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.

Feeling guilty about taking time off? You're not alone—only 31% of U.S. workers use their full PTO. This episode challenges the toxic hustle culture that equates exhaustion with success. Drawing from personal experience and Mark 6:31, we explore how intentional rest isn't leadership weakness—it's leadership wisdom. Discover why rested leaders make better decisions, how presence beats productivity, and why your willingness to rest gives others permission to do the same. If you've ever felt "home but not with" your loved ones, this conversation will help you lead from wholeness instead of burnout.

In this episode, I share how a simple shift—dimming the harsh lights and inviting students to sit on cushions—transformed a chaotic second-grade classroom into a circle of eager learners. From that moment, we explore three key leadership lessons for any learning environment. You’ll hear how honoring grit over perfection built confidence and how revealing my own missteps helped students see mastery as a journey, not a destination. By the end, you’ll be challenged to make one change—big or small—in your own learning space. Tune in and discover how intentional atmosphere, courageous celebration, and authentic leadership can open doors to deeper engagement and lasting growth.

In today’s episode of The Leader Launch Daily, Jesse turns a dentist’s tough love—“brush only the teeth you want to keep”—into three bite-sized leadership lessons. Learn how tiny, daily disciplines build unshakeable strength, then take on today’s challenge: spot where you’ve been rushing and give it the focused attention it deserves.

Episode #045 brings a reality check for every over-eager leader: burning bright isn’t worth it if you burn out. Jesse pulls back the curtain on his own “too-much, too-soon” video launch, then walks you through three practical steps to avoid the same fate. You’ll learn how to pause strategically, map your team’s true capacity, and roll out new initiatives in smart, manageable phases. Hit play and let’s make sustainable leadership your new norm.

In episode #044 of The Leader Launch Daily, Jesse celebrates his 29th wedding anniversary and shares profound insights on leadership partnerships. Drawing from his marriage to Almeta, he explores two key leadership lessons: choosing relationships wisely while nurturing them intentionally, and leveraging complementary strengths to multiply impact. Through personal anecdotes and practical wisdom, Jesse challenges listeners to identify one key partnership and take an intentional step to deepen it this week. Discover how genuine connection and care form the foundation of truly effective leadership.