I Have Some Questions...
By: Erik Berglund
Language: en-us
Categories: Business, Management, Careers, Education, Self Improvement
What if leadership wasn’t about having the answers—but about asking better questions?On "I Have Some Questions…", Erik Berglund – a founder, coach, and Speechcraft evangelist – dives into the conversations that high performers aren’t having enough. This isn’t your typical leadership podcast. It’s a tactical deep-dive into the soft skills that actually drive results: the hard-to-nail moments of accountability, the awkward feedback loops, and the language that turns good leaders into great ones.Each week, Erik explores a question that has shaped his own journey. Expect raw, unpolished curiosity. Expect conversations with bold thinkers, rising leaders, and practitioner...
Episodes
099: "Balancing Intuition and Iteration" (lessons from Chase Damiano)
Jan 09, 2026🧠Erik’s Take
In this reaction episode, Erik reflects on his conversation with Chase Damiano—COO turned systems thinker, father-first decision maker, and founder of Humans at Scale. What stood out most? Chase doesn’t just talk strategy—he tests it. Erik highlights how Chase treats business like a living lab, combining intention, iteration, and humanity into every decision. This episode zooms in on what it really means to lead with intentionality, how systems thinking plays out in the real world, and why experimentation might be the most underrated leadership muscle of all.
🎯 Top Ins...
Duration: 00:09:16098: "Knowing When to Delegate Vs. When to Develop a Skill" ft. Chase Damiano
Jan 07, 2026In this episode, Erik sits down with Chase Damiano, former COO of Commonwealth Joe and founder of Human at Scale, for a conversation about structured experimentation, leadership evolution, and building a life—and a business—you actually want. From nitro cold brew to nervous system regulation, this conversation traverses tactical operations, deep self-inquiry, and how we unlock team performance by letting go of control.
👤 About the Guest
Chase Damiano is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and the founder of Human at Scale, an operations consultancy helping accounting firms run better businesses—without the owner bei...
Duration: 01:18:55097: "Why Saying 'I Messed Up' is Actually a Superpower" ft. Alli Murphy
Jan 05, 2026In this episode, Erik and Alli take on a vulnerable leadership dilemma: what do you do when you are the one who needs to change—but your team already knows the old version of you? From elephants in the room to scones and sandboxes, they unpack the real tension of evolving your leadership style when everyone’s already formed their expectations. This one’s filled with practical scripts, funny stories, and coaching-rich insight for anyone navigating growth in real-time.
🧠Conversation Highlights
Why change feels awkward—for you and your teamWhat to say when you’re evolving y... Duration: 00:15:14096: "The Power Behind Zigging When Others Zag" (lessons from Monique Lecomte)
Jan 02, 2026🧠Erik’s Take
In this reflection episode, Erik revisits his powerful conversation with therapist, designer, and leadership coach Monique Lecomte, spotlighting three resonant themes: adaptive leadership, the art of zigging when others zag, and the radical courage to own your origin story.
Monique’s journey—from rural Alabama to the boardrooms of design and organizational leadership—offers more than inspiration. It models a way of seeing leadership not as performance, but as personal evolution. Her ability to turn hardship into artistry, and pattern into purpose, leaves Erik asking himself—and all of us—what buried sto...
Duration: 00:07:22095: "Letting Go Of Your Fixer Instinct" ft. Monique Lecomte
Dec 31, 2025In this episode, Erik sits down with sales and leadership strategist Monique Lecomte for a raw, generous conversation on the dynamics of leadership, healing, and relational growth. Through the lens of her experience—from working with incarcerated teams to coaching senior executives—Monique reveals how personal wounds, cultural systems, and relational patterns show up in our work, and what it really means to lead with presence rather than performance.
👤 About the Guest
Monique Lecomte is a keynote speaker, leadership expert, and facilitator with a career spanning 20+ years in global business for iconic brands– Herman Mi...
Duration: 01:26:42094: "How Can Leaders Manage Ghost Growth Effectively?" ft. Alli Murphy
Dec 29, 2025In this candid, co-hosted conversation, Erik Berglund and Alli Murphy dive into the trending workplace phenomenon of ghost growth—where employees are handed more responsibilities without more compensation. They unpack where this trend is coming from, how it shows up in real teams, and what both leaders and employees can do to navigate it without burning out or blowing up. With plenty of real-life examples, frameworks, and tactical scripts, this episode is a masterclass in setting boundaries, negotiating expectations, and turning tension into growth.
🧠Conversation Highlights
The rise of ghost growth: what it is, how i... Duration: 00:24:12093: "Coaching Is More About Revealing Than Perspective" (lessons from Ann Rivera)
Dec 26, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
This episode is Erik’s reflection on the electric, vulnerable, and revealing conversation with performance coach Ann Rivera—a woman whose origin story as a rebellious underdog athlete reads like a masterclass in bootstrapped entrepreneurship. Erik connects Ann’s volleyball hustle to the startup journey: making yourself visible in a market that doesn’t know it needs you, adapting your offer mid-flight, and staying grounded in the uncomfortable yet exhilarating reality of growth.
At its core, this review is about how sports, grit, and flow are not metaphors for business—they are busine...
Duration: 00:12:27092: "How Does the Transition From Performer to Leader Look Like?" ft. Ann Rivera
Dec 24, 2025In this episode, Erik sits down with coach and former pro athlete Ann Rivera for a wild, gritty, and deeply human conversation on what it really takes to perform at your peak—when the odds are stacked, the rules don’t fit, and you have to reinvent the game to stay in it. From cold-calling European volleyball teams in the pre-internet 90s to coaching executives in Spanish boardrooms, Ann’s story is an unfiltered look at how survival mode, punk rock rebellion, and sheer audacity became her personal playbook for leadership, coaching, and building high performers in busine...
Duration: 01:26:21091: "How Can I Be Diplomatic Without Sugar-Coating?" ft. Alli Murphy
Dec 22, 2025In this sharp and insightful conversation, Erik Berglund is joined by leadership coach and facilitator Alli Murphy to explore a question that came straight from the field: How do I navigate tough conversations with honesty—without sugar-coating or throwing people under the bus? Together, they unpack the emotional and strategic layers of diplomacy, drawing on real-world leadership scenarios, coaching insights, and personal stories.
Whether you’ve ever felt stuck between being too soft or too sharp, this episode will give you language, frameworks, and permission to do both—kindly and powerfully.
🧠Conversation Highlights
The uns... Duration: 00:19:20090: "Scalability Breaks When Dismissing the Impact of Small Inefficiencies" (lessons from Craig Dunaway)
Dec 19, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this review episode, Erik zooms out from his conversation with Craig Dunaway—President of Penn Station East Coast Subs—to reflect on what makes a franchise truly scalable in today’s business climate. Drawing from Craig’s 40+ years in QSR franchising, Erik breaks down the realities of leading at the intersection of labor, tech, culture, and margin.
This isn’t just about restaurants—it’s about leadership clarity, precision thinking, and building systems that don’t collapse under pressure. Whether you lead a team, a business unit, or a multi-location operat...
