For You Leaders
75 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsHave you ever thought to yourself: "running a business shouldn't be this hard?" Then you need to listen to the For You Leadership Podcast, where you can tap into Kirk Dando’s leadership experience working with 11,000+ leaders around the world. From startups to hyper-growth companies, Kirk has seen it all. Short on theory and long on real-world examples, you will leave every episode equipped to be a better leader.
We’ll bring you interviews with some of today’s best CEOs and Dando’s clients. They will offer behind-the-scenes insights into how the companies big and small grow. You’ll learn the ground truth about what works and what doesn’t.
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Episodes
My out of office reply is this podcast
March 12, 2021 21:05 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MB“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.” Abraham Lincoln Kirk is on vacation this week. He’s taking some time to “sharpen his axe” so he can be a healthier more productive husband, father, friend, and leader. It’s hard for any leader to disconnect, but it’s even harder to deal with the consequences of not taking time for true self-care. Learn and grow from 9 award-winning CEOs, esteemed journalists, and overall great people about how they think about slow...
Call the Shot, Make the Shot (Part 5): 3 Best practices to get the most from your 1:1’s
March 02, 2021 09:55 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB“Ideas are great… but they are only as good as the people executing them.” Sean Spector, CEO + Founder Of Dropoff It’s almost a foregone conclusion - if you set the strategy and keep measuring it, it will all work out. However, a mediocre strategy with an amazing, aligned team will beat the brilliant strategy with a mediocre team almost every single time. The problem can be counterintuitive. We have all kinds of metrics and measurements to see how the business is performing, but we often n...
Call the Shot, Make the Shot (Part 4): 7 Strategy Myths that quietly destroy healthy strategy
February 09, 2021 11:09 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBWorking closely with leaders and their organizations, I hear a ton of myths around strategy. Many people have a strong opinion on what they think will (or will not) work when it comes to developing and executing their growth strategy. For example, “OKRs don’t work… We have to get everyone aligned to these goals… We need to set stretch goals... We have too many meetings... We need a 10-year vision...” The list goes on and on. Today, I’m not only going to dispel some common misunderstandings...
Call the Shot, Make the Shot (Part 4): 7 Strategy Myths that quietly destroy otherwise healthy strategy
February 09, 2021 11:09 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBWorking closely with leaders and their organizations, I hear a ton of misconceptions around strategy. Many people have a strong opinion on what they think will (or will not) work when it comes to developing and executing their growth strategy. For example, “OKRs don’t work… We have to get everyone aligned to these goals… We need to set stretch goals... We have too many meetings... We need a 10-year vision...” The list goes on and on. Today, I’m not only going to dispel some common misunder...
Call the Shot, Make the Shot (Part 3): Execution, the Gift that Never Stops Giving
January 28, 2021 10:08 - 28 minutes - 26 MBThe best gift you can give yourself, your team, your investors, your customers, and your organization is the ability to execute. Ideas are a dime a dozen. Execution of those ideas is where dimes turn into fortunes.
Call the Shot, Make the Shot (Part 2): 1 question CEOs are asking to make sure their 2021 plan gets executed
January 12, 2021 09:18 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBToday you’ll learn how other successful CEOs and their teams make sure their strategy comes alive through an unlikely process. You will see how to move your team beyond compliance to commitment (to the plan) with 1 key question. This 1 key question will drive clarity and desired alignment to execute in 2021.
Call the Shot, Make the Shot (Part 1): If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time
December 17, 2020 22:03 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBWhat confidence level do you have in your 2021 strategy? Will it be executed with the quality, timeliness, and budget you have promised to your investors, customers, and team members? In the latest For You Leaders podcast series, “Call the Shot, Make the Shot,” I will share the best practices around strategy from some of the world’s fastest-growing companies, like Amazon, HomeAway, Dropoff, and many others.
