As the title entails, it is time to pump the brakes on the podcast. In this episode, I explain the reasons why, and hopefully shed some light on some lessons I have learned that you can learn from as well. 

As the title entails, it is time to pump the brakes on the podcast. In this episode, I explain the reasons why, and hopefully shed some light on some lessons I have learned that you can learn from as well.

Podcast 029: Hitting the Pause Button

Kim Hires

Hands down, this is one of my favorite episodes I have ever recorded. Dr. Kim and I had a script of questions around all things burnout, and most of them didn't get asked. Why? Because the conversation guided us elsewhere. From burnout to mental health challenges from COVID-19, to how our current environment has led us to find what is really important in life and what we think our new "normal" is going to look like when this is all over. This wonderful human being is dropping value like never before seen on this show!

Hands down, this is one of my favorite episodes I have ever recorded. Dr. Kim and I had a script of questions around all things burnout, and most of them didn't get asked. Why? Because the conversation guided us elsewhere. From burnout to mental health challenges from COVID-19, to how our current environment has led us to find what is really important in life and what we think our new "normal" is going to look like when this is all over. This wonderful human being is dropping value like never before seen on this show!

Podcast 028: Tackling Burnout with Dr. Kim Hires

Nathan Simmonds

In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Simmonds, a leadership coach and trainer from the UK, to discuss his life story (which is incredible), and how he works to help clients increase their happiness and find their own unique super powers (USP). Nathan is the owner of The Independent Leader company and has a very unique perspective on helping entrepreneurs find their life's purpose and begin leading themselves and others. Show notes available at:  https://firststringleadership.com/epsisode27/

In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Simmonds, a leadership coach and trainer from the UK, to discuss his life story (which is incredible), and how he works to help clients increase their happiness and find their own unique super powers (USP). Nathan is the owner of The Independent Leader company and has a very unique perspective on helping entrepreneurs find their life's purpose and begin leading themselves and others. Show notes available at:  <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/epsisode27/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/epsisode27/</a>

Podcast 027: Recovering, Leading and Unique Super Powers with Nathan Simmonds

There is one common thing that most of us, as leaders, fail to prioritize - self-care. Today's episode isn't where we talk about getting a massage and a pedicure. I want to talk about keeping your mental and physical state at an optimum level so that when you find yourself in times of crisis, you know what you need to do, and you can still be there for your team.  Show notes available at: https://firststringleadership.com/episode26/

There is one common thing that most of us, as leaders, fail to prioritize - self-care. Today's episode isn't where we talk about getting a massage and a pedicure. I want to talk about keeping your mental and physical state at an optimum level so that when you find yourself in times of crisis, you know what you need to do, and you can still be there for your team.  Show notes available at: <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/episode26/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/episode26/</a>

Podcast 026: Self-Care in Times of Crisis

I don't know about you, but when I hear the word "wellness" I often start thinking about the gym, possibly mental health. However, this week's episode dives into the importance of financial wellness in both your personal life and business. This week I sit down with a fellow West Point classmate, Derek Merkler. Derek is a former national champion cyclist, Apache pilot, and now runs his own business as a Certified Financial Planner. Show notes available at: https://firststringleadership.com/podcast-024-crisis-leadership/

I don't know about you, but when I hear the word "wellness" I often start thinking about the gym, possibly mental health. However, this week's episode dives into the importance of financial wellness in both your personal life and business. This week I sit down with a fellow West Point classmate, Derek Merkler. Derek is a former national champion cyclist, Apache pilot, and now runs his own business as a Certified Financial Planner. Show notes available at: <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/podcast-024-crisis-leadership/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/podcast-024-crisis-leadership/</a>

025: Financial Wellness for Business Leaders

Regardless of your background, we have all experienced some sort of crisis in our lives and/or in our businesses. Crises are going to happen: they are inevitable and we can't control them. However, we CAN control how we respond as leaders. This week's episode is dedicated to just that. Show notes available at: https://firststringleadership.com/podcast-024-crisis-leadership/