Duration: 00:14:32089: "What Most People Get Wrong About Franchising" ft. Craig Dunaway
Dec 17, 2025What does it really take to thrive in the hyper-competitive world of quick-service restaurants? Erik sits down with Craig Dunaway, President of Penn Station East Coast Subs, to unpack the operational DNA of successful franchises, the post-COVID evolution of the restaurant industry, and what many leaders get wrong when scaling through franchising. With nearly four decades of experience in the franchise world (from Papa John's to Penn Station), Craig drops hard-earned wisdom on leadership, operations, and why a 6¢ ketchup packet might be more important than you think.
👤 About the Guest
Craig Dunaway is the...
Duration: 01:25:13088: "Are We Confusing Leadership With Responsiveness?" ft. Alli Murphy
Dec 15, 2025In this honest and energizing conversation, Erik and Alli dive into one of the most essential (and overlooked) truths of leadership: You don’t have to be the fixer to be effective. Through vulnerable stories and sharp insights, they explore what it takes to step away from performative leadership and into deeper influence—especially when your calendar, culture, and conditioning are telling you to do the opposite.
Whether you’re leading a team, managing up, or trying to rewire the habits that got you here, this episode offers a grounded, practical lens on what modern leadership really requir...
Duration: 00:27:03087: "The Hack of Seeing Things as Signals Instead of Symptoms" (lessons from Eric Collett)
Dec 12, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this follow-up to his interview with Eric Collett, Erik shares his personal reflections on the most powerful takeaways—especially the deceptively simple IA/E framework (inflammation over energy). He explores how this model shifted his thinking around brain fog, burnout, and everyday performance, and why brain health isn't about trying more—it's about understanding more.
From metaphor-rich science to real-life health pivots, Erik distills a dense interview into a lens that makes brain optimization feel actionable, not abstract.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
IA/E is a game... Duration: 00:14:08086: "Is Your Brain Functioning Normally—Or Optimally?" ft. Eric Collet
Dec 10, 2025In this deep-dive conversation, Erik sits down with brain health expert Eric Collett to expose one of the biggest blindspots in leadership and longevity: your brain is not fixed—and it might be failing you in ways you can’t see. From inflammation and energy production to cognitive performance and misdiagnosis, this episode unpacks a radically empowering view of brain health as a strategic tool—not a static trait.
If you’ve ever struggled with focus, burnout, mood swings, or “fog,” this episode delivers scientific clarity, actionable diagnostics, and an entirely new way to approach your energy, leadership...
Duration: 01:20:00085: "What If Finishing The Year Strong Meant Doing Less?" ft. Alli Murphy
Dec 08, 2025As Q4 drags on and burnout hits hard, Erik and guest co-host Alli Murphy explore what it really takes to finish the year with clarity, energy, and intention. From mindset shifts to calendar control to a radical idea called “Minimum Viable December,” this episode offers a refreshingly honest, funny, and practical take on how to navigate the end of the year without losing your momentum—or your mind.
Whether you’re sprinting toward deadlines or tempted to tap out early, this is the episode to help you pause, reset, and lead yourself (and others) more intentionally.
🧠C...
Duration: 00:18:29084: "The Best Salespeople Aren’t Smooth Talkers—They’re Process Machines" (lessons from Gene McNoughton)
Dec 05, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this episode, Erik reflects on his recent interview with legendary sales consultant Gene McNoughton, extracting the most meaningful lessons about leadership, process, and growth. Gene’s clarity around sales process and change management not only reinforced Erik’s own experience but also re-anchored his commitment to building systems that scale through truth, repetition, and strategic design.
This review pulls back the curtain on the mindset and mechanics of high-impact organizations—and the hard truths they must be willing to face.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
All change s... Duration: 00:13:39083: "Is Your Sales Process Making You Scale—Or Survive?" ft. Gene McNaughton
Dec 03, 2025In this powerhouse episode, Erik sits down with renowned sales leader and consultant Gene McNaughton to break down what it really takes to turn around underperforming teams and drive scalable growth. From Gateway to Tony Robbins to 160+ consulting clients, Gene shares the exact frameworks he uses to ignite sales orgs—plus the truth about why most change efforts fail.
This is a masterclass on sales leadership, self-investment, and building organizations that actually execute.
👤 About the Guest
Gene McNaughton is the founder of The Sales Edge, a growth consultancy with a flawless track...
Duration: 01:28:02082: "What If Leadership Looked Like a Hammock and a Hoodie?" ft. Alli Murphy
Dec 01, 2025In this refreshingly honest episode, Erik and returning co-host dive headfirst into the unspoken expectations of professionalism—how we dress, how we show up, and who gets to decide what “looking the part” really means. What begins with a t-shirt story becomes a deep, nuanced look at power, performance, self-expression, and cultural bias in the workplace.
From tattoos and team meetings to hammocks and sweatpants, they ask the real question: Are we showing up with intention—or just following outdated rules?
🧠Conversation Highlights
The t-shirt that sparked a whole conversation on internalized expectation... Duration: 00:17:49081: "Support Isn't Weakness, Both for Leadership & Parenting" (lessons from Cassandra Asleson)
Nov 28, 2025 🧠Erik’s TakeÂ
In this reaction episode, Erik revisits his interview with parenting expert Cassandra Asleson, not just as a host but as a dad who's lived the transformation she helps create. With signature candor and strategic insight, Erik reflects on how Cassie’s approach reframes what’s “normal” in parenting—and how accepting support can radically shift the emotional and logistical weight of raising young children. This episode unpacks why working families feel crushed and what’s actually available on the other side of overwhelm.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
It doesn’t have to b... Duration: 00:10:21080: "Should You Treat Your Team Like a Family (and Vice‑versa)?" ft. Cassandra Asleson
Nov 26, 2025In this grounded, friendly and insightful conversation, Erik talks with Cassandra Asleson — a seasoned newborn care specialist and postpartum consultant who helps families move out of chaos and into confidence during one of life’s biggest transitions. They unpack how leadership shows up in home life and work, how guiding others in their most vulnerable moments mirrors leading teams, and why support systems matter just as much as systems. If you’re a leader, parent, or both — this episode gives you a fresh perspective on influence, care, and presence.
👤 About the Guest
Cassandra Asleson is...
Duration: 01:13:44079: "Do You Really Need to Be This Busy?" ft. Alli Murphy
Nov 24, 2025This episode is a much-needed intervention on the culture of busy. Erik sits down with Alli Murphy, leadership coach, founder of The Elevate Lab, and creator of The Thrive Report, to unpack the toxic myths of productivity, the glorification of hustle, and how to actually define what matters most.
Together, they explore what it looks like to lead with intention, how to give yourself permission to rest, and why the high performers we admire (from LeBron to airline pilots) build recovery into their systems—not as an afterthought, but as a strategy.
This isn’t just...
Duration: 00:32:37078: "The Quiet Toll of Being the Go-To Person" (lessons from Michael Bostarr)
Nov 21, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this deeply reflective debrief, Erik unpacks the powerful themes that emerged from his conversation with Michael Bostarr—especially the tension between performing and leading. Drawing from his own experience coaching high achievers, Erik dives into how identity, trust, and team dynamics shape the evolution of a leader. This episode gets personal, strategic, and practical as Erik reveals the emotional undercurrents of leadership that often go unspoken.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
High performance can become a trap: When your identity is built on being the best doer, lett... Duration: 00:10:53077: "Performing and Leading Are Entirely Different Sports" ft. Michael Bostarr
Nov 19, 2025In this candid and energizing conversation, Erik sits down with Michael Bostarr — a coach, creative, and former sales leader who made a bold pivot from performance-driven achievement to values-based leadership. Together, they explore how to shift from chasing external validation to living and leading with clarity. Michael shares the real story behind walking away from big roles, the surprising weight of “almost” success, and what happens when you build your identity from the inside out. Whether you’re mid-career, mid-pivot, or just feeling the grind, this episode is a permission slip to do things differently.