Velocity Vector (Part 5): The Anatomy of Growth
December 09, 2020 11:09 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBIt’s true. NOTHING KILLS FASTER THAN SUCCESS. That’s because success has a way of masking the issues that rob an organization of its full potential. Every healthy business matures through 3 distinct stages of growth with different characteristics and problems at each stage. If you are successful, you will grow yourself into problems. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to know which stage of growth your organization is in. You must be able to predict and prepare for the journey ahead so ...
Velocity Vector (Part 4): Decision Velocity - What is it and why is it so elusive?
November 30, 2020 10:21 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBThe goal of the Velocity Vector is to provide you with a framework and the mindset needed to achieve Decision Velocity. Although Decision Velocity sounds provocative and like something you should have, what is Decision Velocity? More importantly, why is it the unspoken goal of every leader, yet so elusive?
(SPECIAL) The healing power and science behind gratitude
November 16, 2020 15:50 - 7 minutes - 7.21 MBAs we approach Thanksgiving, we wanted to re-release one of our most popular podcasts ever. By any measure, 2020 has been a challenging year. That’s why it’s even more important than ever to focus on today’s subject: gratitude. It may sound tone-deaf, but gratitude is a healing tool with an incredible impact on my life and so many others. Furthermore, science proves an attitude of gratitude will literally rewire your brain for success - even in a year like 2020, and all the time. Listen t...
Velocity Vector (Part 3): The Tension Between Alignment and Speed
November 09, 2020 18:07 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBOne of the top five things I’ve heard over the last 25 years when I start working with a CEO and their team is, “We are not aligned,” or “We want to be better aligned.” Why does it matter? More importantly, are you, your team, and the organization aligned? If you’re not as aligned as you want to be, what would be different? What problems would it solve or how would your life be improved? This episode of the For You Leaders podcast is all about alignment: why and how the healthiest organiza...
Velocity Vector (Part 2): What to do when your plans do not go as planned
October 29, 2020 18:18 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBHere is one thing experience taught me: your plan will never go 100% according to plan. It doesn’t matter how perfect you think your plan is or how sophisticated your plan is. It doesn’t even matter how much time, effort or energy you put into planning. However, in this episode, you’ll learn a framework to help your team think independently and adjust, even when your plan doesn’t go according to plan.
The Velocity Vector (Part 1): How to build momentum and grow
October 14, 2020 17:44 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBDoes everything feel like it is moving too slow in your organization, including growth? Do you feel ready to accelerate into and throughout the new year? What are the stress levels for you, your team, your business, and at home? If you and your team are looking for ways to speed up growth and slow down stress, this podcast will show you the best practices used by some of the world's most successful leaders. This is not hyperbole, what we share represents the consolidation of 11,000 differe...
Velocity Vector (Part 1): How to build momentum and grow
October 14, 2020 17:44 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBDoes everything feel like it is moving too slow in your organization, including growth? Do you feel ready to accelerate into and throughout the new year? What are the stress levels for you, your team, your business, and at home? If you and your team are looking for ways to speed up growth and slow down stress, this podcast will show you the best practices used by some of the world's most successful leaders. This is not hyperbole, what we share represents the consolidation of 11,000 differe...
The unfair advantage of trust
June 10, 2020 16:21 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBWe continue our conversation with David Hassell, the CEO and Founder of 15Five. While 15Five is a software platform built to administer the 5-15 Framework, the secret to their success lies in building conditions of trust. We dive deep into the ways a simple framework (don’t worry, no software is required) is really a secret weapon to build trust and build physiological safety. This is especially important in today’s ever-changing environment.
How to maximize the most important 15 mins of your week
May 07, 2020 21:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBToday we dive into a framework called “the most important 15 mins of any employees’ workweek” - the 5-15. Our guest, David Hassell, is the founder of 15Five. His company expanded the 5-15 concept to inspire greater performance within individuals, teams and organizations. In this episode, David explains the idea behind 5-15s, why they are so powerful and how you can start using the concepts today. 15Five is offering its service for free until June 15, conditions apply. For more information, ...
