In this episode of the Leadership Lab, hosts Steffani Gerard and Rich Lohman delve into the mindset and habits that separate the average from the above-average, emphasizing the critical role of daily rituals, intentional decision-making, and the importance of continuous growth. If you’ve been feeling stuck or struggling with underperformance—either personally or within your team—this episode provides practical insights into how small but deliberate shifts in mindset and habits can lead to big results. Steffani and Rich share actionable advice, valuable reflections, and powerful tools to help leaders rise above mediocrity and inspire excellence in themselves and others.

Episode Summary:Steffani and Rich explore the concept of the "above-average" individual, breaking down the daily rituals and mindset shifts that lead to lasting success. They discuss how habits, such as reading a "success image" each morning, can set the tone for a day filled with purpose and productivity. Rich emphasizes that success is not about grand gestures but the accumulation of consistent, small actions that align with a clear vision of one’s goals. The discussion touches on the value of saying "no" to distractions in order to maintain focus on long-term objectives. For leaders managing underperformance in their teams, the hosts highlight the importance of looking inward, modeling the behaviors they wish to see, and guiding team members to uncover their deeper motivations.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Role of Daily Rituals: How consistent daily practices, like reviewing one's success image, create a foundation for achieving personal and professional goals.

• The Power of Decisions: Effort, mindset, excellence, and consistency are all choices that need to be made every day.

• Overcoming Underperformance: Rich shares a powerful approach for leaders—first, look in the mirror to assess your own standards and actions before addressing your team’s challenges.

• Shifting Perspectives: The importance of cultivating a growth-oriented mindset and learning to think in ways that align with desired outcomes.

• Practical Advice for Leaders: Specific questions that leaders can ask their team members to uncover motivations and align personal goals with organizational objectives.

Notable Exchange:This exchange captures the essence of moving beyond mediocrity through intentional choices and habits:

Rich Lohman: "Effort is a decision. Mindset is a decision. Excellence is a decision. Consistency is a decision. There are no shortcuts to success."

Steffani Gerard: "It's the drive towards consistent excellence. If you wake up every day...with the habits and the rituals laid out...you're going to strive towards consistent excellence in everything you do, which does force people to have to focus and say no to things."

Conclusion:In a world where mediocrity often feels like the norm, this episode of the Leadership Lab provides a roadmap for those ready to break free and strive for something greater. Steffani and Rich remind us that success is not an accident but a deliberate choice, made day by day through disciplined actions, self-reflection, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Whether you're a leader looking to elevate your team's performance or an individual seeking personal development, the insights shared in this conversation are a powerful guide. Tune in, take notes, and begin your journey from average to above-average today.

Resources:

• Visit the Project 12:02 website

• Check out our Passport to Growth program

• Get a free copy of Rich’s book The Little Guide to Big Success. Simply cover the shipping costs to get started on your journey toward excellence.

• Message Project 12:02 via LinkedIn

In this powerful episode of Leadership Lab, Rich Lohman is joined by Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham, the CEO of Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, for a deep dive into leadership, mentorship, and the strength that comes from embracing your personal story. Together, they explore how living between two worlds—culturally and professionally—has shaped Brigitte’s leadership style and her influence within her tribe. The conversation focuses on the importance of humility, storytelling, and how every experience, good or bad, can be a stepping stone to becoming a great leader. This episode offers valuable insights for those seeking to lead authentically while staying grounded in their values.

Summary:

The episode opens with Rich Lohman discussing the profound impact of mentorship on leadership. He highlights Brigitte's humility, noting how her journey, influenced by her mentor, continues to shape her leadership approach. Brigitte shares her experience of growing up on a Native American reservation, navigating the challenges of integrating that identity into the wider world, and how she eventually embraced her background with pride.

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the idea that one's life story is directly tied to their leadership journey. Brigitte reflects on how her mentor encouraged her to tell her story, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and helping her realize that her background is a source of strength, not a weakness.

Additionally, Brigitte shares her initiative to create a marketing communications office within her tribe, demonstrating how storytelling can have a ripple effect. She underscores the importance of showcasing the tribe's identity, not only internally but to the world, and how that communication strategy has strengthened their community and partnerships.

Rich and Brigitte also discuss the tribal value of humility, explaining how it intertwines with leadership. Brigitte emphasizes that while staying humble is key, it’s equally important to step up and share your story to inspire others and lead future generations.

One of the most poignant exchanges in the episode occurs when Brigitte talks about the cultural value of humility within her tribe and how it initially made her reluctant to share her story. Rich prompts her to reflect on this dynamic:

Brigitte: "I really didn't like people to know that I was Native American growing up... but [my mentor] really pushed me like, hey, tell your story. It's so interesting. You will be the most interesting person in the room when you are with people."

This moment captures the essence of the episode—the struggle many leaders face in balancing humility with self-empowerment, and how telling one’s story can have a transformative impact, both personally and on the communities they lead.

Conclusion:

This episode of Project 12:02 offers listeners a compelling reminder that leadership is not just about skills or titles—it's about authenticity, humility, and the power of storytelling. Brigitte’s journey from feeling reluctant about her identity to becoming a proud and effective leader is both inspirational and instructive. Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or you're an experienced leader facing new challenges, the lessons from this conversation will resonate. The emphasis on mentorship, the importance of embracing one's background, and the reminder that leadership is a daily process, make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with impact.

Resources:

• Visit the Project 12:02 website

• Check out our Passport to Growth program

• Purchase Rich’s book The Little Guide to Big Success

• Message us via LinkedIn

Be sure to share this episode with anyone looking to deepen their leadership skills and expand their influence!

