 Are you striving for success, yet finding yourself wondering if your achievements really matter? The answer to a fulfilled life may lie in asking deeper questions, not just chasing accomplishments. In this bonus episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, Mark Cole and Jared Cagle are joined by author and professor Arthur C. Brooks to discuss the pillars of a meaningful life (especially in an age of emptiness). Key takeaways:  Meaning in life isn't just about setting goals; it's about asking "why" and finding deeper significance in what you do.  Serving others shifts the focus away from chasing success for its own sake and unlocks fulfillment through impact and connection.  Every leader's journey is marked by both triumphs and setbacks—true growth comes from learning to find purpose in both. References:  Watch this episode on YouTube!  Pre-order The Meaning of Your Life today and get VIP access to Arthur Brooks' launch event on March 27  Learn more about Dr. Brooks' work 

Maxwell Leadership Podcast

The Meaning of Your Life with Dr. Arthur C. Brooks

 How do you earn the loyalty that supports real influence? You won't change lives or amplify your results without the ability to connect authentically. In this week's episode, John Maxwell is sharing how to do that, as he teaches the five essential qualities that define an authentic leader!  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson provide practical strategies you can use right away to embody authenticity and deepen your impact as a leader.  Key takeaways:  Leading with heart—through empathy, courage, and genuine care—creates meaningful connections that drive lasting results. Consistently practicing transparency, humility, and good listening skills builds trust and invites collaboration. "People will walk through fire for a leader that's true and a leader that's human." — Pat Lencioni Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Qualities of an Authentic Leader Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Authentic and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."  This episode is sponsored by BELAY:  Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters.  To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Leadership Toolkit. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Get the High Road Leadership online course for 33% off Get 15% off your copy of John's leadership development guide The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader now through 3/31 (use code PODCAST at checkout!) Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Principles that Guide Your Life Podcast Episode 5 Ways to Win With People Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

The Qualities of an Authentic Leader

 Are you ready to turn your greatest setbacks into the fuel for exponential growth? In this week's episode, John Maxwell unpacks how the partnership between success and failure is essential to leadership—and why your perspective on failure determines your path to achievement. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede provide real-world strategies you can use right away to embrace failure as a catalyst for learning and growth. Key takeaways:  How you view failure shapes your response to it—and seeing it as part of success unlocks growth, humility, and maturity.  Successful leaders don't just make good decisions; they learn to manage both their wins and their losses to maximize impact.  The lessons you take from failure are what propel you forward—if you don't lose the lesson, you never truly lose. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Success and Failure: The Partnership that Fuels Growth Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Partnership and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Pre-order your copy of John Maxwell's resilience guide, How to Get a Return on Failure Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Get a Return on Failure Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

Success and Failure: The Partnership that Fuels Growth

 How you see your world determines the actions you take and the results you create—what lens are you using to view your leadership? In this week's episode, John Maxwell unpacks how your perspective shapes your impact, and reveals four keys to developing a leadership lens that drives lasting effectiveness. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive deep into practical ways you can shift your perspective and model impactful leadership behaviors in your daily life. Key takeaways:  The most important voice you listen to is your own—guard your self-talk and ensure it builds you up rather than tears you down.  Realistic perspective is essential at every stage of success; leaders must walk slowly through the crowd, listen, and learn to stay grounded.  It's not enough to do what's best for yourself—great leadership means aligning actions with good values so everyone wins. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the The Leadership Lens: How You View Things is How You Do Things Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Lens and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Get the Every Day with Purpose online course for 75% off Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) What You Focus on Expands (Parts 1 & 2) Podcast Episodes Acknowledge Your Humanness Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

The Leadership Lens: How You View Things is How You Do Things

 Failure can either hold you back or become fuel for your growth. In this week's episode — the Maxwell Leadership Podcast's 400th episode! — John Maxwell joins Mark Cole for a glimpse into John's upcoming book, How to Get a Return on Failure, and a perspective-shifting discussion on how you can invest failure to fuel resilience, sharpen your judgment, and accelerate your impact. Key takeaways:  Your response to failure determines whether it becomes an asset or a liability. Success and failure must be kept together; embracing both builds resilience and humility for lasting leadership. Progress isn't about avoiding mistakes—it's about learning, improving, and moving on with greater wisdom each time. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Episode 400: How to Use Failure for Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/400 and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Pre-order your copy of John Maxwell's resilience guide, How to Get a Return on Failure (The first 400 to use code ROFPOD at checkout get our digital resource, the Quick Start Guide to Getting a Return on Failure, 100% free!) Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

