On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Chad E. Cooper—former Marine, Microsoft retiree at just 35, and high-level leadership coach. We dove deep into why values-driven leadership trumps just chasing tools and hacks, and why clarity, alignment, and resourcefulness are true keys to lasting success. Chad shared how the SERVE method reshapes leaders, and inspired us to let go of victim mindsets, adapt to new environments, and relentlessly pursue a legendary life. If you’re ready to level up your leadership and create real impact, this episode is a must-listen!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Marine Corps: A Value-Based Organization

04:01 "Navigating Life's Journey"

08:50 Decline of Malls and Map Reading

10:19 Adapting Military Leadership to Civilian Sector

14:41 Resourcefulness Drives Consistent Success

19:30 Changing the Conversation on Privilege

22:52 "Leadership Through Transformative Language"

24:00 "Aligning Purpose with Self-Talk"

28:57 "Feeding the Right Wolf"

30:33 "Prioritize Time for Impact"

35:55 "Revamp Curriculum: Focus on Outcomes"

38:52 "Surgical Tech Use with AI"

39:56 Follow & Subscribe for Updates

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Here are my top 3 takeaways for fellow leaders and professionals:

• Start with Self-Awareness: You can’t lead effectively without knowing where you are, where you’re headed, and who’s coming with you. Take a step back—get clear on your map before you start collecting tools for the journey.

• Adapt Your Tools to Your Environment: What works in one organization (or season of life) won’t always work in another. The best leaders regularly reassess their approach and let go of what no longer fits.

• Resourcefulness > Resources: Whether it’s running a plant or leading a global team, your capacity to find solutions (not just the “right” answer) is a game-changer. Embrace challenges as an opportunity to show creativity and grit.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Chad's website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, we dove into the art of closing the leadership gap in the trades with Traci Austin, an expert in HR and talent strategy. Traci shared how mentorship, strong onboarding, and creating clear career pathways are essential for retention and building leaders from within. We explored how exposing young people early to trade opportunities, aligning company culture, and challenging outdated mindsets can help solve the workforce shortage in construction. If you’re ready to elevate your impact and rethink your leadership approach, this episode is a must-listen!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• Retention is the Real Game-Changer: With hiring expensive and the talent pool shrinking, investing in retention and building a strong culture is more important than ever. Traci emphasized the necessity of mentorship, talent pathways, and ongoing development to keep great people engaged and growing within your organization.

• Expose Youth to Career Options Early: Creating opportunities for middle and high school students to experience trades firsthand—and see what’s possible—makes a big difference. Traci shared how community engagement and hands-on exposure help reinforce that the trades offer not just jobs, but meaningful, long-term careers.

• Mindset Makes All the Difference: Leaders can’t just accept high turnover and talent shortages as inevitable. Traci challenged organizations to shift their mindset—think creatively about internal career paths, training, and flexibility to meet both business needs and evolving employee expectations.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Traci's Website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with emotional intelligence expert Alicia Faricelli, and we dove deep into how leaders can unlock self-awareness, resilience, and authentic impact. From managing stress and breaking out of fight-or-flight patterns, to transforming scarcity mindsets and building stronger teams, Alicia shared actionable tips you can implement right now. If you’re ready to stop fighting for your piece of the pie and start leading with intention and emotional intelligence, you’ll want to tune in to this episode!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Entrepreneur Coaching for Emotional Intelligence

03:21 Emotional Intelligence in Tough Industries

08:51 Disconnect for Happiness and Balance

10:04 Morning Routine for Balanced Work-Life

13:53 "Believing in Others' Potential"

18:59 "Serve Others for True Fulfillment"

22:24 "Receiving by Giving: Client Challenges"

24:06 Optimizing Hiring Processes

28:40 Align Personal and Business Vision

30:45 Defining Entrepreneurial Purpose

34:38 Embracing Change: A Healthy Approach

38:09 "Recommended Entrepreneur Book: Traction"

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Here are 3 takeaways every business leader should consider:

• Emotional Intelligence Starts with the Nervous System: Alicia emphasizes that real emotional intelligence is rooted in a regulated nervous system. When leaders manage their stress and emotional responses, it ripples out—impacting productivity, relationships, and overall organizational culture.

• Service Over Scarcity: The urge to “fight for your slice” is often rooted in scarcity mindsets passed down generationally. Alicia’s advice? Shift from a competitive to a service-driven approach—focus on how you can help others, and watch abundance return.

