S31E3AI RECAP🎙️ LIVE AWLL from Proverbs — Chapter 3 (Multi Audio Tracks)

Hi, I'm John Maxwell. When the top companies in the world are looking for trainers, speakers, and coaches, there's one name that stands above the rest, and that's Maxwell Leadership. Our certified team members have gotten proven results for companies all over the globe, and our reputation, I'm proud to say, is second to none. Some of our members have risen to the top of their profession, including the one you're going to meet today. I proudly introduce you to my friend Bob Fabien Zinga.

Welcome to the Leadership Success Podcast with your host, Coach BZ, where we help you lead with purpose and succeed with impact. If you're ready to grow into the kind of leader others want to follow, this podcast is for you. If you're determined to elevate your success and leave a lasting legacy, this podcast is is for you. As my mentor Dr. John C. Maxwell reminds us, everything rises and falls on leadership. Our goal is simple: to inspire you, challenge you, and equip you with insights that can transform the trajectory of your leadership journey. Welcome aboard to another episode of the Leadership and Success Podcast with Coach B.

I think leadership is not about what you do in public on the stage. When the limelight, the spotlight is on you, but what do you do when nobody else, or you think nobody else is watching? Because I guarantee you, eventually what's done in the dark will be brought to light. Eventually that will be the case. Or another way my professor taught me to think about this is, uh, what would your grandmother think about you if you did this? What would she think? Usually people respect their grandma. Would she be happy? Would she be proud? Is this the right thing to do? So where have you drifted from your core values under stress or urgency? See, because I think what the stress, what the pressure does, it just reveals who you are, your core values. Like I told, mine were service, right? Excellence, honor, leadership, growth. So when I am under a lot of pressure, that's really what should come out of me because that's who I am at my core. Those are the values I have decided are my core values. So the anchor reflection is sustainable leadership is not— so that's all I have for chapter 3. It's been almost an hour. I don't see any comments in the comment box. So again, I am looking forward to seeing what you think about what I said or whatever insight you got yourself from any of the verses for chapter 3. And I'm going to be back here tomorrow for chapter 4. And, uh, actually today in a couple of hours I will be interviewing the one and only Colonel Chevy Cook, and I hope you can watch us live. He's a mentor-in-chief, soldier, scholar, strategist. We're going to be talking about beyond control because leadership really is influence, not control. Okay, and then next week I will have the pleasure to interview Lee Jones. He's an award-winning CIO, Chief Information Officer, global system builder, tech steward, and calm under pressure. We're going to be talking about going from legacy to resilience. And then I will have a great honor to speak with Admiral Melissa Byrd, United States Coast Guard JAG. She recently retired, Judge Advocate General. So the highest-ranked lawyer for the Coast Guard. She's principled, strategic, and empowering. We're gonna be talking about leadership at the intersection of law, trust, and national security. This is really, really tough, and sometimes we get those things confused. Like, I am talking to you now, somebody might be calling me, oh, this is urgent, someone is calling right now, let me pick it up. Well, do I really need to pick it up? Maybe, maybe not. We have invented voicemail, right? They can leave a message and I will get back to them. But for some people, whatever is happening at the moment, it's like urgent, urgent, I have to do it. No, no, maybe you don't have to. What are your core values? What are your priorities? And only work on your priorities. So I think you have to start with what's both important and urgent. Something is happening right now and it's important, you have to do that first. And then next, I think you need to work on what's important but not urgent. For example, being healthy, exercising regularly 3 or 5 times a week, not urgent, you don't have to do it, but it's important for your health. So you have to get it scheduled and you have to get it done. And then you can start with what is urgent but not important, or you can delegate that one. Yeah, it needs to be taken care of now. Someone needs to make the call, but it doesn't have to be me. It can be somebody working for me, or somebody else in the office can do it. This needs to get done, but just not by me and just not right now. And then what is not important and but it is urgent, those things you should just let them go. Just don't do it. Remove the clutter, right? And focus. Not important, not urgent, just don't get it done. Completely eliminate that. But it is urgent but it's not important, delegate. Have somebody else do it. Now, it is important and it is urgent, you do that one first. And when it is important but not urgent, then you schedule it. Okay, that's what I learned from General Eisenhower, from his Eisenhower Matrix. That's going to really help you be a better— All right, those were a few highlights from Season 31, Episode 3. So we did that on January 3rd. So today on February 