Posted on January 6, 2020

With the new year well underway, this is an excellent time to assess your leadership development strategy for this year. Whether you’re new to leading or already have a solid management track record behind you, we are firm believers that leaders at every level should always be seeking new ideas to grow and take their careers to new heights. Stagnation is the enemy of progress, and in today’s fast-paced world, if you’re not moving forward – you’re going backwards.

One of the most accessible resources at your disposal – sitting right in the palm of your hand – are podcasts. There’s nothing quite like first-hand experience, and, whether you’re in the car, at home or at the gym, pods are a great way to get the leadership story straight from the horse’s mouth! The team at People Equity are always on the lookout for great new audio content, and we want to share with you some of the podcasts we’ve enjoyed, been inspired by, and are most excited about. Whilst there aren’t any Aussies featured here, we believe the essence of great leadership translates regardless of what continent you're on!

So, make yourself a cup of coffee, find a quiet spot, and get ready to dive into some of the best leadership podcasts.

Taking a fresh approach to business, John Maxwell influences people to think, speak and act differently in order to positively impact their lives and others. Discussing the practices, principles and process of what it takes to be a transformational leader, this podcast takes an unparalleled look inside what it means to be the world’s most influential leadership expert. Each weekly episode focuses on a unique leadership tool, and coming from a New York Times #1 bestselling author, we think it’s definitely worth a listen.

Ranked #1 out of 500,000 leadership podcasts on a number of top lists, we know people from all walks of life who are obsessed with Tim Ferriss’s gritty interviews. Ferriss is a man with an insatiable desire to learn and grow, making his interviews that much more genuine and raw. Ferriss talks with some of the most fascinating people of our time, from Tony Robbins about achievement versus fulfilment, to Arnold Schwarzenegger about psychological warfare. Despite the grandiosity of some of his guests, there are simple and insightful takeaways from each one to make easy, applicable changes in our everyday lives.

Michael Hyatt knows that if you are listening to his pod, you’re likely already a high-achieving leader and are looking to thrive in other domains of life as well. Understanding the importance of balance when it comes to success, he discusses hard-hitting topics such as relationships, spiritual and intellectual growth, hobbies and passions, and even your legacy with the people you love. Ranked one of the top leadership podcasts, Lead to Win offers advice on long-lasting, multi-dimensional success, so that when you’re sitting at the top, you can truly enjoy it.

Kevin Kruse interviews various experts in leadership, deconstructing their habits and values, and gaining practical advice for everyday management. In the field of leadership, it’s common to encounter obstacles where what worked in the past is no longer getting results. This podcast is perfect for those looking to change up their perspective and improve their skills.

Lewis Howes has an interesting story. Growing up with little confidence after being bullied through school and surviving sexual abuse, he dreamed of being a professional athlete to escape his life. After a career-ending injury shattered his identity, he was forced onto a different path. Broke and clueless about business, his obsession for learning and human behaviour led to the creation of a million-dollar business in just a few short years. Howes is a force to be reckoned with, yet refreshingly humble. Brimming with fascinating conversations from some of the top thinkers of our day, Howes’ podcast is not to be missed.

You can’t have a successful business if nobody knows about your product, and Donald Miller is here to help you spread the word. Sharing simple, practical advice to clarify your brand, he unpacks a 2,000-year-old story formula, with the power to get people talking and your product moving. Miller discusses the nuances of building a branded story, giving your product the ability to emotionally resonate with its market, and driving action. Don’t miss this remarkably insightful pod!

Guy Raz wants to know the stories behind some of our world’s most famous companies. He’s not only interested in how and why their products worked, but in who these people were before the success story – when nobody would take their call. There are millions of brilliant products out there, but only a handful of them make it to a retail level of verifiable mainstream success. What is the secret ingredient that makes these companies successful? Guy Raz is here to find out.

Bob Burg is the co-author of the international bestseller “The Go-Giver,” and on his pod he discusses how to create a life of prosperity and joy. Burg has been able to build an empire based on business strategies that incorporate fundamental elements of fun and profit, whilst simultaneously reducing stress. If you’re looking for a more balanced life, The Go-Giver Podcast is for you.

With the recent explosion of podcasts in the past five years, we’re now able to access minds of remarkable business leaders like never before. Taking on a leadership role comes with weighty expectations, and these voices share invaluable knowledge, so you don’t have to take on the burden alone.

What pods are you listening to right now? We’re always on the hunt for new ones to enjoy, so we’d love to get your recommendations! And if you need help finding the very best Retail talent or support with growing your career, talk to us today.