The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith – Details, episodes & analysis

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Leon Ford shares his profound journey from the brink of death due to police brutality to becoming a symbol of forgiveness and activism.

About Leon Ford: Leon Ford is a celebrated author, social entrepreneur, impact investor, international speaker, and changemaker dedicated to driving positive change in his community and beyond.

As a respected activist and mental health ambassador, Ford passionately addresses disparities by focusing on holistic wellness. His inspiring approach emphasizes the importance of resilience, transforming personal challenges into purpose, and creating a lasting societal impact.

Ford's accomplishments include executive producing the Cannes Film Festival award-winning documentary Leon (2019) and Breaking Bread: A Conversation on Race in America (2021), which won a Shorty Award. President Obama's Volunteer Service Award (2017), The Root 100 (2018), Pittsburgh's 40 Under 40 (2019), Forbes 30 Under 30 (2023), and National Urban League Community Service Award (2023).

Key Takeaways:
1. Leon shares how personal growth thrives through challenging conversations and supportive mentorship.
2. Leadership emerges from therapy, community support, and embracing both love and critique. 3. The Here Foundation is born from facing fears and fostering unexpected alliances.
4. Forgiveness is a continuous journey, leading to prevention and healing through understanding and purpose-driven action.

Quotes From the Episode:
“I believe that it’s more curiosity than courage because I’m genuinely curious to understand what someone elses’ lived experiences may have been to let them see the world the way they see the world.”
“Forgiveness is a choice, but it’s also not a threshold that you cross, it’s not a finish line.”

Resources Mentioned:
An Unspeakable Hope by Leon Ford
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav
The HEAR Foundation

Connect with Leon:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/414
L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Anne Beiler joins Doug to discuss her upbringing, Auntie Anne’s, and shares advice with listeners who may be struggling on how she navigates life’s more difficult seasons.

About Anne Beiler: Anne Beiler, raised in an Amish-Mennonite community, faced immense tragedy when her 19-month-old daughter died in a farming accident, leading her into darkness and depression. Her marriage with Jonas suffered, exacerbated by an abusive pastor. Seeking healing, they pursued counseling and reconciliation, birthing a vision to offer free counseling services. To support this vision, Anne bought a concession stand, which evolved into Auntie Anne’s, the world's largest pretzel franchise. Despite her success, Anne battled depression, finding solace in sharing her story publicly. This act of confession liberated her and inspired her to help other women find similar freedom. In 2005, Anne sold Auntie Anne’s to pursue speaking engagements on leadership, purpose, and the power of confession.

3 Key Takeaways:
1. Anne recounts her childhood growing up within the Amish community.
2. She shares how she came out of a difficult time in her life with guidance from The Holy Spirit.
3. Anne gives advice to others who may be struggling with feelings of depression or grief.

Quotes From the Episode:
“There is no way to be well unless you tell. Unless you feel the pain of it all.”
“I don’t have secrets anymore, I just bring them into the light.”

Resources Mentioned:
The Secret Lies Within by Anne Beiler

Connect with Anne:
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/413
L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership
Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/l3leadership

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Esther Fedorkevich is joins us to discuss her journey in entrepreneurship and publishing, offering valuable advice for aspiring authors.

About Esther Fedorkevich: Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency. She launched her career in 1997 as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, Esther sold a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a New York Times best-selling author and television host with a nationally syndicated radio program. She worked in the publishing department, selling and marketing Dave’s books and other projects, and fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was charged and decided to venture out on her own, selling books and ideas as a literary agent. 

Esther founded The Fedd Agency in 2003 and began investing in authors. Her first client came to her for help when William Morris could not secure a book deal, even after pitching it for two years. With her innovative intervention and her acute business sense and selling skills, Esther got the author a three-book deal within two months. Esther continues to hone her innate marketing and sales talents, coupling that with a passion for selling life-changing books. Esther firmly believes she doesn’t just represent authors, she represents and builds futures. 

Using her natural entrepreneurial sensibilities, Esther also negotiates deals for film, television, and other derivative products. Additionally, The Fedd Agency offers agency guided publishing and audio book production services. Esther lives in Austin, TX and has and two rockstar kids, Alexi Jane and Paul Gregory. In her spare time, you can find Esther shooting hoops, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, reading, or cooking gourmet meals for her family and friends.

