 – Parenting the next generation: Risk, responsibility, and resilience17:00 – Why leaders must mentor—not just manage20:00 – The onboarding mistake costing companies Gen Z talent21:

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares Part 2 of his annual reflection series, unpacking the final ten lessons he learned in 2025 and how they are shaping his leadership moving into 2026. Drawing from real conversations, leadership challenges, faith, and personal growth, Doug challenges leaders to rethink success, create margin, embrace hard seasons, and recognize the significance of the work God is doing in and through them.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Why Doug shares his annual lessons and how they’re selected 01:45 – Lesson 11: You can have everything and still have nothing 03:30 – Lesson 12: In leadership, there are things only you can do 05:00 – Lesson 13: The necessity of people who challenge your perceptions 07:45 – Lesson 14: Follow a proven path when you don’t know what to do 08:45 – Lesson 15: Why AI can be a powerful personal and leadership coach 10:30 – Lesson 16: Margin matters—create it with time and finances 11:45 – Lesson 17: You’re always campaigning, whethe

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith kicks off part one of his annual reflection series, sharing the most significant lessons he learned in 2025 and how they’re shaping his leadership in 2026. Drawing from his year-end review process, Doug offers honest insights on health, family, leadership presence, fatherhood, faith, and the unseen weight leaders carry.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Why Doug does a year-end review every year02:00 – Lesson 1: Taking ownership of your health before it’s too late05:00 – Lesson 2: Big families are a gift worth fighting for08:30 – Lesson 3: Your presence as a leader matters more than you think11:00 – Lesson 4: The lifelong impact of being an intentional parent14:00 – Lesson 5: The tension between progress and preservation16:00 – Lesson 6: One day you’ll become a king—but not for the reasons you think18:30 – Lesson 7: Not every battle deserves your energy21:00 – Lesson 8: Want more *for* people than you want *from* them23:00 – Lesson 9: Being the voic

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith sits down with returning guest Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, family, faith, and legacy. Jeremy shares how viewing the family as a team—not a temporary stage of life—can reshape how leaders think about generational impact.00:00 – Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast01:00 – Introducing Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams04:00 – Multi-generational families and shared rhythms09:00 – Sabbath dinners, hospitality, and family culture17:00 – The biblical vision for a ruling household26:00 – Generational leadership, wealth, and stewardship36:00 – Why traditional discipleship models struggle45:00 – Making disciples who make disciples55:00 – Church, family, and leadership sustainability1:03:00 – Final thoughts on legacy and long-term impactLinks:

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares his year-end review process, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth since 2004. Doug discusses the importance of reflecting on the year gone by to foster growth and documents his detailed approach to conducting a comprehensive year-end review. He includes practical tips and encourages creating a personalized review system. Additionally, the episode features a word from the sponsor, Andocia Marketing Solutions. Doug wraps up with thoughtful ways to conclude the review process and the benefits of such reflections.00:00 - Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast00:27 - The Importance of Year-End Reviews00:58 - Sponsor Message: Andocia Marketing Solutions02:08 - Starting Your Year-End Review06:05 - Essential Tools for Your Review08:23 - Creating Your Year-End Report12:26 - Wrapping Up Your Year-End Review14:29 - Final Thoughts and EncouragementThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia e

Send us a textHoliday Gift Guide LinkIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith delivers a reflective, practical lesson on leadership gifts worth sharing—especially when life gets busy. Using the backdrop of the holiday season, Doug unpacks a curated gift guide through the lens of leadership, family, personal growth, and mindful presence. He reminds leaders that tools, systems, and intentional habits don’t replace the work of leadership—they strengthen the person doing it.00:00 Introduction & Doug’s return to personal lessons01:00 Why sharing resources creates lasting leadership impact02:15 The finish line thinking that shapes character first04:45 Finance tools leaders rely on now07:30 Family routines and training kids in stewardship09:50 Being present and blocking distractions14:20 Tech that supports productivity without clutter18:40 Kitchen tools that encourage hospitality at home21:10 Learning through business biography, faith, and leadership books25:35 Expanding impact by inviting the ri

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith talks with Peter Ostapko, co-founder of Kinsman Journal and leader of the growing Kinsman community in Springfield, Missouri. Peter shares his journey from a career in banking to launching gatherings designed to help men find authentic brotherhood, friendship, and faith-driven connection.Together they discuss the loneliness epidemic among leaders, why local community is essential, and how intentional gatherings can transform lives. Peter also opens up about parenting, navigating career transitions, and the importance of slowing down and creating space for what matters most.Whether you’re a leader longing for deeper friendships, a father seeking wisdom, or someone discerning your next step, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Peter’s passion for community02:00 How Kinsman gatherings began and why men said, “I didn’t know how much I needed this”06:00 The power of local connection vs. nat

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug sits down with Matt Higgins, Executive Director of Hope Children’s Home in Tampa, Florida. Matt shares the powerful mission of providing a loving home and education to children from difficult circumstances, along with their new Bundles of Hope initiative that gives mothers in crisis pregnancies the gift of time and support.Links:Hope Children's HomeEpisode Highlights:00:00 Doug introduces Matt Higgins and the story of how they connected04:00 The mission and model of Hope Children’s Home08:00 Four pillars: physical needs, family environment, education, and faith14:00 Stories of transformation from children at Hope17:00 Aftercare and staying connected with alumni18:00 Bundles of Hope initiative and no-cost adoption vision25:00 Matt on taking over as CEO after his father’s leadership28:00 The unseen weight of leadership and why encouragement matters31:00 How to become the obvious choice for leadership roles33:00 Dealing with self-doubt and imp

