From Small Town Dreams to Big-Time Leadership: Mac Lake’s Journey of Faith and Purpose
Release Date: 08/15/2025
The Power of a Praying Leader
The Jon Gordon Podcast
I believe the greatest source of a leader’s power isn’t strategy, talent, or even hard work… it’s prayer. In this episode, I’m sharing something most leaders rarely talk about, yet it’s been the true foundation of my success and impact: the power of a praying leader. Prayer has transformed my mindset, healed my soul, strengthened my marriage, and given me the wisdom and courage to lead and serve others in ways I couldn’t even imagine before. I’ll reveal the lessons I’ve learned from years of daily prayer, why disconnection from God leads to fear and anxiety, and how...
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Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 17: Demanding Not Demeaning
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode of Positive Leadership Wednesday, I explore what it really means to be a demanding leader, without being demeaning. I share why being positive doesn’t mean being weak or letting standards slide. Instead, I talk about how the best leaders expect the best from their teams and hold everyone accountable, but always in a supportive, uplifting way. I’ll tell you how you can call people up to greatness, rather than calling them out, and why choosing encouragement over criticism can help your team truly thrive. If this message resonates, share the episode and help inspire others...
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Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 17: Be a Shark Instead of a Goldfish
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode of Positive Mindset Monday, I share a powerful message: “Be a shark instead of a goldfish.” In today’s world, it’s not enough to wait for opportunities to come to us, we need to actively seek them out. I’ll explain why shifting from a passive mindset to an intentional, opportunity-driven approach is key to succeeding in the current environment. Discover what it means to be a “nice shark,” how to start swimming in the ocean of possibility, and why the future belongs to those who go after what they want. If this episode inspires you, share it with your team and...
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48 Years in the Making: Inside the Championship Mindset of Cornell Lacrosse
The Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I’m joined by Cornell lacrosse head coach and now national champion, Connor Buczek for an incredible conversation about legacy, leadership, and building a championship culture. If you want to know what it really takes to transform heartbreak into triumph after 48 long years without a title, this is the episode for you. We dive deep into the values that define Cornell lacrosse—toughness, togetherness, servant leadership and how the legendary George Boiardi, Coach Richie Moran, and others shaped a family-like culture that stands the test of time....
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Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 16: Stay Strong Through the Storm
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode of Positive Leadership Wednesday, I dive into the power of resilient leadership with a story about building a house in hurricane-prone Florida. You’ll hear how the strength of a single roof tile can make or break a home, just as one person can impact an entire team. I’ll discuss why it’s so crucial to establish a strong foundation and culture so your organization can weather life’s storms, negativity, and challenges. If you find this leadership insight valuable, share the episode to encourage your team to stay strong through every storm together! Here’s a few...
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Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 16: 20 Ways to get Mentally Tough
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode of Positive Mindset Monday, I share 20 practical ways to become mentally tough, inspired by lessons from my book, Training Camp. Whether you’re facing setbacks, doubting yourself, or feeling overwhelmed, these proven strategies will help you build resilience, embrace adversity, and stay positive, no matter the circumstances. I’ll walk you through the powerful habits and mindset shifts the best use to overcome challenges, keep moving forward, and finish strong. If you’re ready to cultivate true mental toughness and become your very best, this episode is for you! If these...
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The Bravery Effect: How to Build Real Confidence and Face Your Fears with Jill Schulman
The Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I’m joined by Jill Schulman, author, former Marine, and a true thought leader on the psychology of bravery. Jill just released her powerful new book, , and together we dive deep into what it really means to be brave in today’s world. We get personal right away, exploring the difference between bravery and courage, and why Jill believes bravery is a muscle we can all train. She shares both personal stories and groundbreaking research, like how action in the face of fear is what actually builds confidence, not the other way around. We talk about...
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Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 15: Don't Let the Good Get in the Way of Great
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode of Positive Leadership, I share an important reminder: “Don’t let the good get in the way of great.” As leaders, we’re constantly presented with opportunities and distractions, but I believe the key to true success is prioritizing what matters most. I’ll talk about why it’s essential to focus on what will make you and your team great, not just good, and how this clarity can lead to outstanding results. If this message resonates with you, I encourage you to share it and inspire your team to strive for greatness together! Here’s a few additional resources for...
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Carrying the Torch: The Power of Giftology with Sara Hardwick
The Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Sara Hardwick from Giftology to dive deep into the legacy of our great friend and Giftology founder, John Ruhlin. Sara opens up about how the Giftology team has carried on John’s mission of generosity, relationship-building, and faith following his unexpected passing. We explore the powerful “return on relationships” philosophy that made John’s approach to gifting and human connection so unique, how intentional generosity can transform your business and personal life, and what it looks like to truly honor someone’s...
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Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 15: Don't Let Critics in Your Head
The Jon Gordon Podcast
Kick off your week with a burst of encouragement in this episode of Positive Mindset Monday! Today, you'll discover why critics and naysayers shouldn’t have the final say in your journey. Explore the vital mindset shift that empowers dreamers, doers, and believers to transform challenges into stepping stones for success. Learn how to build resilience in the face of negativity and why staying focused on your vision, rather than others' opinions, is the key to creating lasting impact. Tune in for a reminder that every bit of adversity can be fuel for growth, and start your week ready to show...
info_outlineOn this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Mac Lake for an honest, funny, and deeply meaningful conversation about faith, leadership, and purpose. Mac shares his journey from a shy kid in a tiny West Virginia town, to becoming a pastor, leadership developer, and the father of chart-topping Christian artist Brandon Lake
We talk about the setbacks, faith steps, and even awkward dating stories that shaped Mac’s life, the surprising ways God weaves together our stories, and the keys to building a strong marriage that gets better over time. Mac offers practical, eye-opening leadership wisdom, like the “learning, growing, mastering” model for developing teams, why investing in yourself unlocks your potential to invest in others, and how to lead with both skill and spirit (plus, he shares the simple-but-powerful system for one-on-ones you need to try).
Here’s a few additional resources for you…
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