👤 About the Guest<...
Duration: 01:28:25076: What Actually Builds Trust in a Team? (It’s Not What You Think)
Nov 17, 2025In this episode, Erik unpacks one of the most overused and under-examined words in leadership: trust. But instead of vague advice, he gives a direct, no-fluff framework for how to build trust that actually scales — across teams, organizations, and even families. He breaks it down into three specific behaviors that any leader can start modeling today. This is an episode for leaders ready to stop guessing and start earning trust that lasts.
âť“ The Big Question
How do you build real trust in a team — not just hope for it?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways...
Duration: 00:14:47075: "What Does It Mean to Truly Empower a Team?" (lessons from Chris Dyer)
Nov 14, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this solo reaction, Erik distills three powerful insights from his recent interview with culture expert Chris Dyer. As the pace of change continues to accelerate—fueled by AI and organizational upheaval—leaders are being called to step into a very different kind of role. Erik explores what it really means to lead when you don’t have all the answers, how to unburden your team from unnecessary meetings, and how to start building real culture with two simple questions.
This is an honest and strategic debrief from a coach who’s walki...
Duration: 00:11:39074: "The Future CEO Will Be a Chief Executive Orchestrator" ft. Chris Dyer
Nov 12, 2025In this episode of I Have Some Questions..., Erik sits down with culture strategist and bestselling author Chris Dyer to unpack the hardest leadership question of our time: how do you lead through relentless, accelerating change? From the elephant sitting on your chest to the myth of perfect AI adoption, this conversation dives into practical, human-first strategies for thriving in chaos. Chris challenges CEOs to fire themselves from the job they think they have and step into a radically different role—one that empowers experimentation, transparency, and better work for everyone.
👤 About the Guest
Chr...
Duration: 01:30:16073: Which Leadership Phase Are You In (Really)?
Nov 10, 2025In this solo episode, Erik maps out the leadership lifecycle — from the moment you step into a new leadership role to the point where you’re building your replacement. It’s a powerful framework for self-awareness and strategic leadership, especially for those stuck in “Chief Problem Solver” mode. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, over-involved, or unsure of your next leadership move, this episode delivers the clarity you need.
âť“ The Big Question
Why do so many capable leaders get stuck — and how do you break the cycle?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Your leadership l... Duration: 00:21:55072: "Must Capitalism Be Realigned Toward More Desired Outcomes?" (lessons from Dr. Helmut Love)
Nov 07, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this solo reflection, Erik recaps and wrestles with the high-stakes conversation he had with Dr. Helmut Love — a guest who isn’t afraid to bring politically charged topics to the table. From socialism and wealth inequality to the role of capitalism in solving human problems, Erik walks through his own reactions, questions, and moments of discomfort.
This episode isn't about endorsing policies — it’s about staying in the room with hard ideas. Erik unpacks what it felt like to challenge a mayoral candidate on nuanced economic claims, the surprising clarity he fo...
Duration: 00:11:32071: "Is It Possible to Restructure Capitalism Without Losing its Drive for Innovation? (ft. Dr. Helmut Love)
Nov 05, 2025Erik sits down with Dr. Helmut Love—entrepreneur, spiritual thinker, and former Atlanta mayoral candidate—for a bold conversation about the future of capitalism, personal responsibility, and what it means to lead with love in a fractured political system. From incarceration reform to the failures of socialism, they explore what a “responsible capitalism” might look like in practice—and what’s keeping us from building it. Dr. Love offers provocative insights rooted in faith, data, and lived experience, challenging the left/right binary and inviting listeners into a bigger conversation about systems, incentives, and human dignity.
👤 About the Guest...
Duration: 01:21:20070: Are You Too Nice to Be a Good Leader?
Nov 03, 2025In this solo episode of I Have Some Questions..., Erik flips the script on a widely held belief: that being “nice” makes you a better boss. With characteristic fire and clarity, he challenges listeners to stop aiming for short-term emotional safety and start choosing long-term leadership impact. Erik introduces the sharp distinction between niceness and kindness—and why the latter is essential to leading high-performing teams.
âť“ The Big Question
Is your need to be liked quietly killing your leadership impact?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Being “nice” often protects the leader, not the team.Ki... Duration: 00:12:34069: "How Parental Presence Intersect Across Sports And Leadership" (lessons from Sandy Cohan)
Oct 31, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this follow-up to his powerful interview with Sandy Cohan, Erik reflects on how grit, standards, and parental presence intersect across sports and leadership. With stories from the soccer field and frameworks from the professional world, he distills the conversation down into three big insights that matter just as much at home as they do in the office.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Grit is built by winning today. It’s not about toughness—it’s about consistent action in the face of resistance.Competition teaches standards. It reveals tha... Duration: 00:10:55068: "The Dangerous Difference Between Expectations And Standards" ft. Sandy Cohan
Oct 29, 2025In this powerful conversation, Erik sits down with mindset coach and author Sandy Cohan to dig into what grit really is—and what it definitely isn’t. From youth sports to corporate leadership, Sandy breaks down the habits, standards, and mental frameworks that shape resilient, high-performing individuals. Whether you're raising a gritty kid or trying to become a more disciplined leader yourself, this episode will shift how you think about perseverance, pressure, and personal development.
👤 About the Guest
Sandy Cohan is a mindset development coach, speaker, and the author of 99 Rules Every Athlete Needs t...
Duration: 01:11:09067: How to Build Rock Star Teams (Even If You Didn't Hire One)
Oct 27, 2025In this solo episode of Leadership Unplugged, Erik breaks down the myth that great teams are hired—and reveals the truth that they’re built. If you’ve ever felt stuck with an underperforming team or unsure how to level up your people, this is your blueprint. Erik lays out the three types of “team-building work” every leader must master, challenges the traditional approach to feedback, and introduces a deceptively simple tool that can revolutionize how your team thinks, acts, and grows. It’s practical, high-impact, and deeply human leadership—unplugged.
âť“ The Big Question
What if the te...
Duration: 00:11:40066: "Is Loyalty Enough to Keep Someone From Leaving?" (lessons from Alan Bell)
Oct 24, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this personal reflection on the interview with Alan Bell, Erik unpacks the hidden dynamics behind one of the boldest career moves he’s heard: a 14-person walkout, where nearly 80% of a team left a company at once. But this isn’t just about a big exit—it’s about the leadership patterns that cause them, the people-centered values that prevent them, and the internal compass each of us needs to follow to get where we’re meant to go. This episode is a cautionary tale for leaders and an empowering reminder for anyone feel...
Duration: 00:07:45065: "What Happens When a Whole Team Quits Together?" ft. Alan Bell
Oct 22, 2025In one of the most gripping interviews yet, Erik sits down with Alan Bell—mortgage expert, former film lab engineer, and team-builder extraordinaire—to dissect a rare and bold professional move: the collective exit of 14 team members from one company to another. This episode explores leadership, loyalty, team dynamics, and how to know when it’s time to make a leap—not alone, but together.