Her favorite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Key Takeaways:
1. Esther shines a light on the nuances of writing, publishing, and marketing a successful book.
2. She shares her professional journey of selling over a million dollars in book products within six months to leveraging her talent as a literary agent and founding Fed Agency.
3. Ester talks about her entrepreneurial upbringing and how that has been instrumental in her current success.
4. She talks about why she believes everyone has a book inside of them and why people should consider writing their own.

Quotes From the Episode:
“I look at a book sold as a prayer answered.”
“Believe in yourself, keep working, keep dreaming, keep creating, and  keep developing new ideas.”

Resources Mentioned:
The Circle Maker

Connect with Esther Fedorkevich:
Website | Instagram | Linkedin

Episode Webpage: https://l3leadership.org/404
L3 Mastermind Groups: https://l3leadership.org/mastermind
L3 Leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L3Leader/
Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3-leadership

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Scott Harrison discusses how he went from a nightclub promoter to the founder of Charity: Water, a successful charity that has funded several thousand water projects throughout 29 countries.

6 Key Takeaways:

1. Scott recounts his journey from being a nightclub promoter to founding Charity: Water.
2. He discusses how his model for fundraising sets Charity: Water apart from other nonprofits.
3. He shares the 3 things he believes are crucial for fundraising. 
4. Scott gives advice to other organizations for how crucial visual marketing can be to share their missions.
5. He talks about how a subscription program leveled up his nonprofit.
6. Scott shares insight into hosting a successful fundraising event.

About Scott: Scott spent almost ten years as a nightclub promoter in NYC before leaving to volunteer on a hospital ship off of the coast of Liberia, West Africa as a volunteer photojournalist. Returning home to NYC two years later, he founded the nonprofit organization Charity: Water in 2006. Turning his full attention to the global water crisis and the world's 785 million people without clean water to drink, he created public installations and innovative online fundraising platforms to spread international awareness about the issue. In 15 years, and with the help of one million donors worldwide, Charity: Water has raised over 598 million dollars and funded 79,136 water projects in 29 countries. When completed, these projects will provide 13.2 million people with clean, safe drinking water. Scott has been recognized on Fortune Magazines list of 40 under 40, Forbes Impact 30 and Fast Company's 100 most creative people in business, where he earned the number ten spot. He is currently a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, and author of the New York Times Bestselling Book, Thirst. Scott and his wife Viktoria have two children, Jackson and Emma.

Quotes From the Episode:

“Early days I would say ‘show, don’t tell’, now it’s ‘show and tell’.”

“You can’t imagine 771 million anything… let alone people without water.”

“Integrity is the most important thing.”

“It’s action that births movements.”

Guest Resources Mentioned:

Thirst by  Scott Harrison

https://charitywater.org/l3

Connect with Scott:
Charity: Water Website | Instagram | Linkedin | Twitter | Facebook

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Phil Cooke talks about his background in film, writing books, helping the church, and shares leadership insight he has gained over the years.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Phil talks about the importance of saying no to achieve his goals.
2. He shares how maximizing his productive hours helped him further his career.
3. He talks about how deadlines are imperative to him and other creative people.
4. Phil gives advice to production company owners to grow their businesses.
5. He discusses his biggest pet peeve in leadership.

About Phil: Phil Cooke works at the intersection of faith, media, and culture, and he’s pretty rare – a working producer in Hollywood with a Ph.D. in Theology. His client list includes studios and networks like Walt Disney, Dreamworks, and USA Network, as well as major Christian organizations from Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, The YouVersion Bible app, and many more. He’s an author, public speaker and sits on the Board for multiple film and nonprofit organizations. 

Quotes From the Episode:

“Start with what you’re good at.”

“Everybody can be more creative in their life.”

“If you don’t say no occasionally, then your ‘yes’ means nothing.”

“Leading from the middle is a real art form.”

“Value those harsh critics. Value people that are brutally honest.”

Guest Resources Mentioned:

Museum of the Bible

Things App

Idea on a Deadline  Phil Cooke

Connect with Phil:
Phil’s Website | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Mark discusses his journey at Chick-Fil-A, his book and general knowledge and advice surrounding leadership he’s learned throughout his life and career.

6 Key Takeaways:

1. He shares his insight to building a leadership culture.
2. Mark talks about what he’s learned from Truett Cathy at Chick-Fil-A.
3. He tells listeners why he wrote his books and what he hopes leaders can learn from them.
4. Mark goes into detail about his newest book, Smart Leadership.
5. He talks about having enough margin in life to achieve your leadership goals.
6. He gives advice to aspiring authors. 