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a personal lesson on 9 Ways to Develop Your Character. As Doug explains, character development is the most important development for any leader—because without integrity, everything else eventually crumbles. Drawing from his own journey and the wisdom of mentors, Doug outlines nine practical and powerful ways to strengthen your character so that you can lead well, finish well, and live with integrity in every area of life.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:00:00 Introduction to Doug’s personal journey in character development01:00 Why only 2% of leaders finish well—and how to be one of them02:00 Step 1: Get a vision for your finish line03:00 Step 2: Follow God and allow Him to shape your character05:00 Step 3: The most dangerous prayer you can pray for growth06:00 Step 4: Surround yourself with people of high character07:00 Step 5: Listen to the small checks and convictions in your heart10:00 Step 6: Admit it, quit it, forget it13:00

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Rob Dube, author of Shine: How Looking Inward is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom, co-written with Gino Wickman. Rob shares powerful insights on how leaders can balance their drive with inner peace, manage their energy, and lead with humility. From understanding the nature of being “driven,” to implementing the 10 Disciplines that protect your boundaries and amplify your impact, Rob offers practical steps to help leaders align their inner and outer worlds.00:00 Introduction to Rob Dube and Shine 01:00 Why looking inward fuels greater outer-world success 02:20 The power of sharing your inner story 04:55 Recognizing you’re not alone in leadership challenges 05:43 Discovery #1 – You’re driven: strengths, pitfalls, and management 07:52 Discovery #2 – Decisions from love vs. fear 11:23 Discovery #3 – It’s possible to be driven and have peace 14:55 The True Self Assessment and protecting your boundaries 17:10 Discipli

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith flips roles as he is interviewed by Ron Moore on the Living Grounded Podcast. The conversation delves into a variety of leadership topics, including whether leaders are born or made, the importance of failure in growth, and the value of mentorship and personal development.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Episode00:41 Starting the Interview with Ron Moore01:28 Defining Leadership04:19 Born Leaders vs. Made Leaders11:55 The Role of Failure in Leadership16:32 Parenting and Leadership24:25 Authenticity and Character in Leadership26:15 Foundations of Leadership26:40 The Role of Vision and Inspiration28:02 Team Building and Execution29:04 Generational Leadership Challenges37:33 Servant Leadership Defined42:52 The Importance of Mentorship and Community49:03 Final Thoughts and PrayerThe Living Grounded Podcast - Real stories. Genuine faith. Through triumph and tragedy, The Living Grounded Podcast shares powerful stories of l

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares personal reflections and insights gained from turning 40. From expressing gratitude for life, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, to highlighting the significance of family and faith, Doug offers a comprehensive summary of his key takeaways over the years. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:32 Turning 40: Reflections and Gratitude01:40 Life Lessons and Personal Growth04:43 Finding Your Voice and Platform12:34 The Importance of Family15:53 Community and Personal Well-being17:42 Health, Fitness, and Faith21:11 Financial Foundations and Future Goals22:36 Conclusion and EncouragementThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.

Send a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Kent Chevalier, Chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kent discusses his journey from a campus pastor to serving in the NFL, emphasizing the unique role he and his wife play in supporting players and coaches spiritually and emotionally.00:00 Welcome Back, Kent Chevalier!00:41 Role of a Chaplain in the NFL02:00 First Year Experiences08:06 Building Trust in the NFL12:50 Leadership Lessons from Coach Tomlin17:21 The Human Side of the NFL28:15 Addressing Accountability Among Peers28:39 Deflect the Glory Campaign33:06 The Origin Story of Becoming a Chaplain39:37 Do It Afraid: Embracing Faith Over Fear44:15 The Importance of Community and Brotherhood48:12 Encouragement for Church Leaders53:30 Final Thoughts and FarewellThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.Connect with Kent: https://www.kentchevalier.com/Watch the Ful

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Jeff Hancher, author of 'Firm Feedback in a Fragile World.' Jeff shares his journey from growing up in poverty to a successful 24-year career, emphasizing the pivotal moments shaped by firm feedback and strong leadership. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:35 The Journey to Writing a Book01:14 Overcoming Personal Struggles03:05 The Impact of Leadership05:16 The Role of Faith and Mentors06:40 The Importance of Firm Feedback10:00 Transforming Visions into Results12:54 Balancing Love and Accountability in Leadership14:47 The Power of Feedback24:20 Building a Leadership Brand25:50 Speed Limits and Accountability26:59 Setting Realistic Expectations28:26 Techniques for Accountability32:27 The Importance of Time in Leadership35:34 The Fragility of Feedback38:56 The Journey to Writing a Book44:23 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Advice48:06 Connecting with Jeff and Final ThoughtsThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Ma

Send us a textIn this episode, Doug Smith joins Nick Poole on the Calvary Leadership Podcast. Doug shares his journey from being unaware of personal development to becoming a champion of continuous growth is highlighted through his impactful story. Doug shares his life plan approach for setting long-term goals in various life areas—spirituality, marriage, family, finances, friendships, and health—and emphasizes the value of feedback, resilience, and effective mentorship. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:17 First Encounter and Early Memories00:47 Doug's Work and Personal Life00:54 The Importance of Personal Development02:02 Daily Disciplines for Growth04:01 Staying Connected to God05:15 Maintaining Hunger and Vision10:35 Seeking and Responding to Feedback15:39 Balancing Personal Development and Leadership17:03 The Value of Real-World Experience19:20 The Importance of Accountability20:58 Finding and Engaging with Mentors24:36 Preparing for Mentor Meetings27:43 Fostering Resilience and Adaptability30:

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith and guest Ryan Leak discuss Ryan's journey as a New York Times bestselling author and speaker. Ryan shares his extensive experience of speaking at over 120 events annually and reaching millions through his work. They delve into the importance of stewardship over opportunism, balancing faith in God with personal hustle, and the need for character development and accountability among leaders.The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.