In this episode of The Leadership Toolkit, Mike Phillips sits down with Pete Steege, founder of B2B Clarity and author of Radical Clarity, to unpack the real leadership challenge in the age of AI.

As inboxes flood, automation accelerates, and content becomes easier to produce than ever before, one truth is emerging:

The most human leaders will win.

Pete shares powerful insights for Accidental CEOs and growth-focused executives who want to scale without losing clarity, culture, and trust.

Inside this episode:

• The AI trap that is quietly derailing leadership focus
• Why clarity is the foundation of sustainable business growth
• The three leadership pillars: authenticity, intentionality, and generosity
• How to uncover your company culture instead of manufacturing one
• Why trust, not technology, will determine the next era of business success
• How CEOs should think about AI as a tool, not a strategy

If you are a founder, CEO, executive leader, or growth-minded professional navigating rapid change, this conversation will challenge and equip you.

🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use

1️⃣ Uncover Your Culture. Don’t Manufacture It. - Strong cultures are not created in a conference room with a clever mission statement. They are uncovered by peeling away distractions and rallying around the true purpose of the business.

2️⃣ Shift from Explaining What You Do to Why It Matters - Technical leaders often lead with features, functions, and capabilities. Customers and teams respond to meaning.

3️⃣ Lead with the Three Pillars: Authenticity, Intentionality, Generosity - Pete’s framework is simple but powerful:

➣ Authenticity: Say what you will do and do what you say.

➣ Intentionality: Stop reacting. Choose your priorities.

➣ Generosity: Focus first on the value delivered, not the value extracted.

4️⃣ Be the Boss of AI, Not the Victim of It - AI is a tool. It is not your strategy. It should serve your clarity, not replace it.

5️⃣ Model Culture Under Pressure - Culture is not revealed in good quarters. It is revealed in tough ones. If you preach value but discount under pressure, your team learns the real rule.

Because in a world of automation, clarity and humanity are your competitive edge.

Contact Information:

Pete Steege

Website: b2b-clarity.com

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/PeteSteege

Twitter: X.com/petesteege

Mike Phillips

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Credits:

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest: Pete Steege, CEO Clarity Strategist and Author of Radical Clarity

Watch more episodes of The Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!

Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

Thank you for watching and listening!

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.

*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.

In this powerful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, Mike Phillips sits down with leadership expert and author William Davis to unpack one of the biggest issues facing organizations today: the confusion between management and leadership.

After spending 38 years in corporate America, William shares why most companies promote functional success but fail to develop real leadership ability. The result? Broken trust, disengaged teams, and leaders who focus more on metrics than people.

Together, Mike and William dive into:

• The true difference between leadership and management

• Why “your team is not your competition”

• How to lead beyond your direct reports using the “hemisphere” mindset

• The importance of communicating the “why” behind the work

• How to measure leadership success beyond financial KPIs

• The biggest leadership mistake most managers make today

William emphasizes that leadership is not about title, pay, or control. It is about the growth, care, and development of people. When leaders focus on genuine relationships, accountability, and psychological safety, teams flourish and organizations thrive.

If you are an executive, manager, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader who wants to build trust, improve retention, and create a healthier culture, this conversation is packed with actionable insight.

Contact Information:

William Davis

Website: WilliamCDavis.net

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/WilliamCharlesDavis

Mike PhillipsEmail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠
Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠
YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Credits:

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest: William Davis

Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!

Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

Thank you for watching and listening!

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.

*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.

What if resilience is not a personality trait, but a trainable skill

In this episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips sits down with Dr. Andrew Wittman, former U.S. Marine infantry veteran, law enforcement officer, federal agent, and creator of the Inner Armor system, to unpack what it truly means to build mental toughness in high-stress environments.

From protecting national leaders to training elite military operators, Andrew brings battlefield-tested insight into the boardroom. In this powerful conversation, he breaks down how leaders can control their emotional responses, dominate their biology, and develop discipline that outlasts motivation.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why your brain processes 11,000,000 bits of information but only acts on 126
• The 20-minute rule that can transform conflict and decision-making
• Why willpower fails and biology wins
• How to lead calmly when everything feels chaotic
• The difference between being results-driven and process-driven
• What it means to be the “CEO of You”

If you are a business leader, executive, sales professional, entrepreneur, or team builder looking to improve performance under pressure, this episode will challenge you and equip you with practical tools you can apply immediately.

Resilience is not random. It is built. And it starts with self-leadership.

