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

Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network

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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

A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
MAY 13, 2026
A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells---Delving into Joan Didion’s A Book of Common Prayer, Jesan Sorrells and guest Tom Libby analyze the intersections of perception, privilege, and empathy within leadership. They discuss the pitfalls of solipsism, the evolving role of journalistic language, and how understanding regional and cultural context is essential for authentic engagement. The conversation expands to address practical empathy in business, the impact of technology on communication, and the necessity of fostering grounded values at home and in organizations.Book Title: A Book of Common PrayerAuthor: Joan DidionGuest: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Tom Libby (Co-Host)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Introducing A Book of Common Prayer07:44 A challenging day so far12:28 Winning a Vogue essay contest19:28 Discussing an underrated author26:48 Discussing editors and literary history30:45 Discussing LLMs and word precision36:26 Charlotte at Boca Grande airport39:28 Joan Didion and Central American conflicts44:03 Objective reporting in conflict zones53:59 WNBA pay and revenue discussion58:28 Nature versus nurture discussion01:01:57 Self-improvement and career inspiration01:05:51 Money's Impact on Boca Grande01:14:35 Discussing sympathy versus empathy01:21:43 Discussion on failed assassination attempt01:25:31 Business lessons from the book01:27:57 Ending 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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89 MIN
The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
MAY 6, 2026
The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells---Explore how Eudora Welty’s The Optimist’s Daughter delves into themes of grief, regional identity, and the challenge of preserving cultural memory in a rapidly globalizing world. Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby discuss the impact of community traditions, the evolving role of observation in literature, and the struggle to find objective meaning amid today’s digital noise. They highlight the contrast between sincere storytelling and modern content creation, drawing leadership lessons from Welty’s keen insight into relationships and local culture.Book Title: The Optimist’s DaughterAuthor: Eudora WeltyGuests: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Tom Libby(Co-Host)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 Exploring existential themes in media10:46 Discussing a lesser-known author14:13 Discussing influential female authors21:13 Discussing African American Identity24:16 Global access to regional language28:08 Taylor Sheridan and rural storytelling36:00 Future writers' digital observations41:56 Funeral and community support46:31 Laurel's perspective and social commentary53:22 Discussing early misconceptions of truth58:02 Muddied information and confusion01:04:35 Boxer confronts online critic01:09:58 Handling past failures in marketing01:11:41 Lessons in leadership and kindness01:15:56 Losing traditional learning methods01:22:08 Star Wars fandom and cultural shifts01:30:00 Generational conflicts and technology gaps01:35:42 Observing before taking action01:38:14 Concluding a discussion without resolution---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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102 MIN
Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky w/Hana Kabele Gala & Jesan Sorrells
APR 29, 2026
Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky w/Hana Kabele Gala & Jesan Sorrells
Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky---Exploring Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, hosts unpack the dangers of self-deception and the challenge of living with integrity as a leader. They analyze how self-awareness without mastery leads to alienation, the importance of matching words with actions, and the societal consequences of habitual lying. The episode weaves Dostoevsky’s legacy with real-world leadership, discussing how courage and honest self-examination are vital in modern organizations.Book Title: Notes from UndergroundAuthor: Fyodor DostoevskyGuests: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Dr. Hana Kabele Gala (Guest)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 The enduring power of truth06:38 Introducing Co-Host Dr. Hana Kabele Gala12:52 Discussing Dostoyevsky's challenging books20:55 Living and writing in Arkansas22:52 Dostoevsky's productivity and inspirations30:58 Dr. Hana Kabele Gala's Internship with Vaclav Havel33:44 Christianity and modern evangelicalism40:04 Dealing with societal challenges48:26 Navigating choices as a leader52:46 Discussing moral courage and context56:37 Struggling with self-identity01:03:10 Discussion on storytelling and conflict01:09:16 Meaningless corporate mission statements01:12:17 AI's impact on middle management01:20:07 Mentoring and coaching team members01:22:51 Putting aside self-righteousness01:29:04 Seeking constructive feedback01:36:46 Money and social status in Russia01:42:45 American perception of wealth and class01:45:33 Comparing serfdom and chattel slavery01:53:27 American Christianity's future challenges01:57:30 Lessons from Dostoevsky's characters---Dr. Hana Kabele Gala Substack, Tough Cookies - https://hanakabelegala.substack.com/ Dr. Hana Kabele Gala LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanakabelegala/Dr. Hana Kabele Gala Website - https://www.rtncwithhana.com/The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck - https://www.amazon.com/Way-Integrity-Finding-Path-Your/dp/1984881507/On Bullshit by Harry Frankfurt - https://www.amazon.com/Bullshit-Harry-G-Frankfurt/---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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121 MIN