3rd, we are going to have the AI recap for what we learned then. So before we get started, so our moment of gratitude, we always want to be grateful every time we meet, but really this entire month of February, I am just grateful for Black History Month. I want to celebrate what African Americans have contributed to this country. I believe they have built this country, made it as great as it is. And we want to celebrate their outstanding achievement. And I especially want to celebrate the achievement of those who have served in the military, any branches of the US military, from the very beginning, right from 1776, from the Independence War to the Civil War up to today. Those who have contributed, I do not want to forget them. Okay, to start then, let's— let me share my screen first. First of all, uh, and I'm gonna show first what happened, uh, today, right, February 3rd, in American history. So we are going to share, uh, what happened on February 3rd, 1948. Okay, 1948. This is a very, very sad story. No, it just shows how racism, uh, really, um, paralyzed this country for such a long time. This is the story of the Ingram family, Rosa Ingram and her two sons. They were sentenced to death, and the reason why they were is because in 1948 they murdered a white neighbor, and I believe it was accidental. They didn't wish to murder him, but the man was sexually assaulting their mother, so the son came to her defense and the man accidentally died. And because of that, they were sentenced to death by all white jury. And but thank God in 1959, which was what, 11 years later, they were released on parole having been judged to be model prisoners. So that's something in history I think we just should not forget. It happened in our America. But you can see, for those who follow me, you can go to my LinkedIn page and you can read all of it. But February 3rd, 1948, it Black mother and their children sentenced to die for defending themselves. Again, the woman was being sexually assaulted. Can you believe that? So that was February 3rd, 1948. So today in history, Rosalynn Graham, a Black widow, and sharecropper, and two of her children, Wallace and Sammy, both teenagers, 17, 14 years old, really kids. They were convicted by an all-white jury in a one-day trial in Ellaville, Georgia. All three were sentenced to death by electric chair. Chair, if you can believe that. All right, so again, go to my LinkedIn page and you can learn more. And I also want to do our second remembrance of Black history, and today I want to talk about a hero. Sergeant William Carney is the very first African American to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. It's just Incredible. He was a Union Army soldier whose courage under fire forever changed American military history. So he served in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first Black regiment recruited in the North to fight in the Civil War. Of course, this was the war to end slavery in America. What a black spot that has been in our history. So on July 18th, 1863, the 54th led a direct assault on Fort Wagner, guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbor. The attack was brutal. The regiment commander, Robert Gould Shaw, and many soldiers were killed. But as the fighting intensified, the color bearer beside Kearney was struck down by enemy fire. So that's the American flag. Without hesitation, Sergeant Kearney seized the American flag and continued the charge. Despite being shot multiple times and gravely wounded, Sergeant Kearney reached the parapet of the fort. As he fell, he held the flag high and passed it to his comrade, declaring words that still echo through military history today. "Boys, the old flag, the ensign, never touched the ground." Wow. For his gallantry, risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, Sergeant Carney became the first African American to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for military valor. Now, this was established by Congress in 1862, and the Medal of Honor recognized extraordinary bravery in combat, and during the Civil War, more than 180,000 African Americans served in the Union Army, but only 16 were awarded the Medal of Honor. But Sergeant William Carney was the very, very first. All right, you can read more about him on my LinkedIn page, but I think during Black History Month, it's definitely somebody we want to remember. Sergeant William Carney, what an American hero. Is, and we definitely want to celebrate that. All right, so now what I'm gonna do, I'm gonna play a couple of AI videos. First one is about 7 minutes, and then I'm gonna play another one that's about 8 minutes. Again, it's going to be a summary of the hour-long podcast we had on January 3rd when we studied the Book of Proverbs, seeking for ancient wisdom and leadership lesson. So again, as you are listening, please let me know Where are you joining us from? What city? What state? Let me know what you are grateful for today. And also, as you listen, jot down the 3 to 5 takeaways from today's episode. And also let me know in the comment what is one thing that you are going to apply today from what you're going to be learning on this podcast this morning. All right, let's listen to the first 7 minutes or so of the AI recap. For Season 31, Chapter 3. This was the study of the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 3, seeking for ancient wisdom and leadership lesson. Here we go.

