Right-side Up Leadership Podcast

We’re living through a hurricane of distraction—constant pings, endless opportunities, and FOMO-fueled comparison. In Episode 5 of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Alan and Jonathan unpack why today’s leaders feel overwhelmed yet under-productive, and share a simple but counter-intuitive answer: do fewer things—better. Press play to learn how to develop “healthy tunnel vision” in a scattered world, why prioritization and elimination go hand-in-hand, and how to stay accessible (not available) so you can protect your best work. If you find yourself grasping at tasks like kids in a wind-tunnel booth grabbing dollar bills, this episode will give you a clearer, calmer path forward. Key Takeaways Scattered vs. Strategic: Today’s world bombards us like a wind-tunnel booth of swirling dollar bills. You must choose a few priorities—and let the rest go. Effectiveness > Efficiency: Machines optimize for efficiency; leaders optimize for impact by focusing on the right 2–3 actions. Prioritize & Eliminate

We’re halfway through summer—and if you’re like most leaders, you’re both craving a break and wrestling with guilt, unfinished to-dos, and screen addiction. In Episode 6 of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Alan and Jonathan go deep on rest as a strategic, creative, and spiritual practice—not just “doing nothing.” Learn why resting well actually multiplies your impact, how to design your unique rest rhythm, and why trust (in God, yourself, your team) is the secret ingredient. You’ll discover: Why rest requires trust—and how to build it in real time The 7 types of rest (creative, sensory, spiritual, and more) that recharge you Real stories from their June adventures (Grand Canyon epiphanies, half-day schedules, family trips) How to move from negative-one burnout mode to a place of abundance The power of “accessible vs. available” boundaries for sustainable rest Press play, clear your mental clutter, and unlock the productive power of true rest. Key Topics Covered Rest ≠ Inaction: Rest as a powerful, g

In this powerful—and at times convicting—fourth episode of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Jonathan and Alan tackle emotional presence in leadership. Far too often we slip into “performance mode,” juggling screens, tasks, and to-do lists at the expense of our families, teams, and even our own well-being. Discover how a simple weekly audit in the Right Side Up Journal helps Alan pull back from the whirlwind, process his emotions, and plan ahead so he can truly be with the people he leads and loves. You’ll learn why: Leadership is about service, not performance. Emotional contagion means your mood sets the tone for every room you enter. Scheduled margin—micro-pauses, meeting buffers, and Sabbath—keeps you grounded. Non-transactional relationships (“friends who aren’t impressed by your title”) are vital. Private reflection unlocks public presence. Press play and prepare to be challenged—but also to find freedom in leading from a place of presence, not pressure. Key Topics Covered Performance vs. Prese

In Episode 4 of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Alan and Jonathan hit on one of the most liberating leadership truths: “Who you are matters more than what you do.” In a world that obsessively equates titles, achievements, and performance metrics with worth, it’s easy to lose sight of the unshakeable identity and purpose beneath the surface. Join them as they unpack: The difference between your role (what shows up on your org chart) and your identity (your character, values, and calling) Why chasing “praise, promotions, and posts” leaves you vulnerable to burnout and emptiness How to begin leading from who you are, not just from what you produce Practical first steps—daily rhythms, margin, and non­transactional relationships—that reinforce your true identity If you’ve ever felt like you woke up and realized your career had swallowed your self-worth, this episode is for you. Press play, and start rooting your leadership in purpose, not performance. Key Topics Covered Role vs. Identity: Why a job descri

Originally released on Johnny Levy’s Workplace Delight podcast, this episode was too good not to share with our Stay Forth audience! Alan Briggs—leadership & sabbatical coach, “mountain guide for the leadership journey,” and co-host of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast—joins Johnny to explore why intentional sabbaticals are the next frontier in workplace culture. Whether you’re in HR, the C-suite, or you’ve built a startup from scratch, you’ll learn: How a sabbatical can release outdated mindsets and reset your priorities Why “get-tos” vs. “have-tos” reignite creativity, trust, and long-term retention The Harvard Business Review research proving sabbaticals drive innovation Practical “stress-test” pilots to evolve your policy without upheaval The two phases every leader experiences after sabbatical: Release & Reset Press play for a healthy dose of adventure, abundance mindset, and people-first strategy—then return tomorrow for Episode 3 of our H2 Leader Summer Series! Key Topics Covered

