Ep.034 From Conformity to Innovation: Rebuild Leadership and Systems

In this episode Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs challenges organizations especially in healthcare to stop letting tradition block progress. He explains "operational blindness," why conformity kills innovation, and how leaders must pair courage (gumption) with evidence and systems to drive real change. Listeners will learn five principles for innovation-driven leadership: question everything, prioritize impact over optics, build a coalition, make failure safe, and lead with evidence. Practical steps and a call to action close the episode: identify one unquestioned tradition and begin redesigning it.  

This episode exposes why hospitals break under pressure: not because of staffing shortages but because systems are built to survive, not scale. Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs walks through how to diagnose a facility’s "shaking point," the signs of survival infrastructure, and why slowing down strategically creates lasting speed. He outlines a practical playbook—map failures, design for 150% capacity, pilot changes in parallel, standardize processes, and measure stability—and shares a sterile processing case study that cut overtime, eliminated agency spend, and reduced turnover while increasing capacity.

In this episode Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs diagnoses a leadership famine in healthcare caused by promoting technical stars into roles they aren’t trained for. He explains the "clinical excellence trap," why clinical skill ≠ leadership capacity, and the systemic issues that keep organizations repeating the mistake. The episode outlines five essential leadership skills—systems thinking, emotional intelligence, change management, a development mindset, and strategic foresight—and offers clear fixes: separate career tracks, assess capability not just credentials, create apprenticeships and development ramps, invest in sustained training, and hold leaders accountable for developing others. Practical, urgent, and solution-focused, this episode shows how to stop accidentally finding leaders and start intentionally building them to create resilient healthcare organizations. If you are not subscribed please subscribe now. 

In episode 31 of Bread to Lead, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs exposes the "trauma budget"—how hospitals fund emergency fixes while starving prevention. He explains why crisis spending masks hidden long-term costs, shares real-world examples, and outlines a prevention-focused budget framework that measures ROI, aligns funding with strategy, and builds sustainable systems. Leaders will learn practical steps to shift from firefighting to designing resilient organizations.

Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs returns to tackle the leadership and staffing crisis in American hospitals, diagnosing how reliance on temporary staffing erodes culture, budgets, and patient care. This episode outlines practical design principles—pipeline development, transparent compensation, strategic scheduling, and listening leadership—and challenges leaders to move from short-term fixes to sustainable system redesign. Want to get access to the upcoming masterclasses, live events and exclusive resources needed to be a great leader.. go to bredtolead.com

Welcome back to Bred to Lead Season 2! In this episode, host Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs reflects on the incredible milestones achieved in Season 1 and emphasizes the core mission of the podcast: to provide actionable leadership advice that can transform your life and business. Dr. Jacobs discusses the importance of purchasing the newly released book, "Bread to Lead," which serves as a comprehensive manual for becoming a people-first, results-second leader. He encourages listeners to subscribe, review, and share the podcast to continue spreading impactful leadership insights. The episode delves into mastering the art of influence and persuasion, a crucial skill for effective leadership. Dr. Jacobs outlines key strategies and principles, including the ethical foundations of influence, the psychology behind it, and practical techniques to inspire and motivate others. From the importance of building trust and rapport to leveraging social proof and creating a sense of urgency, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Dr. Jacobs emphasizes that true influence is about creating win-win outcomes and aligning diverse interests towards a common good. Join us as we explore the essential skills needed to become a more effective and ethical leader in today's complex world. Stay tuned for the next parts of this deep dive into the art and science of influence and persuasion. Don't forget to grab your copy of "Bread to Lead" and continue your journey towards leadership excellence. Subscribe, share, and be the leader you were bred to be!

In our previous episode, we discussed the pivotal differences between management and leadership and how making the leadership leap is essential for transformative change. We delved into effective leadership practices, from problem-solving and empowerment to creating a compelling vision. In today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, we shift our focus to navigating change and cultivating resilience. Welcome to Bread to Lead, the podcast dedicated to unlocking your leadership potential and making a lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs. Today, we explore the art and science of navigating change and building resilience, drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and leadership studies. We'll tackle common challenges like resistance, uncertainty, and burnout, and provide practical strategies for resilience in ourselves, our teams, and our lives. Whether you're leading a major transformation, navigating personal transitions, or simply keeping up with rapid changes, this episode is for you. Learn about embracing a growth mindset, practicing self-awareness, fostering connection and support, finding purpose, and developing adaptability. Our goal is to equip you with the tools to lead with clarity, conviction, and resilience. Join us as we break down these concepts, share real-world examples, and offer actionable tips to help you thrive in the face of change. Don't miss out on this essential guide to resilient leadership!

Welcome to Bred to Lead, the podcast that empowers you to unleash your leadership potential and make a lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and I'm on a mission to help you cultivate the mindset and skills to lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart. In today's episode, we dive deep into a critical distinction that can make or break your ability to drive transformative change in your organization: the difference between management and leadership. We explore how the traditional model of leadership, focused on efficiency and short-term results, falls short in a world of constant change and complexity. We'll discuss the essential shifts in mindset and behavior necessary to make the leap from merely managing the status quo to driving meaningful, transformative change. You'll learn how to move from problem-solving to problem-finding, from directing to empowering, and from transactional to transformational leadership. Join us as we explore how to become the kind of leader who inspires and empowers others to create a better future. Whether you're new to leadership or looking to refine your skills, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you lead with purpose and impact. Remember to visit Bread to Lead for more resources, including our book and information about the Sips Leadership Institute.

Welcome back to Bread to Lead, the podcast that empowers you to unleash your leadership potential and make a lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and I'm on a mission to help you cultivate the mindset and skills to lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart. Let's dive in! Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com  In our last episode, we explored the art and science of developing and empowering your team, focusing on self-determination theory and intrinsic motivation. Today, we're building on that foundation by tackling another critical aspect of people-first leadership: setting clear, compelling goals and expectations. Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com  Effective goal setting is more than just declaring lofty aspirations. It involves striking the right balance between ambition and achievability, clarity and flexibility, and challenge and support. We'll dive into the latest research and real-world examples to help you leverage the power of goals and expectations to inspire and motivate your team. Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com  We'll explore frameworks like the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) and OKR (Objectives and Key Results) to break down your vision into actionable targets. We'll also discuss the importance of culture contracts and situational leadership to ensure your team is aligned and empowered. Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com  Whether you're setting goals for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights and tools to help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. So grab a notepad, get comfortable, and let's dive in! Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com 

Welcome back, change makers, to Bread to Lead, the podcast that empowers you to unleash your leadership potential and make a lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and I'm on a mission to help you cultivate the mindset and skills to lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart. In today's episode, we dive into one of the most critical skills for any leader: developing and empowering your team. Last episode, we explored effective communication and conflict resolution as foundational abilities for building trust, alignment, and psychological safety. Today, we focus on helping your team members grow, stretch, and reach their full potential. Drawing from my extensive leadership experience across 22 countries and insights from my book, "People First, Results Second," we'll delve into how to nurture autonomy, competence, and relatedness within your team. We'll discuss practical strategies and frameworks like Self-Determination Theory and the Situational Leadership Model to guide your approach. Through real-life examples and stories, I'll illustrate how to create the conditions that allow your team to thrive, take ownership, and perform at their best. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting, this episode will provide valuable insights to elevate your leadership game. Join us as we explore the delicate balance of empowering leadership, where we foster a sense of choice, build competence, and create meaningful connections. Your leadership journey starts here, and together, we can inspire change and make a lasting impact. Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com