Sacrificial leadership isn’t about giving up everything—it’s about thoughtfully considering the personal costs necessary to live in alignment with your values and serve those around you. In this episode, we unpack what it means to lead sacrificially without losing yourself, explore the tension between self-preservation and selflessness, and discuss how true sacrifice often involves letting go of what we hold most tightly.

Through practical insights and relatable examples, we’ll challenge you to identify your "sacrificial line" and embrace the uncomfortable yet transformational moments that build trust, deepen relationships, and foster authentic leadership.

• Sacrifice Isn’t All or Nothing True leadership recognizes the balance between self-preservation and sacrificial moments—it’s not about giving everything up, but about making thoughtful, meaningful choices for the benefit of others.

• Awareness is Key To lead sacrificially, you must first identify what you hold most tightly—be it pride, comfort, control, or something deeply personal—and consider the cost of letting it go.

• Sacrifice is Relational True sacrifice happens in the context of relationships. Whether in the workplace, with family, or friends, leadership often requires putting someone else’s needs above your own.

• Sacrifice Requires Courage Sacrificial leadership invites vulnerability, humility, and the courage to act on the quiet nudges we often ignore—like putting down your phone or truly listening to someone else’s story.

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Let's connect to explore how you can use the WiLD Trust Index to measure and build trust in your own organization.

Click here for more on the WiLD Trust Index: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index

#Leadership #Sacrifice #PersonalGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #RelationalLeadership #GrowthMindset #SelfAwareness #WiLD #Podcast #BuildingTrust #WiLDTrustPlatform

In this episode of The WiLD Conversation, Dr. Rob McKenna dives deep into a timeless question: Are leaders born or made? Sharing insights from years of research, Dr. McKenna unpacks the interplay between personality traits and growth mindsets, exploring what truly shapes effective leaders. From the impact of the Big Five personality traits (like conscientiousness and extraversion) to the groundbreaking work of Carol Dweck on mindsets, this episode challenges listeners to rethink how they view leadership potential in themselves and others.

Key leadership takeaways include:

1. Balancing Nature and Nurture: While personality traits like neuroticism or openness are stable over time, the right environment and mindset can still drive meaningful change.
2. The Role of Language in Growth: How we speak to others can influence their belief in their ability to grow, shaping their potential and performance.
3. Whole Leader Development: True leadership development requires understanding the dynamic tension between who people are and who they can become.

Join Dr. McKenna for an inspiring conversation that offers a more complete perspective on leadership and human potential.

#LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #BornOrMade #PersonalityTraits #WiLDConversation

In this inspiring episode of the WiLD Leaders podcast, Dr. Rob McKenna sits down with Tami Heim, CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance and former President of Borders Inc., to explore the unshakable importance of trust in leadership—especially during moments of crisis. Tami reflects on her leadership journey through disruptive times, offering insights into building trust, embracing collaboration, and navigating the highs and lows of achievement.

Listeners will hear how she turned challenges into opportunities, including managing through the rise of e-commerce giants, leading under pressure, and creating systems that drove lasting change. Tami shares her commitment to lifelong learning, the value of mentoring relationships, and why pausing to reflect on the "why" behind decisions often leads to the best outcomes.

1. Trust is Tested in Crisis: Trust is cultivated over time but is truly revealed and refined when challenges arise.
2. Fail Forward: Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, and reflect on both successes and failures for continued improvement.
3. Collaborative Leadership: Empowering others to contribute, innovate, and adapt often leads to greater outcomes than working alone.
4. Focus and Flexibility: Knowing when to pivot and prioritize can be the difference between surviving and thriving in turbulent times.
5. The Power of Reflection: Leaders must take time to think critically and deeply about their decisions to ensure they align with long-term goals.

How do we balance the tension between being fully present in the moment and making meaningful progress?

In this episode, Dr. McKenna dives into the paradox that shapes much of our personal and professional lives. Drawing from psychological insights, including Bandura's Social Learning Theory, he explores the challenges of living in the duality of stopping and going.

You'll gain practical tools for identifying your default tendencies, embracing tension, and leading with intention. Whether you're a doer or someone who values being present, this episode will inspire you to reimagine how these forces can coexist in harmony.

1. Understand Your Defaults: Learn to recognize whether your natural inclination is towards action or presence and how to leverage this awareness.
2. Practical Tools: Discover strategies to intentionally pause and reflect without losing momentum in your personal or professional life.
3. Leadership Insights: Explore how leaders can foster organizational cultures that embrace both progress and presence, driving holistic growth.
4. Environmental Impact: Uncover how external factors shape our behaviors and perceptions, and how to respond thoughtfully.
5. Mindset Shifts: Embrace the paradox and shift from "either/or" to "both/and" thinking for greater clarity and balance.