SPECIAL: Brett Hurt shares how leadership just changed forever
April 20, 2020 07:18 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBBrett Hurt, co-founder and CEO of data.world, joins us on today’s episode. He provides his unique perspective on leading and communicating during difficult times. Brett has learned from both major breakthroughs as well as major breakdowns: from taking a company public (Bazaarvoice) to his experience in the middle of the dot-com but (Coremetrics). In this episode, Brett authentically shares his experience to help you become a better leader. Visit ForYouLeaders.com for links to all the resou...
SPECIAL: Managing your energy - not your time - to lead better
April 12, 2020 16:42 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBThis social episode was taken from a live Q&A we did in our Private Facebook Group for the executives we work with. Suzi Sosa, the founder and CEO of Verb, joined the group to explain her unique perspectives and approach to leadership - especially in this uncertain time. She covers a wide range of topics from how her leadership team has responded to how her customers (like Facebook, CHANEL, Bumble and Whole Foods) are responding to how she’s changed her focus from managing her time, to manag...
SPECIAL: The #1 priority of the best leaders, past and present
April 01, 2020 08:44 - 16 minutes - 11 MBFor this special edition of the For You Leaders Podcast, we focus on another way you can improve your leadership and be a force multiplier, especially in this time of uncertainty. By studying the patterns of great leaders from the past, as well as working closely with thousands of leaders, we have identified a short list of priorities the most admired leaders have consistently used to navigate through difficult times. Today, Kirk is going to share the number one priority of every great leade...
SPECIAL: Unlocking the power of commander’s intent
March 26, 2020 22:06 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBToday we bring you another special episode of The For You Leaders Podcast. Today Kirk is going to share a very simple, yet powerful, tool leaders use during uncertain times called “The Commander’s Intent.” It’s so simple, you can start using it today. Listen in as we discuss how to lead during uncertain times by using the power of Commander’s Intent. Don't miss the previous episode in this series where we discussed more about how to lead during uncertain times, as today’s world is changing ...
SPECIAL: How to lead in uncertain times
March 17, 2020 06:33 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBAre you a leader struggling or thinking about how to be leading during uncertain times with Coronavirus / COVID-19 ? If so, we wanted to hit pause and talk about what it means to be leading during uncertain times and the significance of being intentional and leading well. There’s no hype, just perspective on what we’re seeing with the CEOs we have the chance to work with on a daily basis. Let’s hit pause and talk about the importance of your leadership in this uncertain time.
HOW the heck the best product people lead (Part 2 of 2)
March 11, 2020 16:09 - 24 minutes - 17 MBToday, we continue the conversation around product development with Christopher O’Donnell, Chief Product Officer at Hubspot and Ash Devata, Head of Product at Duo Security. We cover a wide range of topics from how to creatively interview to ensure you get the right person in your next product management hire, including ways to pressure test for EQ and IQ to specific ways Hubspot and Duo Security develop and execute their product roadmap. We even dive into how CEOs should think about and infl...
WHAT the heck does a product person do? (Part 1)
February 27, 2020 10:19 - 27 minutes - 18.5 MBWhat the Heck Does A Product Person Do? Christopher O’Donnell, Chief Product Officer at Hubspot and Ash Devata, Head of Product at Duo Security share their incredible insights as product leaders. Before you brush off this podcast as something only for high-tech startups or product-centric companies, think again. This episode is full of important perspectives and tips for ANY company, even if you don’t have a "product person" in your business.
Meetings: 2 Practical (and scientifically proven) Ways to Eliminate Wasted Time and Improve Your Meetings
February 05, 2020 10:00 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBThere are approximately 55 million meetings in the US every single day. Yes, you read that right. On top of that, executives said 72% of their meetings were unproductive. What side does your team fall on? Today, we are talking all about meetings. We provide you with several tips that do not cost you a dime and you can implement immediately.