• Hiring for Attitude Over Skills: Skills can be taught. Emotional intelligence, willingness to learn, and alignment with your mission are harder to cultivate. Look for energy, engagement, and adaptability when bringing people onto your team.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Alicia's Website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Kirk McCarley—the Seed Sower Coach—to dive into the realities of work-life balance, leadership, and personal growth. Kirk shared how decades in HR shaped his passion for helping others break limiting beliefs, find clarity in their values, and move past fear and self-doubt. We talked about the changing face of workplace culture, the importance of relationships, and why defining your personal mission is crucial for lasting success. If you’re feeling stuck or searching for deeper impact, this episode is packed with wisdom you don’t want to miss.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 McCoy Leadership Podcast: Kirk McCarley

04:37 Overlooking Rest and Leisure

06:51 Evolving Workplace Connectivity Challenges

13:47 Build Relationships Through Intentional Listening

16:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Coaching

20:00 Personal Branding and Strategy Development

24:25 Mission Statements: Anchor in Tough Times

29:05 Mrs. Clark's Resilient Life

30:19 Cherish Time Over Possessions

36:16 "Age Doesn't Define Success"

39:30 "Parenting Patience: A Success Story"

42:53 Zoom Life: Adopting Remote Work

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Here are 3 key takeaways every professional should consider:

⭐️ Build Genuine Relationships: Kirk emphasized that real impact starts with intentional listening and relationship-building. Whether you’re leading a team or seeking career growth, take the time to truly understand and connect with others.

⭐️ Move Beyond Limiting Beliefs: Many of us struggle with imposter syndrome or doubts about what’s possible. Kirk’s advice? Identify your unique strengths, revisit your core values, and take action, even if the first step is small. Momentum is a powerful ally!

⭐️ Redefine Success & Balance: Providing for your family or team isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s about time, wisdom, and shared experiences. Kirk highlighted the importance of rest, reflection, and personal alignment to avoid burnout and model true leadership.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Kirk's Website

LinkedIn

Kirk's Book

Book Reccomendation

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Wendy Brand, a true expert in culture transformation with over 25 years in leadership roles. Wendy shared powerful insights on aligning company values, preventing burnout, and building intentional cultures where your team can truly thrive. If you’re serious about elevating your business and want to see 4x the results, start focusing on your organization’s culture today. Catch the full episode to learn about Wendy’s Thrive Framework and unlock the secrets to lasting employee engagement and retention!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Career Journey: Leadership and Transformation

03:08 Aligning Values in Sales Training

09:29 Understanding Stress and Health Impact

13:08 "Burnout, Recovery, and Giving Back"

16:51 Aligning Employee and Organizational Values

19:22 Addressing Career Growth & Recognition

21:31 Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection

27:32 "Enhancing Retention Through Alignment"

31:02 Leveraging AI for Business Culture

32:21 Align Jobs with Personal Mission

36:01 "Support & Stay Updated"

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Here are my 3 key takeaways:

• Intentional Culture is Everything: Culture isn’t “one size fits all”—what feels toxic for one may be energizing for another. The key is intentionality: clearly define and communicate values so employees can know if it’s the right fit for them.

• Preventing Burnout is a Shared Responsibility: Burnout doesn’t just happen because of individual overwork. According to Wendy, organizations play a crucial role—and mismatches in values, workload, control, reward, community, and fairness can all contribute. Leaders have real power to make a difference.

• The Power of Listening: Responsive listening (not just surveying employees, but following up and acting with transparency on feedback) is an underutilized leadership superpower. People want to feel heard and valued—it’s foundational for retention and performance.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Wendy's Website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation

Good to Great

If you want to level up your leadership game, this episode is a must-listen. We sit down with Mary Kelly—leadership expert, economist, and bestselling author—to talk about the transition from military to business, why discipline and clarity are critical, and how to hold yourself truly accountable. Mary shares practical tools for planners, crisis management, and supporting your team in today’s fast-changing world. If you want actionable strategies to boost your productivity and help your people thrive, you’ll love this conversation—check out the full episode now!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 "Leadership Insights with Mary Kelly"

06:01 Monthly Goal-Setting for OCD Enthusiasts

07:27 Monthly Reflection and Learning

11:16 Boundaries and Workplace Sensitivity

15:30 Navigating Leadership and Personal Boundaries

17:17 Navigating Uncertainty with Short-term Solutions

22:20 Military Crisis Management & Burnout

26:27 Navigating Young Adult Challenges

28:44 Embrace Risk, Diminish Fear

32:08 Return to Office and AI Future

35:57 Tariffs as Leverage Maneuver

38:04 Surging Living Expenses Concerns

41:48 Impending Job Market Shift

45:25 Optimism About AI and Labor

46:49 AI, Privacy, and Workforce Transition

50:03 Advice for Future Leaders

53:59 "Follow & Explore Past Episodes"

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Here are 3 key takeaways from Mary’s conversation with Amos McCoy and Pete Mohr:

🔹 Discipline Drives Success Mary attributes much of her post-military success to relentless daily discipline—using productivity sheets every single day to clarify goals, calls, and priorities. Creating and consistently following through on your plan is what separates success from stagnation.