Welcome to this inspiring episode of the Project 12:02 Leadership Lab! In today’s conversation, Rich Lohman sits down with Barrett Henson to delve into the profound impact of leadership and personal development. Barrett, a fitness industry veteran and transformational leader, shares his insights on the true currency of leadership and how nurturing potential in others can lead to unparalleled fulfillment and success. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this episode offers practical wisdom on how to cultivate meaningful growth within yourself and your team.

In this episode, Barrett Henson and Rich Lohman explore the essence of effective leadership and the transformative power of personal development. Barrett emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with individuals who are committed to your growth, not just as supporters but as active contributors to your success. He describes his approach to leadership, which involves nurturing and challenging those around him to reach their full potential.

Barrett explains how his focus has shifted from just fitness to a broader view of personal development. He finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth of his team members, such as his integrator George and client-turned-coach Kathryn Robuck. Barrett's approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that the true reward comes from developing others and watching them achieve their goals. He highlights the concept of “Dunbar’s Law” and how empowering a small circle of individuals can create a ripple effect of positive change.

Key actionable advice from this episode includes:

• Building a Strong Inner Circle: Seek out individuals who are committed to both your growth and their own. They should challenge you and support you through thick and thin.

• Focusing on Others’ Growth: True leadership involves helping others reach their potential and finding fulfillment in their success.

• Embracing Challenges: Understand that growth often comes from overcoming difficulties and that comfort is a fleeting result of hard work.

A notable moment from the episode is when Barrett discusses his philosophy on leadership:

"The future you is the best freaking project you're ever going to work on."

This quote encapsulates Barrett’s belief in the transformative power of investing in personal growth. It signifies the importance of viewing leadership as a continuous journey of self-improvement and self-discovery, rather than a destination.

Barrett Henson’s conversation with Rich Lohman is a compelling reminder that effective leadership goes beyond personal success—it’s about fostering growth in others and finding purpose in their achievements. As you reflect on this episode, consider how you can apply these insights to your own leadership journey. Embrace the challenges, build a supportive network, and focus on nurturing the potential within your team.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your leadership skills. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights, and join the conversation on how to turn potential into purpose.

Resources:

• Visit the Project 12:02 website

• Check out our Passport to Growth program

• Purchase Rich’s book The Little Guide to Big Success

• Message us via LinkedIn

Thank you for tuning in to the Project 12:02 Leadership Lab. We hope you found today’s episode both inspiring and actionable. See you next time for more insights into the world of leadership and personal development!

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Podcast editing, production, and voice-overs provided by voice-over artist and audiobook narrator, Erik Smelser

In this compelling episode of the Project 12:02 Leadership Lab, Rich Lohman sits down with leadership expert and Project 12:02 collaborator, Dave Rudin. Dave is a John Maxwell certified leadership speaker, coach and trainer and the owner of Advanced Leadership. In today’s episode, Rich and Dave explore the transformative journey from feeling overwhelmed by leadership concepts to mastering practical and impactful strategies. As Dave recounts his evolution from absorbing every leadership book and story to developing a clear framework and becoming a coach, listeners are provided with actionable insights to streamline their leadership development. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt lost in the sea of leadership advice and is seeking a structured path to growth.

Summary of Main Topics Discussed:

• Initial Overwhelm and the Quest for Practicality: Dave shares his early experience with leadership literature and his initial admiration for John Maxwell’s work. He candidly describes the period when he felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Maxwell’s teachings and his eventual decision to take a break to apply what he had learned.
• Reconnecting and the Birth of Passport to Growth: The conversation shifts to 2012 when Dave reconnected with John Maxwell and joined the Maxwell team. He and Rich discuss the development of the Passport to Growth program, a framework designed to provide consistent, bite-sized leadership lessons. This segment highlights the importance of both personal commitment and community support in leadership development.
• The Role of Consistency and Discipline: Dave and Rich delve into how maintaining consistency and discipline in delivering leadership lessons contributed to their success. They discuss the significance of sticking to a structured approach and how it helped them and their audience grow.
• The Power of Coaching: An in-depth exploration of the impact of coaching, both from a personal and professional perspective. Dave emphasizes the value of having a coach to gain perspective and address blind spots. He draws parallels with elite athletes who rely on coaches to enhance their performance.
• The Importance of a Structured Pathway: Dave reflects on how having a defined framework for leadership has transformed his approach and effectiveness. The discussion underscores the benefits of having a repeatable path to guide both personal and professional growth.

A particularly powerful moment occurs when Dave discusses the realization that despite all his knowledge and experience, he still feels there is so much more to learn. Rich highlights this by noting, “The more I learn, the more I realize, I don’t know. The more I need to learn, but it’s been a fun journey.” This exchange captures the essence of continuous growth and the importance of humility in leadership.

Conclusion: This episode of Project 12:02 Leadership Lab provides invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of leadership development. Dave Rudin’s journey from feeling overwhelmed to creating a structured framework offers a clear path for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. The discussion on consistency, discipline, and the vital role of coaching presents actionable strategies that can lead to meaningful personal and professional growth. Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity and direction in your leadership journey—listen to this episode and take the next step towards mastering your leadership potential.

Resources:

• Visit the Project 12:02 website
• Check out our Passport to Growth program
• Purchase Rich’s book The Little Guide to Big Success
• Message us via LinkedIn

Engage with the episode, reflect on the insights shared, and take action towards a more organized and impactful leadership journey.