How to set goals that motivate, acquire companies to grow and worry less - how one award-winning CEO does it
January 17, 2020 09:15 - 19 minutes - 8.98 MBToday, we are continuing our conversation with the award-winning CEO of Four Hands, Matt Briggs. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics from goal-setting to acquisitions to reducing stress. If you missed the previous episode, don’t miss the chance to hear the way Four Hands operationalizes their core values. One topic to pay extra close attention to in this episode is how Matt and Four Hands set their company goals. In working with businesses around the world, it’s incredible how...
How to Operationalize Core Values to Drive Performance
December 20, 2019 06:44 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBYou might have heard CEOs talk about their core values and wondered: how do they practically live out the core values in the business? Furthermore, how do they use them to drive performance? Today, you’re going to hear from award-winning CEO, Matt Briggs of Four Hands, Four Hands is a home furnishing company based in Austin, TX. In this episode, Matt shares how they actually live out one of their most unique core values: Fun. You’ll be surprised by the many ways they live up to this core va...
John James Part 2: The Real and Raw Truth about Success, Growth, Failure and Leaving a Legacy
October 17, 2019 19:53 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBWe continue our conversation with John James, the CEO of Engine. John dives into many of the how-to’s and “wish I would have knowns” from his deep experience. He candidly shares about the health scare that led to his resignation at Country Outfitter, how he thinks about his legacy and the principles he’s taken with him to his newest venture, Engine. He also provides the powerful and simple advice Alex Dillard, the President of Dillard’s Department Stores, gave him that totally changed the w...
The Real and Raw Truth about Success, Growth, Failure and Leaving a Legacy
October 17, 2019 19:53 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBWe continue our conversation with John James, the CEO of Engine. John dives into many of the how-to’s and “wish I would have knowns” from his deep experience. He candidly shares about the health scare that led to his resignation at Country Outfitter, how he thinks about his legacy and the principles he’s taken with him to his newest venture, Engine. He also provides the powerful and simple advice Alex Dillard, the President of Dillard’s Department Stores, gave him that totally changed the w...
John James Part 1: Scaling to failing: Why nothing kills faster than success
October 01, 2019 15:33 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBAs a serial entrepreneur, John created several online companies that ultimately led to the creation of Country Outfitter, a giant in western wear eCommerce. Today, John shares the lessons he’s learned from being a medical doctor to scaling an eCommerce company. He candidly shares the story of how Country Outfitter ultimately failed and how he had to step down as CEO. However, that is not the end of the story, John is wildly successful again, both in business and life.
Dug Song Part 3: How to operationalize your values, manage the board and build an enduring company
September 24, 2019 19:06 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBThis is the final episode in our series of interviews with Duo Security co-founder, Dug Song. In this episode, we cover a variety of topics from managing the board to work-life balance. We also dive into how Duo Security actively operationalizes their values to ensure they come to life within the business. There are no cheesy inspirational posters in this episode, just real and raw tactics and advice you can start implementing today. Listen now:
Duo Song Part 3: How to operationalize your values, manage the board and build an enduring company
September 24, 2019 19:06 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBThis is the final episode in our series of interviews with Duo Security co-founder, Dug Song. In this episode, we cover a variety of topics from managing the board to work-life balance. We also dive into how Duo Security actively operationalizes their values to ensure they come to life within the business. There are no cheesy inspirational posters in this episode, just real and raw tactics and advice you can start implementing today. Listen now:
Dug Song Part 2: Make Complexity The Enemy: The Simple but Proven Methods Behind Duo’s Growth
September 10, 2019 07:16 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBAs you scale a business, there’s no shortage of tactics and advice. But how do you decide what to do, when to do it and in what order? Today’s guest, Dug Song, will tell you: “Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be. The list of all the things you could be doing are probably the right things to do….at some point in the company.” He warns that doing things “too early will literally kill you...you just can’t afford it when you’re small.”
