S3 Episode 17: Cultivating Leadership Skills

Leadership isn’t a title; it’s how we show up for people, problems, and purpose. We continue our deep dive into practical leadership by pairing John Maxwell’s timeless qualities with Simon Sinek’s big-picture framework, giving you a simple way to build trust, clarify your why, and take action—no corner office required. From parenting and coaching to team projects and tough conversations, Calvin explores how character and consistency turn everyday moments into meaningful influence.

We start with the core: people buy into the leader before the vision. That means integrity, courage, and commitment aren’t optional—they’re the bedrock that makes influence sustainable. You’ll learn how to align words and actions, speak the hard truth with care, and stay steady when novelty fades. Then we move into communication that connects, charisma as genuine attention, and a positive attitude that avoids toxic cheer while focusing on real solutions. Along the way, we unpack initiative (leaders go first), focus (say no to do the right yes), and problem solving that replaces reactivity with calm, curious thinking.

Generosity, self-discipline, and servanthood bring it all together. We show how giving credit, investing in people, and building daily habits compound into trust you can feel. And we ground the work with a weekly challenge: choose one quality and practice it through small, consistent actions tied to your why. By blending Maxwell’s how with Sinek’s why, you’ll have a clear, repeatable path to grow your leadership right where you are—at home, at work, and in your community.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome & Why Leadership Matters
• 3:00 Disclaimer & Counseling Resources
• 5:33 Character Before Vision
• 6:43 Integrity With Purpose
• 8:41 Courage: Hard Talks, Right Time
• 10:31 Commitment When It’s Not Fun
• 11:52 Communicate To Connect
• 13:35 Charisma As Care
• 14:58 Positive Attitude, Real Optimism
• 16:28 Initiative: Leaders Go First
• 17:41 Focus On What Matters Most
• 18:47 Problem Solving With Calm
• 19:54 Generosity Builds People
• 20:56 Self-Discipline Equals Consistency
• 21:43 Servanthood: Leaders Eat Last
• 22:41 A Marathon, Not A Sprint
• 23:55 Weekly Challenge & Reflection
• 25:26 Closing Quotes & Calls to Action