The Lost and Found Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Randy & Jim unpack what "control" really means: authority, compliance, and the black‑and‑white mindset common in many of today's leaders. They explore how excessive control cripples innovation, creates single points of failure, and destroys ownership. They contrast control with trust and influence, explain exposure therapy for anxious leaders, describe when directive control is appropriate (e.g., emergencies), and offer practical ways to shift from control to influence so teams can grow, take ownership, and scale.

Join hosts Randy Fields and Jim Desmond as they talk with leadership communication coach Paige Glenn-Denning about the difference between professional development and coaching, when to use coaching, and how to get the most out of it. The three of them discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, uncovering blind spots, practical communication frameworks, and how targeted coaching builds confidence and influence for leaders at any level.  

In this episode hosts Jim and Randy explore how AI is reshaping leadership — boosting productivity and speed while raising new challenges around competence, judgment, and the loss of human friction that drives innovation and growth. They discuss practical implications for leaders: use AI as a sparring partner, preserve empathy and emotional intelligence, prioritize human judgment over raw outputs, and prepare for ethical and embodied AI impacts on organizational culture.

In this episode Randy and Jim welcome special guest Shane Callahan to discuss the constants of leadership — enduring qualities like courage, vision, influence, trust, authenticity, consistency, and values that carry across military and corporate life. They share real stories about earning and losing trust, the power of clear timely communication, the idea of running toward a positive vision, and why leading yourself first is essential to nurture and preserve these leadership constants.

In this episode, Randy and Jim discuss why employees leave organizations, focusing on realistic expectations, communication, and the outsized role managers play in retention. They share stories about preventable departures, how to spot disengagement early, and the importance of honest, timely conversations. The hosts also cover practical steps leaders can take: be self-aware, foster engagement and development, handle exit interviews with facts and kindness, and encourage graceful departures that preserve relationships and reputation.

Hey there leader! Today in Leadership Lost and Found join Randy and Jim as they talk with Barry Vandeveer about his journey from software developer to CTO, CIO and now COO, and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. We cover practical topics like transitioning from individual contributor to people leader, hiring and mentoring talent, navigating cultural change after acquisitions, making data-driven spend decisions, and the importance of listening and being available for your team. Barry also shares personal anecdotes — founding Travelocity, a brief stint as a flight attendant, earning an MBA while raising a family, recovering from burnout, and his current focus on integrating AI at Datacore — giving real-world examples of leadership in action.

In this episode, hosts Jim Desmond and Randy Fields define burnout as depleted physical, emotional, or spiritual energy, explain how it shows up in work and life, and highlight the contagious risk of running on empty. They offer practical fixes for leaders: set courageous boundaries, protect margin and time, empower your people to say no, and provide structure and space for recovery so teams and individuals can recharge and perform sustainably.   Get your coffee and join us for Leadership Lost and Found! 

Hosts Randy Fields and Jim Desmond explain what a leadership theme is, why it matters, and how a single word or phrase can focus decisions and boost team engagement (and with a theme song). They share examples like “Strong” and “Establish the Work,” and discuss how themes help prioritize, protect time, align teams, and prevent drift. Listeners are encouraged to choose and communicate a clear theme for the year to lead with consistency, care, and lasting impact.

This episode of Leadership Lost and Found explores what workplace politics really are—competition for scarce resources, status, and influence—and how they show up as turf battles, obfuscation, and hidden agendas. The hosts discuss the real costs: lost trust, stalled innovation, lower productivity, and damaged morale. They share practical advice for leaders: use truth and transparency, assess whether you’re contributing to the problem, pick your fights wisely, document facts and business impact, manage emotion, and communicate value clearly to get organizational action.

Hosts Randy and Jim explore what everyday leadership really looks like — consistent, intentional behaviors that make teams better. Through stories and practical tips they emphasize valuing others’ time, showing up visibly, giving in-the-moment feedback and gratitude, protecting focus time, and practicing servant leadership. The episode breaks everyday leadership into simple habits you can adopt daily to build trust, boost confidence, and create space for people to do their best work.