So what can a 3,000-year-old text really teach a modern CEO or a military general? Well, it turns out a surprising amount. We're going to dive right in and translate some ancient wisdom into a practical playbook for today's high-stakes leaders. And look, this isn't some dusty history lesson. We're talking about a timeless blueprint for leadership that works right now, today. Seriously, take a second and think about it. When the pressure is cranked all the way up, when things are unbelievably complex and the stakes couldn't be higher, what's your true north? Is it your gut, instinct, the latest spreadsheet, maybe the loudest voice in the room? It's a critical question for anyone in a leadership role. Believe it or not, an answer comes from a text that has guided decision-makers for thousands of years: Proverbs chapter 3. And as we're about to see, these aren't just, you know, nice-sounding platitudes. These are basically universal laws of leadership that still govern everything from credibility and decision-making to the legacy you leave behind. Okay, so here's our game plan. We'll start with the leadership challenge itself. Then, we'll get into the big idea from this ancient source. And from there, we'll break down 3 super practical areas: how you lead from the inside, how you find clarity, and finally, how what you do with your resources—your stewardship—shapes the legacy you leave behind. Alright, first up, the leadership challenge. The thing is, the big problems leaders deal with—you know, the pressure, the uncertainty, all that complexity—they're not new at all. They're just coming at us faster and from more directions than ever before. So, what's the big ancient idea here? It's actually a pretty profound shift in thinking. See, we usually focus on what leadership achieves, right? The goals it rises to. But this wisdom says the real secret is understanding what leadership has to rise from. It's all about the foundation, the source of a leader's real influence, not just how they use it. And this is where that famous quote from John C. Maxwell really hits home: "Everything rises and falls on leadership." I mean, if that's true—and I think we all kinda know it is—then we have to be crystal clear about what our leadership is actually built on. And this slide just lays it out perfectly. Real effective leadership isn't about having the fanciest strategy right out of the gate. No, it flows from something deeper. It's about putting trust before strategy. It's about character before competence. And it's about seeking wisdom before chasing wealth or status. It's a total reordering of our typical leadership priorities. Okay, let's get practical. Our first section, Leading from the Inside Out. This is all about how you actually build that rock-solid foundation of trust and credibility that we just talked about. So, lesson number 1 is that leadership, true leadership, doesn't start with your job title or where you are on the org chart. It starts with your internalized values. And this is the key right here. It's like a formula: when what you believe and how you behave are consistent, the result is trust. That's the bedrock. Building on that, the second lesson reframes trust in a really powerful way. It's not some soft skill. It is— operational currency. It's a hard, strategic asset. You earn it drop by drop, slowly, through being consistent and having integrity. But you spend it every single day, especially when the heat is on and And your team is looking to you, needing to know they can count on you, no question. All right, so here's a gut-check moment for you. I want you to really think about this. When things aren't the most intense, you know, the pressure is on, deadlines are screaming, how do people actually experience your leadership? Does it match up with the values you say you have? All right, moving on to our next big idea: The Path to Clarity. And this is a big one. Because it's about facing down maybe the single greatest danger for any leader: the blind spots that our own ego creates. This comparison right here says it all, doesn't it? Just look at the two columns. On one side, you have the ego-driven leader. They're blinded by their own confidence, they get defensive with feedback, and they just try to force their decisions through. But then look at the other side, the wisdom-driven leader. They use humility to actually sharpen their judgment. They reflect instead of just reacting. And they actively go looking for other people's advice. See, ego is a risk multiplier. Humility is a risk mitigator. It's that simple. So, how do you actually get there? Well, here are 4 incredibly powerful, practical things any leader can do: 1. Pause. Just take a beat before making a big call. 2. Make it safe for people to disagree with you. Actively create that space. 3. Start seeing feedback not as an attack but as a gift. And 4—this is huge—normalize learning from failure. Make it part of the culture. And that brings us to another really powerful question for you to ask yourself. Right now, in your professional life, who has your permission to challenge you, to be brutally honest with you? If you can't name anyone, that's a huge red flag. That's a massive blind spot. Okay, let's shift gears and talk about the long game—legacy. Our final section, Stewardship Shapes Legacy, is all about how that internal work—the character, the humility—starts to show up on the outside. Because at the end of the day, where you put your resources, well, that tells the world what you really value. I mean, you can say your priorities are X, Y, and Z all day long, But how you actually divvy up your 3 most critical resources—your time, the talent on your team, and your treasure, you know, your budget—that tells the real story. This isn't just about managing resources; it's a snapshot of your values in action. So, what story is your allocation telling right now? And this brings us to such a critical idea. The text calls wisdom the ultimate force multiplier. And just think about that for a second. Raw talent might get you in the game, but wisdom is what lets you win, what keeps you there for the long haul. It's that special blend of knowledge, ethics, and good old-fashioned judgment that allows a great leader to create stability, to create calm right in the middle of chaos. Okay, one last moment for reflection, and this one might sting a little. In this world that we live in, we're all addicted to speed, to urgency. But I want you to ask yourself: where are you choosing urgency over wisdom? Where are you choosing to be reactive, just putting out fires, when what's really needed is wisdom. So, what's the big takeaway from all this? It really boils down to these three things: The strongest, most effective, most lasting leadership—it isn't reactive, it's anchored. It's not just for show, it's not performative, it's principled. And it's not rushed and hurried, it's humble. And we're gonna leave you with this final, powerful idea to chew on: The true measure of your leadership isn't about the title on your business card or how high up the ladder you climb. It's not about how high you rise; it's about how well you align with these timeless principles of trust, character, and wisdom.

