The Rising Leader Podcast By Mark J. Silverman cover art

The Rising Leader

The Rising Leader

By: Mark J. Silverman
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THERE ARE FEW NATURAL-BORN LEADERS Leadership is a learned skill and learning is never-ending. “What got you here won’t get you where you want to go,” is an uncomfortable truth Fast Rising High Achievers run into at every level of their career. In fact, what got you here won’t even help you do your new job effectively. Every step up the ladder requires a new level of leadership and “people skills.” Because “people” are now your job. This podcast is here to help you master skills on four fronts on your way to the senior leadership team. LEADING UP – You are now a trusted advisor. That means you are a sounding board, speak truth to power, and help your CEO get their job done, all while getting your job done. LEADING ACROSS – You are peers are the power players in the organization. This is the team you are on. Your job is to lead from within that team while being a part of it. You are now a student of the Art of Co-opetition. LEADING YOUR TEAM – You’ve spent a career honing your leadership skills and now have an even less direct impact on how things get done. Your success will only come from your team’s success. LEADING YOURSELF – Relentless pressure, ambition, burnout, sleepless nights, and resentments, are the price you may be paying for your lofty position. Mastering your emotions, perspective, health, and relationships are essential to make this fun and sustainable. The conversations, resources, and subject matter experts we will have is designed to help you “level up” in all four of these focus areas. Each week we will tackle a topic that will move you forward in your relationships with your boss, your peers, your team, and yourself. You'll be armed with tools and insights you will use throughout your career and in your personal life.Copyright 2025 The Rising Leader Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part II

    Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part II
    Jul 16 2025
    Sometimes life, and business, just isn’t fair. For every leader who has felt the sting of setbacks, seen the politics at work, and found themselves navigating an unfair system, this conversation will resonate. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Chung, a woman whose journey through the aviation industry was literally missing rungs on the ladder. We explore what it truly takes to build resilience, maintain a sense of purpose in the face of adversity, and become the kind of leader who brings out the best in others, regardless of the obstacles. We get real about handling discouragement, growing thick skin, and leading while staying true to your core values and faith. Stephanie Chung has paved a remarkable path as the first African American president of a major private aviation company. With decades of experience as a sales leader, executive, and now a keynote speaker and advisor, Stephanie’s approach centers around faith, authenticity, and transformation. Her story is one of perseverance, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others, both in business and in life. “Leadership is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re called into it… you have the ability to impact people’s lives beyond what you could ever imagine.” ~Stephanie Chung This week on The Rising Leader:· How to build (and keep) resilience in an unfair world· Growing thick skin by facing challenges head-on· Letting go of negativity and protecting your mental space· The role of setbacks in shaping who we become as leaders· Why you should let your kids (and yourself) struggle—it’s vital for growth· The power of an honest support system that pushes you back into the ring· Integrating faith with leadership through authentic action, not just words· Understanding the universal need to be seen, heard, and to provide for those we love Connect with Stephanie Chung: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniechung/ Website: https://stephaniechung.com/ Resources Mentioned:Book: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You by Stephanie ChungBook: Michael Bungay Stanier, How to Work With (Almost) AnyoneArticles & Reports: Harvard Business Review, Deloitte, McKinsey reports on diverse teamsGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    23 mins
  • Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part I

    Thriving in Leadership and Family Life with Stephanie Chung - Part I
    Jul 9 2025
    Trying to have it all as an ambitious leader, a thriving career, a rich family life, and good mental health can seem impossible. This week, I sit down with world-renowned executive, author, and leadership powerhouse Stephanie Chung for a fireside chat about her personal and professional journey, as well as her trailblazing work in business, aviation, and human capital. Together, we get real about the hard-won lessons, mistakes, and wisdom that come from decades at the top—and how anyone can cultivate success and fulfillment, without sacrificing what matters most.Stephanie Chung has over 30 years of experience as an innovator and leader in business growth and human capital development. She became the first African American (and woman) to helm a private jet company, worked across industry giants like American Airlines, Flexjet, and Bombardier, and is a #1 international bestselling author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. Known for her sought-after expertise in sales, business management, and DEI, Stephanie’s lived experience and deep, practical wisdom have inspired leaders around the globe.“Curiosity comes before empathy. Be curious about others, really ask questions you don’t know the answers to.” ~Stephanie ChungToday on The Rising Leader:· You can truly have it all—career, family, and health—but it requires intention, discipline, and learning from your mistakes.· The modern workforce is radically diverse. To lead and to win, you must know how to lead people across generations, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives.· Making everyone on your team feel seen and heard isn’t just human—it’s a competitive edge.· The best leaders ask questions with genuine curiosity, listen deeply, learn, and act on what they discover.· Presence is more important than perfect balance—be 100% focused wherever you are, whether at work or at home.· Set boundaries with your time and communicate expectations up, down, and across within your organization.· For women, learning to say “no” firmly—but kindly—is an essential leadership skill, especially outside work.· Practical tips (like gift routines for children) can ease family transitions and support work-life integration for working parents.Get in Touch with Stephanie Chung:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniechung/Website: https://stephaniechung.com/Resources Mentioned:Book: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You by Stephanie ChungMichael Bungay Stanier, How to Work With (Almost) AnyoneHarvard Business Review, Deloitte, McKinsey reports on diverse teams Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
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    41 mins
  • I Was Selling A Lie

    I Was Selling A Lie
    Jul 2 2025

    Have you ever looked up to a superstar, admired a successful public figure, or taken guidance from an influential leader, only to later learn about the human struggles, messy realities, and hidden challenges behind their public persona? In this episode, “I Was Selling a Lie,” I dive into why we put successful people on pedestals, the inevitable letdown when their humanity comes to light, and why real leadership means embracing imperfection. I draw on stories from famous artists, coaches, influencers, and even my chocolate chip cravings to reveal the essential truth: no one is above being hopelessly human.

    "My aim isn’t to sell perfection but to invite you into honest conversations about growth, failure, and what it really takes to lead while being human." ~Mark

    This week on The Rising Leader:

    · The hidden struggles behind fame, success, and leadership.

    · Why perfection in role models is an unhelpful illusion.

    · Real stories from influential figures like Boy George, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Jay Shetty, Andrew Huberman, and others.

    · The myth that personal development riders to perfection.

    · Real leadership advice: learning by embracing your full humanity.

    · My own vulnerabilities—chocolate chip confessions and being “Mark Mark” vs. “Coach Mark”.

    · The distinction between performative vulnerability and genuine openness.

    · The true cost of greatness, with reflections on Michael Jordan and Stevie Nicks.

    Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook

    Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.

    In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.

    Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader.

    Leader, It’s Time to Rise!

    Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio

    Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you.

    Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
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