Last Week's Leadership Lessons - July 28, 2025

| | Lessons From The Week of July 21st

🗞 Last Week's Leadership Lessons (LWLL) - Like, Share, Subscribe! 🗞

This Week: 1. Will Power & Determination / 2. Crashing Out / 3. Self-Limiting Beliefs

Reader Beware: If you've been here before, you know the drill. Please feel free to jump right on ahead to the list of stories. If not, read from here on to understand what I'm trying to capture in the Last Week's Leadership Lessons (LWLL) series.

Talking about leadership can be repetitive and boring as hell!

We're always seeing and hearing the same old definitions, constructs, and formal tips related to and regurgitated about the leadership field, every so often punctuated by a perpetually rotating door of the latest industry buzzwords.

Even with all its great energy and intention, the themes and hopes of the leadership discipline, admittedly, can become a little monotonous -- without great stories and living examples to wake them up.

(Granted, I post about them as well. Guilty. So I guess maybe I mean "overkill." The overkill of your run-of-the-mill leadership ideas is what I'm trying to supplement -- and maybe unlock -- here through more unique takes and lenses.)

Hence why I launched this series.

The way the world is going, I think it's essential to think about and take in more lessons on humanity in general than leadership specifically.

In this series, I want to capture themes and ideas for leadership -- while being particularly cautious that they not be necessarily conveyed as leadership lessons in the articles or sources I cite. I want to find examples that demonstrate more lessons about HUMANITY than the usual script of clichéd leadership building blocks.

The way the world is going, I think it's essential to think about and take in more lessons on humanity in general than leadership specifically. And it's not like I'm forsaking one for the other; the former should inform and be the foundation for the latter. (That's just me. That's just my take.)

And to be clear, these valuable lessons, as I express them, aren't carved in stone. My translations aren't absolute. They can't be. It's not that simple. I think that's what gets us in trouble when it comes to learning (or not) about society and each other: Most issues are typically seen as black and white, left and right, up and down, one side or the other. But again, it's not that simple. Not everything can be. We force it to be that way.

In most instances -- not all, but in most -- there is room for interpretation and different ideas and views to be exchanged somewhere on the middle ground. More nuance exists than we typically see -- or will admit.

And in that nuance there's beauty. Because in that nuance we can learn from each other. And because of that nuance, each of my interpretations is just one option for consideration in that middle ground of learning.

All that being said, below are three articles I came across last week that have valuable lessons for leadership, purpose, and expression. In reading these pieces, you may find the lessons for leadership do not immediately stand out or reveal themselves -- and that's because lessons can range from the loud, obvious, and obnoxious to the subtle, unassuming, and hidden. In my breakdowns below I'll first cover the idea In General and then it's applicability In Leadership.

...it never hurts to continue learning from your fellow human beings, whether you know them or not.

And although the source materials are not all leadership-related per se, they can all apply to leadership -- in terms of how you present yourself, navigate through life and work, and move, impact, inspire, and appreciate others.

Even if you feel you've already crafted your leadership to where you want it to be and the results clearly show it -- where others can get behind them and vouch for you -- it never hurts to continue learning from your fellow human beings, whether you know them or not.

Gestures, speeches, action, inaction, decisions, announcements, etc. They all tie in.

So bear with me. Some of them might seem like a stretch. But have some faith that I may be crazy -- but not too crazy.

This practice is merely effort to learn about ourselves, where we can improve, and how we can evolve.

Lessons are everywhere.

1. Will Power & Determination

In General

We're getting soft as a society. A little bit of pressure or discomfort, and most of us cave. We don't typically see the importance -- the game, pressure, and process -- of being tested.

We're programmed by society -- but mostly ourselves -- to fear failure. We don't see the beauty of experimentation in life. Yes, there are times where we need things to work out -- for survival -- but we even fear moments and tests that aren't do-or-die. We fear the perception of the result -- what others might think. Whatever it is we fear, it's stripping us of possibilities. We really can push further than we usually believe and feel -- if we choose to step up to the opportunity.

"We don't typically see the importance -- the game, pressure, and process -- of being tested."

In Leadership

Leaders can bring all the fear and programming from their personal life into their leadership duties, responsibilities, and endeavors. And that's in addition to the pressure present in their formal role of leadership. Regardless of the path, whether personal, professional, or leadership, a leader can rise to their goals -- if they choose to.

So many leaders keep to the job description, achieving what's laid out for them and not moving beyond those parameters. This is a reminder for leaders to seek out the challenges they can work in and be tested by. To not keep to -- but to push beyond -- the familiar.

