The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast
The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast

The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast

Rahul Karan Sharma | Leadership Development for Next Generation Leaders

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Episodes

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Leadership development for next generation leaders. Hosted by Rahul Karan Sharma, this Global Top 1.5% Podcast provides a practical roadmap to confident leadership. While many struggle to find their voice, The CLIMB offers the mindset shifts and career-advancement insights aspiring leaders need in the AI era. We help “accidental managers” build the human side of leadership—focusing on decision-making, self-awareness, and the executive presence that dashboards miss. Subscribe now to claim your seat at the table. Gain a new perspective on confident leadership and take charge of yourself.

Recent Episodes

From Learning Disability to Leadership: How Love and Sacrifice Build Unshakeable Confidence
MAR 17, 2026
From Learning Disability to Leadership: How Love and Sacrifice Build Unshakeable Confidence
Master your Leadership Mindset and Personal Growth Systems. Rahul Karan Sharma and Juan Lee (author of Love Made Simple) reveal how to use love and sacrifice to build elite confidence.Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The Confident Leader podcast is the premier space for Executive Development and Purpose-Driven Leadership. Today, U.S. Air Force veteran and author Juan Lee joins us to share a transformative journey. From losing his mother at age six and battling an undiagnosed learning disability until age 37, Juan discovered that Love is not just an emotion—it is a system. We explore how aligning with humanity and mastering the art of sacrifice can lead to profound Inner Peace and organizational success.The CLIMB™ Framework InsightThis episode highlights C – Cultivate Your Mindset and I – Integrating Purpose:C – Cultivate Your Mindset: Juan teaches us that "Love as a System" requires discipline and courage. By cultivating a mindset grounded in service, leaders can confront fear and lead with clarity.I – Integrating Purpose: Success makes sense when it is integrated with humanity. Juan’s "Clear Journey" mission shows that when your purpose is larger than yourself, your confidence becomes unshakeable.Key Pointers for Aspiring Leaders02:59 – Military Lessons: Finding purpose after childhood struggle.06:58 – Love as a System: Why leadership requires a structured mindset.10:04 – Sacrifice as a Growth Tool: The price of elite personal development.20:59 – Aligning with Humanity: The secret to sustainable Confidence.28:44 – The Clear Journey: Moving from "Lost" to "Leader."ABOUT THE GUEST: JUAN LEEJuan Lee is an author, U.S. Air Force veteran, and the host of the Clear Journey Podcast Network. After a childhood marked by loss and a decades-long struggle with an undiagnosed learning disability, Juan transformed his life by developing a unique philosophy: Love Made Simple. He is a recipient of the Speak Life Community Award and specializes in teaching leaders how to ground their success in the values of sacrifice, humility, and service to achieve lasting Inner Peace and impact.🌐 Website: clearjourney.orgConnect with Juan on Linkedin- LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-lee-the-author/ABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters, Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun County and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [⁠⁠⁠⁠https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart⁠⁠⁠⁠]🌐Official Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rahulkaransharma.com⁠⁠⁠⁠📈Connect: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify & Apple#theclimbpodcast #executivepresence #staffingindustry #dcleaders #rahulkaransharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleaders
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37 MIN
Overcoming Lazy Leadership and Executive Development: The XTR Process
MAR 10, 2026
Overcoming Lazy Leadership and Executive Development: The XTR Process
Master Overcoming Lazy Leadership and Executive Development. Rahul Karan Sharma and Corrine Gavlinsky (CEO of The Gav Group) reveal the XTR Process to build confidence and influence.Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The Confident Leader podcast is your masterclass in Team Building and Personal Growth. Today, founder and CEO Corrine Gavlinsky joins us to dismantle the "Lazy Leadership" epidemic. We explore how an "Identity Jolt" led to the creation of the Executive Table Read (XTR), a revolutionary process designed to help C-Suite leaders reclaim their time, sharpen their performance edge, and lead with measurable impact.The CLIMB™ Framework InsightThis episode highlights C – Cultivate Your Mindset and I – Integrating Purpose:C – Cultivate Your Mindset: Corrine explains that confidence isn't a personality trait—it’s a result of small, repeated actions. Cultivating a "High-Action" mindset is the only cure for lazy leadership.I – Integrating Purpose: The XTR Process is about more than efficiency; it’s about integration. By aligning team communication with a clear executive narrative, you ensure that every leader at the table is driving