About Mark:
Mark started over 40 years ago working as an hourly employee at a local Chick-fil-A.  He has worked all across the business since then and currently serves as Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A.  For the last 20 years, Mark has traveled the United States and the world focusing much of his time on serving leaders, helping them grow themselves, their teams, and their organizations.  In Smart Leadership, he shares research-based “smart choices” the best leaders make to scale their influence and results.  This will be Mark’s tenth book that he has either authored or co-authored. 

Quotes from the Episode:

“You don’t build a leadership culture if everybody has their own working definition.” - Mark Miller

“Independent of your bias, the best leaders value results and relationships.” - Mark Miller

“I’ll be writing and tell myself ‘this is awful!’ and keep writing.” - Mark Miller

“Great leaders serve.” - Mark Miller

“Every leader has the capacity to change their world.” - Mark Miller

Guest Resources:

Leaders Made Here by Mark Miller

Smart Leadership by Mark Miller

The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker

High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard

Connect with Mark:

Mark’s Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Paul talks about self-confidence, how his childhood experiences formed him into an entrepreneur, dreaming big, and making it big in his endeavors.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. He talks about how Napoleon Hill’s book, Think and Grow Rich helped him grow as a person.
2. Paul shares his beliefs surrounding risk. 
3. He discusses how Bob Proctor changed his life.
4. He highlights how crucial communication is to selling your value.
5. Paul gives advice to listeners about pricing your services.

About Paul:
 Paul Martinelli is an internationally acclaimed speaker, trainer, mentor, and coach who truly believes that if you can dream it, you can do it. His awareness and ability to apply the success strategies and principles that he has learned and taught to others, led to Paul’s success in life and business, including building 5 multi-million-dollar companies. He is the Founding President of the John Maxwell team and now leads the Empowered Living community, a global platform of more than 2.3 million followers, providing personal and professional development training and education to help individuals and businesses build and grow beyond their current results. Having worked his way up from mop bucket to multi-millionaire, Paul has practiced and proven what he preaches.

Quotes From the Episode:

“If I act on this idea, will it move me in the direction of my dream?” -Paul Martinelli

“Risk is just a perception of our lack of resourcefulness.” -Paul Martinelli

“I will never make an agreement with somebody’s limitations.” -Paul Martinelli
“Proximity is power.” -Paul Martinelli

“It pays to buy knowledge.”-Paul Martinelli

“Find one thing and master it.” -Paul Martinelli

Guest Resources Mentioned:

Think and Grow Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Napoleon-Hill/dp/0785833528

You Were Born Rich: ​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rPDhM-mIJI

Allbirds shoes https://www.allbirds.com/

As a Man Thinketh: https://www.amazon.com/As-Man-Thinketh-Complete-Original/dp/1523643536

Pyscho-cybernetics: https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Cybernetics-Updated-Expanded-Maxwell-Maltz/dp/0399176136

The Science of Getting Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Getting-Rich-make-money/dp/1516916816

De Lebrije: https://www.librije.com/

Kali’s: https://kalirestaurant.com/

Bazaar: https://www.thebazaar.com/

Your Invisible Power: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Invisible-Power-Genevieve-Behrend/dp/1603865136

Connect with Paul:
Facebook Instagram TikTok

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Tim Dumas talks about how coaching has impacted his life both personally and professionally. 

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Tim gives advice for listeners who might be trying to find their right coach.
2. He talks about how he started his business in the coaching industry.
3. Tim provides advice for aspiring life coaches. 
4. He shares how the aspect of community in forums is helpful for personal development.
5. He goes in-depth about how he manages his time effectively.

About Tim: Tim Dumas is a Certified Coach, Speaker & Trainer with the John Maxwell Team, a Certified Facilitator and Trainer with the Extreme Leadership Institute, a Partner and Consultant with Virtuous Leadership LLC, a Forum Chair with MacKay CEO Forums and a Partner & COO with JAK’s Beer Wine & Spirits. When Tim is not coaching in the board room, he can be found coaching soccer and football with South Delta United and the South Delta Rams; respectively. Tim and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Tsawwassen, BC; just outside of Vancouver with their six children.