👤 About the Guest
Alan Bell is the founder of Ring the Bell Home Loans, a mortgage professional with a rich background in high-stakes film post-production, and a systems thinker wit...
Duration: 01:24:54064: What’s the Real Cost of Winging It?
Oct 20, 2025In this solo episode, Erik confronts the quiet crisis of preparation—or more often, the lack of it. He takes listeners through a bold reframing of how to prioritize prep time, not based on urgency or frequency, but on consequence of failure. This is a mindset shift episode: provocative, clear, and full of systems-thinking strategy for anyone looking to level up their performance.
âť“ The Big Question
How much time should you actually spend preparing—and how do you know what’s worth it?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Most people don’t prepare—not... Duration: 00:15:38063: "Is Your Company Ready for AI, or Just Excited by the Hype?" (lessons from Tulio Siragusa)
Oct 17, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
This conversation with Tulio Siragusa left a deep imprint. Here’s a guy who’s both deeply competent in business and deeply rooted in service, and that rare blend made this conversation one of the most fulfilling I’ve had on the show. This reaction dives into three standout themes:
The tension between who we are and who we think we areHow service creates self-awarenessWhy AI isn’t a savior—it’s a spotlightTulio’s story is a masterclass in what it means to lead from experience, not ego. His honesty about f...
Duration: 00:11:45062: "Why Most Leaders Aren’t Self-Aware (and How to Change That)" ft. Tullio SIragusa
Oct 15, 2025Tullio Siragusa has led in New York, London, Silicon Valley, and Latin America—and his leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy, not ego. In this conversation, Tulio and Erik dive into the real mechanics of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, intention-based design, and how adversity reshapes who we become. From losing it all in the 2008 crash to reshaping how leaders think, this is a vulnerable and high-level look at what it really takes to evolve as a human being and a leader.
👤 About the Guest
Tullio Siragusa is a seasoned technology executive, leadership coach, and the f...
Duration: 01:17:18061: What’s the Best Way to Change Your Culture (Without Faking It)?
Oct 13, 2025In this episode, Erik tackles one of the most frequently asked leadership questions he gets in coaching: “How do I change my company’s culture?” Drawing from real stories, industry frameworks, and his own systems-thinking approach, he breaks down the four-part process every leader needs to architect intentional culture—without fluff or jargon.
This is a direct, no-BS solo masterclass on what culture actually is, how it's built (even when you're not trying), and the real reason most cultural initiatives fail. If you've ever said "our culture needs to change," this one’s for you.
âť“ The Bi...
Duration: 00:18:42060: "Are You Coaching Your Team or Just Saving the Deal?" (lessons from Kim Willis)
Oct 10, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this post-interview reflection, Erik breaks down his conversation with Kim Willis, exploring what makes someone truly excellent at sales—and why that matters for leadership. Rather than glamorizing charisma or relying on old tropes, Erik digs into the deeper attributes: curiosity, storytelling, feedback loops, and the relentless pursuit of truth. This reaction feels part tactical, part philosophical, and wholly committed to real leadership growth—especially for those building teams, shaping offers, or selling visionary ideas.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Sales is a truth-finding process. The best salespe... Duration: 00:09:58059: "Can Storytelling Be Your Most Underrated Leadership Skill?" ft. Kim Willis
Oct 08, 2025In this episode, Erik sits down with Kim Willis, a speaker coach and story mentor who helps founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs reclaim their voice by getting radically honest about the stories they tell—and the ones they avoid. In this conversation, Kim shares how years of being a high-performing communicator eventually led him to disconnection, what it took to find his way back, and why story isn’t just a tool for influence—it’s a path to self-recovery, alignment, and leadership that actually lands.
👤 About the Guest
Kim Willis is a story strategist...
Duration: 01:18:35058: How To Deal With The Looming Talent Glut
Oct 06, 2025In this thought-provoking solo episode, Erik unpacks a major second-order consequence of AI: the collapse of the entry-level talent pipeline. As AI increasingly absorbs the "grunt work" across industries, we risk losing the slow, steady process by which professionals build context, mastery, and leadership skills. This looming talent glut isn't just about job displacement—it's about long-term strategic gaps in leadership. Erik calls on leaders to start planning now for a future where developing and redeploying human potential will be more critical—and more difficult—than ever.
âť“ The Big Question
What happens to leadersh...
Duration: 00:12:51057: "Are We Training People to Know—or to Do?" (lessons from Cortney Harding)
Oct 03, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
After interviewing Cortney Harding, Erik reflects on how VR, AI, and immersive learning are reshaping the way we train people—especially in communication. But beyond the tech, this episode is about mindset shifts: from teaching to training, from knowing to doing, and from buying solutions to solving real problems. It’s a direct and thoughtful take on why so many AI and training initiatives fail—and what to do differently.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Don’t start with the tech—start with the problem. Buying AI solutions without knowing the core b... Duration: 00:12:50056: "Will VR Reshape The Future Of Corporate Learning & Training?" ft. Cortney Harding
Oct 01, 2025What if workplace training wasn't passive, boring, or easily ignored—but instead felt like an unforgettable lived experience? In this conversation, Erik sits down with Cortney Harding, a pioneer at the intersection of VR, AR, and AI in corporate training, to explore how immersive technologies are redefining how humans learn, lead, and empathize at work.
From empathy-driven virtual experiences to AI-powered avatars that practice with you 24/7, Cortney shares why most corporate training is broken—and how the future is already here (if we’re brave enough to use it).
👤 About the Guest
Cortney...
Duration: 00:49:16055: Why Do We Struggle to Have Meaningful 1:1 Conversations?
Sep 29, 2025In this solo reflection, Erik unpacks a persistent and nuanced leadership challenge: why so many people struggle with deep, direct, one-on-one conversations. Drawing from personal experience, client work, and even his marriage, Erik explores processing styles, conversational pressure, and how leaders can adapt to create more inclusive, thoughtful dialogue—especially in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.
âť“ The Big Question
Why do so many people struggle to go deep in one-on-one conversations—and what can we do about it?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
The pressure to “respond well” often overrides true listening and participation... Duration: 00:09:49054: "The Power of Saying 'I’m Happy Today'" (lessons from Andrew Anderson)
Sep 26, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
After sitting with Andrew Anderson’s powerful story and coaching wisdom, Erik reflects on the themes that stood out most: authentic communication, radical clarity, and the role of faith as a foundation. This episode distills the 90-minute conversation into three sharp insights that leaders, parents, and humans alike can apply right away.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Authenticity builds trust — Vulnerability often precedes trust, not the other way around.Clarity is the real boundary setter — Saying no starts with knowing exactly what you’re saying yes to... Duration: 00:08:04053: "Why Does Vulnerability Build More Trust Than Success?" ft. Andrew Anderson
Sep 24, 2025Erik sits down with Andrew L. Anderson, coach, author, and master communicator, to unpack what it means to live with conviction, interrupt the scripts we’re stuck in, and lead with both vulnerability and strength. From red shoes to real suffering, Andrew shares how pattern disruption, faith, and belief shape his work and life — and why being your brother’s keeper is very different from trying to be your brother’s savior.
👤 About the Guest
Andrew L. Anderson is a coach, author, and speaker with over a decade of experience helping people brea...