What if the key to building trust isn’t about eliminating your insecurities, but showing up predictably and intentionally? In this episode, we explore how leaders overcome self-doubt, set clear operational rhythms, and create trust-filled business relationships that drive growth.

You’ll hear from Dr. Rob McKenna and CEO of One Accors, Nick Anderson, how self-awareness can help you step into your leadership identity with confidence—even when the doubts creep in. By creating rhythms of predictability and consistency, you build a culture where your team can rely on you and on the systems you’ve built.

We also address one of the biggest leadership challenges: reducing business reliance on YOU. Learn how tough moments can refine your organization and why investing in people and operational clarity today will set you up for long-term resilience and success.

1. Imposter Syndrome Reframed: Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, owning your role, and delivering with confidence.
2. The Power of Predictability: Consistent rhythms build trust and stability in both business relationships and operations.
3. Self-Awareness Drives Impact: Recognize your insecurities, lean into your strengths, and set the tone for your team to follow.
4. Turning Tough Times Into Growth: Use challenging moments to refine your systems, strengthen your culture, and build resilience.
5. Reduce Owner Dependence: True leadership prepares your organization to thrive without relying solely on you.

#Leadership #BuildTrust #SelfAwareness #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence

Trust is the foundation of every thriving team and successful organization, but it doesn’t emerge by chance. Building trust requires intentional effort—measuring it, understanding it, and aligning it with both personal and operational factors.

In this episode, we explore how trust works on two essential levels: 1️⃣ The inside-out, where psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and personal growth foster connection and confidence. 2️⃣ The outside-in, where systems, leadership strategies, and organizational structure create sustainable performance at scale.

We’ll discuss how to move beyond focusing on one dimension of trust to embracing both, creating organizations that grow from chaotic jungles to strongholds of sustaining trust. Discover how to make trust measurable, actionable, and transformational for your mission, your people, and your results.

#MeasurementMatters #PowerOfTrust #StrongInsideOut #SustainingTrust #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalHealth #TeamPerformance #PsychologicalSafety #StrategicLeadership #MissionImpact #TrustInAction

In a culture that celebrates vulnerability as a solution to relational and personal challenges, we often overlook its nuanced application. Vulnerability is powerful, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For leaders, parents, and those in safety and security roles, balancing openness and safety is an ongoing tension. In this episode, we explore the courage required to be vulnerable, the risks of being misunderstood, and why true vulnerability demands humility, thoughtfulness, and discernment. Together, we’ll unpack how vulnerability shapes our character, connects us to others, and sometimes leaves us questioning the costs.

1. Understand why vulnerability is not a universal solution and how its expression varies by context and individual.
2. Explore the hidden tensions behind our fears of being misunderstood and the courage required to face them.
3. Learn practical insights on balancing vulnerability with thoughtfulness and humility in leadership and personal relationships.
4. Reflect on how openness to being hurt—or misunderstood—can foster trust and growth when approached intentionally.

In this episode, Dr. McKenna and Erik Antons, dive deep into the transformative power of governance and strategic leadership within organizations. Why do so many departments excel tactically yet struggle at the strategic level? How does trust, integrity, and connection shape our effectiveness not only in the workplace but also in life?

They explore these themes, touching on operational procedures, the art of meaningful human connection, and even the psychology of security and physiological needs. From Maslow’s hierarchy to personal stories of trust and resilience, this episode will leave you inspired to elevate your leadership and embrace the strategic opportunities around you.

• Governance Matters: Understand why strategic leadership and structured governance are crucial to advancing beyond the tactical level.

• The Power of Trust: Learn why trust and integrity are foundational for building effective teams and relationships.

• Connection as Leadership: Discover how authentic connection fosters stronger organizational culture and individual resilience.

• Strategic vs. Tactical: Insights on how to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and in-the-trenches execution.

• Human Needs and Security: A unique perspective on how security complements physiological needs for both humans and animals.

Connect to explore how you can use the WiLD Trust Index in your own life, team, or organization. Click here for more: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index

#LeadershipDevelopment #GovernanceMatters #StrategicLeadership #TrustAndIntegrity #HumanConnection #OrganizationalHealth #MaslowRevisited #SecurityLeadership