Quotes From the Episode:

“You can’t give what you don’t have.” - Tim Dumas

“I will be coached for the rest of my days on Earth.” - Tim Dumas

“I only go in (to an interaction) with the question, ‘How can I add value to you and your network’” - Tim Dumas

“If you have a business meeting and you don’t have a DJ, you have a problem.” - Tim Dumas

Guest Resources Mentioned:

Mackay CEO Forums: https://mackayceoforums.com/

John Maxwell Group: johncmaxwellgroup.com/timdumas/About

The Traveler’s Summit: https://andyandrews.com/product/the-travelers-summit/

Love is Just Damn Good Business: https://www.stevefarber.com/books/love-is-just-damn-good-business/

Steve Farber’s Podcast https://www.stevefarber.com/podcast/

Jon Gordon’s Podcast https://positiveuniversity.com/

Jesse Cole’s Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-done-differently-with-jesse-cole/id1285008205

Tim’s Website: https://www.servusleadership.com/pages/about

Tim’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/dumastim

Tim’s Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/servusleadership

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug talks to Aaron about why he believes that aspiring leaders should consider joining a mastermind group.

6 Key Takeaways:

1. Aaron defines what a mastermind group means to him.
2. He talks about the value of a diverse mastermind group and how having multiple perspectives have changed his life.
3. Aaron shares the benefits of staying in a mastermind group long term. 
4. He discusses how he believes that joining a group is an investment rather than an expense.
5. He tells listeners that he believes relationships are one of the most important strengths. 
6. He highlights the importance of spending time with family while you have the chance. 

About Aaron:
 Businessman and Life Coach, Aaron Walker, has inspired many through his leadership, mentorship, and consistent pursuit of excellence. He is an entrepreneur, owning 14 businesses over the course of 40 years. Through his participation in personal accountability groups, Aaron mentors individuals weekly now and has for over five years. He is the founder of Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind group. The Eagles Group, a collection of Nashville's most respected leaders met weekly for over a decade. At his local church, Aaron is an active member, team leader, Deacon, and teacher. Aaron values his time spent with family and friends. Sharing the past 40 years with his lovely wife Robin has been nothing short of spectacular. His two fantastic daughters and champion son-in-law have given Aaron & Robin five beautiful grandchildren. When time allows, Aaron enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, and is an avid reader.

Quotes From the Episode:

“It was a place where I really learned that vulnerability and transparency  - where those two things intersect - that’s where strength really begins.” 

“Perspective is the number one value of being in these groups.” 

“Other people have insight and perspective I don’t have.”

“If you really want to excel, you need to get in the community.”

“Our net worth is directly proportional to our network.” 

“Relationships matter most.”

Guest Resources Mentioned:

Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind Group: https://tinyurl.com/3cxemptk

The Strategic Coach:  https://tinyurl.com/3xs83crh

Procrastinate on Purpose: https://tinyurl.com/4ky74bfm

JBL Bluetooth Speaker: https://tinyurl.com/2bkvy2te

How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://tinyurl.com/yjmmen2a

Who Not How:  https://tinyurl.com/yucrmt6d

Tuesday Noon: tuesdaynoon.live

Aaron's Linkedin: https://tinyurl.com/34tbjrj7

Aaron's Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/2zjz6dm4

Aaron's Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2zjz6dm4

Aaron's Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/2p965482

Aaron's Twitter: twitter.com/VFTcoach

Doug’s Mentioned Resources:

Gino Wickman’s Traction: https://ti

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Episode Summary: In this episode, Doug talks about how he got started podcasting, what he believes is important for longevity, the benefits of podcasting and tips he has for podcast production starting out. 

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Doug talks about how podcasting can help your organization.
2. He shares his number one tip to get going on your podcast.
3. He talks about how to get guests to interview and how he creates his interviews that set him apart from other podcasts.
4. Doug shares which feedback have been game changers for him. 
5. He tells listeners why they should stop comparing themselves to other podcasters.

About Doug Smith: Doug is the Director of Development at Light of Life Rescue Mission and Founder and CEO of L3 Leadership. He is the author of his eBook, “Making the Most of Mentoring”, a step by step guide to help you build and cultivate relationships with mentors. He blogs at dougsmithlive.com, he is host of the L3 Leadership podcast, and he is a sought after public speaker. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, who currently works as an Account Executive at Ivalua. Together, they love family, personal growth, travel, working out, and serving others.

Quotes from the Episode:
“You have to be willing to be bad in the beginning.”
“Try to be unique and creative.”
“Don’t be intimidated by the person you are interviewing.” 
“You’ll never get the feedback you don’t ask for.” 
“You have to have a strong why.”

Resources Mentioned:
GarageBand: https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/?cid=oas-us-domains-garageband.com
Riverside FM: riverside.fm