Duration: 01:17:29052: What Should You Be Saying 'No' To?
Sep 22, 2025In this solo episode, Erik goes deep on one of the most deceptively difficult questions in leadership and life: What should you be saying no to? Drawing from his own calendar, coaching practice, and real-time decision-making, he lays out four clear steps—and several powerful tools—for reclaiming your time, energy, and focus. This is a masterclass in discerning the good from the right.
âť“ The Big Question
How do you decide what to say no to when everything feels important—or good?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Clarity on what you’re saying yes... Duration: 00:18:36051: "Authenticity as a System of Living—Not Just a Buzzword" (lessons from Rose Archer)
Sep 19, 2025Fresh off his conversation with Rose Archer, Erik is lit up—not just by what Rose is building, but by how she’s building it. In this reflection, Erik dives into the raw threads of authenticity, opportunity, and human connection that run through Rose’s story. It’s more than admiration—it’s a call to pay attention to how the universe shows up for us when we’re willing to show up as ourselves.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a system of living. Rose embodies her values so... Duration: 00:08:43050: "Authenticity Scales When It's Felt" ft. Rose Archer
Sep 17, 2025Erik sits down with Rose Archer, founder of the Luscious Supper Club—a sold-out monthly dining experience that’s as much about human connection as it is about exquisite food. What started as a side hustle from her Northeast Bend home has become a sought-after ritual for those craving beauty, belonging, and a return to the sacredness of breaking bread. Rose shares the deeply personal roots of this venture, the philosophy behind the mystery, and how staying fiercely authentic has become her greatest asset.
👤 About the Guest
Rose Archer is the founder and head ch...
Duration: 01:35:15049: What If Every Excuse You’ve Ever Heard Was Just One of Four?
Sep 15, 2025You’ve heard a thousand excuses—but what if there were really only four? In this sharp, tactical solo episode, Erik unpacks the universal patterns behind excuses and gives leaders a practical four-step play to move from frustration to clarity. With real-life examples and sharp reframes, this is your go-to guide for handling the conversations you’ve been avoiding. Get ready to ditch the dread, drop the debate, and redirect like a pro.
âť“ The Big Question
What if the excuses you dread the most could be dismantled with one simple play?
đź’ˇ Key...
Duration: 00:10:23048: "Seeing Gen Z as Problem Solvers, Not Problems" (lessons from Logyn Coats)
Sep 12, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
After sitting down with Logyn Coats, Erik reflects on what it really means to understand—and lead—across generations. At just 16, Logyn offered perspective far beyond her years, surfacing insights that resonate with the challenges leaders face today: motivating, teaching, and connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
This review digs into the three big takeaways Erik carried forward: alignment, parental influence, and AI literacy. Together, they form a map for how leaders can adapt in real time to the changing mindset of the next generation.
🎯 Top I...
Duration: 00:11:10047: "Can Gen Z’s Drive Reframe the Way We Lead Today?" ft. Logyn Coats
Sep 10, 2025What happens when you stop waiting for life to happen and start building it with intentionality? In this episode, Erik sits down with Logyn Coats, a driven student-athlete with an unconventional story of accelerated learning, discipline, and vision. From navigating dyslexia to graduating high school in two years, from shaping her worldview through volleyball to imagining careers as bold as space architecture, Logyn challenges assumptions about what Gen Z really wants and how they think.
This isn’t just a story about one ambitious young leader — it’s a lesson in what’s possible when structur...
Duration: 01:28:09046: Stop Hiding Behind The 'I Lead By Example' Phrase
Sep 08, 2025This episode is meant to challenge you. Erik takes on the lazy, surface-level claim of “I lead by example” and unpacks why it’s an insufficient leadership philosophy. He shares his own hard-learned lessons, what went wrong when he tried to evolve past it without clear communication, and why every leader needs a sharper articulation of their philosophy.
âť“ The Big Question
What does it really take to move beyond “leading by example” and step fully into the responsibility of leadership?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
“Leading by example” is table stakes — not the whole game.If... Duration: 00:08:54045: "Why Asking for Help Builds More Trust Than Giving Answers" (lessons from Jake Stahl)
Sep 05, 2025After sitting down with Jake Stahl, Erik reflects on the biggest insights from their conversation about neuro-strategy, influence, and the subtle ways leaders can shape trust. He pulls forward Jake’s key practices and maps them onto his own curiosity-driven approach to leadership and coaching.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Preparation shapes influence: First impressions begin long before the first handshake or Zoom call—your digital presence and prep work matter.Ask for input as a gift: Seeking advice or perspective triggers the same positive biological response as giving someone a treat... Duration: 00:07:28044: "My Only Competitor Is Me From Yesterday" ft. Jake Stahl
Sep 03, 2025In this conversation, Erik sits down with Jake Stahl, CEO of Orchestraight, to dig into the nuances of adaptability, trust, and leading with presence. From reframing how we think about time to building spaces where people feel seen, Jake offers a refreshingly human approach to leadership growth.
👤 About the Guest
Jake Stahl is the CEO of Orchestraight, a consultant, and a coach who helps organizations unlock adaptability through people-centered learning and leadership. With a background spanning corporate training, coaching, and systems thinking, Jake’s mission is to create environments where leaders and teams thriv...
Duration: 00:56:13043: How to Give Feedback People Actually Hear (And Act On)
Sep 01, 2025Erik unpacks the art and science of giving feedback that doesn’t just land—but transforms. Drawing from leadership trenches, he challenges the old “feedback sandwich” cliché and lays out a sharper, more human way to communicate with clarity, care, and conviction.
âť“ The Big Question
How do you give feedback that someone can truly hear—without defensiveness, confusion, or dismissal—and actually use it to grow?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Feedback fails when it’s vague, sugarcoated, or disconnected from reality.The goal isn’t to deliver feedback—it’s to create change.Specifici... Duration: 00:11:43042: “Can You Build Systems for Emotional Resilience?” (lessons from Troy Karnes)
Aug 29, 2025Coming off an intense, vulnerable conversation with Troy Karnes, Erik reflects on what it means to be trained to be human — and how most of us simply haven’t been. This episode is less a summary and more a reckoning: with parenting, leadership, addiction, loneliness, and the self-sabotaging decisions we make when we’re just trying to survive.
Troy’s story — addiction, family fracture, and a surreal cancer diagnosis that upended everything — becomes the frame for a much broader conversation about what we’re actually equipped for. Erik doesn’t just admire Troy’s courage; he uses it as a mi...
Duration: 00:06:51041: “How Do You Lead When You’re Still Healing?” ft. Troy Karnes
Aug 27, 2025In this raw and revealing conversation, Erik sits down with entrepreneur and systems thinker Troy Karnes to explore what happens when your ambition starts to burn you out — and how to rebuild from the inside out. They dig into the identity loops that trap high performers, the hard cost of playing it safe, and what it means to take control of your own narrative when life no longer fits the script.
👤 About the Guest
Troy Karnes is a performance-driven entrepreneur and coach who has worked across industries — from real estate...
Duration: 01:33:47040: What Do You Do When Your Team Thinks You Don’t Deserve the Job?
Aug 25, 2025In this episode, Erik breaks down how to earn trust, build consensus, and handle the uncomfortable conversations that come with stepping into leadership when the room isn’t exactly rooting for you.
