Maxwell Leadership Podcast
The Maxwell Leadership Podcast is a regular examination of what it means to be a transformational leader—someone who daily influences people to think, speak, and act to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. This podcast will teach you the principles, practices, and process of becoming a transformational leader because leadership isn’t an event—it’s an uphill journey. Every week we will offer a free tool to help you on this journey, so let leadership authority Dr. John C. Maxwell show you the way.
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Good Leaders Make Friends, Not Fans
07/22/2026
Good Leaders Make Friends, Not Fans
Are you letting your success create distance between you and your team? In this episode, John Maxwell unpacks why leadership success can easily lead to isolation—and what you can do to resist it. Discover how making friends (not just fans) helps you stay relatable, authentic, and influential. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dive into real-life strategies to help you put connection at the heart of your leadership journey. Key Takeaways Success can isolate, but connection is the cure. Intentional relationships keep leaders grounded and approachable. Service trumps titles. The more you value and serve those around you, the greater trust and real influence you build. Shrink the gap with authenticity: practice humility, seek honest feedback, and be present with your people. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Good Leaders Make Friends, Not Fans Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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How to Stabilize Your Success
07/15/2026
How to Stabilize Your Success
How do you keep your success from becoming the very thing that sabotages your leadership? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals the overlooked practices that stabilize lasting achievement and keep leaders grounded at every stage of their journey. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson share real-world strategies and thoughtful application to help you translate John’s insights into leadership habits you can use today. Key takeaways: True success starts within—before you pursue outer victories, define what success means to you at the deepest level. Power without accountability destabilizes leaders; the healthiest teams and organizations actively cultivate structures of honest feedback. Those closest to you, who know your flaws and strengths, should respect and love you most—a leader’s greatest validation comes from authenticity, not applause. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Stabilize Your Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. References:
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Learn These Skills to Become a Memorable Leader: A Fireside Chat with John Maxwell and Jeff Henderson
07/08/2026
Learn These Skills to Become a Memorable Leader: A Fireside Chat with John Maxwell and Jeff Henderson
Do you want to be the kind of leader people never forget? This week in a first-of-its-kind react-style Maxwell Leadership Podcast episode, John Maxwell sits down with Jeff Henderson to share the essential skills that turn everyday leadership into a lasting legacy. As John teaches, Mark Cole provides practical strategies to help you activate John’s teachings and elevate your impact right now. Key takeaways: Empowering others doesn’t diminish your influence—it multiplies it, as the best leaders know they’re always stronger together than alone. Authentic leadership requires living the message before you teach it so your words carry moral authority and genuine connection. Every growth opportunity comes with a trade-off, and true leaders relentlessly trade comfort for progress and excuses for action. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Learn These Skills to Become a Memorable Leader Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” This episode is sponsored by : Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Difficult Conversation Playbook. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:
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The Five-Step Cycle That Turns Failure into Your Fastest Path to Growth
07/01/2026
The Five-Step Cycle That Turns Failure into Your Fastest Path to Growth
Your failure is the most effective engine for your growth — and the most underutilized. In this week’s episode, John reveals the five-step cycle that transforms every setback into your next leap forward as a leader. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dive into real-world strategies to help you put this growth cycle into action and boost your team’s innovation. Key takeaways: True innovation thrives when leaders create a culture where failing is seen as a crucial part of learning and improving. The sequence of testing, failing, learning, improving, and re-entering ensures that mistakes become stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Sustainable growth comes from asking, “What did I learn?” after every setback and quickly applying those lessons to move forward stronger than before. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Five-Step Cycle That Turns Failure into Your Fastest Path to Growth Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. References:
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How Great Leaders Stay Focused When Everything is Falling Apart
06/24/2026
How Great Leaders Stay Focused When Everything is Falling Apart
You've been there: Pressure is high. Priorities are competing. Everything feels urgent. How do you stay focused when you're being pulled in a million different directions? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals the mindset and habits that empower leaders to bring stability and hope to the seasons that matter most. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede provide practical strategies you can use right now to lead your team through challenging times with clarity and confidence. Key takeaways: Traction comes from focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you cannot. Write it down, put it before you, and act on it every day. Difficult times don’t develop leaders—they reveal them. Who you are when pressure mounts determines your influence and your team’s trust. When clarity about the future is impossible, focus instead on certainty for the next step, showing up with confidence, steadiness, hope, and presence for those you lead. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How Great Leaders Stay Focused When Everything is Falling Apart Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. References:
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Why So Many Leaders Stop Growing
06/17/2026
Why So Many Leaders Stop Growing
