In episode 005 of The Leadership Contrarian, Michael Redman explores how our cultural picture of leadership has evolved—from the lone hero archetype to the kind of leadership required in today's organizations.

Classic movie heroes like John Wayne taught us that leadership meant strength, certainty, and independence. But stories like Star Wars revealed a different kind of leadership—one where very different people must learn to trust each other and work together to overcome challenges.

Modern leadership isn't about the lone hero riding in to save the day. It's about bringing people together, building trust, and helping teams succeed collectively.

This episode introduces two of the five relational capabilities that research has shown to be foundational to effective leadership: Caring Connection and Fostering Team Play.

Michael reviews how trust, honesty, and shared responsibility can transform both culture and performance.

If leadership today requires more than grit and determination, the real question becomes: what skills actually allow leaders and teams to thrive together?

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In Episode 004, Michael explains why he chose to call this newsletter The Leadership Contrarian, and why the name points to something much deeper than branding.

Michael names a growing reality facing leaders today: the Formation Gap. It's the widening divide between the weight leaders are being asked to carry and the formation they've actually received to carry it well.

As the world grows more volatile, faster, and less trustworthy, leadership has increasingly been reduced to shortcuts—tools without wisdom, performance without endurance, and success without stewardship.

This episode explores:

• What the Formation Gap is and why it's growing
• The three forces creating pressure on modern leaders
• Why much of today's leadership advice is incomplete—or harmful
• What Formation-First Leadership really means
• Why leadership must be formed internally, relationally, and tactically
• Who this work is for—and why it matters now

This is a call to whole leadership that endures without costing you your integrity, your family, or your inner life.

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—
Michael Redman | The Leadership Contrarian
CEO of Half a Bubble Out
Business & Leadership Development

Michael and Kathryn discuss the story behind writing their bestselling book, Fulfilled: The Passion & Provision Strategy for Building a Business with Profit, Purpose & Legacy and their current goal of getting over 100 reviews on Amazon. Curious about the true meaning of Passion and Provision and what they have to do with Amazon reviews? Then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn share their recommended communication strategy during times of crisis. If you have employees or clients that you are stewarding right now, knowing these 4 types of communication pathways will help you maneuver through the extreme challenges, as well as help you preserve the mental and emotional health of those in your care. If you need some encouragement today, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn get very real about the challenges business leaders are facing during this crisis and break down the 4 strategies that will help you navigate chaotic waters. If you are feeling lonely, confused, or fearful right now- take a breather, and get some clarity by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn talk about what it means to lead in times of crisis and share how they've been caring for their team during the COVID-19 pandemic. As business leaders, you will face many levels of challenges during this season, so if you need some encouragement today, give this episode a listen.

In this episode, Michael and Kathryn celebrate their 100th episode by asking each other 10 important (and hilarious) questions. Things get pretty silly. Join us for some highly contagious laughter in this exuberant 100th podcast episode!

In this episode, do Michael and Kathryn start off talking about how they recorded an audio book but soon find themselves telling childhood stories about lawn-mowing instead? Yes. Does it all relate back to the most common problems small business owners face when running their companies? You bet it does! Treat yourself to a healthy dose of inspiration by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn talk about what you can do when your rapid-fire thinking starts to overwhelm you. If you feel like your thoughts and ideas sometimes fire at a machine-gun-like pace, and you want tips on how to slow down, achieve clarity, and figure out your next action steps, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn share tips for better time management. If you find yourself struggling to get everything done in a day or during your week and want some practical tips to help you improve efficiency and build resilience, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn break down what happens when you get distracted as you run your company. Get tips, tricks, and resources to help you stay focused, build your skills, and work on your own personal leadership development. If you find yourself stuck and want to get back on track, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss the elusive art of staying focused. For business leaders especially, succumbing to the 'tyranny of the urgent' can become a daily battle. Discover how to go on the offensive so you can get back to being focused and prioritizing the growth of your company.