Dug Song Part 1: A different way to scale to $2.35b: How Duo Security did it
August 05, 2019 07:42 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBYou often hear the headlines like Cisco to Aquire Duo Security for $2.35b, and wonder - what’s the story behind the story? Today you’re going to hear part one of our interview with Dug Song, co-founder and General Manager of Duo Security at Cisco. Dug is a self-proclaimed hacker who humbly describes himself as a one-trick security pony. As you’ll learn today, Dug is an incredible leader that knew, in order to put a unique company together, like Duo, he needed to build it differently. Dug sh...
Interviewing: Rackspace co-founder shares lessons learned and best practices
May 03, 2019 02:30 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MBDirk Elmendorf, a co-founder of Rackspace, learned the hard way: interviewing is hard. It’s even more difficult when hiring for highly technical positions like engineers, that may not excel in a traditional interview. In this episode, Dirk explains his unique approach to hiring and provides tips you can use in your next interview. He discusses gut instinct vs. raw data, how to ask great questions and what you should be listening for in your next interview. Dirk also tells the deeply personal...
Rackspace Co-Founder: How to build a “fanatical,” customer-obsessed culture
April 12, 2019 07:12 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBToday we are talking to Dirk Elmendorf, Co-Founder of Rackspace. You’re going to hear the exceptional story behind how he started Rackspace in 1998 with two co-founders and how Rackspace got to be known for its fanatical customer support. Dirk provides simple solutions to make sure customers remain (or become) the center of your business. If you have a business that provides support for your product or service, you do not want to miss this episode.
Work-Life Balance: Is it even possible? How to win the struggle between work and life.
March 11, 2019 07:41 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBHow do busy executives handle the different demands of work and family life? What tips can you start implementing to be a more effective leader and husband/wife/father/mother? In this special episode of For You Leaders podcast, we take a compilation of advice, perspectives and guidance we have gathered over the years and combine it into one episode.
Redbox Founder: How To Hold Employees Accountable And Empower At The Same Time
January 24, 2019 07:03 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MBWe all know that people are the most important asset within the business. But how, exactly, do you empower your employees and hold them accountable at the same time?
From Zero to $2B: Lessons from Redbox Founder Gregg Kaplan
January 14, 2019 09:01 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBToday’s guest is Gregg Kaplan, founder of RedBox. Gregg is an incredible leader with a great story. In today’s episode, Gregg shares the unique story of RedBox (for example, did you know that RedBox started as an idea within McDonalds?) and the lessons he learned on the path to scaling RedBox to over $2b in revenue.
The Top 3 Fears of CEOs
October 30, 2018 20:37 - 14 minutes - 19.5 MBFor this special Halloween-themed episode of the For You Leaders Podcast, we’ll explore three huge fears of, even the best, CEOs. Obviously, most CEOs are concerned that their businesses will succeed, but today’s episode goes deeper to uncover why CEOs share these three very common, fears. You will also learn how to overcome these fears in your own life.
Creating something from nothing: Lessons from the audacious vision of Zero Mass Water
October 19, 2018 09:28 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBToday’s guest is Cody Friesen, CEO of Zero Mass Water. Their mission is lofty by any standard: Perfecting water for every person, every place.Today’s podcast is about a lot more than the incredible product Cody and Zero Mass Water are building. You will learn Cody’s innovative ideas bleed into Zero Mass Water’s culture and hiring.
The 3 types of leaders: Which one are you?
September 19, 2018 07:03 - 19 minutes - 8.89 MBHave you ever wondered how others would describe your leadership style? It does not matter what kind of leader you want to be, aspire to be or even believe you are. What matters is your real leadership style. Today’s For You leaders podcast is all about you and your leadership style.
How the Most Effective CEOs Spend Their Time: An exhaustive 12-year study
August 27, 2018 16:05 - 24 minutes - 11.4 MBWe all have the same 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Why do some CEOs seem to get more accomplished than others? As you’ll learn today from a ground-breaking 12-year study from the Harvard Business Review, it all comes down to one word: intentionality.