Contact Information:

Andrew Wittman

Website: GetWarriorTough.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/Andrew-D-Wittman

YouTube: YouTube.com/@GetWarriorToughMedia

Mike Phillips

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Credits:

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest: Andrew Wittman

Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!
Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

Thank you for watching and listening!

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.

*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.

In this episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips is joined by Jim Saliba, executive leadership coach, former tech VP, and host of the Building Legendary Leaders podcast

This episode centers on a powerful and timely leadership idea: how to lead like a CEO without needing a new title.

Jim shares what he learned moving from individual contributor to executive leadership inside a multibillion-dollar tech organization, and what he now teaches directors, VPs, and senior leaders who feel stuck in constant firefighting mode. Together, Mike and Jim unpack why many leaders get promoted but never make the mindset shift from doing the work to leading the system that produces results.

In this conversation, you will learn:

• Why leadership promotions often happen without training and how to take ownership of your growth

• The critical difference between accountability and ownership

• Why fixers and doers struggle to reach the strategy table

• How to delegate effectively without dumping responsibility

• Why asking better questions creates stronger leaders and better teams

• How small leadership experiments build momentum and confidence

If you are a manager, director, or senior leader who feels busy but not impactful, this episode will help you rethink how you lead right where you are.

Contact Information:

Jim Saliba

Website: jamessaliba.com

Free Book Offer: jamessaliba.com/freebook

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamessaliba

Mike Phillips

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest: Jim Saliba, leadership mastermind and ownership expert

Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!

Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

Thank you for watching and listening!

----

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.

*** Affiliate disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links which may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.

What if real leadership growth does not come from big moments, but from small, consistent actions practiced every day?

In this episode of The Leadership Toolkit, Mike Phillips sits down with bestselling author, keynote speaker, and creator Sam Demma for an energizing and deeply practical conversation about leadership, resilience, kindness, and intentional growth.

Sam shares his journey from career-ending injuries to building a global speaking platform, reaching hundreds of millions of people with messages rooted in empathy and service. Together, Mike and Sam unpack what it truly means to lead with heart, build a personal “dojo” for growth, and stay committed to the work long before anyone is watching.

🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use

1️⃣ Build Your Dojo: Every craft needs a place to practice. Whether it’s leadership, communication, sales, or creativity, growth requires a dedicated space and time to sharpen your skills.

2️⃣ Measure Attendance First: Before worrying about outcomes, focus on showing up. Consistent presence creates momentum and progress takes care of itself over time.

3️⃣ Lead With Genuine Care: People connect to authenticity, not perfection. A sincere desire to serve and support others carries more weight than polished delivery or titles.

4️⃣ Stop Playing for the Points: Rediscover the love of the game. When leaders reconnect with why they started, passion replaces burnout and purpose returns.

5️⃣ Scale Impact Through Others: Let go of what drains you. Outsourcing work that causes anxiety frees you to cast vision, grow the mission, and empower your team.

Contact Information:

Sam Demma

Web: SamDemma.com

Books: Shop.SamDemma.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/Sam_Demma

YouTube: YouTube.com/@Sam_Demma

Mike Phillips

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Credits:

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest: Sam Demma: Champion of Kindness, Consistency, and Purpose-Driven Leadership

Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!

Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

Thank you for watching and listening!

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.

*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.

In this powerful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, Mike Phillips sits down with Australian employment lawyer, HR strategist, and leadership coach Karen Ansen, founder of Ignite HR and Ignite Your Purpose.

Karen is widely known as the person organizations call when the situation is at its toughest. From guiding boards through high-stakes CEO exits to navigating workplace conflict with compassion and clarity, she blends legal precision with heartfelt leadership. Her unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and understood has positioned her as a trusted advisor to leaders across Australia.

In this conversation, Mike and Karen break down:

• Why leaders fear difficult conversations and how to face them with confidence
• How asking better questions eliminates assumptions and opens true understanding
• What really happens when people do not feel heard
  The role of “unofficial leaders” and why they often hold more influence than those with titles
• Simple actions that transform culture and strengthen trust inside any organization
• How self-awareness, breath work, and authentic leadership help leaders break old patterns and step into their purpose

Whether you lead a team, want to become a stronger communicator, or are striving to elevate your workplace culture, this episode offers tools and insights you can apply immediately.

Contact Information:

Email: karen@ignitehr.com.au

Linkedin: LinedIn.com/in/KarenAnsen

Web: IgniteHR.com.au

Mike Phillips

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT

YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Credits:

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest: Karen Ansen, professional fixer, and empowering unofficial leaders to lead in business

Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review.

Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

Thank you for watching and listening.

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.

*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.