Leadership Lessons From The Great Books
Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network

Overview
Episodes

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Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.

Recent Episodes

Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov w/Claire Chandler & Jesan Sorrells
APR 22, 2026
Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov w/Claire Chandler & Jesan Sorrells
Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov ---Exploring the surreal world of Vladimir Nabokov's Invitation to a Beheading, Jesan Sorrells and Claire Chandler analyze the novel’s absurdist critique of totalitarianism and the societal pressures for conformity. They examine Nabokov’s literary style, the challenge of translating Russian nuance into English, and how the narrative’s exploration of meaning, individuality, and truth remains relevant for modern leaders. The episode draws powerful connections between the search for meaning in the 20th and 21st centuries, the impact of technological noise, and the leader’s responsibility to pursue authenticity in an increasingly absurd world.Book Title: Invitation to a Beheading Author: Vladimir NabokovGuest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Claire Chandler (Guest)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Discussing influential dystopian literature11:20 Discussing Nabokov's complex themes13:03 Nabokov and totalitarian regimes22:52 Discussing the book's translation challenges24:25 Discussing multilingual communication challenges29:04 Discussion on Cincinnatus's imprisonment37:35 Bringing Jungian myth to academia43:36 Russian writers and dystopian themes49:18 Moving furniture and family tensions51:06 Cincinnatus C. helps move furniture01:01:30 Choosing truth over conformity01:06:42 Local debate over data centers01:12:31 Finding clarity amidst distractions01:16:12 Deconstruction and authority confusion01:20:41 Addressing lack of accountability01:28:53 The impact of AI on society01:34:00 Surviving social media surveillance01:40:11 Discussing societal complacency and noise01:47:02 Discussing Cincinnatus' writings01:48:37 Legacy and leadership importance01:53:28 End of the conversation---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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116 MIN
East of Eden by John Steinbeck w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
APR 16, 2026
East of Eden by John Steinbeck w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
East of Eden by John Steinbeck ---Exploring John Steinbeck’s magnum opus, East of Eden, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby break down how the novel’s multi-generational narrative reveals timeless truths of human nature, leadership, and morality. They discuss Steinbeck’s powerful depiction of rural California and the tension between rural and urban values, dissect the novel’s deep biblical allusions and the theme of free will, and examine how leaders can leverage the diversity of personalities within teams for collective success. The episode emphasizes the novel’s ongoing relevance and what modern leaders can learn from Steinbeck’s nuanced insights about character, motivation, and human dignity.Book Title: East of EdenAuthor: John SteinbeckGuest Names: Tom Libby, Jesan Sorrells---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 Interesting place names and history05:22 Analyzing a timeless 1940s novel10:45 Recording mishap and frustrations16:23 Steinbeck's portrayal of characters24:06 Post-war literary influences in Europe26:33 Steinbeck's Nobel Prize and Retirement31:45 Discussing the Northeast landscape41:38 Samuel's intellectual pursuits42:26 Samuel's early years in Salinas48:11 Skepticism about AI's future impact56:57 Understanding sin in the Hebrew context01:01:19 Discussing unconventional views on the Bible01:08:36 Urbanization trends and population growth01:11:58 Commentary on author intentions01:17:17 Finding Value in Team Members01:20:43 Exploring physical and mental anomalies01:28:16 Analyzing Kathy as a tragic figure01:34:22 Confronting dishonesty in a team01:36:24 Dealing with consequences and accountability01:46:16 Misunderstanding narcissism and self-preservation01:50:50 Discussing the appeal of rural stories01:53:50 Discussing the timelessness of classic literature---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air"  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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120 MIN
Mash Up Episode ft. 12 Rules For Leaders Deep Dive - Leadership Models from Sun-Tzu to Albert Murray w/David Baumrucker & Jesan Sorrells
APR 8, 2026
Mash Up Episode ft. 12 Rules For Leaders Deep Dive - Leadership Models from Sun-Tzu to Albert Murray w/David Baumrucker & Jesan Sorrells
Mash Up Episode ft. 12 Rules For Leaders Deep Dive - Leadership Models from Sun-Tzu to Albert Murray w/David Baumrucker & Jesan Sorrells---Explore the gap between leadership models and real-world practice as Jesan Sorrells and guest David Baumrucker examine the pitfalls of rigid frameworks and the necessity for leader courage in today’s volatile environment. They discuss the enduring value of classical wisdom, the influence of myth according to Carl Jung, and the critical challenge technology poses to authentic leadership and organizational culture. The conversation is rooted in Sorrells’ own "12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership" and explores how timeless principles offer guidance for navigating the uncertainty ahead.Book Title: 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership Author: Jesan SorrellsGuests: David Baumrucker (Co-Host), Jesan Sorrells (Host)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Developing leadership principles10:02 Models as compass, not map11:04 Modern leadership and experiential learning20:47 Rediscovering true leadership basics25:20 Signs of ineffective leadership30:54 Understanding leadership and the shadow33:39 Understanding leadership archetypes and the shadow41:55 Returning to healthy masculine and feminine46:29 Fire as a metaphor for growth52:07 Rethinking our relationship with technology58:58 Disconnecting from nature and myth01:04:08 Practical AI tools for everyday use01:06:03 AI's impact on workplace loyalty01:13:10 Society's challenges and survival pressures01:17:11 The new American project vision01:25:24 Questioning leadership and blind faith01:29:31 Talking about the Word and creation01:35:59 The role of Gen Z in change01:37:59 Passing wisdom to future generations---Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out HSCT Publishing at: https://www.hsctpublishing.com/.Check out LeadingKeys at: https://www.leadingkeys.com/Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/Contact HSCT for more information at 1-833-216-8296 to schedule a full DEMO of LeadingKeys with one of our team members.---Leadership ToolBox website: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/.Leadership ToolBox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldrshptlbx/.Leadership ToolBox YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptoolbox/videosLeadership ToolBox Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldrshptlbx.Leadership ToolBox IG: https://www.instagram.com/leadershiptoolboxus/.Leadership ToolBox FB: https://www.facebook.com/LdrshpTl
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103 MIN