Leaders go farther when they don't see a finish line — are you letting perceived limits hold back your impact? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals why so many leaders stop growing, and how leaders can maintain a lifelong commitment to learning and relevance. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack the practical steps you can take to apply these principles in your own leadership. Key takeaways: Growth requires continual refreshment—leaders who thrive consistently seek to update their thinking, materials, and approach to stay relevant. The willingness to anticipate new challenges and resist resting on past achievements is essential for forward-focused leadership. True legacy is built by pouring into others. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Why So Many Leaders Stop Growing Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. References:
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Leaders Reproduce Who They Are
06/10/2026
Leaders Reproduce Who They Are
Are you leading from your strengths, or simply telling others what they should do? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell unpacks the challenging truth that leaders don’t just teach what they know—they reproduce who they are by their example. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede provide practical strategies you can use to strengthen your self-leadership and intentionally shape the culture around you. Key takeaways: Leading yourself effectively with authenticity and consistency can be your greatest daily challenge. The responsibility of leadership means modeling growth and resilience so your team mirrors your example, not just your instructions. What people observe in you determines what they become—leadership is visual, and proximity matters for genuine reproduction. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Leaders Reproduce Who They Are Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Reproduce — MaxwellPodcast.com/Reproduce and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” This episode is sponsored by : Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, Culture Clarity: A Guide to Uncovering Your Real Culture Through Feedback. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:
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One Decision That Separates Good Leaders From Great Leaders
06/03/2026
One Decision That Separates Good Leaders From Great Leaders
Leaders make lots of key decisions—but one decision can be the separator between leadership that sustains and leadership that thrives. In this week’s episode, John reveals how the choice to be intentional transforms good leaders into great ones and empowers you to make a real difference. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack the practical steps you can take to apply these principles in your own leadership. Key takeaways: Generational greatness demands intentional actions, a growth mindset, and a commitment to serving others. The best leaders shine their light in the darkest times by focusing on solutions and courageously solving problems rather than cursing the darkness. Daily disciplines, consistency, and a focus on adding value to people are what make a powerful leadership legacy possible. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the One Decision That Separates Good Leaders From Great Leaders Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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What Your Dream Team Should Look Like
05/27/2026
What Your Dream Team Should Look Like
Myth: Leaders need to be balanced. Fact: Together, you and your team can be balanced. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals why the dream team isn’t about perfection in individuals, but about creating collective balance through diversity of skills, passion, and perspective. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dig into high-level strategy for building a team where everyone’s strengths thrive and the leader’s vision multiplies. Key takeaways: A balanced team is built on diverse strengths—no single leader can or should do it all alone. Exceptional leaders replace assumptions with curiosity, listening and learning from their team before leading. The most successful teams are intentionally shaped through shared values, growth, and a genuine commitment to multiplying each other’s impact. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the What Your Dream Team Should Look Like Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Better Days Are Ahead of You
05/20/2026
Better Days Are Ahead of You
Where is your finish line? Trick question—your growth doesn't need to have one. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals how to cultivate a forward-focused mindset that unleashes continual development and lasting impact. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson provide practical strategies to help you step out of the past and anticipate a future filled with possibility! Key takeaways: — Finish lines are self-imposed—when you decide you're done, you limit your future; growth and contribution continue as long as you focus forward. — What you focus on expands: holding on to regret or past failures keeps you stuck, but embracing gratitude and learning unlocks new potential. — True fulfillment comes not from personal success, but from shifting to significance—using your achievements to add value to others and pioneer new possibilities. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Better Days Are Ahead of You Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Five Questions to Help You Add Value to Others
05/13/2026
Five Questions to Help You Add Value to Others
How do you know if you’re truly adding value to those around you, or just going through the motions? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals the five essential questions every leader should ask to elevate their influence and impact. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dive into their strategies for weaving these value-adding principles into your everyday leadership. Key takeaways: Before you can add value to others, you must recognize and develop the unique value you bring to the table. Valuing what you do—and the people you serve—is the foundation for authentic influence and sustained growth. Leaders multiply their impact by continuously growing themselves and intentionally focusing on what is best for others, not just them. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Five Questions to Help You Add Value to Others Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” This episode is sponsored by : Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, Culture Clarity: A Guide to Uncovering Your Real Culture Through Feedback. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References: (use code ROFPOD at checkout to get The Quick Start Guide to Getting a Return on Failure 100% free!)
