Despite the popularity of the phrase “born leader,” no one is born to lead. While some may be more inclined to head up groups or have an innate sense of confidence, becoming a great leader takes work and a willingness to learn.
And strong leaders know that this learning is constant as they pivot leadership styles and techniques for different teams and employees. They must delegate effectively, think strategically, and tap into character traits like empathy and integrity — all while customizing their approach depending on the person or company they’re working with.
Anyone hoping to lead must hone and maintain these and other skills. And that means managers, entrepreneurs, and business owners should have a growth mindset and constantly seek further education.
An excellent way to keep learning is by tuning into leadership podcasts. These invaluable resources offer relevant lessons from professionals at the top of their game who’ve stood where you are now and learned to level up.
15 of the best leadership podcasts to stream now
One of the best characteristics of podcasts is that they’re always available, so you can learn to become a better leader on your schedule. The next time you have 20 minutes — whether during your work commute or while taking an evening stroll — you can power up an app like Spotify or Apple Podcasts and listen.
The only question is: with such a wealth of information-rich podcasts, where should you start? Here are 15 of the top leadership podcasts to consider hitting play on today.
1. The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
Andy Stanley is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and creator of The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast, which offers 20-minute knowledge drops on topics like communication, resilience, and intuition. This bi-monthly podcast gathers thinkers like professors and authors, and streaming these episodes is like sitting in a brief class — only you get to choose the lecture topic.
2. Leadership Biz Cafe with Tanveer Naseer
This podcast takes a laid-back approach to leadership lessons with coffee-break-style episodes that gather guests with unique insights.
Listen to award-winning researcher and consultant Dr. Tina Opie discuss a leader’s role in eliminating racial and gender inequalities or conflict management expert Marlene Chism share her knowledge on effectively managing workplace disagreements.
Leadership Biz Cafe is an excellent choice even for the most experienced leaders thanks to its broad range of niche, eye-opening topics.
3. How Leaders Lead with David Novak
CEO of David Novak Leadership, Novak thinks big and aims to teach his listeners to do the same. In How Leaders Lead, the host interviews professionals like household-name athletes and the CEOs of major corporations, exploring their unique career paths.
Learn why growing your company isn’t always the answer, the importance of being present for others, and how to think with both your mind and heart.
4. The Leadership Antidote Podcast
Pop in your earbuds or turn up your stereo for Dr. Kim Hires’ lessons on why old leadership techniques no longer work. On the Leadership Antidote Podcast, Dr. Kim — a recognized keynote speaker and coach — and her guests unpack issues like beating distractions in a chaotic world, focusing on the journey more than the destination, and taking accountability as a leader.
This cast is an excellent option for personal growth-focused leaders willing to take a hard look at why stagnant methods don’t work.
5. Leadership Matters
Leadership Matters host and Laurel Strategies Inc. CEO lan Fleischmann interviews guests with a vibrant range of viewpoints and experiences.
Hear from wellness expert Deepak Chopra on the importance of mental health, Operation HOPE founder John Hope Bryant on the five pillars of success, and U.N. official Christiana Figueres on leadership in a public service role. This cast is sure to deliver unexpected perspectives and lessons you didn’t even know you needed to learn.
6. At the Table
Consultant and best-selling author of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” speaker Patrick Lencioni uses his table chats to tackle complex leadership topics with his guests (or on his own).
Find out what an unreasonable leader is, why little gestures can have a significant impact, and why everyone must apologize from time to time. At the Table takes a distinctive no-holds-barred approach, and it’ll shake up your leadership podcast playlist.
7. The EntreLeadership Podcast
In this coaching for leaders podcast, financial expert Dave Ramsey delivers straightforward advice for business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs. The EntreLeadership Podcast offers practical tools for dealing with external pressures to perform, getting your colleagues to take their work more seriously, and saving a business that’s stuck.
This cast is a must-listen for leaders who aren’t just interested in self-improvement or fostering interpersonal relationships but also in boosting the overall health of their business.
