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In this throwback episode, we're going back to episode 7 where Ron and Kristin discuss qualities of great leaders and how you can apply them to your own life.

Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop

Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Send us a text

In this episode of The Dirty Side of Leadership, hosts Kristin Sokoloff and Ron Ward explore the tumultuous journey of John Alite — from organized crime enforcer to redemptive leader — and draw powerful parallels between the psychology of crime-leadership and mainstream organizational, corporate, and faith-based leadership.

Key Themes:

• The structure and raw mechanisms of power in the mafia world.
• The psychology of fear, loyalty, respect, and followership under extreme conditions.
• The transformational arc: what happens when control and power are stripped away, and what emerges when responsibility takes over.
• Modern leadership lessons: how to spot toxic leaders, how to build genuine loyalty, and how character beats title in influence.

Guest’s Recommended Book:

• Check out John Alite’s memoir/co-authored work:
• Mafia International: Gotti Enforcer for the Gambino Crime Family by John Alite & Lou Romano – link: HorizonBooks listing
• Also available via other retailers (Goodreads listing for reference)

Upcoming Media Appearance:

• John Alite is also featured in a Netflix-production: according to his official website, he appears in Get Gotti on Netflix.
• Note: As of now, we haven’t found a fully detailed Netflix press-release or confirmed date beyond the listing. You may want to check Netflix’s upcoming true-crime schedule for final details.

Who This Episode Is For:

• Executives, team-leaders, pastors, parents and anybody who wants to understand power, influence and transformation at a deeper level.
• Anyone curious about how high-stakes loyalty and dominance translate into everyday leadership frameworks.
• True-crime enthusiasts who also seek redemption and leadership insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Hierarchy isn’t just titles: In the mafia world, Alfred-style titles don’t always equate to real control — influence, fear, loyalty and tribe matter more.
• Fear vs Respect: John Alite points out fear works — but respect lasts. Understanding which one you build as a leader changes everything.
• Follower psychology matters: What drives someone to stay loyal — identity, belonging, fear, hope? How does that translate into teams?
• Redemption = leadership shift: Losing formal power (as Alite did in prison) can be the catalyst for the deepest form of leadership: character-based service.
• Modern warning signs: The same behavioural red flags Alite saw in crime leadership (micromanagement, insecurity masquerading as control) show up in corporate and institutional contexts.

Next Steps / Listener Actions:

• Grab John Alite’s book (link above) and reflect on what leadership lessons apply to your role.
• Jot down at least one behaviour in your team/organization that maps to fear-based leadership vs respect-based leadership.
• If you’re a leader (in any arena), ask yourself: “Am I leading by power over others or by responsibility for others?”
• Stay tuned for the Netflix appearance — we’ll update when a full release date is confirmed.

Special Guest: John Alite — former associate of the Gambino crime family, turned motivational speaker, author and now public servant.

Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop

Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".

Connect with us at 4wardoperatio

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Send us a text

In Part Two of Leadership & Parenting, Ron and Kristin welcome Troy Robison, a faith-centered leader, husband, and father who serves as Head of Sales at AI Vector, the parent company of today’s sponsor, Kovo Home. Together, they explore how leadership and technology intersect in modern parenting.

From setting healthy digital boundaries to navigating online influences, Troy offers an inside look at how innovative tools can help parents guide, protect, and empower their children. The discussion blends science, psychology, and practical leadership wisdom — focusing on how connection, consistency, and courage build resilient families in a digital world.

Key Takeaways:

• Technology can be a powerful ally in protecting and preparing children when paired with intentional parenting.
• Leadership at home mirrors leadership at work — clarity, boundaries, and empathy matter most.
• Digital safety isn’t fear-based; it’s value-based — teach kids why, not just what.
• Modeling online integrity builds digital citizenship and character.
• Parents who stay curious stay connected.

Closing Thought:
Parenting remains the most important leadership role you’ll ever have. It’s not about perfection — it’s about presence. Whether leading a team or a family, remember: be the leader you’re meant to be.

Special Guest: Troy Robison, Head of Sales at AI Vector

Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop

Sponsored by: Kovo Home — empowering parents with elegant, effective AI technology that enforces healthy digital boundaries, prevents grooming and cyberattacks, and supports children’s growth from safety to self-actualization. Learn more at kovohome.com.

Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com