Michael and Kathryn interview the founder of Crucible Leadership, Warwick Fairfax. Warwick shares his personal journey of finding new purpose after being at the epicenter of one of the most spectacular business failures in the history of his home nation of Australia. If your business and vision are starting to feel stale and you'd like some encouragement from leaders who have been there, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn share their definition of 'Authenticity' and how this fuzzy term is often hijacked in business today. You'll also discover the different stages of psychological maturity that business leaders need to evolve through in this fun, 'food for thought' style episode!

Michael and Kathryn talk about the power of celebration and how reflecting on the the big and small moments in life and work can generate resilience. If you want to stop having tunnel vision and start becoming mindful of moments in your company worth celebrating, then this episode is for you.

Michael and Kathryn interview Pablo Gonzalez, a graduate member of the HaBO Village Passion and Provision Course. Pablo shares how he went from an unfulfilling career, to striking out on his own, all the way to discovering and developing his company's core purpose and values. If your business is struggling or you've lost joy in running your company and need some encouragement, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn share humorous personal stories about cell phone and other workplace etiquette. If you've ever witnessed uncouth cell phone behavior in a public or work space, you will enjoy giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn share their experience with weathering unexpected challenges in business and how they learned to treat them as opportunities for growth. If you are going through a difficult time in your leadership or company and need some encouragement, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the importance of gratitude when it comes to your mental and physical health, and your company. Discover the exponential return on investment when you practice thankfulness in your life and business by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the best ways to deal with your fear of business competition. Competition can be a healthy motivator if you have the right mindset. If this is an area where you could use some encouragement, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn debrief what they learned at a recent management workshop hosted by famous author and speaker, Patrick Lencioni. If you are a business owner, manager, or lead a team, discover the 3 critical things that will keep your employees engaged, happy, and productive.

Michael and Kathryn interview President and CEO of Pinnacle Forum, Guy Rodgers, about what it looks like for business leaders to persevere and grow in their leadership. If you are looking for some encouragement on how to lead and grow your company with integrity, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview business owners, Rick and Linda Sbrocca, about developing healthy company cultures. Rick and Linda specialize in business development with an emphasis in passion, proficiency, and profitability. Discover how they are busting through the myth that says you have to master work/life balance in order to be successful.

Michael and Kathryn talk about the concept of vulnerability and why it's actually a gift for business leaders. If you need some encouragement when it comes to opening up to others and want to understand how being vulnerable will help you, your company, and your team, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn share 3 tips for company productivity. It can be hard for business owners to learn to delegate as well as truly assess if their employees are in the best roles for their skills and talents. Help your employees thrive and become better independent problem-solvers by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn open up about the passing of their friend and mentor, and talk about the impact of his legacy. If you are wondering how your work will leave an encouraging legacy for the next generation, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss why it's so hard for business leaders to self-promote. If you've shied away from marketing your product or service because it's too difficult, confusing, or painful- or just don't want to sound too braggy, then this podcast episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn recover from a spilled cup of hot coffee and share thoughts and tips on how to keep a healthy mindset in life and at work. If you feel stuck or like your emotions have been getting the better of you lately, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn dig into an important topic: Community. All business leaders need a like-minded community if they want to grow... a safe space where they can share struggles and acquire new ideas for solutions. If you're starting to feel lonely on your journey as a leader, then this episode is for you.

Michael and Kathryn discuss how easy it is for business leaders to get in their own way. Real transformative change begins with the company leader... So if you think you have some 'limiting beliefs' that are holding you back, try these 3 steps for overcoming them.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the right way to find and hire a good consultant. Finding a consultant who can help your company (and who you actually like) can sometimes seem like an impossible feat... but it doesn't have to be. If this is an area where you've struggled, or you are new to working with consultants, then check out the tips covered in this podcast episode.