Regardless of your background, we have all experienced some sort of crisis in our lives and/or in our businesses. Crises are going to happen: they are inevitable and we can't control them. However, we CAN control how we respond as leaders. This week's episode is dedicated to just that. Show notes available at: <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/podcast-024-crisis-leadership/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/podcast-024-crisis-leadership/</a>

024: Crisis Leadership

This episode is a personal one for me centered on productivity and some issues I have dealt with recently in my journey to grow a business. It is raw, introspective, and I hope you find value in it! Show notes available at: https://firststringleadership.com/episode23/

This episode is a personal one for me centered on productivity and some issues I have dealt with recently in my journey to grow a business. It is raw, introspective, and I hope you find value in it! Show notes available at: <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/episode23/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/episode23/</a>

023: My Journey to Increased Productivity

Sarah Groen

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Groen, a Standford Business School graduate, a one-time corporate executive turned business owner and discuss how lessons learned throughout her career have served her in her entrepreneurship journey! Sarah is the owner of a luxury travel firm, Bell and Bly Travel, and discusses the business and leadership lessons she has learned throughout her many interesting stops in her career. Show notes available at: https://firststringleadership.com/episode22/

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Groen, a Standford Business School graduate, a one-time corporate executive turned business owner and discuss how lessons learned throughout her career have served her in her entrepreneurship journey! Sarah is the owner of a luxury travel firm, Bell and Bly Travel, and discusses the business and leadership lessons she has learned throughout her many interesting stops in her career. Show notes available at: <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/episode22/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/episode22/</a>

022: Entrepreneurship, Corporate Lessons and Travel with Sarah Groen

Have you ever worked for someone who, it seemed, only saw you like a number? Who saw your relationship as solely a transactional one? Without a doubt, you probably weren't a fan of this, and rightfully so! That's why in this week's podcast we are going deep into the topic of building relationships within your teams. Why it matters, and some simple (not all-inclusive) steps that you can take to start building relationships today! Show notes available at: https://firststringleadership.com/episode21/

Have you ever worked for someone who, it seemed, only saw you like a number? Who saw your relationship as solely a transactional one? Without a doubt, you probably weren't a fan of this, and rightfully so! That's why in this week's podcast we are going deep into the topic of building relationships within your teams. Why it matters, and some simple (not all-inclusive) steps that you can take to start building relationships today! Show notes available at: <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/episode21/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/episode21/</a>

021: The Value of Meaningful Relationships

Traci Fisher

Overall wellness is something that we often neglect as leaders. It is one of those things that we will "get around to" after we get through the important tasks we are doing now. At least that is how it feels. This week I am sitting down with Traci Fisher, a renowned wellness coach, and talking about the importance of overall wellness to leaders and entrepreneurs. We discuss not only her journey as a West Point graduate, Army Aviation Officer, mother, and entrepreneur - but also the work that she does now as a wellness coach for executives and leadership teams. Show notes available at: https://firststringleadership.com/episode20/

Overall wellness is something that we often neglect as leaders. It is one of those things that we will "get around to" after we get through the important tasks we are doing now. At least that is how it feels. This week I am sitting down with Traci Fisher, a renowned wellness coach, and talking about the importance of overall wellness to leaders and entrepreneurs. We discuss not only her journey as a West Point graduate, Army Aviation Officer, mother, and entrepreneur - but also the work that she does now as a wellness coach for executives and leadership teams. Show notes available at: <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/episode20/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/episode20/</a>

020: Wellness And Leadership With Traci Fisher

I'm Jesse Curry, a former US Army officer that currently works in corporate America for a major healthcare company. I also happen to be obsessed with leadership development. This podcast is dedicated to helping the founders of small companies, and new leaders in general,  go from being overwhelmed and doing everything themselves, to becoming highly effective leaders.

We've all been there. You know that a conversation needs to happen with one of your coworkers, or a subordinate employee, but it's so much easier to avoid the conflict altogether. But what happens when you finally get backed into a corner, and you can't avoid it any longer? Let's break this down a little, shall we? Show notes available here.

