Lead The Team with Mike Phillips' Blog

Let's get real for a second. You've sent your leaders to training. Maybe it was a two-day workshop with PowerPoints that could put an insomniac to sleep. Maybe it was an online course everyone "completed" while answering emails. Maybe it was that expensive program that came with a fancy binder that's now collecting dust on someone's shelf. And what changed? If you're being honest: not…

Let’s cut right to it: Generic leadership training is dying. And frankly? It’s about time. You know the type. The corporate shuffle where everyone: from your newest team lead to your seasoned VP: gets crammed into the same conference room, fed the same PowerPoint slides, and told the same tired truths about “synergy” and “engagement.” Here’s the brutal reality: It doesn’t work. It never really…

Let’s get one thing straight right now, champions aren’t born. They’re built. And here’s the thing: the same traits that make someone a champion on the field, in the ring, or at the top of their game? Those are the exact same traits that separate good leaders from GREAT ones. You didn’t stumble onto this blog post by accident. You’re here because something inside you knows there’s another…

Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate. A champions mentality isn’t something you’re born with. It’s not coded into your DNA. And it’s definitely not reserved for elite athletes or Fortune 500 CEOs. It’s a choice. A daily decision to show up, think differently, and refuse to settle for mediocrity. Here’s the thing, winners aren’t just people who cross finish lines first. They’re…

Authentic leadership isn’t about flawless execution—it’s about being real. In the latest episode of The Leadership Toolkit, Mike Phillips and Amy Pechacek take us on a journey through vulnerability, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. This isn’t just another podcast; it’s a blueprint for leading from a place of integrity. A Life-Altering Journey Sparks Leadership Clarity Amy Pechacek’s…

Leadership can be a lonely role. When you’re at the top, the weight of decisions, the pressure to perform, and the responsibility for others can feel isolating. Yet, as Jeff Oak shared in The Leadership Toolkit, the most effective leaders are the ones who break out of isolation and lean into authentic connection. Isolation isn’t just about physical separation. It’s about feeling cut off from the…

Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a climb. In a recent episode of The Leadership Toolkit, Mike Phillips sat down with John Donnelly, a seasoned business leader who made the bold choice to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. But this wasn’t just a bucket list item it was a deeply personal and transformative leadership challenge. His story is more than a travelogue; it’s a masterclass in mindset,…

Today, we draw inspiration from a fascinating Leadership Toolkit Podcast episode. This week’s episode features our host, Mike Phillips, and his guest, Scott Doyne. Scott is a certified career coach and former sports media executive. This interaction delves deep into leadership evolutions, wins, failures, and the essence of managing transitions effectively. Why focus on leadership evolution, you…

In a fast-paced world that celebrates straight paths and quick wins, the art of pivoting – of embracing a significant change in direction – often remains unduly mystified and, frankly, underappreciated. Yet, as Dr. Carla Fowler’s journey from medical doctor to esteemed executive performance coach demonstrates, the pivot can be one of the most powerful tools in your personal and professional…

Welcome to a new dimension of leadership understanding where each conversation can become the catalyst for monumental outcomes. This isn’t your ordinary leadership lecture; this is a deep dive into the essence of what makes exceptional leadership — all inspired by a conversation with Thomas Knoll, a visionary who’s mastered the art of turning seemingly inconspicuous moments into pivotal points of…

Welcome, leaders and visionaries! Today, we’re diving deep into leadership, growth, and the remarkable journey of an inspirational figure who transformed a company into a multi-million-dollar powerhouse. Get ready to uncover the secrets of leadership from John D. Marvin, the President and CEO of Texas State Optical, and learn how embracing continued personal development can propel you and your…

To me it seems like every episode of The Leadership Toolkit just get more jam packed with wisdom! I love it! Check out today's blog and the latest episode featuring my friend Ian MacLeod #LeadershipDevelopment #Pitfalls #Mistakes #Fails

Today, coming across genuine nuggets of wisdom that prompt you to pause, reflect, and most importantly implement, can be a thrilling discovery. Ian MacLeod, a seasoned leadership consultant, took to the stage—or in this context, the virtual platform of “The Leadership Toolkit” podcast. Ian introduces a tangibly different approach to perceiving and navigating the terrain of leadership and its…