The Leadership Foundry Podcast

Fear shows up in the workplace in more ways than we realize—from avoiding a difficult conversation to navigating uncertainty around mergers and acquisitions, new technology and AI. For leaders, leaving those concerns unaddressed can come at a significant cost. In this episode, Brandon and Randy unpack what drives fear, how it can hold leaders and teams back and practical strategies for moving through it with courage.

In this episode, co-founders Brandon Smith and Randy Hain share six key trends they're seeing across organizations, leadership teams, and in their executive coaching engagements—and, more importantly, what leaders can do about them. From the growing influence of AI and its impact on critical thinking, talent development, and Gen Z entering the workforce, to the increasing importance of cultivating meaningful relationships in an increasingly digital world, Brandon and Randy offer practical insights leaders can apply immediately. They also discuss the importance of accepting reality, making difficult decisions, and leading with clarity during uncertain times. Whether you're leading a team, developing future leaders, or navigating your own career growth, this mid-year conversation will help you focus on what matters most for the months ahead.

What does it really look like to lead the next generation well? In this episode of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, co-host Brandon Smith sits down with Scott Doyne, author of 𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘴: 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, to unpack the realities facing young professionals today. From the pressures of comparison fueled by social media to the uncertainty of navigating early career decisions, this stage of life (roughly 18–30) comes with real stressors—and real opportunities for leaders to show up.

Brandon and Randy are back with a new podcast conversation to celebrate the release of Randy's new book, 𝘈 𝘋𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦. Together, they unpack how rethinking leadership, business relationships, and time management can help you move from simply surviving to truly thriving—both professionally and personally. Through shared insights, real-life experience, and thoughtful conversation, we'll highlight what it looks like to lead and live with greater intention. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for anyone, at any stage of their career, who wants to build a more meaningful life and lead with greater purpose.

"The power dynamic has changed. People choose to follow leaders." Today's leaders aren't followed because they sit at the top of an org chart — they're followed because they've earned credibility, trust and influence. What will you do with the influence you've been given? In today's Refocus episode of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, our guest Shane Jackson challenges leaders with this question and takes us on a journey to answer it. 

Your job as a leader is to hold your team accountable. But how you do this determines everything. Get it right, and you build a culture grounded in trust.
Get it wrong, and you risk losing the team altogether. In this Refocus edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, Brandon and Randy explore the tension between radical acceptance and accountability — and how to strike the right balance. 

In a fluid environment, leadership flexibility comes from a greater willingness to get uncomfortable. In this Refocus Edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, Kevin Eikenberry challenges a common assumption: flexibility isn't about reacting faster, it's about letting go of what feels familiar. The leaders who adapt best are those most willing to stretch, listen, and adjust. Staying effective in change often requires doing the counterintuitive thing first.

"Respect the risk taken by those who advocate for you." Nurturing career advocates requires trust, credibility, and a track record of consistency. This Refocus episode of The Leadership Foundry Podcast with co-hosts Randy and Brandon is an invitation to step back and ask: Have I done the work to earn the right to be advocated for? If you're thinking about your next move—or wondering why doors aren't opening yet—this conversation is worth revisiting.

What will 2026 demand from leaders? On today's podcast, Brandon and Randy break down their biggest predictions for the year ahead—and the shifts every leader should be preparing for now. They cover: AI, managing budgets and cutting costs, acquisitions, self-care, personal branding and leading with integrity. If you want a clear view of what's coming, with practical guidance for navigating disruption, this conversation is your roadmap for 2026.

As we enter the holiday season full swing, we're bringing back this listener favorite featuring Frank Blake, former chairman and CEO of The Home Depot. In this episode, Frank breaks down the servant-leadership principle that still shapes some of the most respected cultures in the world. Watch the full podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xGlt6svZ6M&t