Leading others doesn't begin with a title—it begins with self-leadership. Too many men chase influence, authority, or recognition before they've learned how to lead themselves. That's where imposter syndrome creeps in—of course you're not as good yet; leadership isn't a destination, it's a discipline. It's not just tactical execution or getting things done—it's service, responsibility, and the relentless pursuit of getting better. Leadership at home, leadership with your kids, leadership over your own habits and standards.

In this episode, I talk with leadership expert, Kipp Sorensen. Today, we break down the three traps of self-leadership that quietly sabotage men: the Victim, the Persecutor, and the Rescuer, the dark side of influence, how to get your own wishes and desires met, how to be aware of "polite manipulation," and why honoring agency (yourself and others) is the key to leading well.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Why Self-Leadership Comes Before Leading Others
03:10 - Can Everyone Be a Leader? Mindset vs Skillset
06:15 - Why Ryan Rejects "Imposter Syndrome"
09:00 - Parenting, Projection, and Self-Awareness
12:55 - Jiu-Jitsu, Ego, and the Cost of Pretending
17:45 - Where Men Struggle Most With Self-Leadership
18:05 - The Victim Mindset Explained
22:10 - The Hidden Payoff of Victimhood
26:00 - Taking Ownership and Closing the Integrity Gap
30:30 - Why We Justify Our Worst Behaviors
37:00 - The Persecutor Trap in Leadership
44:15 - How to Have Hard Conversations Without Blame
46:35 - Why Performance Is Emotional, Not Technical
51:20 - The Rescuer Trap and "Nice Guy" Leadership
56:10 - Why Difficulty Is Required for Growth
01:00:40 - Stress as a Catalyst for Learning
01:03:40 - Alignment, Leadership, and Kipp's New Mission

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