Welcome to our discussion on timeless leadership insights drawn from an ancient text that's surprisingly relevant today. Let's dive into the wisdom of Proverbs chapter 3. I'm excited, absolutely.

What do you think is the heart of these lessons?

Well, you see, this chapter pivots around the idea that leadership isn't about just relying on your own abilities. It's really about trust first, character before competence, and wisdom shaping every decision.

Yep, that's fascinating, especially when you consider the constant pressures in our modern military, tech, and cybersecurity environments.

Exactly. One of the sharp lessons is that leadership must start from the inside out. It's about aligning your internal values with your behavior. Consistency creates credibility, which is so crucial. Mm-hmm.

So basically, if leaders really stick to what they truly believe, people notice that authenticity, right?

Right on! And then there's the idea that trust itself becomes a strategic advantage. Trust isn't just some soft add-on; it's operational currency. Under pressure, teams follow leaders who are genuine and transparent.

Yeah. Ah, and that makes sense because when people trust you, they're more likely to support your decisions, even in tough situations.

Absolutely. Then we hit on a really interesting point: surrender precedes clarity. Now, I know surrender might sound counterintuitive, but it's about pausing, taking a breath, and allowing humility to guide you. It's like, um, before you rush into decisions, you need to let go of that overconfidence to actually see clearly. I get that.

Sometimes giving up some control makes space for better judgment. Exactly.

Which leads us to another powerful lesson: humility protects leaders from collapse. Now, some might say, but isn't too much humility sometimes seen as weakness?

Mm-hmm. Yeah, I mean, doesn't excessive humility risk undermining authority or decisiveness? That's a fair point.

But here it's more about being teachable and open to feedback. When humility is balanced right, it actually fortifies your credibility by keeping you receptive to learning and correction rather than letting ego cloud judgment. Absolutely.

So it's like an antidote to the pitfalls of overconfidence.