What incentive do you consider in working to move beyond your current limitations?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Applicable Past LWLL Editions: Below are three applicable editions that tie into the article and topic above through the bolded/italicized topic in each. If you're not sure how the topic below ties into the concept above, reach out to me and let me know.

• July 14, 2025 - 1. Forgiveness / 2. "Feeling Confident" / 3. The Power of Regret

• June 16, 2025 - 1. Learning From Rejection / 2. Relationship With Yourself / 3. Personal Brand

• June 2, 2025 - 1. Just Be / 2. Habits Matter / 3. Better Through Discomfort

2. Crashing Out

In General

"Crashing out" can happen to anyone -- being pushed to that edge where you lose control. Emotional Intelligence goes out the window, and we give into our primal instincts, caving into the pressure that's been built up and triggered inside of us. It costs us too much.

It's one thing to burn out and implode; it's another to reach the edge of our rope and lash out at others. We're overstimulated, struggling to keep up, and we give in to the worst of ourselves. Regardless of whether it's only internal or if it has external ramifications, we can't wait until we crash out to do something about it.

"Regardless of whether it's only internal or if it has external ramifications, we can't wait until we crash out to do something about it."

In Leadership

Leaders can take too much on themselves. They can get to the point where the pressure ratchets up, the emotion pierces through, and they lash out or shut down. They reach their breaking point. They crash out.

A lesson we tend to learn about all-things-life-and-leadership is that success is about preparation. With all the pressures building up around us, success can mean simply making it through in one piece, minimizing the impact of stress, and sparing our own sanity. Leaders need to understand the specific steps they need to take for themselves not to reach that point of crashing out, where they can burn out and lose credibility with others based on how the crash out plays out.

How are you proactively trying to monitor stress and avoid crashing out?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Applicable Past LWLL Editions

• June 30, 2025 - 1. Mean When Overstimulated / 2. Networking Without A Network / 3. Rallying During A Crisis

• May 5, 2025 - 1. Don't Chase. Attract. / 2. Struggle To Super Power / 3. Shoulding Yourself

• April 21, 2025 - 1. Anxiety Distortion / 2. Anti-Fragility / 3. Personality Change

3. Self-Limiting Beliefs

In General

This conversation comes up so often on The Book Leads Podcast -- self-limiting beliefs. What we experience in the past can come back and haunt us later -- unless we face it head on and fashion it into a mindset of tools we can utilize to move forward and help others.

Past pain can be channeled into pure passion and energy today. And no one needs to do this alone. So many of us have had different experiences but are on the same journey of self-learning and self-discovery. We can talk to, share with, and learn from each other.

"One of my favorite parts of coaching is when a client realizes how much is released by sharing what they've never shared."

In Leadership

If we talked to each other honestly and openly, sharing more than the usual everyday conversations and information exchanges, there would be no need for coaches. Leaders can learn from each other, finding confidants to share their own experiences and beliefs with.

There are so many people going through the same journey of growth, discovery, and development. One of my favorite parts of coaching is when a client realizes how much is released by sharing what they've never shared. When we speak things out, write them out, or express them in any other way, getting them out of our heads, they ring differently. We see ourselves differently.

What deeply engrained self-limiting beliefs have you been carrying through your life that are impacting your work today?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Applicable Past LWLL Editions

• April 28, 2025 - 1. Victim Mindset / 2. Momentum, Not Perfection / 3. The Teaching Game

• April 14, 2025 - 1. Redefining Laziness / 2. Self-Lies / 3. Communal Narcissism

• April 7, 2025 - 1. Conflict Mitigation / 2. Being Blunt / 3. Anxiety & Fear Into Resilience

Honorable Mention - The Power Of Trust

In Leadership

It's amazing how many people forget to build trust and good faith in the work they do and where they need to get the buy-in of others. They're so laser-focused on what it is they need to achieve, they have no consideration for who the other person is, the work they're doing, and the future of the relationship.

Leaders need to build trust with everyone they interact with, especially those they lead. Respect, courtesy, consideration, and acknowledgement all play into how trust is built between a leader and those around them.

How do you go about building trust while hitting your numbers and goals in your work?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Applicable Past LWLL Editions

• July 21, 2025 – 1. Conflict Paradox / 2. Winning Meetings / 3. Success: Love

• June 16, 2025 - 1. Learning From Rejection / 2. Relationship With Yourself / 3. Personal Brand

• June 9, 2025 - 1. Saying "No." / 2. Good vs. Bad Snap Judgements / 3. Your Red Flags

Honorable Mention - Stress & Your Personality

In Leadership

Stress has long-lasting effects -- if we let it. If we don't take steps to monitor and nuetralize stress as a leader, it can wear us down, little by little, impacting who we are and how we're seen, especially if we're crashing out (see above).