âť“ The Big Question
How do you earn trust and lead effectively when your team believes someone else should have gotten your job?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you got promoted—stop trying to justify it.Trust is earned daily, not given with the title.Ideas are easy; execution with people is the hard... Duration: 00:10:59039: Why Your A-Players Leave (And How to Prevent It)
Aug 22, 2025Losing a top performer is brutal—and often preventable. In this episode, Erik goes beyond the cliché of “people don’t leave companies, they leave managers” to unpack the real reasons your best people walk out the door. He reveals three leadership moves that will keep your rock stars engaged, growing, and aligned—without relying on promotions, titles, or raises.
âť“ The Big Question
What can you do as a leader to stop losing your best people—even if you can’t offer them more money or a bigger title?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Top... Duration: 00:10:32038: The Leadership Hack That Eliminates 80% of Check-Ins
Aug 20, 2025Check-ins are killing your calendar. In this episode, Erik breaks down why endless reminders are actually a symptom of low confidence and poor expectation-setting—and he teaches a simple leadership “play” that flips the script. Instead of you chasing progress updates, your team will push you the information you need—freeing up your time, building accountability, and strengthening trust.
âť“ The Big Question
What if you could eliminate 80% of your check-ins and still have full confidence that the work is getting done?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Most check-ins are rooted in lack of confi... Duration: 00:08:12037: How to Make More Time by Choosing What Not to Do
Aug 18, 2025In this solo episode, Erik tackles one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions leaders and high-achievers ask: How do I make more time? Instead of chasing productivity hacks, he offers two practical tools to get clear on what really matters and what can wait. The episode blends strategic thinking with real-life examples, helping listeners stop defaulting to “more hours” and start aligning with what truly moves them forward.
âť“ The Big Question
If you can’t actually make more hours in the day, how do you decide what to work on—and what to let go...
Duration: 00:19:24036: "Are You Creating Space for Others to Shine?" (lessons from Sam Bennet)
Aug 15, 2025This reaction episode offers a reflective deep dive into the most resonant themes from Erik’s conversation with Sam Bennett—improviser, coach, and author of Start Right Where You Are. Erik explores the real-world value of improv training, redefines creativity through a leadership lens, and shares how Sam’s abundance mindset reminded him that leadership isn’t about having all the ideas—it's about creating space for others to bring theirs.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Improv is leadership in action: Practicing real-time response to others builds flexibility, confidence, and presence.Creativity ≠... Duration: 00:07:49035: "What If You Led Like You Liked People?" ft. Sam Bennet
Aug 13, 2025In this deeply human, laugh-out-loud insightful conversation, Erik sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Sam Bennett—actress, writer, leadership coach, and improv-trained creativity wizard. They explore the subtle power of curiosity, how theater prepares us for leadership, and why treating people like you actually like them is the secret to better business and better life.
Together, they unpack how creative problem-solving isn’t just for artists, how improv is a masterclass in self-trust, and how to navigate high-stakes conversations with grace, humor, and impact.
👤 About the Guest
Sam Ben...
Duration: 01:02:13034: Does Asking The Right Question Beat Giving The Right Answer?
Aug 11, 2025This episode is a bold challenge to the myth that leaders need to have all the answers. Erik breaks down the real reason many leaders avoid tough conversations—and how a single mindset shift can radically reduce stress, spark better performance, and create more self-sufficient teams. This is about turning pressure into presence, and questions into your most powerful leadership tool.
âť“ The Big Question
What if your best move as a leader wasn’t saying something smart—but asking something better?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
Stop solving everything yourself: You're... Duration: 00:09:05033: "Are You Chasing Success Without Knowing Why?" (lessons from Peter Awad)
Aug 08, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this reflection, Erik unpacks his recent interview with Peter Awad—a powerful, purpose-driven conversation that left him wanting more time. The episode explored how discovering your “why” is far less about lightbulb moments and far more about long-haul self-inquiry. Erik doesn’t just review their dialogue—he reveals how his own journey mirrored Peter’s, including the patience, pain, and pattern-recognition it took to step away from sales leadership and into entrepreneurship with intention.
This one’s a heartfelt reminder: clarity doesn’t come quickly—but the right questions will carry you there.<...
Duration: 00:06:17032: "Why Do We Coast Into a Life We Don’t Even Want?" (Ft. Peter Awad)
Aug 06, 2025In this powerful conversation with coach and entrepreneur Peter Awad, Erik digs into what happens when high-achieving people drift through life without a clear why. Together, they explore the subtle decay that comes from comfort, the courage it takes to pursue voluntary discomfort, and why most people wait too long to ask the deeper questions. This isn’t a surface-level chat about purpose—it’s a raw, practical breakdown of what real transformation demands.
👤 About the Guest
Peter Awad is the founder of White Stone Coach, a coaching organization dedicated to helping leaders uncover t...
Duration: 00:40:47031: The Secret to Make Hard Conversations EASY
Aug 04, 2025In this solo episode of I Have Some Questions..., Erik goes straight into the heart of what most leaders avoid: hard conversations. If you've ever dreaded giving feedback, delayed the tough talk, or spiraled into overthinking how it'll be received — this one’s for you. Erik breaks down why we avoid these conversations and offers a simple, repeatable framework to make them easier, more human, and more effective.
âť“The Big Question
How can leaders approach hard conversations in a way that actually makes them easier and more productive?
đź’ˇKey Takeaways
The... Duration: 00:14:54030: “What’s Worth Being Relentless About?” (lessons from Chris Jones)
Aug 01, 2025After an energizing and raw conversation with Chris Jones, Erik reflects on what it actually means to be relentless—and why so few of us live that way. In this solo reflection, Erik opens up about his own honest recognition that he’s notrelentlessly wired, at least not by default, and explores what it takes to become someone who is.
This isn’t just a pep talk. It’s a tactical, psychological dive into the challenge of pursuing anything with obsession—and the discomfort required to even discover what’s worth chasing in the first place. Erik distills the...
Duration: 00:07:56029: “Can You Learn to Be Relentless?” ft. Chris Jones
Jul 30, 2025What does it really take to become relentless—and why is fun an essential part of the formula? In this candid, high-energy conversation, Erik sits down with best-selling author and EOS coach Chris Jones, a leader who’s navigated failure, burnout, and massive business pivots to find the intersection of intensity and joy. Together, they explore how clarity, courage, and self-awareness shape the path to excellence—and what keeps most people stuck in average.
👤 About the Guest
Chris Jones is a multi-time entrepreneur, best-selling author of Relentless AF: An Entrepren...
Duration: 01:25:26028: What If the Rock Star Team You Want… Isn’t the One You Hired?
Jul 28, 2025In this episode, Erik drops the hammer on one of leadership’s biggest illusions: that great teams are discovered, not developed. He challenges listeners to let go of the fantasy of “perfect hires” and instead master the craft of building greatness from within. From training and development to retention and real-time coaching, Erik lays out a clear, repeatable path to elevate every player on your team—starting now.