Exactly. And moving forward, we see that stewardship shapes legacy. Leaders make decisions about how they allocate time, money, and resources, and those decisions, deeply rooted in their values, ultimately tell their true priorities. Yeah, that sounds like it really defines the long-term impact a leader can have. Definitely. And consider this next idea: growth often comes through correction. Leaders who embrace feedback, treating it as a gift rather than a slight, actually accelerate their own development. Mm, I like that.

It's like the very act of correcting missteps is an investment in your leadership journey.

Precisely. And then there's perhaps the ultimate takeaway: wisdom is the force multiplier. Talent might open doors, but wisdom, integrating knowledge, ethics, and sound judgment keeps them open and guides you through uncertainty. Right.

So wisdom essentially ties all these lessons together, ensuring that every decision reflects a deeper principled understanding.

Exactly. It wraps up the idea that leadership success comes from being anchored, anchored not in fleeting achievements, but in long-lasting principles like trust, humility, and continuous growth.

I really love that perspective—putting character before title and ensuring that every step you take as a leader adds up to a legacy rather than just a moment in time.

Right. And if we talk about applications, this is crucial across fields. For instance, military commanders, naval junior officers, engineers, tech leaders—everyone can learn from these enduring lessons. When you lead with a clear sense of internal values, you empower your team to be more than just cogs in a machine. They become a trusted partner.

Absolutely. It kind of reminds me of a compass, doesn't it? Even when the environment gets tough, you always have that steady point guiding you home.

Mm-hmm, exactly like that. And then there's this powerful notion that trust really does come before strategy. When people believe in you, When they see that you're being open, consistent, and humble, they follow you without needing constant micromanagement.

Yeah, and isn't it interesting how this ancient wisdom resonates so deeply with contemporary leadership challenges? Sometimes it feels like despite all our modern tech and advanced strategies, the core principles remain the same.

Right, it's like, um, across centuries, the same underlying human dynamics govern how we lead. Whether you're at the helm of a military unit or driving innovation in cyber technology, trust, clarity, humility, and wisdom are the bedrock.

Yep. Now, I do wonder, how do you think leaders can balance this humility with the need to be decisive, especially in high-stakes environments like cybersecurity?

That's a tricky balance. But you know, embracing humility doesn't mean hesitation. It means inviting challenges, actively seeking feedback, and, um, pausing when necessary to weigh options. This measured decision-making is what prevents reckless decisions that might come from unchecked ego. Mm-hmm, I see what you mean.

So, in essence, it's all about intentional leadership, making choices that align with your core values, even in the midst of chaos.

Exactly. And it reminds us that every leadership moment, every decision, builds your reputation over time. It's not just about the immediate outcome, but about fostering trust and accountability that lasts. Yeah, absolutely.

I like how these lessons also highlight that feedback is not a threat, but a necessary component of growth. It really takes the notion of correction to a whole new level.

Absolutely. If you reframe correction as an opportunity, not a personal failure. You actually cultivate a culture where mistakes are seen as stepping stones. That's powerful because it encourages relentless improvement. Mm-hmm.

It's like fine-tuning a musical instrument. Every adjustment, every note requires care so that when you perform, the outcome is harmonious.

Love that analogy. It's like, um, every piece of feedback is a tuning fork that brings you closer to your ideal performance. And then we circle back to wisdom. A leader who invests in lifelong learning ensures that all these lessons culminate into genuine leadership that stands the test of time.

Yeah, that's a great way to put it. So, these principles aren't just theoretical; they are actionable insights that, when implemented, truly transform how leaders operate in high-pressure, modern environments.

Right. And it's refreshing to observe that despite the millennium gap between when Proverbs was written and today's challenges, fundamental leadership qualities like trust, humility, and wisdom remain as crucial as ever.

Absolutely, no doubt about it. I appreciate that perspective. It really reinforces that leadership isn't about the title or the tech, but about how well you align your inner values with your outward actions.