Alan and Jonathan expose the dark side of hustle culture and introduce a far better alternative: rhythms. We all know the story—“push harder, grind longer, you’ll get your big payday.” It glitters until you crash. Instead, learn why top performers thrive on repeatable, sustainable habits and how you can wage war on burnout with simple, life-giving routines. You’ll walk away with: A clear definition of hustle vs. sustainable push How “humble hustle” can keep you moving without flaming out The science behind rhythms—and why everything from tides to seasons obey them The 4 P’s of building lasting habits: Permission, Process, Perseverance … and People Real-world examples of how small daily actions compound into massive gains Whether you’re launching a new initiative or just trying to make it through your week, this episode arms you with the tools to step off the treadmill of constant go-go-go and design a leadership cadence that fuels your best work—for years to come. Key Topics Covered The Glamour

Welcome to Year 3 of our Summer Series—and this time, we're going all in on what it means to become an H2 Leader: someone who is both healthy and high impact. In this kickoff episode, Jonathan and Alan introduce the theme for the summer, reflect on past unhealthy and high-impact seasons of their own leadership, and share why this H2 tension is so important in today's fast-paced world. You’ll get a clear picture of what this series will cover—and how you can follow along to grow in your leadership without burning out.

We’ve been holding this one close, and it’s finally time to share the big news... After years of coaching hundreds of leaders through sabbaticals—and taking a few ourselves—we’re beyond thrilled to announce a double launch that we believe could change how leaders rest, recover, and re-enter their work with purpose. In this episode, Alan and Jonathan unveil: The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide — a beautifully designed, practical, anti-book book that walks you step-by-step through your sabbatical. The Sabbatical Journey Learning Experience — a self-paced, story-rich, coaching-informed digital journey for those who want transformation without the 1-on-1 coaching price tag. If you’re a leader (or know a leader) who’s curious about sabbatical, overwhelmed by the idea, or already mid-journey but feeling a little lost—this episode is your invitation to breathe, recalibrate, and take a next step into one of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make. This isn’t just theory. It’s the best of what we’ve lear

In this unique episode, Jonathan and Alan explore how the 7th inning stretch in baseball offers a powerful metaphor for leadership—especially during the summer. Whether you're crushing your goals or feeling stuck halfway through the year, summer provides a built-in opportunity to pause, reset, and reconnect. They unpack how leaders can make intentional use of this season to reflect, recalibrate, and reengage before heading into the fall sprint. From practical tips on celebrating small wins to the value of solitude, this conversation blends storytelling, humor, and deeply practical wisdom. If you're looking for a healthier rhythm and renewed momentum for the second half of the year, this one’s for you. Takeaways: Why the “7th inning stretch” is more than a fun break—it’s a leadership reset. The value of pausing with purpose and reconnecting with your “why.” How leaders can use summer for reflection, realignment, and renewed energy. Alan’s and Jonathan’s favorite summer slowdown practices—and how you ca

In this episode of the podcast, leadership strategist Alan is joined by Brandon Young—Army Ranger veteran, leadership expert, and co-founder of Applied Leadership Partners. Together, they explore how leaders can develop the mindset and skill set to thrive, not just survive, through seasons of high pressure, deep uncertainty, and prolonged adversity. Brandon brings over 25 years of frontline leadership experience, from elite military operations to scaling nonprofits and navigating complex corporate restructures. This isn’t a theoretical conversation—it’s a grounded, real-world exploration of how mission-focused leaders can build perseverance, resist burnout, and lead with clarity in unpredictable environments. Topics Covered: Brandon’s formative years in the Army and how special operations shaped his leadership foundation The difference between endurance and perseverance—and why the latter is essential for modern leaders Why leaders are facing “justification fatigue” and how to build speed to trust using