8. Leadership and Loyalty with Dov Baron
The Leadership and Loyalty podcast features fresh perspectives. Dov Baron — a psychology of leadership expert — interviews authors, an Emmy winner, and scientists in thought-provoking episodes covering everything from appreciating neurodivergence to poor representations of leadership in pop culture.
The show touts itself as one of the most highly-rated business leadership podcasts for Fortune 500 executives, making it a great listen for those who have their sights set on roles at the top tier of their industries.
9. This is Your Life with Michael Hyatt and Michele Cushatt
This is Your Life focuses on intentional, passionate leadership. The podcast wrapped in 2016, but you can explore the archives for timeless advice on achieving a dream, telling your story, or escaping the feeling of overwhelm. The 45-minute episodes are perfect for commuters who want a 101-level course on any of the cast’s many topics.
10. Coaching for Leaders with Dave Stachowiak
This podcast’s 40-minute episodes feature conversations with thought leaders specializing in management, psychology, government — the list goes on. Each interviewee has an intriguing story to tell and thoughtful points to bring to the table. Coaching for Leaders listeners can explore topics like emotional safety in the workplace, negotiation skills, and self-awareness.
11. The HBR IdeaCast
Calling all business leaders and managers: Idea Cast from the Harvard Business Review laser focuses on beneficial topics for leaders in corporate environments.
Learn niche lessons about closing equity gaps in venture capital funding, adapting to governmental intervention, and implementing a sabbatical policy. Or tune in for broader insights, like how to develop leadership skills that make you stand out or the pitfalls of either-or decision-making.
12. Dare to Lead with Brené Brown
Professor and author Brené Brown converses with leaders she calls “change catalysts,” “culture-shifters,” and “troublemakers.” With a focus on innovation and honing a creative spirit, Brené’s Dare to Lead cast serves up life lessons on themes like change-making, attentiveness, and the importance of inclusion to foster a true sense of belonging.
Rich in its range, this podcast has an episode for everyone, especially those fearlessly taking on a leadership role with an open mind and the ability to get vulnerable.
13. Wisdom from the Top with Guy Raz
Guy Raz, host of the wildly popular How I Built This podcast, is back with another show focusing on leadership. In Wisdom from the Top, Guy interviews brand and governmental visionaries about their leadership experiences. And the stories couldn’t be more diverse and compelling.
Hear from a NASA recovery expert on coming back from tragedy and the lawyer at BET who turned a small station into a major cable hit. This podcast is perfect for those who want to hear from their peers and explore real-life examples of leadership in action.
14. LEADx Leadership Podcast with Kevin Kruse
The LEADx Leadership Podcast focuses on helping listeners reach their full potential. Gathering actionable advice from some of the world’s wisest leaders — from a zen monk to the C-level executive coach, Jennifer Eggers — the show takes on topics like fostering resilience, working well remotely, and driving employee engagement. The cast’s 30-minute episodes are ideal for streaming on a commute or while on a jog.
15. Let’s Take this Offline with Kishshana Palmer
Let’s Take this Offline is for “everyday leaders,” meaning you can benefit from the show's lessons whether you’re a C-level employee at a corporation, running a non-profit, or hoping to better prioritize your household tasks.
Tune in as Kishshana — an international speaker boasting a 20+ year career — talks about community, chaos, and authenticity with guests. Focused on the more human side of leadership, this podcast is a must-stream for those who wish to break down the psychological aspects of their work and receive outside-the-box advice.
Become a next-level leader with help from podcasts
There’s no such thing as a born leader, and there’s no one correct leadership journey. Some learn at the proverbial school of life, digesting lessons from their experiences blazing trails. And others seek insights from leadership books, courses, and professional development mentors. All of these methods are valid and mold strong leaders.
Leadership podcasts are another educational source that 21st-century professionals can add to the mix. They offer otherwise difficult-to-find access to the ideas of thought leaders, and listeners needn’t invest lots of money or time in gleaning these essential teachings.
What’s more, podcast listeners form a community, and hosts aim to meet the needs of their niche audiences. You might even convince a podcaster to invite a guest you’d like to learn from or run an episode on a topic of interest to you.
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