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Four Ways to Turn Failure Into Success
05/06/2026
Four Ways to Turn Failure Into Success
Don't spend your leadership journey trying to avoid failure; you will end up thinking, planning, and dreaming too small. Instead, invest your time creating a framework to let failure work to your advantage. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell teaches four ways you can transform setbacks into powerful steppingstones for success! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson share actionable strategies to help you turn John’s insights on failure into practical growth for yourself and your team. Key takeaways: The most effective leaders learn to distinguish between good misses that move them forward and bad misses that hold them back. Embracing the difficulty of challenges and anticipating failure prepares you mentally and emotionally to grow through adversity. When you humbly share your failures and lessons learned, you encourage others and build a culture where growth thrives over perfection. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Four Ways to Turn Failure Into Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Values Are the Soul of Leadership
04/29/2026
Values Are the Soul of Leadership
What values are defining your legacy as a leader? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell illuminates how true leadership can only center on values, and those values can only center on people. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dig into practical ways you can identify, live out, and multiply these values within your team and organization. Key takeaways: The test of good values is whether they value all people, all the time, in every situation—this alignment is the foundation of real leadership. Leaders who see and lift others unlock greater potential, but when they stop valuing people, they lose their right to lead. Values act as the glue, foundation, compass, and map for a leader, providing stability, accountability, direction, and daily guidance. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Values Are the Soul of Leadership Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Maximize Your Joy (Part 2)
04/22/2026
Maximize Your Joy (Part 2)
Life is going to have challenges whether we expect them or not — we might as well use them to grow. In this week’s episode, John continues his lesson from last week to share a few key principles that impact the joy in your leadership journey. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share real-life strategies to help you apply these principles in your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Growth happens not by avoiding adversity but by doing hard things—so you’re prepared to take on even greater challenges. Leaders maximize their impact when they focus on the journey, not by keeping score, but by continually moving forward and celebrating each step. Generosity and deep joy are fruits of a grateful mindset, reminding leaders to stay present and appreciate the opportunities in front of them. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Maximize Your Joy (Part 2) Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Maximize Your Joy (Part 1)
04/15/2026
Maximize Your Joy (Part 1)
Are you leading with joy, or just surviving? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals eight essential ways to maximize your joy, showing how intentional living shapes your leadership journey. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack the practical steps you can take to apply these principles in your own leadership. Key takeaways: Joy is found in the journey, not the destination—and it starts with living intentionally and defining your purpose. Growth, daily self-improvement, and a focus on adding value to others are core ingredients for a fulfilling leadership life. Surrounding yourself with a balanced team and staying in your strength zone amplifies both your personal impact and your collective results. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Maximize Your Joy (Part 1) Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” This episode is sponsored by : Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Leadership Toolkit. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:
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Preparing is Caring
04/08/2026
Preparing is Caring
How much do you really care for the people you lead—and what does your preparation say about it? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals why genuine care can only be expressed through the discipline of preparation, and how your commitment to leading others starts long before you ever enter the room. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive into real-world strategies and personal stories to ensure you can put John’s principles into practice right away. Key takeaways: If you only “wing it,” you may get by—but you’ll never break into the top tier of impactful leadership; true excellence demands intentional effort and preparation. Every leader carries both a “best message” (what you share in the moment) and a “big message” (the essence of who you are), and intentional preparation helps you clarify and amplify both. Setting your internal standard higher than external applause empowers you to lead with integrity, grow continuously, and serve those you influence at the highest level. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Preparing Is Caring Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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How Serving Others Unlocks Self-Discovery
04/01/2026
How Serving Others Unlocks Self-Discovery
Discover one of the great leadership paradoxes: the surprising growth that comes from serving others. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell teaches how putting others first unlocks unexpected personal development and deeper self-understanding. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive into real-world ways to apply these transformative insights, offering strategies to help you lead with greater impact starting today. Key takeaways: When leaders intentionally serve others, they gain profound insights about their own motives, abilities, and growth areas. True leadership begins when you shift from seeking followers for your vision to helping others achieve their own potential. Valuing and serving your team transforms relationships, elevates teamwork, and empowers everyone to reach greater heights together. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How Serving Others Unlocks Self-Discovery Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Cultivating Humility for Lasting Influence
03/25/2026
Cultivating Humility for Lasting Influence
