Maxwell Leadership Podcast
John Maxwell
- 38 minutes 25 secondsWhat You Expect is What You Experience
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:
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Successful leaders continually set higher, self-driven expectations and upgrade them over time.
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Possibility thinking empowers you to see problems as opportunities and persevere through adversity.
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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:
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28 January 2026, 5:00 am -
- 35 minutes 1 secondHow Empowerment Fuels Team Success
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:
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The strongest teams thrive when leaders actively demonstrate that they need their people and invite them to contribute.
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Empowerment is more than delegation; it's giving team members authority, resources, and trust to lead.
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"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:
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Three Indicators of an Empowering Leader Podcast Episode
21 January 2026, 5:00 am -
- 44 minutes 54 secondsIt's Not About You: Leadership, Communication, and Putting Others First
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:
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The more you focus on adding value to others, the more you'll receive value in return.
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To communicate in a way that truly resonates, make your message all about your audience, not yourself.
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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:
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Get John Maxwell's Every Day with Purpose online course for 75% off
14 January 2026, 5:00 am -
- 39 minutesThe Bookends of Success
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:
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Preparation on the front end and reflection on the back end transform average experiences into powerful growth opportunities.
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Realistic thinking is the foundation of effective preparation.
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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:
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Get John Maxwell's High Road Leadership online course for 33% off
7 January 2026, 5:00 am -
- 42 minutes 24 secondsWhy Self-Awareness Sets Great Leaders Apart
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:
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Self-awareness doesn't happen in isolation—it requires the courage to invite feedback from others and the humility to receive it.
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Before you can lead yourself effectively, you must first know yourself authentically. Self-awareness precedes situational awareness.
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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:
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31 December 2025, 5:00 am -
- 47 minutes 44 secondsAcknowledge Your Humanness
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:
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Listen to John Maxwell's song, "Get Over Myself"
24 December 2025, 5:00 am - 39 minutes 45 secondsWhat to Expect When You Take the High Road
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!
17 December 2025, 5:00 am - 40 minutes 26 secondsGreat Leaders Value All People
It's easy to value people you like. But as a leader, affirming people's worth isn't an option — even if you don't see eye to eye. In this week's episode, John Maxwell is sharing 4 practical ways you can develop the all-important skill of uplifting and valuing others!
After John's lesson, Mark Cole challenges you with 3 others-focused tasks to complete in the week to come so that you can apply this principle in your life and leadership.
Key takeaways:
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High road leaders value all people equally, even those different from them.
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Valuing people yields relational, emotional, and leadership returns.
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Valuing people is an intentional action, not a feeling.
Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Great Leaders Value All People Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/ValueAllPeople 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:
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10 December 2025, 5:00 am -
- 42 minutes 27 secondsYour Motives Matter
Do you know why you want to lead? What drives your interactions with people? These are critical questions every leader must ask themselves for the good of those they lead — and in today's episode, John Maxwell is walking you through how to examine your motives as a leader!
After John's lesson, Mark Cole unpacks John's teaching points so you can apply them directly to your life and leadership.
Key takeaways:
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Motivation is about mutual advantage and empowering people, while manipulation is about personal gain and controlling people.
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Most aspiring leaders want to lead and be loved, but sometimes, they are mutually exclusive.
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To keep your leadership motives in check, regularly serve others without a title or position.
Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Your Motives Matter Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/MotivesMatter 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:
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Discover how to stop shrinking & start owning your life with Thanh Nguyen's Unshrink Yourself
6 Steps to Successful Personal Change (Part 1) Podcast Episode
3 December 2025, 5:00 am -
- 40 minutes 18 secondsLead to Give, Not to Get
In this Thanksgiving-week episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell reminds us that effective, impactful leadership isn't about what you receive — it's about what you give. He explains how the most effective leaders focus on servant leadership, sowing into others, and making their contribution bigger than their reward.
After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share how this principle applies in today's organizations—from mentoring employees to overcoming entitlement and inspiring genuine employee motivation through example and gratitude.
You'll learn how to:
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Replace entitlement with a mindset of service and contribution.
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Lead through generosity, not expectation.
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Turn competition into collaboration by focusing on team growth.
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Model selfless leadership that strengthens trust and performance.
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Inspire others through consistent gratitude and example.
🎯 Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is the Lead to Give, Not to Get Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. To download the worksheet, go to MaxwellPodcast.com/LeadToGive and click "Download the Bonus Resource."
📈 Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team to grow your leadership skills and coaching business.
References:
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26 November 2025, 5:00 am -
- 39 minutes 29 secondsStop Meaning Well, Start Living Well
In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell teaches why good intentions aren't enough—and how real growth begins when you choose intentional living. You'll discover the difference between passivity and purposeful action, and how intentional listening can transform your relationships and your leadership.
After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack how to apply these ideas in leadership, communication, and personal development. Together, they explore practical ways to overcome procrastination, practice active listening, and bring accountability into your growth journey!
You'll learn how to:
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Move from good intentions to intentional action
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Turn reflection into growth and momentum
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Apply active listening to strengthen connection and influence
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Build accountability into your daily leadership habits
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Embrace intentional living to achieve long-term success
🎯 BONUS RESOURCE: Download the Stop Meaning Well, Start Living Well Worksheet with fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching at MaxwellPodcast.com/LivingWell and click "Download the Bonus Resource."
📈 Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team to grow your leadership and communication impact.
References:
Watch this episode on YouTube!
The Best Thing You Can Do for Yourself and Others Podcast Episode
19 November 2025, 5:00 am -
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