* Apologies for the sound issues!  It was trivia night at the bar!  This episode explores how mindfulness and self-awareness improve leadership, sharing personal stories and practical techniques like body scans, grounding, morning meditation, and closing distractions. Listeners will learn how being present, admitting when you9re emotionally compromised, and modeling focus and care builds psychological safety, better decisions, and stronger team performance.

In this engaging episode of Leadership Lost and Found, hosts Jim Desmond and Randy Field dive deep into the concept of servant leadership. They explore its significance, historical context, and practical application in today's corporate world. The discussion moves from a light-hearted start, acknowledging May historical moments, to a profound analysis of leadership styles, using the analogy of a hero's journey. The hosts draw inspiration from thinkers like Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, and John Maxwell, contrasting traditional authoritarian leadership with a more empathetic, people-focused approach. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they reveal how being a guide rather than a hero can multiply leadership influence and enhance team productivity. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring leaders who wish to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment, ensuring their teams thrive by aligning individual motivations with organizational goals. Their conversation offers not only a deep understanding of servant leadership but also practical advice on embracing humility, resilience, and empathy as key leadership traits.

In this episode of Leadership Lost and Found, we dive into the intricacies of effective leadership, exploring the importance of understanding when to step up and how core values influence leadership decisions. Recorded at Jonathan’s Grill, this episode delves into historical leadership examples and personal anecdotes, including the founding of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and valuable lessons from Rosa Parks. Join Randy and Jim as we unravel the complexities of leadership, discussing the distinction between management and leadership, and the defining moments that shape leaders. Whether it's knowing when to speak up or the importance of standing firm on your values, this episode provides insights for leaders at all levels.

Spotting talent takes....talent. You cannot rely solely on HR for assistance...you as a leader must know what good looks like...and be able to see it (or the potential for it) in others.  Join Jim Desmond and Randy Fields as they talk about talent assessment (from hiring it, grooming it, and promoting it).   Grab a drink of some kind and listen in on how you can assess others and yourself. And how bad Monkey Shines scared Jim and Randy back in the 80's.

Join Randy and Jim as they work through the issue of delegation.  Understanding what it is, why it is important, and how you do it. 

Join Jim and Randy (and maybe a leader named Ike) as they dive deep into why leaders should take all the blame and give away all the credit.  Ike's letter to the troops: https://taskandpurpose.com/history/d-day-letter-from-eisenhower/ Ike's letter in case of failure: https://www.businessinsider.com/d-day-in-case-of-failure-letter-by-general-eisenhower-2012-6 Here is a link to the book on Amazon "How IKE led" : https://www.amazon.com/How-Ike-Led-Principles-Eisenhowers/dp/B082VJYL1R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LS2WMTDUYJZJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pvl-uBLY_QH6lB4pLBcLoQ.rFJYaK-TdPh6109uN6nSu3Bf9QfEMnsaxbhhW2FT4iI&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+ike+led&qid=1717862474&sprefix=how+ike+le%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1  

Join Randy and Jim in this next installment of Leadership Lost and Found, where we talk about what you can learn from missed leadership opportunities.  Also, around the 20 minute mark, we learn not to set the microphone on an unstable surface.  I blame Randy. 

How and when do you do it?  Join Jim and Randy as they talk about the importance of delegation in your leadership. You do it...NO....you do it!

Join Jim and Randy as they discuss being thankful in your leadership!!!  As well as ALL of the Pop Culture references and personal funnies listed below! https://www.originalpoopknife.com/pages/the-story-of-the-poop-knife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AzAFqrxfeY&t=110s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWTXJ0GaYpM&t=3s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guA_4AzXqh0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd3g0K9KlBI&t=1s

Join Randy and Jim as they (finally) get together to discuss the Social Revolution.  What is the Social Revolution?  You'll have to listen to find out.