John Maxwell shares that there's one most important quality of leadership. Do you have it? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals why humility isn’t just a virtue—it’s the essential ingredient for lasting influence and meaningful leadership. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dive into real-life examples and honest reflections, sharing how you can apply John’s wisdom to multiply your impact and create sustaining influence as a leader. Key takeaways: True humility empowers you to learn, grow, and serve others, turning challenges into opportunities for lasting impact. Leaders who balance confidence with humility create environments where influence compounds and teams thrive over time. Your willingness to be teachable and embrace gratitude—especially in adversity—is the key to both resilience and enduring success. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Cultivating Humility for Lasting Influence Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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The Meaning of Your Life with Dr. Arthur C. Brooks
03/20/2026
The Meaning of Your Life with Dr. Arthur C. Brooks
Are you striving for success, yet finding yourself wondering if your achievements really matter? The answer to a fulfilled life may lie in asking deeper questions, not just chasing accomplishments. In this bonus episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, Mark Cole and Jared Cagle are joined by author and professor Arthur C. Brooks to discuss the pillars of a meaningful life (especially in an age of emptiness). Key takeaways: Meaning in life isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about asking “why” and finding deeper significance in what you do. Serving others shifts the focus away from chasing success for its own sake and unlocks fulfillment through impact and connection. Every leader’s journey is marked by both triumphs and setbacks—true growth comes from learning to find purpose in both. References:
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The Qualities of an Authentic Leader
03/18/2026
The Qualities of an Authentic Leader
How do you earn the loyalty that supports real influence? You won’t change lives or amplify your results without the ability to connect authentically. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell is sharing how to do that, as he teaches the five essential qualities that define an authentic leader! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson provide practical strategies you can use right away to embody authenticity and deepen your impact as a leader. Key takeaways: Leading with heart—through empathy, courage, and genuine care—creates meaningful connections that drive lasting results. Consistently practicing transparency, humility, and good listening skills builds trust and invites collaboration. “People will walk through fire for a leader that's true and a leader that's human.” — Pat Lencioni Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Qualities of an Authentic Leader Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” This episode is sponsored by : Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Leadership Toolkit. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:
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Success and Failure: The Partnership that Fuels Growth
03/11/2026
Success and Failure: The Partnership that Fuels Growth
Are you ready to turn your greatest setbacks into the fuel for exponential growth? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell unpacks how the partnership between success and failure is essential to leadership—and why your perspective on failure determines your path to achievement. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede provide real-world strategies you can use right away to embrace failure as a catalyst for learning and growth. Key takeaways: How you view failure shapes your response to it—and seeing it as part of success unlocks growth, humility, and maturity. Successful leaders don’t just make good decisions; they learn to manage both their wins and their losses to maximize impact. The lessons you take from failure are what propel you forward—if you don’t lose the lesson, you never truly lose. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Success and Failure: The Partnership that Fuels Growth Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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The Leadership Lens: How You View Things is How You Do Things
03/04/2026
The Leadership Lens: How You View Things is How You Do Things
How you see your world determines the actions you take and the results you create—what lens are you using to view your leadership? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell unpacks how your perspective shapes your impact, and reveals four keys to developing a leadership lens that drives lasting effectiveness. After John’s lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive deep into practical ways you can shift your perspective and model impactful leadership behaviors in your daily life. Key takeaways: The most important voice you listen to is your own—guard your self-talk and ensure it builds you up rather than tears you down. Realistic perspective is essential at every stage of success; leaders must walk slowly through the crowd, listen, and learn to stay grounded. It's not enough to do what’s best for yourself—great leadership means aligning actions with good values so everyone wins. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the The Leadership Lens: How You View Things is How You Do Things Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Episode 400: How to Use Failure for Success
02/25/2026
Episode 400: How to Use Failure for Success
Failure can either hold you back or become fuel for your growth. In this week’s episode — the Maxwell Leadership Podcast's 400th episode! — John Maxwell joins Mark Cole for a glimpse into John's upcoming book, How to Get a Return on Failure, and a perspective-shifting discussion on how you can invest failure to fuel resilience, sharpen your judgment, and accelerate your impact. Key takeaways: Your response to failure determines whether it becomes an asset or a liability. Success and failure must be kept together; embracing both builds resilience and humility for lasting leadership. Progress isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about learning, improving, and moving on with greater wisdom each time. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Episode 400: How to Use Failure for Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References: (The first 400 to use code ROFPOD at checkout get our digital resource, the Quick Start Guide to Getting a Return on Failure, 100% free!)