Episode Description: We spend so much time building resumes—but what will people really say at our memorials? In this reflective and unscripted episode, Alan shares how two very different moments—a family memorial and a coaching session—led to the same life-altering question: What truly matters? A Alan is joined by surprise guest Wayne Francis, who shares powerful insights from his own Vision Refresh—a deep-dive coaching experience built to help leaders zoom out, gain clarity, and dream again. In This Episode: Why “eulogy values” matter more than “resume values” What a Vision Refresh is—and how it’s changing leaders’ lives Wayne’s real-time takeaways from his second Vision Refresh The spiritual power of naming your identity and impact goals How leaders can avoid burnout through “inhale and exhale” rhythms The role of adventure, surprise, and sacred space in creating clarity Notable Quotes: “Without clarity, there's collisions.” – Wayne Francis “Disorientation often produces transformation.” – A

Time is your most precious resource—and summer is slipping up fast. In this episode, Alan Briggs lays out 4 practical, life-giving keys to intentionally plan a summer that actually replenishes you instead of overwhelming you. “If you don’t plan your summer, it will plan you.” Whether you're a parent, a leader, or someone just feeling May-Sember chaos, this episode is your summer strategy session. Alan helps you zoom out and get real about what matters most this summer—because this season is short, but the impact can last a lifetime. You’ll walk away with a framework and the right questions to: Create Unplanned Space – Ironically, it only happens when you plan for it. Replenish Your Soul – Identify what actually fills you up, not just drains you more. Reconnect Relationally – With friends, family, and the people who matter. Pursue Intentional Growth – Don’t sleep on the summer when it comes to personal and professional momentum. Perfect for: Parents prepping for school break Leaders looking for clarity, not

In this powerful episode, host Alan Briggs sits down with Dave Garrison—former multinational CEO and author of The Buy-In Advantage—to unpack one of the workplace’s biggest hidden threats: employee disengagement. Drawing from decades of experience and real-world data, Dave shares why disengagement is accelerating, what’s really behind it, and how today’s leaders can reverse the trend and re-engage their teams. About Dave Dave has over 25 years of experience as a CEO and independent board member of public and private companies both in the U.S. and internationally. Dave has spent his career rebuilding and exponentially growing organizations in a strategic and sustainable way. His success throughout his career organically led him to his encore work in supporting other CEOs in experiencing the same success he did. Dave holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and is Certified as a DISC and Emotional Quotient consultant for individuals and teams. Additionally, he is a certified facilitator in a system based on

Alan Briggs is joined by leadership developer and Multiply Group founder Mac Lake to unpack the growing leadership crisis—and how we fix it. Mac shares why so many organizations struggle with developing leaders rather than recruiting them, and how we can begin to shift the culture from leadership borrowing to leadership building. They dive deep into: Why leadership development is still the #1 challenge for churches and nonprofits How to disciple leaders like Jesus did—slowly, intentionally, and with purpose The overlooked importance of “pre-leadership” and helping people see their own potential The difference between competency and confidence—and how to build both Why Mac finally wrote Leading Yourself, and how it's helping people define their mission and grow their influence Health, habits, and why maximizing your energy is a leadership strategy Whether you’re a pastor, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation will stretch you and equip you. Mentioned in this episode: Leading Yours

In today’s episode, Alan sits down with Stephanie Chung, a trailblazing aviation executive, leadership strategist, and best selling author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Aren’t Like You. With over 35 years of aviation experience—from parking planes at Boston Logan Airport to becoming the first Black president of a major U.S. private aviation company—Stephanie brings a powerhouse perspective on modern leadership. Together, Alan and Stephanie unpack what it really means to lead diverse teams in an age of cultural complexity and generational divide. They dive into her powerful leadership framework—A.L.L.Y. (Ask, Listen, Learn, You Take Action)—and discuss how leaders can earn the right to be called allies, not just declare it. You’ll learn: Stephanie’s journey from the tarmac to the boardroom Why the acronym A.L.L.Y. is more than a buzzword—it’s a roadmap for relational leadership The reality of leading across six generations in today’s workforce How to overcome bias by rewiring your brain th