Exactly. And if we take a moment to reflect, it all comes down to, um, leading from an anchored, principled state rather than a reactive one. It's a reminder that real leadership is built on enduring truths that help one navigate uncertainty and complexity.

Right, definitely. This has been such an enriching conversation, diving into these ancient insights and realizing their Truly timeless for modern challenges. I can't wait to see how these leadership lessons continue to inspire and guide leaders across every field.

Absolutely. Whether you're steering in the military, engineering a breakthrough in tech, or shaping cultures, the message is clear. Build trust, stay humble, and let wisdom be your guide.

All right, so that's everything I've got for today. I don't see any comments in the chat. But if you guys are watching the replay of those listening right now, please let me know 3 to 5 takeaways from today's lesson. And also one thing that you are going to do differently or that you're going to apply today. Because I think the essence of leadership is not just knowing it, it's not just understanding it in theory. And many times when I teach about this principle, they are so simple, right? People will say, oh, I already know that. Well, if you already knew it, you would be doing it, right? Knowing is not just understanding it or being aware of it. Knowing it is actually putting it into practice. When you do it, then you know it. But if you don't do it, then I'm afraid, my friend, you just don't know it yet. So what are you going to put in practice? Action, action, action. It's all about execution. Not just what you know, but what you do with what you know, right? Because knowledge is power. That is true. You shall know the truth, the truth shall set you free. But the truth that sets you free is the truth that you know and that you execute, that you apply daily. All right. So to me, really the big 3 takeaway from this lesson is leadership has to be anchored, not reactive. As a leader, you cannot just emotionally react to everything that's happening to you. You have to pause, create this space where you can think and then come up with a response, come up with a strategy, and then execute on that. So you are led by your mind, right? Not your emotion. Okay, think, slow yourself down, slow down your nervous system, and think about possible solution. I think the solution will come to you instead of just automatically emotionally reacting to everything that is happening. No reaction but response. So I think that's very important. And then your leadership has to be principled, okay? Not performative. Don't just do things because it's the right thing, because it's what everybody else is doing or because it's a trend, right? Do it because you believe in it, right? You have to be aligned with your core values, who you are, what you believe and what you do. What you're thinking, how you're feeling and what you're doing are things that is going to affect your destiny. So you have to be a principled person, right? Not just do things because you think that's what everybody wants to hear. 'Cause if you do that, you may be one way today and then a completely different way tomorrow. Exactly what happened with DEI after 2020, right? The murdering, the execution of George Floyd, almost all the major companies in America were like, oh, DEI, we need more DEI, we need more representation, Black Lives Matter. Oh yeah. And now we have a completely different administration and they're like, okay, we were lying. We didn't mean any of that. DEI is bad. We don't want anything to do with it. That's because they really didn't believe in it. It was performative. It was not principled. So you need to be a principled person. People need to know exactly where you stand, where you come from and where you are going. Your team members should never, never have to wonder where you stand on any issue if you are a good leader, a leader of principle. And you should be fair, you should be consistent, you should have high standards, and I do, but then they have to apply to everybody within your organization, including yourself. You have to be a person of principle, you have to be fair, and you have to be consistent. That's how you really enable trust. And then Finally, as a leader, the third takeaway for me is you really have to be humble. You have to lead with humility. That's really the number one lesson I learned when I had the great privilege of being the commanding officer for the Global Network Operations Security Center in Suffolk, Virginia. What a great privilege it was. It was really one of the most challenging but also the most rewarding billet position I've ever had in my entire Navy career. But being at the very, very top of the chain of command, I learned I have to lead with humility. All right, so let me know what your takeaways are, and I will be back tomorrow for the chapter for AI. So that's going to be the AI recap for Proverbs chapter 31. I mean, Proverbs Chapter 4. So Season 31, Episode 4, AI. That's going to be sometime tomorrow. All right, until then, this is Coach Bizzy. Thanks so much for watching today. I'm going to play 2 more highlights from that original episode, which was Chapter 3 for the Book of Proverbs, Season 31. We did this on January 3rd. 2 more highlights, and then