We can take actions as we go to minimize both the stress in the moments and its long-term residual effects. It's important that stress not only be addressed to avoid momentary, situational, or near-term burnout but that it also be considered for how it permanently shifts who someone is as a leader and person. Stress can strip away someone's personality to the point they're no longer recognizable to others or themselves.

How is stress slowly changing who you are as a person?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Applicable Past LWLL Editions

• June 16, 2025 - 1. Learning From Rejection / 2. Relationship With Yourself / 3. Personal Brand

• April 21, 2025 - 1. Anxiety Distortion / 2. Anti-Fragility / 3. Personality Change

• March 3, 2025 - 1. Changing Yourself / 2. Biggest Mistakes With Happiness / 3. Conversational Debt

That's it! Those are the main articles for this week.

What other examples of leadership lessons – maybe even those that aren’t so apparent and obvious – do you come across in your everyday life and work?

What have you read lately that offers some insight on being human and navigating life -- and yes, by default, leadership.

Reach out to me and let me know what you think of these. Please share your own if you've found articles or stories with great lessons or insights that can contribute to how we carry ourselves through our lives and work.

Okay...Some Leadership Articles

Okay, yes. So I had to include an article (or articles) I came across last week that are focused on leadership.

The Power Of One-On-One's

Some leaders believe that as long as they touch base with someone, asking them in passing how things are and if they need anything, that sufficiently counts as a one-on-one interaction. That those touchpoints demonstrate checking in, acknowledging concerns, asking questions, and leaving the door open for later discussion. But they don't achieve any of those.

Chance check-in's are an afterthought. The "Oh, while we're here, we might as well...." kind of attention. In this article, I appreciate that the manager schedules the one-on-one, it's short, the employee sets the agenda, and there's a discussion of the bigger picture. These steps are free and small gestures that allow the employee to be a part of the discussion about their future and their contributions. They feel seen and acknowledged. That changes everything.

What goes into the one-on-one's in your life and leadership?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Engaging Employees

Here's another article I came across with the focus on the employee and their engagement. The one-on-one meeting covered above should be supplemented with regular, ongoing engagement.

The meetings shouldn't just be a checkbox allowing leadership or management to feel that's all that needs to get done. The regular engagement is the magic sauce that demonstrates how seriously leaders take the inclusion of employees in the work going forward.

How do you regularly engage those around you, and how?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Network Conversations With...Death & Nostalgia

Storytelling is everything! We underestimate the details and nuances of the language, stories, and experiences we share with each other. In INTENTIONALLY connecting with others, we listen to them, exchange ideas and thoughts, and walk away a changed person. That's what can happen in great conversations -- if you're open to it. In this section of the newsletter, I want to shared an interaction I had that did just that for me.

No, I didn't have these interactions this week.

Yes, there's traditional networking, but there's also networking of experiences for me -- people you see from afar and they somehow change you. You're different than you would have been had you not been exposed to them, watched them, looked up to them, respected them.

Celebrities have a way of being. It's not just their performance -- their acting resume, musical reign, or athletic dominance -- but who they are as a person as well that you can take lessons from, for better or worse.

And then there's nostalgia. I know how these hit me and why.

And I know which one of these hit me most. I ask myself, Why? What is it this person brought to the world? How did and do they inspire me?

And when someone passes, what do we do with those answers?

What are you going to do with them? What have you learned? How can you move through the world with the lessons of the person's being, essence, and energy?

In general, there is a time for grief, and there is a time for mourning. Each of those will hit differently depending on who the person is and how close they were to you. But then how do you celebrate them? How does their legacy live on?

Last 10 LWLL Editions...

July 21, 2025 – 1. Conflict Paradox / 2. Winning Meetings / 3. Success: Love

July 14, 2025 - 1. Forgiveness / 2. "Feeling Confident" / 3. The Power of Regret

June 30, 2025 - 1. Mean When Overstimulated / 2. Networking Without A Network / 3. Rallying During A Crisis

June 16, 2025 - 1. Learning From Rejection / 2. Relationship With Yourself / 3. Personal Brand

June 9, 2025 - 1. Saying "No." / 2. Good vs. Bad Snap Judgements / 3. Your Red Flags

June 2, 2025 - 1. Just Be / 2. Habits Matter / 3. Better Through Discomfort

May 12, 2025 - 1. Self-Control / 2. "Meh." / 3. The Brain On Forgiveness

May 5, 2025 - 1. Don't Chase. Attract. / 2. Struggle To Super Power / 3. Shoulding Yourself

April 28, 2025 - 1. Victim Mindset / 2. Momentum, Not Perfection / 3. The Teaching Game

April 21, 2025 - 1. Anxiety Distortion / 2. Anti-Fragility / 3. Personality Change

Full Directory of Past Posts

What Do YOU Think?