We've all been there. You know that a conversation needs to happen with one of your coworkers, or a subordinate employee, but it's so much easier to avoid the conflict altogether. But what happens when you finally get backed into a corner, and you can't avoid it any longer? Let's break this down a little, shall we? Show notes available <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/episode19/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a>

019: Managing Difficult Conversations

Doug Crandall

In this episode, Doug and I discuss his own personal leadership journey. Covering everything from sports, being a leader in the military, and teaching future US Army Officers leadership at West Point. We discuss the development of his own personal leadership style, critical attributes of successful leaders, and how you can make teaching leadership fun! Show notes available at firststringleadership.com/episode18. 

In this episode, Doug and I discuss his own personal leadership journey. Covering everything from sports, being a leader in the military, and teaching future US Army Officers leadership at West Point. We discuss the development of his own personal leadership style, critical attributes of successful leaders, and how you can make teaching leadership fun! Show notes available at <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/episode18/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">firststringleadership.com/episode18</a>.

018: Leadership Advice With My Mentor, Doug Crandall

Have you ever sensed a disconnect between the different levels of your organization? Does it seem like the "leaders" have lost touch where the proverbial rubber meets the road? If so, this episode will help you fix the gap which exists by doing something straightforward – Leading by Example!   Show notes available here. 

Have you ever sensed a disconnect between the different levels of your organization? Does it seem like the "leaders" have lost touch where the proverbial rubber meets the road? If so, this episode will help you fix the gap which exists by doing something straightforward – Leading by Example! Show notes available <a href="firststringleadership.com/episode17" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

017: Leadership by Example

In this episode, Janet and I discuss her journey through leadership roles in corporate healthcare, her decision to become a leadership coach, common challenges she sees in all leaders, the importance of authenticity in leadership, trust, and much more!   Show notes available at: firststringleadership.com/episode16

In this episode, Janet and I discuss her journey through leadership roles in corporate healthcare, her decision to become a leadership coach, common challenges she sees in all leaders, the importance of authenticity in leadership, trust, and much more!   Show notes available at: <a href="firststringleadership.com/episode16" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">firststringleadership.com/episode16</a>

016: An Impactful Coaching Journey with Janet Makepeace

Did you set goals/resolutions/aspirations for 2020? No doubt, goal setting is exciting! But how do you feel when you slip up on one of those goals? Do you stop completely? Do you slip back into your comfort zone? Let's talk about resiliency. How the often overlooked journey to get to your goal is just as important as achieving it in the first place! Show Notes Available at Firststringleadership.com/episode15

Did you set goals/resolutions/aspirations for 2020? No doubt, goal setting is exciting! But how do you feel when you slip up on one of those goals? Do you stop completely? Do you slip back into your comfort zone? Let's talk about resiliency. How the often overlooked journey to get to your goal is just as important as achieving it in the first place! Show Notes Available at <a href="Firststringleadership.com/episode15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Firststringleadership.com/episode15</a>

015: Resiliency - The Art of Bouncing Back

John Fenzel

In this episode, I sit down with COL (R) John Fenzel to discuss his own leadership lessons learned throughout a 30-year military career as well as his historical insights on leaders such as George C. Marshall, Thomas Bennett, and others!   Show Notes Available at Firststringleadership.com/episode14

In this episode, I sit down with COL (R) John Fenzel to discuss his own leadership lessons learned throughout a 30-year military career as well as his historical insights on leaders such as George C. Marshall, Thomas Bennett, and others! Show Notes Available at <a href="Firststringleadership.com/episode14" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Firststringleadership.com/episode14</a>

014: Leadership Lessons with COL (R) John Fenzel

In this episode, we deep dive into a subject that all leaders deal with at some point in their careers - Imposter Syndrome. We discuss not only what Imposter syndrome is, but what you can do to get over it and be the leader that you need to be for your team. Show Notes Available At: Firststringleadership.com/episode13

In this episode, we deep dive into a subject that all leaders deal with at some point in their careers - Imposter Syndrome. We discuss not only what Imposter syndrome is, but what you can do to get over it and be the leader that you need to be for your team. Show Notes Available At: <a href="http://Firststringleadership.com/episode13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Firststringleadership.com/episode13</a>