Episode 400: How to Use Failure for Success

 Last week, John Maxwell shared three of his six insights for surrounding yourself with people who can accelerate your growth journey. In this week's episode, John Maxwell is revealing the last three, so you can get yourself around great people!  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack John's lesson so you can apply these principles in your own leadership. Key takeaways:  Being unforgettable isn't about showing off—it's about finding innovative ways to serve others and do for them what they can't do for themselves.  True vision matures when you move from "me" to "we," inviting participation and building energy that attracts great people to your cause.  Leadership influence grows when your inner character and spirit outshine outward achievements. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 2) Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/GreatPeople and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." This episode is sponsored by BELAY: Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Future of Executive Partnership: Why AI Isn't Enough. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Get the Change Your World online course for 66% off Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) 5 Ways to Win With People Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 2)

 Who are you intentionally inviting into your growth journey? The company you keep could be your greatest accelerator—or your greatest limitation. In this week's episode, John Maxwell teaches how to surround yourself with great people by unveiling the disciplines and mindsets that attract high-potential leaders to your circle.  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share real-life strategies you can use right now to elevate your relationships and leverage the power of your network for exponential growth. Key takeaways:  Your desire for greatness—and action toward it—opens doors to impactful relationships and opportunities.  If you want to grow, you must proactively put yourself where great people are and immerse yourself in environments that challenge and affirm you.  Success is sustained by consistently practicing the habits of great people, not just admiring their accomplishments. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 1) Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/GreatPeople and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!  References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Get the 15 Laws of Growth online course for 80% off How to Embrace Intentional Living Podcast Episode Your Motives Matter Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 1)

 What defines the world you create with your leadership? In this week's episode, John Maxwell reveals the ten guiding principles that have anchored his life and success for more than four decades!  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive into real-life strategies that help you put John's principles to work in your own leadership journey.  Key takeaways:  Your attitude is a daily choice that sets the ceiling for your potential.  Personal growth always precedes professional advancement; who you are determines how far you can go.  Helping others succeed opens doors for your own success and builds lasting, meaningful relationships. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Principles that Guide Your Life Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Principles and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube!  Get the High Road Leadership online course for 33% off  The Foundation of a Leader Podcast Episode  Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team  

Principles that Guide Your Life

 Do your expectations shape your reality—or limit it? Imagine what would happen if you raised the bar for yourself and those around you. In this week's episode, John Maxwell reveals how the expectations you set determine the experiences you create, and why possibility thinking is every leader's secret advantage. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson share actionable strategies for resetting team expectations and building a culture of higher achievement, so you can apply John's insights right away. Key takeaways:   Successful leaders continually set higher, self-driven expectations and upgrade them over time. Possibility thinking empowers you to see problems as opportunities and persevere through adversity.  Your beliefs must match your expectations—when you genuinely believe in your potential and direction, you inspire those around you to do the same. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the What You Expect is What You Experience Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/WhatYouExpect and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."  Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!  References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Your Motives Matter Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

What You Expect is What You Experience

 How do the best leaders unlock extraordinary results in their teams? In this week's episode, John Maxwell reveals how empowering others not only helps them reach their potential, but also equips them to pass on that growth beyond themselves!  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive into practical strategies and real-world examples to help you apply empowerment in your own leadership journey right away.  Key takeaways:  The strongest teams thrive when leaders actively demonstrate that they need their people and invite them to contribute.  Empowerment is more than delegation; it's giving team members authority, resources, and trust to lead.  "You can choose control or growth, but not both." — Craig Groeschel Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How Empowerment Fuels Team Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Empowerment and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." This episode is sponsored by BELAY: Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Future of Executive Partnership: Why AI Isn't Enough. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Three Indicators of an Empowering Leader Podcast Episode How to Live with Purpose Every Day Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

