Leadership is about influence and aligning people to goals while serving them empathetically and helping them develop to reach their full potential.

• Leadership develops through experience, just like learning to walk—you fall down, get up, and improve as long as you're paying attention
• The ability to influence is the essence of leadership, which can be wielded ethically or unethically
• Emotional resonance is more compelling than facts alone when trying to lead and influence others
• One-on-one meetings are crucial in leadership to connect with team members and understand their needs
• Everyone has influence whether they realize it or not, making everyone effectively a leader in some capacity
• Leadership skills are largely transferable between different fields and industries
• Good leaders acknowledge their mistakes openly and create environments where innovation can flourish
• Self-reflection is valuable for leadership growth but can become counterproductive if excessive
• Finding mentors who exemplify great leadership can accelerate your development as a leader
• Assessing the ethics of an organization's leadership culture is essential when deciding where to invest your career

The Scott Townsend Show is a Dietz-O-Man production. For more episodes, visit the Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel, listen on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

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Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

► Subscribe to The Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOT

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...

We explore the emotional and mental challenges of decluttering during life transitions and how our attachment to possessions can hold us back from moving forward.

• Moving reveals the overwhelming accumulation of possessions that often go unused for years
• The emotional challenge of parting with items tied to significant memories and life events
• How digital alternatives can preserve memories while reducing physical clutter
• The mental clarity and reduced anxiety that comes from simplified surroundings
• Starting small and celebrating incremental progress when tackling overwhelming projects
• Finding balance between honoring the past and making space for new experiences
• Learning from the movie "Up" about the freedom that comes from letting go
• The importance of being intentional with possessions moving forward

Send us an email at scott@scotttownsend.info and let us know what you thought about this episode. We'd love to connect with our listeners!

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

► Subscribe to The Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOT

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...

Scott Townsend welcomes back familiar guest Ben Townsend for a deep dive into why "a well-defined problem is half the solution" and how this principle applies across business and personal scenarios.

• Understanding customer needs beyond their stated requirements is essential for effective problem-solving
• In software development, where engineers cost $130-$250/hour, misunderstanding problems leads to wasted time and resources
• The "tree swing" example demonstrates how communication breakdowns between customers and solution providers create ineffective outcomes
• Problem definition requires asking deeper questions about what customers are truly trying to accomplish
• The mountain peak analogy: solving initial problems reveals new challenges that weren't previously visible
• Abraham Lincoln's wisdom about spending four hours sharpening an axe before chopping illustrates the value of preparation
• Detective work in solving problems resembles murder mysteries - requiring close observation and questioning assumptions
• Real-world application example of planning a home water softening system by understanding the complete problem first

Email scott@scotttownsendinfo.com to share your experiences with defining problems before jumping to solutions.

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

► Subscribe to The Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOT

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...

Diving into HG Wells' 1897 classic "The Invisible Man," Scott explores how the novel uses invisibility as a device to illuminate human nature. This short but profound book examines what happens when accountability disappears and reveals who we truly are when no one is watching.

• First-time reading of the 162-page classic "The Invisible Man" by HG Wells
• Brief overview of Wells' other influential works including Time Machine and War of the Worlds
• Discussion of Griffin, the scientist who discovers invisibility but uses it selfishly
• Exploration of the book's central irony: invisibility actually exposes who people really are
• Reflection on what our choice of superpowers might reveal about our character
• Consideration of how classic science fiction examines human nature rather than just futuristic concepts
• Appreciation for how Wells' 125-year-old stories still resonate with modern readers

Email scott@scotttownsendinfo.com to share what superpower you would choose and why. If you'd choose invisibility, what would you do with it?

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

► Subscribe to The Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOT

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...

A preview of next week's exploration of the Net Promoter Score (NPS), the single-question metric that helps businesses predict growth through customer loyalty. We'll uncover who created it, why it's widely used, and how different companies implement this powerful tool.

• Net Promoter Score revolves around one question about customers' likelihood to recommend
• Various companies use different names for NPS (ESQI at Enterprise, LTR elsewhere)
• The metric provides a quick snapshot of whether a business is heading toward growth
• Next week's full episode will explain who created NPS and why it's become so important
• Understanding NPS helps businesses gain valuable customer loyalty insights

Come back next Wednesday for our complete breakdown of the Net Promoter Score and discover why this simple metric has transformed how businesses measure customer satisfaction.

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

► Subscribe to The Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOT

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...

Career setbacks happen to everyone, but how you respond to them determines your professional trajectory and future opportunities.

• The "tube top" comment highlights the importance of getting honest feedback after a rejection
• One word in an interview (describing a workplace as "hostile") can sink your chances if the interviewer takes issue with it
• Remember interviews are two-way conversations - you're also deciding if you want to work there
• Always be kind to gatekeepers (receptionists, assistants) as they can significantly influence hiring decisions
• Give yourself limited time (maybe 30 minutes) to feel disappointed, then refocus on moving forward
• The rearview mirror is small and the windshield is large for a reason - look ahead more than behind
• Building internal networks before positions open strengthens your candidacy when opportunities arise
• "Emotional resonance" with colleagues often matters more than qualifications when candidates are similar
• Congratulate the person who got the job you wanted - it shows maturity and teamwork
• Repeated rejections may indicate blind spots you can't see - seek honest feedback from trusted leaders
• Everyone successful has faced rejection - persistence and continuous improvement lead to eventual success

Thank you for listening! If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who could benefit, leave a review, and subscribe to the Scott Townsend Show on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform.

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

► Subscribe to The Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOT

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...

Understanding how to navigate rejection in your career is vital for long-term success and personal growth. Emphasizing resilience, this episode explores effective strategies for responding to disappointment and staying prepared for future opportunities.

• Discusses initial feelings of disappointment after not being promoted
• Highlights the importance of preparing emotionally for rejection
• Shares insights on expressing gratitude and seeking feedback after interviews
• Stresses the need to align personal goals with the company's mission
• Explores personal anecdote demonstrating persistence in the face of rejection
• Encourages ongoing engagement and communication with potential employers

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

► Subscribe to The Scott Townsend Show YouTube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOT

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbo...