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

Oil! by Upton Sinclair w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
MAR 11, 2026
Oil! by Upton Sinclair w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
Oil! by Upton Sinclair ---Exploring the first 100 pages of Oil! by Upton Sinclair, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby dive into the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, the evolving concept of work-life balance, and how leadership demands both killer instinct and humility. They draw parallels between entrepreneurship and film direction, critique society’s shifting attitudes toward work and success, and dissect how true leaders mentor others amidst competitive challenges. Hear lively debates on generational expectations, lessons from pop culture, and the importance of intent and teachability on the entrepreneurial journey.Book: Oil! Author: Upton SinclairGuests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Tom Libby (co-host)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Oil! by Upton Sinclair.10:21 "There Will Be Blood Overview."13:12 "Upton Sinclair's Influence on There Will Be Blood."20:17 Startup Founder as Visionary Director.24:26 "Track Record Drives Investment."30:28 Rethinking Work-Life Balance.33:28 Work-Life Balance and Societal Evolution.38:57 "Rethinking Work and Its Role."44:48 Defining Human Nature and Oil Exploration.53:36 "Success Requires Sustained Effort."58:04 "Confronting Uncertainty with Resilience."01:03:00 "Embracing Uncertainty Through Learning."01:09:11 Entrepreneurship: Ten Years to be an 'Overnight' Success.01:12:26 "Defining Legacy: Provider or Visionary?"01:19:04 "Evolution of NBA Eras."01:26:18 "Art School: Talent, Drive, and Killer Instinct."01:31:09 "Fostering Competitive Spirit in Youth."01:33:54 The Role of Social Media in Opportunity.01:43:04 Humbling Arrogance Through Jiu-Jitsu.01:48:11 "Elevating Others Through Leadership."01:53:12 Staying on the Leadership Path with Oil! by Upton Sinclair.---Opening 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!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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118 MIN
Stomping the Blues by Albert L. Murray w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
MAR 4, 2026
Stomping the Blues by Albert L. Murray w/Tom Libby & Jesan Sorrells
Stomping the Blues by Albert L. Murray---Exploring Albert Murray’s landmark book, Stomping the Blues, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the true roots of jazz and blues as uniquely American art forms. The hosts break down how Murray distinguishes the blues idiom from jazz, the importance of improvisation in both music and leadership, and why understanding America’s cultural “soundtrack” is vital for restoring meaning and moral direction in turbulent times.Book Title: Stomping the BluesAuthor: Albert MurrayGuest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Tom Libby (Guest Host)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 "Elements of Blues Composition."07:35 "Albert Murray's Nuanced Legacy."15:54 "Blues: An Expression of Duality."19:37 "Blues: Music’s Deep Cultural Impact."23:24 Unexpected Pathways to Country Music.29:43 "Discovering Quality Writing."34:40 "Beatles, Rebellion, and Influence."40:10 "Blues: An American Synthesis."46:39 "Hearing vs. Listening to Music."49:32 "Globalization, Rugby, and Hockey."54:28 "Data Overload and Decision-Making."01:02:47 "Blues, Dance, and Sacred Tensions."01:05:20 "Blues, Church, and Cultural Tensions."01:10:31 "Temptations Shaped by the Internet."01:19:05 "Stop Fighting, Start Riffing."01:21:37 "Experience Over Technology in Life."---Opening 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! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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88 MIN
A Conflict of Visions: The Hidden Origins of Ideological Conflict by Thomas Sowell w/Jesan Sorrells & Ryan J. Stout
FEB 25, 2026
A Conflict of Visions: The Hidden Origins of Ideological Conflict by Thomas Sowell w/Jesan Sorrells & Ryan J. Stout
A Conflict of Visions: The Hidden Origins of Ideological Conflict by Thomas Sowell---Exploring Thomas Sowell’s A Conflict of Visions, Jesan Sorrells and Ryan J Stout break down the enduring clash between constrained and unconstrained worldviews at the root of ideological and political strife. They discuss how these visions shape society’s approach to justice, leadership, and individual responsibility, and examine practical impacts in everything from education to personal development. The episode emphasizes why understanding these competing frameworks is essential for today’s leaders and citizens striving for meaningful resolution.Book title: A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political StruggleAuthor: Thomas SowellGuests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Ryan J Stout (guest)Top talking points:The foundational divide between constrained and unconstrained worldviewsHow visions shape leadership, justice, and social policiesPractical implications for personal growth, conflict resolution, and societal leadership---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 "Leadership Lessons: Root Causes."13:11 "Two Competing World Visions."21:47 "Unlikely Paths and Perspectives."37:33 Unconstrained vs. Constrained Visions.49:16 "Job Offer Rejection and Reflection."58:29 "Pendulum Shift and Constrained Vision."01:05:13 "Accountability When Provoking Authority."01:22:04 "Encouraging Constraint and Education."01:32:07 "Constrained Vision and Self-Awareness."01:37:37 "Gen X: Leaders of Restoration."01:49:19 "Understanding Division and Perception."01:58:16 "Active Participation and Leadership."---Opening 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! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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125 MIN