Calling
Character
Communication
Confidence
Conflict Management
Influence
Relationship with God
Resilience
Servant Leadership
Supervising People
Wellness
April 9, 2024

Ep 137: Exploring the Gifts of Failure and Risk with Ryan Leak

Contributor
Lori Hermann
Lori Hermann
Executive Producer
|
Global Leadership Network
Ryan Leak
Ryan Leak
CEO, Best-Selling Author
|
The Ryan Leak Group

In this episode, Ryan Leak shares how chasing failure has taken him much farther in his life than safety and security. Global Leadership Podcast team member Lori Hermann explores Ryan’s upbringing, the significant events that have defined his leadership, and how <i>following </i>through change can be just as challenging as leading through change.

SUMMARY

CEO, executive coach and bestselling author Ryan Leak shares how chasing failure has taken him much farther in his life than safety and security. Global Leadership Podcast team member Lori Hermann explores Ryan’s upbringing, the significant events that have defined his leadership, and how following through change can be just as challenging as leading through change.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Exploring Ryan’s backstory.

  • Growing up in different worlds, what was Ryan’s biggest challenge?

  • What was Ryan’s journey to becoming a pastor?

  • What does Ryan see as being the biggest issue in leadership today?

  • What advice would he give to leaders who are going through change?

  • How can vulnerability enhance a leader’s effectiveness?

  • What has chasing failure taught Ryan?

 

LISTEN

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

 

STANDOUTS AND TAKEAWAYS

  • If you want to be a speaker, don’t wait: start writing right now. Behave as if you are going on the stage tomorrow.

  • Every industry is going through change, but every industry thinks they are the only industry going through change.

  • Leading through change is hard, but following through change might actually be harder.

  • When leading through change, leaders should acknowledge that the ripple effect of new policies, approaches, etc., is much larger than they can see.

  • There is a significant impact when leaders make themselves available to those they are leading, even though most people will not actually take the opportunity.

  • Whenever possible, leaders should not make decisions in a vacuum.

  • Change is easier when there’s care at a high level.

  • Sometimes a leader needs to wait to create change until they have enough relational equity with their organization.

  • It’s important that leaders are able to talk about the behind the scenes: failures, stumbles, etc. Being vulnerable makes us human and builds trust.

  • When you make it about others—trying to add value to them—it takes the pressure off.

  • “There is no amount of money in the world that can hold your hand when you have to put one of your babies in the ground.” – T.D. Jakes

 

LINKS MENTIONED

Character
,
Calling
,
Confidence
,
June 17, 2026

Ep 211: On Calling, Counsel and Courageous No's

In this episode of the Global Leadership Podcast, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Priscilla Shirer about how leaders discern what is truly theirs to carry. Priscilla shares practical wisdom on calling, wise counsel, humility, accountability, and learning to say yes or no from a place of clarity rather than fear or guilt.

Leading Yourself
Supervising People
,
Performance Management
,
Culture
,
June 10, 2026

Ep 210: What Leaders Miss About Motivation, Purpose and Progress

In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Chris McChesney, author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, about the difference between employee satisfaction and true engagement. Chris explains why people can have what looks like an ideal job and still feel disconnected from the work, while others can serve in demanding environments and remain deeply motivated. The difference often comes down to progress and purpose.

Leading Organizations
Leading Others
Communication
,
Conflict Management
,
Culture
,
June 3, 2026

Ep 209: Communication, Candor and Trust

In this episode, Whitney Putnam and GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talk about one of the most common leadership challenges: how to communicate with clarity, candor and care when the stakes are high. They unpack a real moment from a recent GLN all-staff meeting, where a public challenge created tension, required follow-up and ultimately helped sharpen strategy. Whitney and David explore why leaders often think they are being clear when others are hearing something different, how trust makes hard conversations possible, and why “keeping short accounts” can prevent tension from becoming toxic.

Leading Organizations
Leading Others

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