Learning Leadership: In Practice

Episode 12: Learning Leadership Through Deliberate Practice

In this episode of Learning Leadership in Practice, I close out the Five Fundamentals series from Learning Leadership [https://amzn.to/4tZ4Z5f] by James Kouzes and Barry Posner [https://amzn.to/4tZ4Z5f] with the fifth and final fundamental: Practice Deliberately. Leadership is not something we learn once, talk about once, or master once. It is something we practice in real moments, real conversations, and real seasons of uncertainty, transition, responsibility, and growth. In this episode, I reflect on how our current leadership moments can become our classroom. The tension we are navigating, the difficult conversation we are preparing for, the decision we are trying to make, and the uncertainty we are carrying can all become places where leadership is formed. I also share how this podcast itself was born out of a disorienting season and became a place to reflect out loud on what I was reading, what I was living, and how those two things were shaping the way I lead. At its core, this episode is a reminder that learning leadership is not just about knowledge. It is about application. It is about practice. It is about paying attention to what life and leadership are teaching us in real time.Deliberate practice invites us to turn our leadership life into a case study. To slow down long enough to ask what we are learning, how we are showing up, and what kind of leader we are becoming. Reflective Questions • What leadership moment are you navigating right now that could become your classroom? • How are you practicing leadership deliberately in the roles, relationships, and responsibilities you already have? • What daily habit could help you become a better learning leader tomorrow than you were today? If this episode resonates with you, feel free to share it with someone who is also committed to growing as a leader. Thanks for learning alongside me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidreyes.substack.com [https://davidreyes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 11: Learning Leadership Through Engaging Support

In this episode of Learning Leadership in Practice, David explores the next principle from Learning Leadership [https://amzn.to/3Ol54RR] by James Kouzes and Barry Posner [https://amzn.to/3Ol54RR]: Engage Support. Leadership is not a solo pursuit. Kouzes and Posner’s research makes it clear that the most effective leaders actively seek out the support, wisdom, and feedback of others. You cannot lead alone, and you cannot learn alone. In this episode, David reflects on stepping into a leadership role where he was leading individuals more tenured than he was, and the tension of moving from needing to have answers to learning how to invite others into the process. What began as uncertainty and imposter syndrome became a season of growth as he leaned into the wisdom, feedback, and partnership of those around me. He also explore the importance of building strong connections, seeking out mentors and role models, and developing a posture of curiosity and openness to feedback. Because leadership growth requires both support and trust — and often begins with the willingness to go first. At its core, this episode is a reminder that the best leaders are not those who go it alone, but those who intentionally surround themselves with people who will challenge, encourage, and develop them. Reflective Questions • Who are the people actively shaping your leadership today?• Where might you need to engage support more intentionally in this season? If this episode resonates with you, feel free to share it with someone who is also committed to growing as a leader. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidreyes.substack.com [https://davidreyes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 10: Challenge Yourself

In this third episode of The Five Fundamentals in Practice, we explore the next principle from Learning Leadership [https://amzn.to/4bZhmbt] by James Kouzes and Barry Posner [https://amzn.to/4bZhmbt]: Challenge Yourself. Leadership growth does not happen in comfort. It happens in moments of stretch, uncertainty, and adversity. Kouzes and Posner’s research shows that every example of leadership at its best includes challenge, making it not an obstacle, but a training ground. In this episode, I reflect on stepping into leadership after being a high-performing individual contributor and the frustration that comes with moving from competence to learning again. That season reminded me that growth often follows a learning curve, not immediate mastery. The challenge was not something to avoid, but something shaping me into a better leader. We also explore the roles of grit, curiosity, and courage in leadership development, and how adopting a learning mindset enables us to turn setbacks into growth opportunities. Because leadership is not formed easily. It is formed in challenge.Thank you for learning alongside of me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidreyes.substack.com [https://davidreyes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 9: The Five Fundamentals of Leadership in Practice (#2)

I’m continuing the series on Learning Leadership In Practice, exploring the Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary Leader from Learning Leadership [https://amzn.to/4re1Ug1] by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. [https://amzn.to/4re1Ug1] This episode focuses on the second fundamental: Aspire to Excel. Exemplary leaders don’t drift into excellence; they choose it. Aspiring to excel means raising your personal standard and caring deeply about the mission and the people you serve. In this episode, I reflect on how pursuing my doctorate reshaped my mindset around perseverance and growth, and how aspiring to excel today means continuing to learn long after formal education ends. Kouzes and Posner remind us that excellence is not just about achievement; it’s about aligning with your values and committing to continual growth. As you listen, consider: Am I raising my own standard, or drifting toward comfort? Here are some leadership podcasts I would recommend: * Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott Allen [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-wisdom-for-leaders-with-scott-j-allen-ph-d/id1510441734] * Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craig-groeschel-leadership-podcast/id1070649025] * At the Table with Patrick Lencioni [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-the-table-with-patrick-lencioni/id1474171732] * Rethinking with Adam Grant [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking/id1554567118] * Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andy-stanley-leadership-podcast/id290055666] Thanks for learning alongside of me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidreyes.substack.com [https://davidreyes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 8: The Five Fundamentals of Leadership In Practice (#1)

I’m excited to kick off a brand-new series on Learning Leadership In Practice. After reflecting on the books I read in 2025 over the first seven episodes, we now turn to what I consider a foundational text for this podcast: Learning Leadership [https://amzn.to/3OWpOiz] by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. [https://amzn.to/3OWpOiz] Over the next five episodes, I’ll be walking through the Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary Leader, not just summarizing them, but exploring what they look like in practice. We begin with the first fundamental: Believe You Can Learn to Lead. Too often, our leadership growth is limited not by opportunity, but by belief. Kouzes and Posner argue that leadership is learnable and that the best leaders are the best learners. In this episode, I share a personal story of stepping into leadership over former peers, wrestling with imposter syndrome, and learning that leadership development is ultimately self-development. If leadership is learnable, then growth is always available. I’d love for you to listen, reflect, and consider: Where might limiting beliefs be holding back your leadership growth? Thanks for learning alongside of me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidreyes.substack.com [https://davidreyes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]