What are your thoughts on these topics? Again, like everything else in this newsletter, the ideas here may not come to mind immediately when you think of leadership, but there's a place for them. These stories and questions ask us to consider how we see, interact with, and influence people -- and leadership is all about people. Sometimes, all it takes is a great prompt or a simple question to have us think about (or rethink) areas of our lives.

Going Beyond Vision

• How do you execute on vision instead of merely hallucinating?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Unfixable Problems

• How do you pay attention to, determine, and detach yourself from problems that can’t be solved?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Mission Vs. Function

• What’s your function?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Boundaries

• What do you actually say when trying to set boundaries?

Check Out The Article HERE!

Graphic Finds

Here's a few graphics I came across this week that painted a great picture, breaking down information and bringing to life a great idea clearly for our understanding. A visual helps make an idea pop, allowing us to see multiple moving parts at once. As always, it may not be perfect -- including everything we'd like to see or possibly including some things we'd rather not consider. But, at the very least, it gets us thinking and talking about the topic.

The Art Of Delegation

This graphic was posted by Kavit Haria.

Leaders can't take on and retain too much responsibility out of fear no one else is up to the task of carrying out the duties and deliverables. Much in the same way leadership looks different from person to person, their style of and approach to delegation will also be unique to their needs. There are various models and approaches in this graphic to consider.

Delegation might not be this organized and prescribed; we all know delegation might take place in the moment, out of unforeseen necessity, sloppy and haphazard in its urgency. And delegation is an ongoing and evolving exercise. Each leader must determine how they delegate, how it works, and how they might want to become more organized and proactive in that decisions and process -- even before there's a need to delegate.

What process and approach do you utilize to organize your delegation game?

The C.A.L.M. Framework: Transform Your Leadership From Commanding To Coaching |

This graphic was also posted by Kavit Haria.

Leaders forget the coaching part of their job. That leadership is not only about leading others to a desired result or goal but also empowering them in who they are, what they can learn, and where they want to lead.

Coaching helps build trust. The person being lead feels the acknowledgement, attention, and respect of their leader. They don't merely feel like a cog in the wheel of work; they feel like a pivotal anchor and pillar of the group, someone worthy of attention and investment.

What steps do you take to move yourself from Commanding to Coaching?

Follow-Up On Past Editions

Here are some follow-up articles that build on, supplement, or intersect with topics covered in previous editions.

There's always a different take or angle to help us refine and build upon a discussion we've had in the past. We can bring either some reinforcement, clarity, or questions to past understandings. Because I just give you the articles and how they connect to previous editions, I leave you to figure out, much how I break down the lessons above, how to extract the lessons for your own leadership.

• Article on Failing (June 16, 2025 - 1. Learning From Rejection / 2. Relationship With Yourself / 3. Personal Brand)

• Article on Impower Syndrome (June 2, 2025 - 1. Just Be / 2. Habits Matter / 3. Better Through Discomfort)

• Article on Signs Of Insecurity (July 14, 2025 - 1. Forgiveness / 2. "Feeling Confident" / 3. The Power of Regret)

The Book Leads Podcast - Season 4: Episode 124: Steve Selengut

Episode 124: Steve Selengut & His Book, Retirement Money Secrets: A Financial Insider's Guide to Income Independence

As a investment advisor and #1 bestselling author, Steve has decades of wisdom to share. His skill in and love for the game pulled him back in after he tried to retire. He's informed and does his due diligence in his research-driven field but has fun and enjoys doing it -- too much to give up completely.

Steve's is a story of aiming to do better than the generation before you, realizing that feeling lost is only temporary, and that having the right person in your corner and by your side can wake you up to the possibilities of who you really are and what you're capable of, keeping to your values, not compromising them for anyone.

Some Conversation Highlights

• Shifting from doing the work to coaching others on the work.

• The work you do serving as a philosophy.

• Feeling lost today doesn't mean you'll always feel that way.

• What can come out of a chance meeting? (The ghostwriter story.)

• The six things you need to become a successful investor.

• When uncertainty is the only certainty.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Steve is, How consistent are you in utilizing your own methods, and sticking to your own values, regardless of what everyone else is doing?

