In this episode of The John Eades Podcast, I sit down with my friend Scott Cornwell, author of The Present Executive and founder of the Center for Intentional Leadership. Scott shares powerful insights on identity, presence, leadership, and sustaining meaningful behavior change.

We discuss:

• Why presence matters more than the title of “executive”

• The role of identity and how “I am” statements shape your behaviors and results

• The power of codes, core values, and mantras in leadership

• Balancing short-term execution with long-term purpose

• How to create lasting behavior change through mindset, structure, and practice

Scott also draws on his experiences at The Citadel and his work with executives, offering practical ways leaders can influence and inspire while staying grounded in purpose.

Learn more about Scott’s work and resources:

The Center for Intentional Leadership: https://www.centerforintentionalleadership.com/

The Present Executive book: https://www.centerforintentionalleadership.com/the-present-executive

Forty-one years ago, Bob Bowler walked into a Special Olympics event during his lunch break. He had no plan, no role, and no agenda—only a desire to serve. That small step turned into a lifetime of impact: raising funds, starting sports programs, and founding a camp for children with special needs that now serves over 335 campers and draws more than 500 volunteers each year.

In this episode, I share Bob’s story and the three leadership lessons I learned from him:

• Find joy in other people’s dreams coming true

• Serve expecting nothing in return

• Choose positivity over negativity

Bob’s example shows that leadership starts with initiative, service, and discipline. His story might inspire you to take the next step in your own journey.

In this episode, John shares a preview of his new keynote and workshop, The Teamwork Advantage: Turning Groups into High-Performing Teams.

Learn the formula and behaviors that separate elite teams from average ones, and walk away with practical strategies to build alignment, strengthen communication, and inspire action.

John also brings you the latest Optimistic Outlook story: English golfer Tommy Fleetwood’s long journey to his first PGA Tour win and the reminder he gave us all after — “Be a good person first.”

For more details on The Teamwork Advantage keynote and workshop, visit johneades.com or LearnLoft.com.

High standards fuel performance. Expecting perfection paralyzes it.

In this episode, John Eades shares a story from his trip to Scotland and what playing Muirfield Golf Course taught him about leadership. You’ll learn why leaders fall into the trap of perfectionism, how it impacts teams, and why progress is a better path than flawlessness.

John unpacks the difference between high standards and perfectionism and gives three practical ways to lead with standards that inspire growth without creating fear or burnout.

If you’re ready to set the bar high without suffocating your team, this episode is for you.

Winning is great, but it’s the relentless act of competing that makes it possible. In this episode, John Eades shares what his two alpha dogs, Penny and Charlie, taught him about refusing to quit — and why life rewards those who keep showing up.

Quote of the Day:
"Relentlessness beats talent when talent gets tired."

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📘 Get the Daily Optimism Blueprint: https://eyl.thinkific.com/order?ct=3f19e468-71bd-45bd-985f-da01d072e497

"Team Building isn't an activity, it's a habit."

In the lastest, episode, David Burkus joins John to talk all things teamwork and team building to help you more effectively lead your team.

You can get David's book, Best Team Ever here.

The book outlines five key strategies that top-performing teams share:

1. Clarity – Everyone knows the team’s mission, how success is measured, and what’s expected of them.

2. Connection – Team members feel personally connected to each other, not just the work.

3. Contribution – People know how their role makes a difference.

4. Psychological Safety – It’s safe to speak up, disagree, and take risks.

5. Purpose – There’s a shared sense of meaning that goes beyond the task list.

If you are interested in joining the How to Lead a Winning Team Workshop, do so here.

Most people confuse success with excellence. But they’re not the same.

In this episode, John Eades shares the story of how British Cycling transformed from mediocre to dominant, unpacks why Joe Burrow’s post-game comments reveal the mindset of a high performer, and breaks down The Excellence Loop—a four-step framework to help you lead, work, and live with a higher standard.

Quote of the Day:
“Success is what you get. Excellence is what you become.”

🔗 Subscribe to the daily newsletter:
https://theoptimisticoutlook.beehiiv.com/subscribe
📘 Get the Daily Optimism Blueprint ($17):
https://eyl.thinkific.com/order?ct=647d7fbe-5f39-4714-b9c4-70db6b55a877

A group of porcupines huddling together in winter provides an unlikely but powerful metaphor for leadership. In this episode, John Eades dives into the critical importance of direct dialogue and the necessity of difficult conversations for team performance, accountability, and growth.

You’ll learn:

• Why avoiding conflict is more harmful than facing it

• The 3-part formula for effective direct dialogue: Standards, Evidence, and Courage

• How to act on the truth behind Alex Hormozi’s quote: “Confronting someone in the short term always beats resenting them in the long term for things left unsaid.”

Whether you're leading a team, managing a project, or striving for healthier relationships, this episode will equip you to speak up, lean into conflict, and lead with clarity.

Check out LearnLoft Here