What happens when your calling—the thing that once felt like holy ground—starts draining you? In this compelling conversation, Alan sits down with Dr. Arianna Anderson, author of the new book Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work. Arianna combines academic research, personal story, and spiritual wisdom to expose the surprising dark side of calling. Together, they unpack why some of the most driven and passionate people—those who feel most called to their work—are also the most vulnerable to burnout. From relational shame to boundary shaming, calling-driven burnout has unique roots—and this episode offers practical ways forward. About Dr. Arianna Molloy Arianna is a Communication professor at Biola University, where she designs and teaches Organizational Communication courses. She has also partnered with Biola’s Office of Faculty Advancement, leading the Pedagogy Development Consulting program. Her research focuses on meaningful work, work as a calling, and the link between humility and burno

Life is bumpy. Leadership? Even bumpier. And in this final part of the H2 Leader mini-series, Alan explores how leaders can develop fresh shocks—the resilience required to stay grounded during change, disruption, and uncertainty. From economic instability to organizational shifts to personal burnout, leaders today are being shaken more than ever before. But you don’t have to be a shaky leader. This episode will help you recognize the signs of instability, process the weight of change, and equip your leadership with the tools to stay calm, clear, and contagious—in all the right ways. What You’ll Learn: Why leadership “shocks” matter now more than ever The danger of becoming a reactive vs. proactive leader How unprocessed pain shows up in your leadership (and what to do about it) What a “replenishment cycle” looks like for sustainable leadership Why resilience is contagious—and how to share stability with your team Tools + Resources Mentioned: Feedback + Feed Forward Framework – Learn from the pas

In part two of The H2 Leader mini-series, Alan digs into the dangers of misalignment—how it quietly creeps into our leadership, disrupts our team dynamics, and pulls us away from the work we’re truly wired to do. If you’ve ever felt a low-grade frustration at work… like something’s just a little “off”... or noticed your team drifting apart, this episode is for you. From the inside-out burnout of a coaching client named Tim to the practical tools that help leaders realign, this conversation will help you: Identify signs of personal and team misalignment Understand the high cost of being out of sync with your wiring, purpose, or people Apply practical tools to get back on track—before burnout or breakdown hits What You’ll Learn: The 3 major areas where leaders commonly experience misalignment Why subtle misalignment can become costly over time How the Working Genius Assessment helps pinpoint your strengths and working frustrations The simple (but powerful) “Drains and Fills” exercise for energy

In this special bonus episode, we’re hitting pause—so that you can learn the power of pressing pause.  This episode dives into the growing conversation around sabbaticals—not just as a nice-to-have, but a strategic leadership development tool. You’ll hear a compelling narration of our latest white paper, inspired by a powerful Harvard Business Review article and infused with our own research and years of practical coaching insights from the Stay Forth team. Whether you're a leader on the verge of burnout or an organization seeking sustainable impact, this episode offers a practical and transformative take on why sabbaticals matter now more than ever.

Welcome to Part 1 of our three-part series on the H2 Leader—a leader who is both Healthy and High-Impact. In this episode, Alan dives into the first crucial element of sustainable leadership: brakes. Many leaders today are moving way too fast—making decisions at a breakneck pace, pushing their teams beyond capacity, and ultimately heading toward burnout. But real impact doesn’t come from speed alone; it comes from intentionality, alignment, and reflection. Join Alan as he unpacks: The dangers of moving too fast in leadership Why effective leaders must learn to slow down and pump the brakes The shift from efficiency to effectiveness—why rushing through tasks can hurt your team The power of daily, weekly, and quarterly reflection in leadership growth Practical tools to help leaders audit their schedules and regain control If you find yourself constantly saying, “I just need to go faster,” this episode is for you. Learn how slowing down can actually make you more effective, present, and impactful in your leader