138: 5 Traits You'll Find in Exceptional Leaders

In this episode, we explore insights from various sources, including the Maxwell Daily Reader and personal anecdotes, to provide a comprehensive guide to exceptional leadership in various contexts, from business to family life. Additionally, we reflect on the importance of setting and maintaining high standards, fostering a positive and productive environment, and the need for continuous personal and professional growth.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:38 The Importance of Leadership11:45 Three Essential Traits of Leaders13:53 Trait 125:08 Trait 231:40 Consistency and Accountability in Leadership34:10 Trait 341:59 Trait 449:58 Trait 554:59 Push, Pull, and Patience: Leadership TechniquesORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Pastor Lyle Phillips to talk faith, obedience, and what it means to go all in for Christ. Lyle shares his journey from missionary work to church planting, including the risks he’s taken—like rescuing children from human trafficking. For me, this hit home. Reordering my priorities and putting faith first has reshaped how I approach family, business, and Ironman training. Obedience brings transformation. The fear of God isn’t about fear—it’s about reverence and clarity.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Introduction01:40 – Struggles of New Christians03:30 – Obedience & Avoiding Boredom07:35 – Transformation Through Commitment11:45 – The Fear of God29:53 – Reordering Priorities & Finding Peace43:41 – The Path to Salvation46:43 – Planting Churches in Tennessee51:51 – Ironman Training & Spiritual Growth01:07:02 – Rescuing Children from Human Trafficking01:15:05 – Generosity, Faith, & Legacy01:18:38 – Closing Reflections & Future VisionLEGACY NASHVILLE:https://www.legacynashville.org/FOLLOW PASTOR LYLE:https://www.instagram.com/lylebphillips/ORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I share an update on my Ironman Arizona prep as we enter week 7, which is 90 days out from race day. I'll walk through my detailed training schedule, including long runs, bike rides, and swim sessions, and discuss the progressive overload strategy I'm using. I also dive into nutrition, sharing how I fuel my training sessions and manage my weight. Covering active recovery techniques and the challenge of time management while balancing professional and personal commitments. CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Ironman Prep Overview01:52 Week Seven Training Breakdown06:36 Team Effort and Creative Process13:26 Balancing Commitments and Time Management20:17 Challenges of Training in Texas Heat33:51 Key Workouts and Progress Tracking35:41 Progressive Overload in Training37:16 Long Runs and Bike Rides43:55 The Importance of Recovery48:11 Nutrition and Fueling Strategies53:43 Daily Nutrition and Caloric Intake01:00:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future PlansORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

Country artist Jon Langston visits HQ and joins the show for a special bonus episode—we discuss how faith, fatherhood, and fitness transformed his path from football to country star. He opens up about chasing dreams in Nashville, the lessons of perseverance, and what it means to fully commit to growth.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome01:21 Transitioning from Military to Business03:04 Musical Beginnings and Breakthrough04:52 Moving to Nashville and Early Struggles06:51 The Importance of Being Coachable19:09 Life in Nashville and Music Industry Challenges34:42 Finding Focus with Horse Blinders36:55 The Challenge of Comparison40:42 True Friendship and Support43:01 Health and Fitness Transformation49:03 The Journey of Running55:44 Marriage and Personal Growth01:00:18 Embracing Independence in Music01:06:00 The Power of Flexibility and Speed01:09:16 Joining the BPN FamilyORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitnessOzora Farmshttp://ozorafarms.com/Jon Langston IG:instagram.com/jonlangston/

In this episode, I share my return to the CEO role in early 2024 and our subsequent moves to refocus and rebuild the brand. I discuss the challenges faced, including the decision to let go of certain staff and product lines, and the importance of maintaining a winning culture. This chapter captures our move back to Texas, the building of a new HQ, and the successful launch of new products, all leading up to the present day in August 2025.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:04 The Return to Leadership04:50 Chapter Eight: Moving Back to Texas07:47 Office Reorganization and Fresh Start15:55 Lessons from Endurance Training20:20 Pruning for Growth: Necessary Endings36:32 Key Initiatives for 202441:03 Expanding Internationally: UK and iHerb43:18 Back in Texas: Business and Personal Life45:48 A Life-Changing Accident51:21 Building a Winning Culture58:39 Leading with Heart and Mind01:03:56 Defining the Vision: Core Values, Purpose, and Goals01:06:41 Summer of 2025: Achievements and Reflections01:14:38 Conclusion: Gratitude and Future OutlookORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

