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How do you actually elevate yourself as a leader?

Not surface-level inspiration.
But real, repeatable principles that move you into bigger rooms and higher levels of impact.

In this episode of the Different Thinking Podcast, Zach breaks down three foundational pillars of elevation:

1. Show Up: You can pretend to care, but you cannot pretend to show up. Opportunity starts with presence.
2. Prepare: Respect the room. Do the research. Elevation rewards preparation.
3. Be Open: Growth requires feedback. Leadership requires hard truths. You must be willing to do hard better.

Through personal stories, from a private breakfast with a high level CEO to navigating real business challenges, Zach shares what it truly takes to move into bigger conversations, deeper mentorship, and higher leadership capacity.

If you are ready to stop talking about growth and actually elevate, this episode is your blueprint.

Remember, you are already somebody.

The question is, will you elevate?

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Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a coaching conversation completely falls flat? In this episode, Zach Hensrude reflects on the worst coaching appointment he’s ever had—and the powerful leadership lesson it left behind.

Leaders often think they must say more, give more advice, or solve the problem. But real transformation happens when we learn to listen deeply.

Zach breaks down the 4 pillars of powerful leadership listening:

1. Be Present – Your focus is the gift.
2. Ask Clarifying Questions – Not to guide, but to understand.
3. Facilitate Self-Discovery – Help them find their own answers.
4. If They Can’t Self-Discover… Help them unpack what’s getting in the way.

If you’ve ever left a conversation wondering, “What just happened?”—this one’s for you.