Structure: Scaffold or Strangle?

Jim and Randy explore what structure means for leaders, why intentional routines and frameworks help get work done, and how to recognize when structure becomes a constraint. They cover leading yourself first, practical routines and tools (including AI agents), managing up and down, and balancing clarity, trust, and flexibility as complexity grows.

In this episode, Randy & Jim unpack what "control" really means: authority, compliance, and the black‑and‑white mindset common in many of today's leaders. They explore how excessive control cripples innovation, creates single points of failure, and destroys ownership. They contrast control with trust and influence, explain exposure therapy for anxious leaders, describe when directive control is appropriate (e.g., emergencies), and offer practical ways to shift from control to influence so teams can grow, take ownership, and scale.

Join hosts Randy Fields and Jim Desmond as they talk with leadership communication coach Paige Glenn-Denning about the difference between professional development and coaching, when to use coaching, and how to get the most out of it. The three of them discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, uncovering blind spots, practical communication frameworks, and how targeted coaching builds confidence and influence for leaders at any level.  

In this episode Randy and Jim welcome special guest Shane Callahan to discuss the constants of leadership — enduring qualities like courage, vision, influence, trust, authenticity, consistency, and values that carry across military and corporate life. They share real stories about earning and losing trust, the power of clear timely communication, the idea of running toward a positive vision, and why leading yourself first is essential to nurture and preserve these leadership constants.

In this episode, Randy and Jim discuss why employees leave organizations, focusing on realistic expectations, communication, and the outsized role managers play in retention. They share stories about preventable departures, how to spot disengagement early, and the importance of honest, timely conversations. The hosts also cover practical steps leaders can take: be self-aware, foster engagement and development, handle exit interviews with facts and kindness, and encourage graceful departures that preserve relationships and reputation.

Hey there leader! Today in Leadership Lost and Found join Randy and Jim as they talk with Barry Vandeveer about his journey from software developer to CTO, CIO and now COO, and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. We cover practical topics like transitioning from individual contributor to people leader, hiring and mentoring talent, navigating cultural change after acquisitions, making data-driven spend decisions, and the importance of listening and being available for your team. Barry also shares personal anecdotes — founding Travelocity, a brief stint as a flight attendant, earning an MBA while raising a family, recovering from burnout, and his current focus on integrating AI at Datacore — giving real-world examples of leadership in action.

In this episode, hosts Jim Desmond and Randy Fields define burnout as depleted physical, emotional, or spiritual energy, explain how it shows up in work and life, and highlight the contagious risk of running on empty. They offer practical fixes for leaders: set courageous boundaries, protect margin and time, empower your people to say no, and provide structure and space for recovery so teams and individuals can recharge and perform sustainably.   Get your coffee and join us for Leadership Lost and Found! 

Hosts Randy Fields and Jim Desmond explain what a leadership theme is, why it matters, and how a single word or phrase can focus decisions and boost team engagement (and with a theme song). They share examples like “Strong” and “Establish the Work,” and discuss how themes help prioritize, protect time, align teams, and prevent drift. Listeners are encouraged to choose and communicate a clear theme for the year to lead with consistency, care, and lasting impact.

This episode of Leadership Lost and Found explores what workplace politics really are—competition for scarce resources, status, and influence—and how they show up as turf battles, obfuscation, and hidden agendas. The hosts discuss the real costs: lost trust, stalled innovation, lower productivity, and damaged morale. They share practical advice for leaders: use truth and transparency, assess whether you’re contributing to the problem, pick your fights wisely, document facts and business impact, manage emotion, and communicate value clearly to get organizational action.

Hosts Randy and Jim explore what everyday leadership really looks like — consistent, intentional behaviors that make teams better. Through stories and practical tips they emphasize valuing others’ time, showing up visibly, giving in-the-moment feedback and gratitude, protecting focus time, and practicing servant leadership. The episode breaks everyday leadership into simple habits you can adopt daily to build trust, boost confidence, and create space for people to do their best work.