toward the same purpose.Key Topics for Aspiring Leaders03:39 – The "Identity Jolt": Corrine’s journey through personal loss.11:29 – Understanding Lazy Leadership: The hidden cost of "checking boxes."15:02 – The XTR Process: Implementing the Executive Table Read in your team.22:25 – Building Confidence: How to lead effectively without formal power.26:27 – Developing Influence through consistent, micro-actions.ABOUT THE GUEST: CORINNE GAVLINSKICorinne Gavlinsky is the founder and CEO of The Gav Group and the creator of the XTR (Executive Table Read). As a thought partner to C-Suite executives, she specializes in helping leaders transition from "Lazy Leadership" to high-impact influence. Corinne’s unique approach allows leaders to reclaim their time and performance edge by addressing the underlying problems in team dynamics. Her work is dedicated to helping professionals lead with a clarity that defines their teams and their legacy.🌐 Website: TheGavGroup.com🔍 Tool: Lazy Leader DiagnosticABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters, Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun County and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [⁠⁠⁠https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/⁠⁠⁠] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [⁠⁠⁠https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart⁠⁠⁠]🌐Official Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.rahulkaransharma.com⁠⁠⁠📈Connect: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify & Apple#theclimbpodcast #executivepresence #staffingindustry #dcleaders #rahulkaransharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleaders
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33 MIN
Scaling Your Mission: Testimonial Marketing and the EOS System for Growth
MAR 3, 2026
Scaling Your Mission: Testimonial Marketing and the EOS System for Growth
Master Entrepreneurship and Church Growth Strategies. Rahul Karan Sharma and Brady Sticker (CEO of a $7M agency) reveal how to scale with the EOS system and testimonial marketing.Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader podcast is the definitive guide for Business Growth and Leadership Development. Today, Brady Sticker joins us to share a remarkable journey from seminary student to seven-figure entrepreneur. We dive deep into the mechanics of building a church marketing powerhouse, leveraging Testimonial Marketing, and why the "5-minute follow-up rule" is the secret to high-conversion Digital Marketing.The CLIMB™ Framework InsightThis episode hits B – Build Your Legacy and L – Leveraging Your Strengths:B – Build Your Legacy: Brady discusses the transition from "doing everything" to implementing the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). Building a legacy requires a team structure that survives the founder.L – Leveraging Your Strengths: By focusing specifically on church planters, Brady leveraged his unique background to dominate a niche. He explains why "Focus is saying no to good ideas" to protect your core mission.Key Pointers from the episode01:46 – The "Pivot": From seminary to Entrepreneurship.09:22 – Scaling Pains: How to handle organizational restructuring.12:20 – Implementing EOS: The secret to $7M growth.17:48 – Testimonial Marketing: Boosting morale and attracting clients.30:24 – The 5-Minute Rule: Follow-up strategies that convert.ABOUT THE GUEST: BRADY STICKERBrady Sticker is the Founder and CEO of a premier church marketing agency that has scaled to over $7M in revenue. A former seminary student, Brady combined his passion for the church with a relentless drive for Entrepreneurship. He is the author of LaunchBake, a guide for church planters, and is an expert in implementing the EOS system to build high-performing teams. Brady’s "test-and-learn" approach has helped hundreds of churches increase attendance and engagement through innovative Digital Marketing.📸 Instagram: @bradystickerABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters, Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun County and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [⁠⁠https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/⁠⁠] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [⁠⁠https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart⁠⁠]🌐Official Website: ⁠⁠www.rahulkaransharma.com⁠⁠📈Connect: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/⁠⁠🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify & Apple#theclimbpodcast #executivepresence #staffingindustry #dcleaders #rahulkaransharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleaders
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37 MIN
Leading Without Authority: How to Influence Change and Build Leadership Pipelines
FEB 24, 2026
Leading Without Authority: How to Influence Change and Build Leadership Pipelines