I've been waiting to get Chadd Wright back on the show for awhile now. Today is finally that day. Chadd shares his reflections on the power of intention, the challenges of comparison, and the importance of consistency in achieving dreams. He recounts his recent Yukon 1000 kayaking race and the lessons learned from enduring a grueling, unsupported expedition with his teammate, David. As Chadd covers the spiritual aspects of his journey, he discusses the profound impact of sitting with his dying mentor and the value of scripture in shaping his life.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Power of Hard Work and Mental Toughness01:13 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Achievements02:25 The Journey of Building a Business16:31 The Yukon 1000: An Epic Kayaking Challenge52:06 The Reality of Physical and Mental Preparation01:05:03 Building Belief Through Training01:13:46 Upcoming Races and Goals01:17:26  Spiritual Reflections01:28:39 Mentorship and the Power of Scripture01:43:45 The Role of Faith and Transformation01:58:46 Concluding Thoughts and GratitudeCONNECT: Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/member FOLLOW:IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitnessKeep up with Chadd:IG: @chadwright278

In this episode, I open up a Q&A session where I answer questions from my Instagram followers covering various topics, from personal fitness and Ironman prep to family experiences and my evolving relationship with faith. Highlights include an update on my Ironman training, reflections on my first concert memories with my daughter, and the significance of faith in my journey. I also dive into my nutritional strategies, the importance of not comparing oneself to others, and some personal insights into my daily routines and business principles.CHAPTERS:00:40 Ironman Prep Update01:56 Charlie's First Concert Experience04:55 Faith and Its Role in My Life18:22 Fitness Data Monitoring26:42 Misconceptions About Me31:35 Alcohol Consumption and Lifestyle37:51 Building a Business Brand43:46 Staying Injury-Free During Training46:08 Building Volume and Intensity for Ironman47:41 The Importance of Recovery and Off-Season51:33 Creatine: Benefits and Misconceptions59:14 A Day in the Life: Balancing Work and Family01:04:18 Pickled Beets and Sludge Bowls: Nutrition Habits01:09:58 Fueling for Performance vs. Aesthetics01:16:05 Staying Motivated Without Comparison01:21:26 Future of Endurance Races at Bear Ranch01:26:20 Launching G1M Sport RTD Beverages01:29:45 Defining Success and WinningORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I unpack how making excuses quietly kills momentum—and how to break that cycle for good. Sparked by a conversation with a friend who’s been stuck in his own way, I share five tactical ways to stop making excuses and start showing up.We get into preparation, owning your time, and leading from the front—plus practical strategies like backward planning and thinking beyond the now. If you’re ready to stop hiding behind reasons and start taking control, this one’s for you.CHAPTERS02:15 Setting the Stage: Personal Reflections and Realizations06:20 The Importance of Time Management08:09 Ironman Prep: Challenges and Strategies11:07 Point #125:52 Point #234:09 Point #342:54 Point #453:53 Point #5ORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode of the Building the Brand series, we dive into Chapter 7, exploring a tumultuous year and a half characterized by pivotal decisions, personal growth, and business challenges. From stepping down as CEO of BPN in January 2023 to moving back to Texas in May 2024, this chapter covers a ton of the complexities of balancing professional ambitions with my personal life.CHAPTERS06:02 Building a Community08:25 Stepping Down as CEO25:11 Pursuing Private Equity Partnership30:02 Reflections and Realizations45:33 Lessons from Mistakes47:03 Moving to Nashville59:36 Marathon Prep and a Failed Deal01:05:39 Returning to Texas and Reclaiming Leadership01:08:35 Rebuilding the Brand01:16:07 Reflecting on Mistakes and Growth054: Moving Back into CEO Role episode:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1sPjWTR0jyd5agxLxcXacy?si=7xNXEuPBSA6CwEQHtkmnLAORDER MY UPCOMING BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

Ironman prep is back. This episode is devoted to my Ironman Prep Season 3 for the Ironman Arizona race on November 16, 2025. In it, we'll discuss the physical and mental challenges, training schedule, and how this prep will differ due to my increased responsibilities. It cover fuel strategies, training specifics, and the balance between personal goals and professional commitments.CHAPTERS:01:55 Why Ironman Now?06:58 Rediscovering the Love for Cycling09:30 Balancing Life and Training15:22 The Importance of Setting Goals18:03 Reflecting on Past Ironman Experiences39:13 New Training Strategies and Nutrition53:11 Fueling for Success01:00:38 YouTube Series ComingORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness