This week, we're asking the question that might make you squirm a little: when's the last time you watered you this summer? While you're out there perfecting your lawn and tending to your garden, your leadership spirit might be running on empty. Jesse dives into why 94% of employees stick around longer at companies that invest in their development, sharing a hilarious moment when his son caught him "preaching to the grass" during yard work. From building a summer learning list to scheduling weekly reflection time, this episode reveals three practical strategies for cultivating your leadership skills during the season when growth should come naturally. Because here's the truth: what you nurture in the quiet seasons will bear the loudest fruit when it matters most.

Why do so many leaders disappear when summer arrives, treating their calling like it's seasonal work? In this episode, we tackle the sobering reality that only 21% of employees feel their leaders stay engaged year-round, according to Gallup's 2024 report. From a chance encounter at Dollar Tree that reminded one educator that leadership never truly clocks out, to three powerful strategies for maintaining your influence during the off-season, this episode challenges the myth that great leaders get to hibernate. You'll discover how to lead with lightness, curate meaningful connections during downtime, and show up with presence even when there's no agenda. Whether you're in flip-flops or formal wear, your leadership impact doesn't take a summer vacation—and neither should you.

What if the offhand comment you brushed off today becomes tomorrow's resignation letter? In this powerful episode, Jesse dives deep into the art of listening beyond words—where real leadership lives. From a teacher's quiet "I guess it doesn't matter what I think" that led to an unexpected departure, to the 68% of workplace failures caused by poor communication, learn why the best leaders don't just hear with their ears—they listen with their eyes and hearts.

Packed with three game-changing leadership lessons on reading silence, spotting casual clues, and the transformative power of validation, this episode will revolutionize how you connect with your team. Because sometimes leadership isn't about having the right words—it's about hearing the hard ones and not walking away.

Ready to turn missed moments into leadership victories? Listen now.