Culture, Leverage and Getting Stuff Done
August 07, 2018 04:12 - 23 minutes - 10.8 MBCulture, Leverage and Getting Stuff Done: these might be the three most important topics for anyone starting a business. In today’s episode, Blake Garrett, CEO and Founder of Aceable and AceableAgent, tackles all three hot topics – challenging your perception with his unique views.
How to manufacture your own luck: Aligning Priorities and Actions
July 23, 2018 02:17 - 19 minutes - 8.71 MB“Action expresses priorities." - Mahatma Gandhi If you are trying to manufacture your own luck, it might be time for you to start reflecting on a quote that greatly influenced today’s guest, Blake Garrett. Blake is the CEO and Founder of Aceable and AceableAgent, a hyper-growth startup based in Austin, TX. As you’ll hear today, the Aceable that exists now was not Blake’s original idea. In this episode, Blake tells the story of how he left Ernst and Young to follow his dreams of creating a ...
Building a culture of performance: hiring hacks from RevZilla - Anthony Bucci Part 2
May 10, 2018 15:59 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBIf you missed the first episode with Anthony Bucci, co-founder and former CEO of RevZilla, be sure to listen now. He explains how he and his co-founders scaled RevZilla from an idea to over $140 million in revenue without raising any outside money. Anthony is a self-proclaimed nerd when it comes to people issues. In this episode, he will challenge your thinking on hiring, leading and managing. He’ll give you a powerful concept we recommend our portfolio companies: the 5-15. Anthony mastered...
Everything breaks at scale: How RevZilla navigated explosive growth - Anthony Bucci - Part 1
April 26, 2018 10:44 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBThere’s a reason why nothing kills faster than success: everything breaks at scale. Today’s guest is Anthony Bucci, the co-founder and former CEO of the incredibly successful company, RevZilla. As CEO, Anthony navigated RevZilla doubling in revenue almost every year – without raising any outside money. Anthony provides a unique retrospective on today’s podcast. He’s had a chance to reflect on his experiences inside the rocketship company. He now wants to help normalize the journey for anyo...
Culture, Values, Raising Money + The Role of CEO
March 20, 2018 10:01 - 49 minutes - 34 MBToday, we’re continuing our conversation with serial entrepreneur, Brett Hurt. If you missed the first episode, make sure to listen to learn the resources Brett uses to scale, how to communicate with investors and a lot more. This episode is jam-packed with insights and actionable advice from Brett. We spend a lot of time talking about exactly HOW to create a thriving culture. Brett shares a unique but powerful way to develop your company’s values so they stick and are memorable. Brett’s bu...
Scaling: Lessons Learned from Brett Hurt
March 02, 2018 10:02 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBToday we’re talking to serial entrepreneur, Brett Hurt. He’s a co-founder and the CEO of data.world and a founder of Coremetrics and Bazaarvoice. Brett also owns Hurt Family Investments with his wife, Debra. They’re now invested in 55 startups and 12 VC funds. Brett’s had the privilege, both firsthand and through his investments, to see the practices that work (and don’t) for scaling a business. In Part One of our interview with Brett, he shares two practices he wishes more CEOs would util...
The powerful attitude of gratitude
February 14, 2018 15:15 - 8 minutes - 5.67 MBHappy Valentine's Day! In this short podcast, we discuss the powerful concept of gratitude and how you can use it to upgrade your leadership. We also introduce the Leadership Gratitude Journal. You can download or buy a physical version of the Leadership Gratitude Journal here.
The 1 question great leaders ask about every employee
February 07, 2018 15:35 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIt’s not a secret, people and their issues are a huge part of any leader’s life. It can be the best and worst part about being a leader. The good news is today’s episode is full of simple, actionable frameworks around developing and leading people. We talk about how to hire, how to fire, how to develop and why people are such a big issue in the first place. We also highlight the one question all great leaders ask, at least once a quarter, about every one of their employees. Our guest toda...