013: Imposter Syndrome

Let's be real here, what do you think the #1 challenge holding back your leadership is as we enter 2020? Have you ever really sat down and thought about that? I would argue that it isn't what you probably think. Instead, it is something you can control, your mindset. In this episode, we dig deep into that by showing leadership examples from people who overcame their mindsets to be successful and ways that you can do the same in 2020.   Show Notes Available at: Firststringleadership.com/episode12

Let's be real here, what do you think the #1 challenge holding back your leadership is as we enter 2020? Have you ever really sat down and thought about that? I would argue that it isn't what you probably think. Instead, it is something you can control, your mindset. In this episode, we dig deep into that by showing leadership examples from people who overcame their mindsets to be successful and ways that you can do the same in 2020. Show Notes Available at: <a href="http://Firststringleadership.com/episode12" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Firststringleadership.com/episode12</a>

012: Your #1 Challenge

In this episode, we examine the importance of decentralized decision making and how you can employ a proven methodology used by the US military to empower your teams.   Show Notes Available at: Firststringleadership.com/episode11

In this episode, we examine the importance of decentralized decision making and how you can employ a proven methodology used by the US military to empower your teams. Show Notes Available at: <a href="http://Firststringleadership.com/episode11" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Firststringleadership.com/episode11</a>

011: Decentralized Decision Making

In this episode, we deep dive into how perfectionism in leadership and business is toxic and how it is keeping you from taking your business to the next level!   Show notes available at firststringleadership.com/ten

In this episode, we deep dive into how perfectionism in leadership and business is toxic and how it is keeping you from taking your business to the next level! Show notes available at <a href="firststringleadership.com/ten" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">firststringleadership.com/ten</a>

010: Perfectionism - The Business Killer

This is a great podcast!  I just listened to the interview Jesse did with Doug Crandall and loved it.  Despite the success both of them have had, I appreciated their humility and unique perspectives on leadership.  Great stuff!  Keep it coming.

Interview with Doug Crandall

Clear is kind

The First-String Leadership Podcast

In this episode, we spend time discussing what it means to truly empower people. We discuss the need for a clear end state to be conveyed by the leader to the person being empowered along with clear boundaries to ensure that the mission is done within the leader's intent. Lastly, we discuss how starting with delegating and empowering your team can change the whole culture of your organization over time and make it a self-managed team.    Show notes available at firststringleadership.com/five 

In this episode, we spend time discussing what it means to truly empower people. We discuss the need for a clear end state to be conveyed by the leader to the person being empowered along with clear boundaries to ensure that the mission is done within the leader's intent. Lastly, we discuss how starting with delegating and empowering your team can change the whole culture of your organization over time and make it a self-managed team.  Show notes available at <a href="firststringleadership.com/five" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">firststringleadership.com/five</a>

005: Empowerment Explained

**I apologize upfront for the poor audio on this one. Had a microphone failure ** In this episode, we spend time deep-diving the effects of positive and negative reinforcement and what each can do to an organization. Using examples from sports and the military, we will follow two different paths to help you see the impact of each technique.   Show notes available at https://firststringleadership.com/four 

**I apologize upfront for the poor audio on this one. Had a microphone failure ** In this episode, we spend time deep-diving the effects of positive and negative reinforcement and what each can do to an organization. Using examples from sports and the military, we will follow two different paths to help you see the impact of each technique. Show notes available at <a href="https://firststringleadership.com/four" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firststringleadership.com/four</a>

004: The Power of Positive Reinforcement

In this episode, we deep dive into what you should do when you disagree with your boss. Whether the topic is major, or minor, these areas can become dicey if not approached in the correct manner. In order to break this down a little more, we discuss what "agreement" actually means, how to still proceed with a united front when you don't agree, and why it is essential that you and your boss remain (at least in the public eye) on the same page.    Show notes are available at firststringleadership.com/six

In this episode, we deep dive into what you should do when you disagree with your boss. Whether the topic is major, or minor, these areas can become dicey if not approached in the correct manner. In order to break this down a little more, we discuss what "agreement" actually means, how to still proceed with a united front when you don't agree, and why it is essential that you and your boss remain (at least in the public eye) on the same page.  Show notes are available at <a href="firststringleadership.com/six" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">firststringleadership.com/six</a>

006: What if you disagree with your boss?

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!