Michael and Kathryn share their process for taking something from the idea stage to the implementation stage. If you need some encouragement or tips on what baby steps to take to start tackling a big goal, then this podcast episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn debunk the common myth that 'Hope' is not a legitimate strategy and discuss how you can leverage the power of hope to inspire your customers. If the word 'hope' sounds like a wishy-washy term to you, and you've shied away from using it your business marketing, then this episode is for you!

In this episode, Michael and Kathryn focus on the culture of an organization and the Net Promoter Score System you can use to help your company become a Passion and Provision® company.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the system from Robert F. Mager's book, Analyzing Performance Problems. There are 7 steps that will help you solve any problem you might face in your company. If you need to figure out why people aren't doing what they should be and what you can do about it, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn interview Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, marriage and business coaches and authors, about their new book Tandem: The Married Entrepreneurs' Guide For Greater Work-Life Balance and how their business came to be. If you run a business with your spouse and looking for some ideas on how you can better your work-life balance, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn describe how to take steps toward your big ideas and goals instead of just talking about them. If you think you're the kind of business leader that has a tendency to be a talker instead of a doer, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn cover 4 keys to high performance by Chick-fil-A®'s Mark Miller. If you want 4 simple ways to improve performance and tips for better leadership in your company, then this podcast episode is for you.

In part 2 of this very special interview, Michael and Kathryn chat with Ryan Deiss, founder and CEO of Digital Marketer, about his experience with company culture, leadership development, and business growth. You'll also get to learn some quirky and fun facts about Ryan (like his favorite and least favorite sound).

Michael and Kathryn chat with Ryan Deiss, founder and CEO of Digital Marketer. Discover how Ryan maintains a healthy balance of work, life, family, and entrepreneurship, all while growing a profitable business and maintaining a positive company culture.

In this episode, Michael and Kathryn discuss the difference between Coaching and Mentoring and why these terms are often confused with one another. If you run a company, supervise employees, or lead a team, take a listen to this episode to discover when you should intentionally 'coach', instead of 'mentor'.

Burnout is very real, and no business leader is immune to it. In this episode, Michael and Kathryn cover the 4 stages of burnout, and how to identify each one. Give this episode a listen to find out which stage of burnout you're in, and how to avoid reaching a physical or emotional shutdown.

In this episode, Michael and Kathryn reveal the true importance of Leadership Development for business leaders and discuss what elements you will need to focus on in order to save your sanity, and your company.

Michael and Kathryn outline 3 areas of leadership planning that can make all the difference in the success of your business. Want to create a more nimble and profitable business that will survive the next bubble? Then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss the value of iteration in marketing and in business. We often pour our hearts into a project that may not end up being a success, but that doesn't mean we should abandon it. You have to analyze, make adjustments and try again. If the process of iteration can help Pixar consistently put out hits, what can it do for your business?

Michael and Kathryn define the foundational concepts of Passion & Provision® and discuss why they're the most important elements of a healthy, growing company. If you feel like you are barely treading water when it comes to your business, and want to achieve BOTH profit and joy in your company, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the origins of the post-trust era and the 6 myths about trust that businesses need to overcome in order to survive and thrive. If you're struggling to grow your business and build positive company culture, then this episode is for you.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the steps for building trust in a post-trust era. Whether you are a business owner, a manager, a team leader, an employee, or client- building trust is essential for achieving speed and lowering costs. If you want a deeper understanding of what it will take to build or re-build trust with others in this post-trust world, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss 3 critical partnerships you need in your life in order to grow a successful and profitable company. Discover why partnerships, cheerleaders, and advisers help you reach greater clarity in life and in your business. If you find yourself struggling and need advice on the best types of mentors to seek out, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn continue their conversation with Lead Generation expert, John Butler, and dig deep into the concept of what it actually means to have a Passion & Provision® company. If you are feeling a lack of passion, or are struggling with the day-to-day of running your company, then this episode has some special words of encouragement just for you!