âť“ The Big Question
What if your job isn’t to find great people—but to build them?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
You likely didn... Duration: 00:11:57027: “What If Great Leadership Starts with Being Wrong First?” (lessons from Ian Beaty)
Jul 25, 2025In this recap, Erik distills the key leadership insights from his conversation with Dr. Ian Beaty, highlighting the gap between technical skill and leadership ability. He reflects on the all-too-common failure point: we promote people because they’re good at something, not because they’ve been trained to lead. Erik explores how this creates a cycle of unprepared leaders who are under-equipped and over-pressured—and why humility and rebellion are often the antidote.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Success ≠Leadership Readiness: Being great at a skill doesn’t automatically translate into being great at lead... Duration: 00:05:45026: “Why Is It So Damn Easy to Be a Bad Leader?” ft. Dr. Ian Beaty
Jul 23, 2025Erik sits down with Dr. Ian Beaty—Major in the Oregon Army National Guard, military recruiter-turned-educational liaison, and founder of Maven Speaks. With 24 years of service and a doctorate in education, Ian’s insight cuts through the noise on what real leadership looks like, why bad leadership is so common, and how he’s bridging bureaucratic silos between the military and the education system. This conversation is a sharp, thoughtful look at systems, trust, and the future of developing people.
👤 About the Guest
Dr. Ian Beaty is a decorated military officer, organizational strategist, and the f...
Duration: 01:15:51024: “Can You Charge More, And Sell More?” (lessons from Amanda Bedell)
Jul 18, 2025In this reflective follow-up to his interview with Amanda Bedell, Erik gets honest about the uncomfortable truths business owners face when it comes to profit. Most of us think we’re “doing okay” because revenue is coming in—but Amanda forces a deeper look.
What stuck with Erik most wasn’t just Amanda’s strategic brilliance—it was how she translated financial complexity into real leadership decisions. She didn’t just talk P&Ls or pricing formulas. She talked about leadership responsibility, team clarity, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.
🎯 Top Insights from t...
Duration: 00:06:55023: “What does it take to build a profitable business?” ft. Amanda Bedell
Jul 16, 2025In this episode, Erik sits down with Amanda Bedell, a no-BS profit strategist with a story that flips the script on what most entrepreneurs think running a “successful” business looks like. Amanda unpacks the painful lessons from building a $2M+ bakery—with zero profit—and how that failure catalyzed her mission to help founders build profitable, sellable businesses. The conversation gets tactical and emotional, strategic and human—offering a masterclass in real business truth-telling.
👤 About the Guest
Amanda Bedell is a profit coach and strategic advisor to entrepreneurs. After building and selling a mul...
Duration: 00:52:22022: What If Reviews Could Actually Make You a Better Leader?
Jul 14, 2025In this mid-year solo riff, Erik dismantles the anxiety and avoidance that plague performance reviews. Instead of dreading the annual ritual, Erik lays out a practical, human-first framework that transforms reviews into accountability-driving, career-shaping conversations. Whether you're leading five or fifty, this episode offers a process that helps your people grow and helps you lead with confidence, clarity, and calm.
âť“The Big Question
How do we turn performance reviews from a dreaded chore into a powerful tool for growth and accountability?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
The real purpose of a... Duration: 00:20:22021: “Will You Adapt Before You’re Forced To?” (lessons from Justin Coats)
Jul 11, 2025Coming off the conversation with Justin Coats, Erik reflects on what stood out most — not just in what was said, but in the tone of how it was said. Justin’s outlook on AI is refreshingly optimistic, and not in a techno-utopian way. His confidence stems from deep proximity to the tools, but also from the pattern recognition of someone who’s rebuilt himself multiple times.
This reaction is Erik’s way of pulling that thread further: What if Justin’s not just right — what if he's early? And what if we’ve been dramatically overvaluing busywork while underest...
Duration: 00:08:25020: “Can You Build a Culture Around Systems?” ft. Justin Coats
Jul 09, 2025Erik sits down with AI implementer, systems thinker, and neesh.ai founder Justin Coats for a future-forward conversation that spans war zones to workflow. From wrenching helicopters in the Marines to designing AI frameworks for SMBs, Justin's journey is anything but linear — and that’s exactly why his perspective hits so hard. Together, they explore the human side of exponential tech, the slow pace of adoption, and what it really means to lead in a world that’s changing faster than we can comprehend.
👤 About the Guest
Justin Coats is the fo...
Duration: 01:35:25018: “Can You Lead Without Knowing Where You’re Going?” (lessons from Brendan Burns)
Jul 04, 2025This solo debrief is as much a mirror as it is a microphone. Erik reflects on his conversation with Brendan Burns—coach, hedge fund founder, and a pivotal influence in his own journey—and uses it to explore the uncomfortable but critical tension between external success and internal clarity. What happens when even the best in the game can’t quite articulate their mission? What does that say about the rest of us?
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Even Experts Miss Their Own Blind Spots: Despite all of Brendan’s skills, templates, and success... Duration: 00:10:09017: “Is There a Difference Between Success and Satisfaction?” ft. Brendan Burns
Jul 02, 2025🎙️ Episode Snapshot
Erik welcomes coach, podcaster, and hedge fund founder Brendan Burns—his former coach and the catalyst behind the creation of Language of Leadership. This isn’t just a reunion; it’s a deep dive into Brendan’s unconventional path from law school and hedge funds to transformational coaching and multi-business leadership. The conversation explores the questions that matter most when navigating career transitions, building purpose-driven businesses, and choosing alignment over achievement alone.
👤 About the Guest
Brendan Burns is a multi-hyphenate success: hedge fund founder, transformational coach, Cornell-educated attorney, and fo...
Duration: 00:56:16015: “What Happens When You Finally Ask the Real Questions?” (lessons from Kyle Nelson & Eli Libby)
Jun 27, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
This reaction is more than a recap—it’s a confession. Erik shares his very real fear of solitude, of discovering he’s off course, and of what clarity might demand of him if he dares to seek it. It’s a vulnerable, reflective breakdown of the Kyle & Eli episode, and a deeper dive into why structured solitude might be the leadership development most of us are avoiding. The hardest part isn’t asking the questions, it’s what the answers will require of us.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Clarity Requires Com... Duration: 00:10:20014: “What Does It Take to Realign Your Life and Business?” ft. Kyle Nelson & Eli Libby
Jun 25, 2025🎙️ Episode Snapshot
Erik sits down with long-time friends and co-founders Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby, the creators of ResetOS, a clarity operating system designed to help high performers realign their internal compass before life forces them to. This episode dives deep into the transformational power of structured solitude, explores how pain can become purpose, and reveals how friendship and reflection can build more than just businesses—they can build lives.
👤 About the Guests
Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby are the co-founders of ResetOS Duration: 00:52:38
013: What If Motivation Isn’t the Problem?
Jun 23, 2025🎙️ Episode Snapshot
In this solo episode, Erik takes a sledgehammer to one of the most overused and misunderstood leadership questions: “How do I motivate my people?” He breaks down why motivation isn’t your job, and how alignment is the real lever leaders should be pulling. From hiring to training, development to retention, Erik reframes every step of the employee journey through the lens of alignment and shares the practical conversations that make it possible.
âť“ The Big Question
What if the problem isn’t that your people lack motivation, but that your leadership lack...
