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The Messy Truth About Leadership

The Messy Truth About Leadership

By: Gavin Fenn-Smith Meghan Mahoney Nicki Roth
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About this listen

Leadership is hard because human beings are complicated. The only way to decode all the things that we do is to become self-aware. When we turn inward, we can start to understand why we do the things we do. After that, we can start to understand other people, and figure out why they do the things they do. With that knowledge, we can build stronger connections to others. Hang out with us so you can become a more self-aware person and connect better with others.

messytruthleadership.substack.comGavin Fenn-Smith, Meghan Mahoney, Nicki Roth
Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • "Introspection is a recipe for misery"
    Apr 7 2026

    This podcast is all about self-awareness as the root of successful leadership. So, needless to say, we take issue with this perspective.

    You can read the story in The Atlantic here.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messytruthleadership.substack.com
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    43 mins
  • It's stressful, the world right now.
    Mar 3 2026

    There are so many externalities these days that can affect our mood and emotional state at work, from job security to financial security to political disagreements. In this episode, Nicki and Gavin discuss ways to regulate your emotional state so that you can continue to inspire others and get the best out of them.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messytruthleadership.substack.com
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    31 mins
  • Choosing To Stay Stuck
    Feb 10 2026

    Change is hard and most of us will resist shifting away from our familiar patterns even when they are no longer helpful. Having a coach is no guarantee that you will make a conscious choice to explore the origins of a tough issue and then take small steps to try something new. In this conversation we explore the coach and the client perspectives on this fork in the road. To stay or change. That is the question.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messytruthleadership.substack.com
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    30 mins
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