These days it’s pretty easy to list things a leader is not, but the answer to what makes someone a good leader is more muddled than ever. Leadership today demands a blend of qualities empathy, adaptability, strategic vision, and the ability to inspire others yet there’s no single formula for success. And while many of us are quick to judge our own leadership capabilities, there’s no denying it: leadership is one of the most valuable skills today that a person should learn. And not just in the professional world, but in personal settings, too!
Whether you have tons of experience in leadership roles or aspire to be a great leader one day, there’s always more to learn and plenty of room for growth. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be intimidating AT ALL. You don’t have to dive headfirst into a management role to learn to lead. All you need is a good podcast. Listening to podcasts is an excellent way to learn new things, and leadership podcasts are a great resource for actionable advice from a bunch of different perspectives, helping you grow as a leader.
There are plenty of podcasts out there that talk leadership, but let’s be real: not all of them are actually worth listening to. So, today we’re sharing a round-up of leadership podcasts you should DEFINETELY consider listening to if you want to level up your leadership.
Regardless of where you are in your career, leadership skills drive success. Even if your career goals don’t include advancing to a leadership position, developing leadership skills can be hugely beneficial for your career. What better way to learn about leadership in a professional setting than by listening to one of the best podcasts about business?
The Career Contessa Podcast with Lauren McGoodwin is one of the best leadership development resources. This weekly podcast features conversations about everything from landing a job and advancing your career to finding work-life balance and dealing with workplace toxicity, often with actionable advice from successful business leaders.
Every single episode is loaded with useful information, but if you’re laser-focused on improving your leadership skills, here’s a few episodes to get you started:
If there’s one person you can count on to always give it to you straight, it’s your best friend. Everyone’s favorite bestie, Bria Jones, was bold enough to turn on the mic for her unfiltered conversations. This highly-rated podcast covers a wide range of topics, including relationships, self-help, and health and wellness. Before you let doubt and insecurities get in the way of your leadership capabilities, give Bria a chance to do what she does best…because she loves you.
Check out how you can STAND ON BUSINESS without being a b**** and 6 POWERFUL steps I took to make SIX FIGURES and you’ll quickly see why we’re obsessed with Bria’s vibe.
Bryony Deery’s impressive leadership skills extend well beyond her pilates studio. Her podcast, Beyond the Mat, is the culmination of remarkable experiences with inspirational entrepreneurs, celebrities, thought-leaders, athletes and industry experts. And Bryony doesn’t shy away from the tough topics. Every week, she and her guest dive deep into discussions with a boldness that is just as inspiring as it is informative.
We definitely recommend that you start from the beginning and binge-listen until you’re caught up, but if you need some leadership inspiration right away, tune in to Bryony’s convo with Entrepreneur Holly Scarsella about her Roadmap to Building and Scaling a Brand,
Conversations with Cam, hosted by Cameron Rogers, is another amazing podcast offering virtual companionship and support through honest conversations about your well-being. No matter where you are in life, or what obstacles threaten to slow you down, Cam has a knack for making you feel empowered and secure in your abilities.
There are tons of great episodes to inspire you along your leadership journey, like How to Make Money and Get Rich and A Deep Dive Into the Back End of My Business.
Gabby Bernstein has been around the block enough times to know what it takes to be a good leader. In her podcast, Dear Gabby, #1 New York Times bestselling author and international speaker sits down with inspiring guests from all walks of life for conversations about manifesting, physical and mental wellbeing, spiritual connection, purpose and relationships.
The difference between a good leader and a great one is that a great leader embraces every opportunity to learn more. Be a great leader, make yourself proud, and take advantage of your next learning opportunity by listening to The Success Secret That No One Talks About: Big Talk with Jen Gottlieb. Then, head to the DM shop for this “Make Yourself Proud” hat, because that’s what you’re doing!
Siffat Haider, Founder of wellness brand Arrae, is another inspiring leader whose podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to live their best life. Through conversations with wellness experts, skincare gurus, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, Siffat delivers hoards of coaching for leaders, as well as advice, encouragement, and inspiration, making The Dream Bigger Podcast one of the best podcasts for female entrepreneurs.
Take a small chunk out of your busy schedule to listen to a few episodes of The Dream Bigger Podcast. You’ll be a better leader because of it. We recommend starting with Tips for New Startups, Being Head of Marketing at Uber, Brand Building Tips and Serial Entrepreneurship, Being Intentional When Starting a Brand, Growing a Team from the Ground Up, The Importance of Community & More.
Everything is the Best, hosted by Pia Baroncini, Creative Director of LPA, is a refreshingly real podcast packed to the brim with inspiration. In each episode, Pia talks with guests of all backgrounds about the obstacles they’ve faced, how they overcame them, and their advice for all of the dream chasers tuning in–advice you can actually use.
For some great advice from real-life leaders, check out A Life Changing Convo with the Legendary Caroline Adams Miller and Transforming Your 9-to-5: The Science of Happiness at Work with Stella Grizont.
For nearly ten years, Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and Michael Bosstick, the husband and wife team behind Dear Media and The Skinny Confidential, have been interviewing some of the most successful people in the world. They’ve sat down with world class leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors, celebrities, athletes, executives, bestselling authors, experts, and more, creating a never-ending stream of advice, information, and inspiration. With several new episodes released weekly, the Him & Her podcast is one of the best resources for leaders or the aspiring.
Some of our favorite Him & Her episodes are:
House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth (formerly known as the ILYSM podcast) is a must-listen for aspiring leaders in their twenties and thirties. Kenzie and guests of the show have in-depth discussions about making the most this new state of your life, from navigating your career to transforming your habits, that leave listeners feeling more grounded and empowered when faced with their own life’s challenges.
No matter where you are in your leadership journey, House Guest is a podcast packed with useful advice for making the most of it. Whether becoming a better leader starts with a revamped 5AM morning routine or learning to think bigger, House Guest has something for you.
A large social media following alone doesn’t make you a leader. True leadership requires more than just an impressive follower count, like informing and inspiring people beyond the content posted to your feed. Marianna Hewitt embodies true leadership. The co-founder of Summer Fridays hosts a weekly podcast, Life with Marianna, which serves as a platform for inspiring listeners to seek out the best within themselves and their best lives.
You don’t want to miss these episodes: Unlock Career Fulfillment: Find Your Career Path, Align with Your True Self, and Embrace Directional Thinking and How to Build an It-Girl Brand.
Regardless of their leadership style, most successful leaders will agree on the same basic principles of success: responsibility, discipline, flexibility, initiative, etc. But many can also offer valuable perspectives on leadership, some of which may resonate with you more than others.
Take Bill Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company, for example. In an article for the Harvard Business Review, the author, innovator, and entrepreneur stated “The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action… the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special.”
Alternatively, author and entrepreneur Jim Rohn believes leadership is related to how you help people around you, stating “A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.”
Then there’s the late Donald McGannon, a broadcasting executive who famously stated “Leadership is an action, not a position.”
So, as you can see, leadership looks slightly different to everyone, even leadership experts and successful professionals, but the underlying principles of leadership remain the same.
What does leadership mean to you? What do you think makes someone a great leader? Let’s get the conversation rolling in the comments below!
Listening to leadership podcasts is a great way to learn and develop skills and habits that will make you a better, more successful leader. Whether you’re looking for personal or professional advice, these podcasts are loaded with helpful information and, best of all, you don’t have to pay a dime for them!
Looking for your next favorite podcast? There are a bunch of Dear Media shows available to listen to now! For more helpful advice, check out the Dear Media blog. See you there!
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