🔹 Accountability Starts with Systems She shared her 12-Month Business Success & Accountability Planner, a simple and powerful tool to map monthly goals, identify priorities, and foster growth conversations within teams. Systematic tracking—with built-in reflection—boosts both personal and organizational accountability.

🔹 Leading People Means Knowing People Despite military stereotypes, Mary revealed that strong leadership—especially in the Navy—means truly understanding your team as whole people. At work, ask about goals, support personal challenges, and offer development resources—because people stay when they feel seen and supported.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Mary's Website

Mary's Podcast

Book Recomendation

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Carlos Davidovich—a medical doctor turned executive coach and TEDx speaker. We explored how embracing change, developing grit, and mastering your mindset are the keys to effective leadership. Carlos explained the science behind moving out of your comfort zone, how attitude multiplies your impact, and why knowing how your brain reacts under pressure can give you and your team a true advantage. If you want to elevate your leadership and unlock the potential within yourself and others, this episode is a must-listen.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Embrace Flexibility and Awareness

04:33 "Why We Delay Reinvention"

08:49 Attitude: The Ultimate Multiplier

10:50 Accept Life's Emotional Cycles

14:08 "Stop Playing the Victim"

19:38 Leader Manipulation Dynamics

23:24 Neuroscience Misconceptions in Leadership

27:31 Failure: From Impossible to Essential

30:56 Leadership vs. Management Realization

34:43 Preparedness Reduces Stress

37:48 Understanding Body's Energy Cycles

39:28 "Boost Productivity with Work-Rest Cycles"

42:41 Brain Energy Conservation Explained

48:34 Advice for School Administrators

50:19 AI: Efficient Information Organizer

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Here are 3 key takeaways for leaders and professionals looking to elevate their impact:

🔹 Attitude > Skillset: Your abilities and education matter, but Carlos emphasized that it’s your attitude — your determination, grit, and willingness to push forward — that truly takes you to the next level.

🔹 Embracing the Pendulum: Life and leadership aren’t about permanently maintaining a “positive” state. We all swing between highs and lows. The wisdom lies in recognizing when you’ve drifted and learning how to return to your center quickly.

🔹 Lead Your Inner Team First: Effective leaders start by understanding and managing their own internal narratives. Reptilian instincts, emotions, logic, intuition — knowing which part of your brain is running the show in stressful moments can change everything.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Carlos' Website

LinkedIn

Carlos's Book

On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I dive into powerful decision-making with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn—award-winning investigative journalist turned author and creator of the AREA Method. Cheryl breaks down why understanding your own and others’ decision-making profiles is the secret to better business and stronger teams. We explore how leaders can foster more open, collaborative environments, and Cheryl shares actionable strategies to expand your judgment while countering biases. If you want to elevate your leadership and make smarter choices, you don’t want to miss these insights!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Investigative Journalism and Cognitive Biases

03:11 "Developing the Area Method"

07:45 Collaborative Decision-Making in Leadership

12:07 Adventurer vs. Detective Decision-Makers

14:47 "Understanding Decision-Making Profiles"

18:31 "Vision of Success Exploration"

21:32 Decision-Making: Fluidity vs. Commitment

26:06 Embrace Discomfort for Growth

29:12 Structured Decision-Making System

34:22 "AI's Role in Decision Making"

37:49 Key Skill for Future Leaders

39:36 "The Art of Learning's Value"

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Here are 3 key takeaways for leaders and decision-makers:

🔹 Decision Making is a Skill, Not an Instinct: Cheryl’s AREA Method shows that good decisions require structure and reflection—not just gut instinct. She advocates explicitly defining your “vision of success” before diving into any choice.

🔹 Understanding Different Decision-Making Styles Accelerates Trust: Cheryl introduced five “problem solver profiles”—Adventurer, Detective, Listener, Thinker, and Visionary—emphasizing that recognizing these profiles in yourself and others helps foster better collaboration and communication.

🔹 Decision Making is Iterative, Not Linear: Circumstances change (think: pandemic pivots!). Cheryl advises us to keep feedback loops open, update our assumptions, and learn from past choices using tools like decision journals to continually improve our judgment.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Cheryl's Website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation