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

Calling
,
Resilience
,
Emotional Intelligence
,
April 29, 2026

Ep 205: Our Favorite Moments, Winter 2026 — Lessons on Resilience, Presence, and Perspective (with Whitney Putnam and Eric Case)

This episode highlights key moments from recent conversations to help you stay grounded in those seasons. You’ll hear insights on perseverance from Walker Hayes, practical wisdom on resilience from David Ashcraft, and a timely reminder from John Maxwell about embracing the season you’re in. Whitney and Eric also share personal leadership challenges and what helped them keep going.

Leading Others
Leading Yourself
Communication
,
Culture
,
Change Management
,
April 22, 2026

Ep 204: Why Culture Is a Leader’s Responsibility (and How to Shape It) with Jenni Catron

In this conversation with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft, Jenni offers a practical definition of culture, along with clear ways to translate values into everyday behaviors and reinforce them through consistent rhythms.

Leading Organizations
Leading Others
Vision
,
Strategy
,
Execution
,
April 8, 2026

Ep 203: How Leaders Use Strategy (with David Ashcraft)

In this episode, Whitney Putnam sits down with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft to simplify strategy and make it practical. Together, they unpack why strategy matters at every level of leadership—and why waiting for perfect clarity might be the very thing holding you back.

Leading Yourself
Leading Others

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