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How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 2)
02/18/2026
How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 2)
Last week, John Maxwell shared three of his six insights for surrounding yourself with people who can accelerate your growth journey. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell is revealing the last three, so you can get yourself around great people! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack John's lesson so you can apply these principles in your own leadership. Key takeaways: Being unforgettable isn’t about showing off—it’s about finding innovative ways to serve others and do for them what they can’t do for themselves. True vision matures when you move from “me” to “we,” inviting participation and building energy that attracts great people to your cause. Leadership influence grows when your inner character and spirit outshine outward achievements. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 2) Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” This episode is sponsored by : Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Future of Executive Partnership: Why AI Isn't Enough. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:
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How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 1)
02/11/2026
How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 1)
Who are you intentionally inviting into your growth journey? The company you keep could be your greatest accelerator—or your greatest limitation. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell teaches how to surround yourself with great people by unveiling the disciplines and mindsets that attract high-potential leaders to your circle. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share real-life strategies you can use right now to elevate your relationships and leverage the power of your network for exponential growth. Key takeaways: Your desire for greatness—and action toward it—opens doors to impactful relationships and opportunities. If you want to grow, you must proactively put yourself where great people are and immerse yourself in environments that challenge and affirm you. Success is sustained by consistently practicing the habits of great people, not just admiring their accomplishments. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Surround Yourself with Great People (Part 1) Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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Principles that Guide Your Life
02/04/2026
Principles that Guide Your Life
What defines the world you create with your leadership? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals the ten guiding principles that have anchored his life and success for more than four decades! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive into real-life strategies that help you put John’s principles to work in your own leadership journey. Key takeaways: Your attitude is a daily choice that sets the ceiling for your potential. Personal growth always precedes professional advancement; who you are determines how far you can go. Helping others succeed opens doors for your own success and builds lasting, meaningful relationships. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Principles that Guide Your Life Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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What You Expect is What You Experience
01/28/2026
What You Expect is What You Experience
Do your expectations shape your reality—or limit it? Imagine what would happen if you raised the bar for yourself and those around you. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals how the expectations you set determine the experiences you create, and why possibility thinking is every leader’s secret advantage. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson share actionable strategies for resetting team expectations and building a culture of higher achievement, so you can apply John’s insights right away. Key takeaways: Successful leaders continually set higher, self-driven expectations and upgrade them over time. Possibility thinking empowers you to see problems as opportunities and persevere through adversity. Your beliefs must match your expectations—when you genuinely believe in your potential and direction, you inspire those around you to do the same. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the What You Expect is What You Experience Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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How Empowerment Fuels Team Success
01/21/2026
How Empowerment Fuels Team Success
How do the best leaders unlock extraordinary results in their teams? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals how empowering others not only helps them reach their potential, but also equips them to pass on that growth beyond themselves! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dive into practical strategies and real-world examples to help you apply empowerment in your own leadership journey right away. Key takeaways: The strongest teams thrive when leaders actively demonstrate that they need their people and invite them to contribute. Empowerment is more than delegation; it’s giving team members authority, resources, and trust to lead. “You can choose control or growth, but not both.” — Craig Groeschel Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How Empowerment Fuels Team Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” This episode is sponsored by : Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, The Future of Executive Partnership: Why AI Isn't Enough. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References:
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It’s Not About You: Leadership, Communication, and Putting Others First
01/14/2026
It’s Not About You: Leadership, Communication, and Putting Others First
It's not about you—it's about them. In this week's episode, John Maxwell shares the powerful shift that transforms everyday leaders into extraordinary influencers and makes it possible for your leadership to truly impact others! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede share real-world examples of how making it about others unlocks trust, connection, and next-level leadership. Key takeaways: The more you focus on adding value to others, the more you'll receive value in return. To communicate in a way that truly resonates, make your message all about your audience, not yourself. The three questions every follower is asking about their leader: Do you care about me? Can you help me? Can I trust you? Our BONUS resource for this episode is the It’s Not About You: Leadership, Communication, and Putting Others First Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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The Bookends of Success
01/07/2026
The Bookends of Success
Ready to discover the key to getting the most benefit out of every experience? In this week's episode, John Maxwell reveals the two “bookends of success” that elevate your preparation and multiply your results! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson discuss practical ways to apply John's powerful insights to your daily routines and most important goals. Key takeaways: Preparation on the front end and reflection on the back end transform average experiences into powerful growth opportunities. Realistic thinking is the foundation of effective preparation. Your expectations determine your preparation. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Bookends of Success Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:
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