hopefully I'll see you tomorrow. Bye for now. That's part of the reason why I do this daily podcast, Leadership and Success. And I will continue to seek out uncommon mentors who will inspire and encourage me to reach my full potential, be all I was meant to be. And that's why I also invite some of the incredible guests here on this podcast, because I consider them my mentor. And hopefully, they're going to be mentoring you guys from the audience. As well. And some of them have been mentors from a distance, like General Petraeus, General McChrystal, General Britto, General Biggs. I mean, on and on and on. The people I have really been blessed to really host on this podcast. Okay. And then I say, I have received favor and help from so many, and I will never repay in my life's journey. However, I will return the favor by helping someone else in need. I will mentor anyone ready and willing to learn from my experience and help impart the wisdom that can only be received by learning from one's mistake or through mentorship. I will continue to seek out uncommon mentors who will inspire and encourage me to reach my full potential, be all I was meant to be. Which I already read that. Okay, and then I go in and say, I am committed and determined to be an asset, not a liability, because I am dependable, I am reliable, and I am accountable for results. I am consistently increasing my value to the market. I say what I do. That's where integrity comes again. I say what I do and I do what I say, always, no exception. I am a man of execution. I get things done, period. I create a path and direction focused on business result. I am a problem solver. I relentlessly set and deliver on my highest priority. So that's what I am. That's who I want to be. This is my best self and that's what I strive to be. Every day. And you've seen the last time I published this, I think it has a date, 2021. So for the last 4 years, I didn't have to change it. You want to go fast, you need to be aligned, aligned with your core values. All right, leadership application: pause before major decision to seek counsel and reflection, balance data with discernment, and create space for dissenting voices in decision-making. Don't just react, you have to respond and you have to create space for that. Listen to mentors, listen to people who may not think the way you do and just receive feedback. Doesn't mean you're gonna do what they say, but at least you listen to it and it allows you to really check your blind spot, make sure you are not so focused on some things that you are ignoring all of the red flags. Just pause for a second, think and then make your decision. That's why I really love to be, uh, I mean, I mean, I know not naturally nobody wants to be criticized, but I actually love when people criticize me because they help me make, uh, become a better person. Because if your criticism is valid, right, I guess that's usually the first question I ask: are you even qualified to criticize me? Sometimes people are just not qualified, and then you can just After you listen to what they say, you can just ignore it. But sometimes they are very well qualified and they're telling you something that's true, something that's going to help you. But maybe they don't like you and that's why they're saying it, but what they're saying is actually true and it's going to make you better if you listen to it and you change, right? Maybe you need to speak better, you need to speak slower. Maybe, like my wife, for example, my best friend, she has really changed me a lot. We've been married since what, 2001? It's going to be 25 years in 2026. She's really taught me how to be more humble, right? And also to be more aware of my surroundings and the people around me. I used to be so focused on my goals that sometimes I would even step on people's toes without even realizing it. Now I'm okay, just slow down, you know, think how do other people feel and consider that into the way I interact with people. That's great criticism right there, it made me a much better, not just husband, but human being too. So some— and then my wife is somebody I love, so I knew exactly where that criticism came from, from a place of love and caring. But what I'm saying is, even if someone doesn't like you at all, they hate you and they want to destroy you, but when they criticize you, there might be some gold in what they are saying. So it might be a lot of dirt, but in the dirt there might be some gold. So you have to dig for the gold. And if it's true And yes, I need to change, and I need to do better, then do better. And then get rid of all of the dirt that you do not need, but get the gold out of it. I guess what I'm saying is you really have to be open for criticism.

Thank you for tuning in to the Leadership Success Podcast with your host, Coach BZ. If today's episode added value to to your leadership journey, be sure to subscribe, share, and join us again for more wisdom nuggets on how to lead better and achieve greater success. Remember, leadership is the most critical skill of our time. The world will always need leaders to inspire others, drive innovation, and execute meaningful strategy. So why not count yourself among the bold leaders shaping the 21st century? Until next time, stay inspired, Stay committed and keep leading with excellence.