Find Steve

• Website: https://theincomecoach.net/

• The RMS Income Investing Community: RMS Income Investing Community

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/privateinvestmentmanagement/

• Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/954938162597753

• Steve's Book: https://theincomecoach.net/book/

Next Up!

Episode 125: Sheryl Green & Her Book, You Had Me At No: How Setting Healthy Boundaries Helps Banish Burnout, Repair Relationships, and Save Your Sanity

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads Podcast.

WRITING: The Brave Healer's Guide for World-Changers

In this, my third anthology working with publisher Laura Di Franco, I contributed Chapter 17: The Writer’s Precision: The Artful Craft of Proofreading to the book WRITING: The Brave Healer's Guide for World-Changers.

My chapter covers everything that leads up to crafting and proofreading your work. In the chapter, I break down where my attention to works, language, expression, and writing formed. I walk through why all of it means so much to me and why I want to put the write words together, in the write tone and cadence, to fully express how I want to draw the reader into my world and design the strongest experience I can for them.

My writing isn't perfect, but it is in my own style and my own voice. That's what it should be for any of us writing -- the stamp of our own voices, stories, and experiences. Everything we've experience leads up to who we are today and what we can commit and really show to those reading it.

Thank you to Laura Di Franco for the invitation to join the amazing roster of authors, to Laura's incredible staff on the publishing side, and to all the great authors sharing their great insights in this book.

Here's my podcast conversation with Laura covering my chapter.

My Previous Anthology Collaborations:

• The Ultimate Guide To Leaving Your Legacy: 22 Powerful Lessons On Leading As A Soul Professional (September 2024) - This is the 3rd book in the series, and my chapter (Chapter 13) entitled A Legacy Before Death: How Stories and Everyday Moments Can Inspire Us to Live Our Best Life Today, builds on what I shared in my chapter in the 2nd book. Here's my podcast conversation with lead author Camille L. Miller, MBA, Ph.D. ABD covering my chapter.

• The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Successful Soul Professional Book (July 2023) - In my chapter, I break down what inspired my signature talk, Platinum Networking: Designing A Unique Experience For Others In A World Of Disconnection, digging into my story -- and that of and with my parents -- to understand what's behind the way I interact with those in my network, serving them as if they were my clients. Check out this podcast appearance I recently made leading up to the launch with book publisher Laura Di Franco and fellow co-author Heidi Metro!

Podcasts

The Book Leads Podcast

On The Book Leads podcast, I speak to specialists and experts across various industries and from varied backgrounds to learn about the book that made an impact and left an impression on their work, life, and leadership. In the course of my conversation I also learn about my guest's background, experience, and work they're carrying out today.

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube

• Listen on YouTube Music

• Listen on Spotify

• Listen on Apple Podcasts

• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

THE LEADERSHIP SYLLABUS PODCAST IS NOW ONLINE!

The Leadership Syllabus Podcast will provide insights from leaders on one leadership lesson they can share that stems from their work, life, and experiences.

Each 30-minute mod will capture a bit about who the guest is, their work, and the one lesson they would contribute to The Leadership Syllabus.

This collection of mods will offer the listener a one-series stop of lessons to enhance their own leadership understanding, awareness, and effectiveness.

Mod 3: Community & Connection w/Kisha Zullo

Kisha is a dynamic entrepreneur, President of Events of Joy, and the founder of the Women in Business Summit (WIB Summit), and a dedicated leader in women’s empowerment.  As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she has excelled in both sales and event management—bringing people together with purpose and impact.

Leadership Lesson: Leadership during challenging times requires resilience and vision. Building a strong community can provide the support, trust, and collaboration needed to navigate change and lead a thriving team. 

Find Kisha

• https://www.eventsofjoy.com/

• https://www.wibsummit.com/

The Leadership Syllabus:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzXadR_BOEgFNk-sSU2HEQUvfwW4YR6lZ

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tQDJ4I0lVXDAYkvVGobWQ?si=a061fcb511ee445b

• The Leadership Syllabus - Blog Post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leadership-syllabus-lessons-30-minute-mods-jaramillo-mba-msop-otbme/

About Me

I'm a Leadership Performance Coach and Consultant at coachitout.com. In addition to coaching, and as you can see above, I enjoy writing, podcasting, and speaking about leadership. Specifically, I work with clients to realize what they're all about when it comes to (1) new positions they've been hired or promoted into; and (2) rediscovering what they want out of their leadership, development, and career.

My signature talks include Design Your Leadership! Nine Ways to Sharpen Your Leadership Brand In The Everyday, and Platinum Networking: Designing A Unique Experience For Others In A World Of Disconnection.

Please subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Reach out to me at johnmjaramillo@coachitout.com.

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