Master Learning Agility and Leadership Development. Rahul Karan Sharma and Michael deLisser (author of Leadership Accelerators) reveal how to lead without authority and stop the "Peter Principle." Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The Confident Leader podcast is the premier destination for Organizational Success and Career Growth. Today, leadership strategist Michael deLisser joins us to bridge the gap between "technical expert" and "influential leader." With 25 years of experience across healthcare, tech, and government, Michael explains why multitasking is a neuro-toxin to leadership and how "Learning Agility" is the #1 predictor of your future success.The CLIMB™ Framework InsightThis episode hits C – Cultivate Your Mindset and L – Leveraging Your Strengths:C – Cultivate Your Mindset: Michael dismantles the myth of multitasking. Cultivating a "Deep Focus" mindset is essential to avoiding the brain damage and IQ drop associated with constant context switching.L – Leveraging Your Strengths: Leading without authority is the ultimate leverage. We explore how High Potential Employees use Emotional Intelligence to influence organizational culture without needing a title.Key Moments for Aspiring Leaders08:25 – Michael’s journey from athlete to leadership expert.14:22 – The Peter Principle: Why great workers become bad bosses.16:14 – The Science of Focus: How Multitasking damages your brain.20:39 – Identifying High Potential Employees: The Learning Agility test.33:40 – Leading Without Authority: Strategies for influence and change.45:22 – How organizations can trigger immediate Change Management.ABOUT THE GUEST: MICHAEL deLisserMichael deLisser is a seasoned leadership strategist and the author of Leadership Accelerators. With over 25 years of experience, Michael has designed custom executive development programs for Fortune 500 giants and government agencies alike. He specializes in helping organizations identify High Potential Employees and navigate complex Change Management through the lens of Emotional Intelligence and strategic focus.🌐 Website: https://www.delisserconsulting.com/ABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters, Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun County and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [⁠https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/⁠] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [⁠https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart⁠]🌐Official Website: ⁠www.rahulkaransharma.com⁠📈Connect: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/⁠🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify & Apple#theclimbpodcast #executivepresence #staffingindustry #dcleaders #rahulkaransharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleaders
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44 MIN
Why Bad Leadership Destroys Mental Health: Mastering the Art of Delegation
FEB 19, 2026
Why Bad Leadership Destroys Mental Health: Mastering the Art of Delegation
Master Leadership Delegation and Facilitation Skills. Rahul Karan Sharma and Therese Miclot (co-author of The Facilitation Advantage) reveal how to save 6 hours a week and boost team engagement.Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader podcast explores Organizational Psychology and high-impact coaching. Today, Therese Miclot joins us to dismantle the "Do-It-All" trap. We discuss the 30-Day Delegation Club, the profound impact of leadership on Mental Health, and why technologists must shift their mindset from "Technical Expert" to "Influential Facilitator."The CLIMB™ Framework InsightThis episode highlights L – Leveraging Your Strengths and M – Magnify Your Impact:L – Leveraging Your Strengths: Delegation isn't just about offloading work; it's about leveraging the unique strengths of your team. Therese explains how to move from a "control" mindset to a "development" mindset.M – Magnify Your Impact: Facilitation is the key to magnifying influence. By asking curious questions and creating a supportive environment, you move from an individual contributor to a leader who scales results.Key Insights for Aspiring Leaders01:55 – The personal motivation behind ending "Bad Leadership."10:11 – Why new leaders struggle with Leadership Delegation.14:04 – Inside the 30-Day Delegation Club: Saving 6 hours a week.20:07 – Mindset Shifts for technologists and technical experts.24:49 – Mastering Facilitation Skills for effective communication.ABOUT THE GUEST: THERESE MICLOTTherese Miclot is a premier leadership consultant and the co-author of The Facilitation Advantage. With a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, she has spent over 20 years helping organizations bridge the gap between technical expertise and executive influence. Therese is the creator of the 30-Day Delegation Club, a program designed to help leaders reclaim 6 hours of their week through actionable delegation strategies. Her approach combines deep psychological insights with simple, measurable solutions for modern leadership challenges.🌐 Learn more: theresemiclot.comABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters, Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun County and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [⁠https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/⁠] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [⁠https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart⁠]🌐Official Website: ⁠www.rahulkaransharma.com⁠📈Connect: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/⁠🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify & Apple#theclimbpodcast #executivepresence #staffingindustry #dcleaders #rahulkaransharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleaders
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35 MIN