
Leadership looks shiny on social media. But the reality is it’s messy, isolating, and full of self-doubt. Leading Ain’t Easy pulls back the curtain on the side of leadership nobody puts on their résumé.
Created by Ryan Calkins (Marine Corps veteran, career/leadership coach, and founder of Reframe & Rise) and Erny Epley (public-sector leader and founder of Bus Pro Network), this show dives into th... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 40 | Founded | 9 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ManagementBusinessCareers | |||

Everyone tells new managers the same thing: lead by example. Ryan Calkins and John Moore talk through why that advice runs out fast, and what they had to learn the hard way about expectations, clarity, and trust once being a good example stopped bein... more
Every leader is teaching — the question is what lesson is actually landing. Ryan Calkins, John Moore, and Erny Epley talk through the unintentional ways we shape the people around us: how we act under pressure, who we show up for, what we carry from ... more
Every leadership resource tells you how to make the hard call. Nobody tells you what happens after. Ryan Calkins and John Moore talk through the emotional and psychological fallout of difficult leadership decisions (terminations, layoffs, denied prom... more
A viral LinkedIn post claimed that if five employees leave within a year of your leadership, you're the problem. Ryan Calkins, John Moore, and returning show staple Erny Epley take that take apart, share real stories from their own careers, and get h... more
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How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #235 | |
Apple Podcasts | #235 |
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This show focuses on the real, imperfect side of leadership, trimming away glossy tropes to explore the doubts, tough calls, and practical tactics managers face across military, public sector, and private industry. Conversations lean into personal stories, hard-won lessons, and frameworks for decision-making, accountability, and team dynamics. Episodes often center on the psychology of leadership under pressure, balancing empathy with standards, and the day-to-day realities of coaching, performance, and organizational culture. A standout element is the candid, two-host format that pairs veterans with corporate and public-sector perspectives, frequently weaving in practical takeaways, checklists, and resources for listeners aiming to lead mo... more
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Leading Ain't Easy launched 9 months ago and published 40 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Leading Ain't Easy include:
1. John Moore
2. Rene Guerrero
3. Frank Hopkins
4. Matt Quinn
5. Alicia Sanders
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