How Empowerment Fuels Team Success

 It's not about you—it's about them. In this week's episode, John Maxwell shares the powerful shift that transforms everyday leaders into extraordinary influencers and makes it possible for your leadership to truly impact others! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede share real-world examples of how making it about others unlocks trust, connection, and next-level leadership. Key takeaways: The more you focus on adding value to others, the more you'll receive value in return. To communicate in a way that truly resonates, make your message all about your audience, not yourself. The three questions every follower is asking about their leader: Do you care about me? Can you help me? Can I trust you? Our BONUS resource for this episode is the It's Not About You: Leadership, Communication, and Putting Others First Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/OthersFirst and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Get John Maxwell's Every Day with Purpose online course for 75% off What Serving Others Has Taught Me Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

It's Not About You: Leadership, Communication, and Putting Others First

 Ready to discover the key to getting the most benefit out of every experience? In this week's episode, John Maxwell reveals the two "bookends of success" that elevate your preparation and multiply your results! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson discuss practical ways to apply John's powerful insights to your daily routines and most important goals. Key takeaways:  Preparation on the front end and reflection on the back end transform average experiences into powerful growth opportunities. Realistic thinking is the foundation of effective preparation. Your expectations determine your preparation. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Bookends of Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Bookend and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Get John Maxwell's High Road Leadership online course for 33% off Reflect Instead of React Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team 

The Bookends of Success

 What sets great leaders apart in times of crisis and change? In this week's episode, John shares a powerful insight he gained from Chick-fil-A chairman Dan Cathy on the importance of self-awareness and situational awareness for leaders — especially in tough times!  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede discuss practical ways to cultivate these awarenesses as a leader. They explore how seeking honest feedback, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from role models can expand your leadership capacity. Key takeaways:  Self-awareness doesn't happen in isolation—it requires the courage to invite feedback from others and the humility to receive it.  Before you can lead yourself effectively, you must first know yourself authentically. Self-awareness precedes situational awareness.  Situational awareness grows through experience, but you can accelerate it by asking "What would a leader I admire do in this situation?" and seeking input from trusted mentors. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Why Self-Awareness Sets Great Leaders Apart Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/SelfAware and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube!  Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)  The Value of Going First Podcast Episode  Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team  

Why Self-Awareness Sets Great Leaders Apart

 Brené Brown said, "Perfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from taking flight." And in this week's episode, John Maxwell is showing how that's true — and how acknowledging your flaws frees you to become a high road leader.  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow explore practical ways to develop self-compassion, laugh at yourself, and believe in your unique potential, so you can apply John's insights to your life and leadership.   Key takeaways:  Confident humility allows you to believe in yourself while still questioning your strategies. If you don't show yourself kindness, you won't be able to extend it to anyone else. The world needs you to embrace your humanness and step fully into your unique leadership greatness.  Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Acknowledge Your Humanness Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Acknowledge and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."  Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today!  References:  Watch this episode on YouTube!  Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)  Listen to John Maxwell's song, "Get Over Myself"  How to Be a Relatable Leader Podcast Episode  Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team  

Acknowledge Your Humanness

 Leading on the high road will always cost more than you think — but it will always be worth it. In this week's episode, John Maxwell prepares you for the price of leading with integrity and conviction! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share practical takeaways from John's insights so you can apply them in your life and leadership.  Key takeaways:  — Expect that the first time you pay the price will be the hardest.  — Your account is never fully paid. High road leadership requires ongoing sacrifice.  — The high road may cost you ground, power, money or celebrity. But you'll gain immeasurable growth, strength, true wealth and credibility in return.  Our BONUS resource for this episode is the What to Expect When You Take the High Road Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/WhatToExpect and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource."  This episode is sponsored by BELAY:  Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters.  To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, 26 Things to Stop Doing in 2026. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access.  References:  Watch this episode on YouTube!  Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!)  Strength and Resilience in Leadership Podcast Episode  Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team  

What to Expect When You Take the High Road

The Maxwell Leadership Podcast is a regular examination of what it means to be a transformational leader—someone who daily influences people to think, speak, and act to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. This podcast will teach you the principles, practices, and process of becoming a transformational leader because leadership isn’t an event—it’s an uphill journey. Every week we will offer a free tool to help you on this journey, so let leadership authority Dr. John C. Maxwell show you the way.

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Maxwell Leadership Podcast

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