Duration: 00:28:38012: “Are You Settling for ‘Good Enough’ on Your Team?” (lessons from Alex Kudelka)
Jun 20, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
In this reflection, Erik breaks down his conversation with Alex Kudelka and extends the dialogue into a deeper meditation on one of the hardest (and most human) aspects of business: adding the right people. Whether it's a co-founder or a hire, getting the “who” right is make-or-break—and Erik’s vulnerable look at how pressure can lead to premature decisions is a powerful leadership check-in. This episode is a mirror for every founder and operator navigating the tension between urgency and fit.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
The “New Color” Phenomenon: When... Duration: 00:07:59011: “Can You Scale a Business Without Diluting Your Magic?” ft. Alex Kudelka
Jun 18, 2025🎙️ Episode Snapshot
Erik sits down with startup builder and Outdo Growth founder Alex Kudelka for a deeply honest and tactical conversation on what it really takes to build early-stage ventures. From co-founder dynamics to hiring pitfalls, from founder-led sales to the myths of scaling too early—this episode is a goldmine for founders navigating the messy middle of growth. The conversation balances strategic frameworks with hard-won lessons, all wrapped in Alex’s direct, insightful delivery.
👤 About the Guest
Alex Kudelka is the founder of Outdo Growth, a startup buil...
Duration: 01:01:49010: Are You Ready to Lead an AI-Empowered Team?
Jun 16, 2025🎙️ Episode Snapshot
In this solo episode, Erik unpacks the deeper leadership challenge that AI is creating—not just how to use the tools, but how to lead people who are using them. From data aggregation to automation to creation (and now even talent development), Erik lays out the evolving landscape and what it demands of leaders. He calls on listeners to ask better questions, adopt new hierarchies, and build resilient, QA-rich systems that keep humans accountable, creative, and connected.
âť“ The Big Question
How do you lead people who are armed with AI superpowe...
Duration: 00:39:53009: “Are You Committed to the Process or Just the Result?” (lessons from Alex Boyd)
Jun 09, 2025🧠Erik’s Take
Coming off a powerful interview with Alex Boyd, Erik takes a moment to unpack the core themes that resonated most. This reflection is a masterclass in translating deep conversation into leadership action. What stood out was Alex’s but his clarity, vulnerability, and the fearless questions he asks himself. For Erik, this was a model of self-aware leadership worth emulating.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Self-Reflection without Shame: Alex models the power of examining yourself honestly, without layering guilt or judgment. That subtle but crucial distinction makes real growth possible.<... Duration: 00:09:15008: “What’s the Secret to Sales That Don’t Suck?” ft. Alex Boyd
Jun 09, 2025🎙️ Episode Snapshot
In this layered and laugh-filled conversation, Erik sits down with multi-time founder and investor Alex Boyd to talk about the collision of AI, leadership, and personal transformation. What begins as a conversation about technology and team-building morphs into a masterclass on intentional leadership, career evolution, and building with clarity. From building software tools in 20 minutes to learning when (and how) to fire someone, this episode is equal parts real talk and roadmap for the next-gen leader.
👤 About the Guest
Alex Boyd is a founder, investor, and product strategist with deep roo...
Duration: 01:34:00007: Are You Leading the Person or Fighting the Generation?
Jun 09, 2025In this unfiltered, freewheeling solo riff, Erik tackles a controversial leadership question: How do you lead Millennials and Gen Z? Not from a place of judgment, but of lived experience. As a millennial himself, Erik offers a deep and human-centered take on why these generations behave differently at work, what they’re really optimizing for, and how leaders of all ages can unlock their performance by honoring their context, not criticizing it. This isn’t a generational rant, it’s a leadership reframe.
âť“The Big Question
What if Millennials and Gen Z aren’t l...
Duration: 00:21:27006: What The F Is Accountability?
Jun 09, 2025In this no-BS episode, Erik breaks down a word that everyone uses but few truly understand: accountability. Born from a career-defining moment when he couldn’t answer the question in a final interview, Erik shares the story that sparked his obsession with this misunderstood leadership cornerstone. He unpacks the real definition of accountability, why most leaders default to consequences instead of coaching, and how to build a culture where expectations are clear, feedback is proactive, and accountability is transformational.
âť“The Big Question
What does it actually mean to be accountable and how do y...
Duration: 00:46:39005: "What If You’re One Swing Away from Breakthrough?” ft. Brian Lofrumento
Jun 09, 2025In this energizing and deeply reflective conversation, Erik sits down with serial entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker Brian Lofrumento, whose 17-year journey has taken him from a soccer blog started in college to over 1100 podcast episodes and a newly launched nonprofit. They unpack what really drives entrepreneurs past the wantrepreneur stage, why "just ship it" is more than a Nike slogan, and how self-awareness and leadership begin with better questions.
👤 About the Guest
Brian Lofrumento is the creator and host of The Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast, author, and founder of mul...
Duration: 00:48:27004: How Do People Get Better at Things?
Jun 09, 2025In this solo episode, Erik Berglund takes on one of the most critical and misunderstood leadership questions: How do people get better at things? With bold clarity, he dismantles the myths we cling to about time, motivation, and talent, and offers a precise, actionable framework for building growth into your organization. Whether you lead a team of 3 or 300, this episode is a blueprint for unlocking human potential and building a feedback-rich culture that actually works.
âť“The Big Question
How do people really improve their performance and what’s your role in making it h...
Duration: 00:34:53003: “Are You Asking Too Much of Your Team… Without Realizing It?” (lessons from Tim Whitmire)
Jun 09, 2025In this reaction episode, Erik unpacks the deeply resonant conversation he just had with Tim Whitmire, co-founder of F3 Nation. What starts as a personal reflection on F3's impact morphs into a vulnerable and strategic look at leadership, sustainability, and what it really means to see the people we lead clearly. From the power of micro-origin stories to the gift of context-aware leadership, Erik distills the conversation into actionable insights anchored in both experience and empathy.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
Organic beginnings can lead to transformational outcomes. F3 was a sim... Duration: 00:08:23002: “Can a Free Workout Teach You How to Be a Better Man?” ft. Tim Whitmire
Jun 09, 2025In this powerful conversation, Erik sits down with Tim Whitmire, co-founder of F3 Nation and a seasoned leader across journalism, finance, consulting, and operations, to unpack what it takes to build decentralized leadership, sustain impact at scale, and lead with humility and purpose. From the sweaty roots of a Saturday workout in Charlotte to the formation of a nationwide brotherhood, Tim shares timeless insights on human development, organizational growth, and what it really means to step back so others can step up.
👤 About the Guest
Tim Whitmire is the co-founder of F3...
Duration: 00:54:22001: What Does It Mean to Be a Leader?
Jun 09, 2025In this solo episode, Erik takes us deep into one of the most deceptively simple and misunderstood questions in leadership: What does it mean to be a leader? This is not about personality traits or lofty vision statements—it’s about one clear, powerful definition that transforms how you show up, lead, and grow others. If you’ve ever felt the tension of being too nice, too controlling, or just unsure how to unlock your team's potential this one’s for you.
âť“The Big Question
What does it truly mean to lead someone an...
Duration: 00:31:52000: Welcome to “I Have Some Questions…”
Jun 09, 2025In this launch episode of I Have Some Questions…, Erik Berglund sets the stage for a podcast built on one radical belief: that great leadership begins not with answers, but with better questions. He shares the personal journey that led him to this insight, the mission behind the show, and what listeners can expect from future episodes—interviews, solo deep dives, and a whole lot of leadership exploration.
âť“ The Big Question
What if asking better questions is the most powerful leadership skill no one ever taught us?
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways...
Duration: 00:05:49