Leadership Career Accelerator: Build Executive Presence, Influence With Impact & Get Promoted
The Leadership Career Accelerator podcast is for young professionals, team leads, emerging leaders, new managers, entry-level managers, and first-time managers navigating real-world career challenges. They're ambitious professionals, high achievers, and corporate climbers striving for career advancement, career growth, and professional success. Along the way, they face imposter syndrome, self-doubt, fear of failure, burnout, and career anxiety, often feeling overlooked, undervalued, underpaid, or trapped in stagnation and job pressure. They want to overcome micromanagement, office politics, comparison, and difficult bosses, while learning how to lead through influence, trust, persuasion, and emotional intelligence. These business professionals seek leadership training that builds confidence...
Discuss Iran Without Destroying Relationships
Have you ever avoided talking about Iran (or any hot-button issue) because you didn’t want it to turn into a relationship-ending fight?
If you lead teams, manage up, or just want fewer blowups at family dinners and group texts, these conversations can feel like loyalty tests—where one wrong sentence turns into judgment, distrust, and long-term damage. This episode gives you a calm, repeatable way to talk about polarizing issues, like war with Iran, without turning the people you care about (or work with) into “the enemy.”
Discover:
Open tough conversations in a way that...AI Is Here. Now What? (#17)
What do Genghis Khan, George Bush Sr., extreme sports, and artificial intelligence have in common?
More than you think.
If leadership feels harder today than ever before — you’re not wrong. We’re navigating a crisis of leadership while simultaneously entering the AI workplace revolution.
In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, Dan Jahn shares his journey from Peace Corps roots to the White House to entrepreneurship — and the defining leadership moments that shaped him - and can help you.
From managing risk in extreme sports… to leading people through trauma in India… to...
The Hidden Opportunity Inside Uncertainty — and Why Most Leaders Miss It (#16)
When uncertainty becomes the only certainty, how do great leaders make smart decisions, grow their companies, and stay resilient—even without a clear playbook?
In this deep-dive conversation with economist and leadership strategist Dr. Rebecca Homkes, you’ll learn why uncertainty is not something to survive—it’s something to lead through. Drawing from her global research with McKinsey, London Business School, and CEOs across industries, Rebecca shares an actionable approach to leadership in today’s rapidly shifting environment of tariffs, taxes, tech, and tension.
You’ll discover the three most common (and costly) leadership traps in uncertain...3 Smart Moves to Protect Your Career in a Soft Economy (#15)
Is the economy making you uneasy—and your job or company feel a little less secure than it used to?
In a soft economy, anxiety spreads fast. Layoffs feel closer, budgets tighten, and uncertainty creeps into everyday work. But while you can’t control the economy, you can control how you show up inside it. In this episode, Barry Moline breaks down exactly what to focus on when things feel shaky—so you stay calm, relevant, and valuable when it matters most.
You’ll learn:
Why relationships—not org charts—matter most in uncertain timesHow to...Is a Recession Coming? Here’s What Smart Leaders Are Watching (#14)
Feeling like the economic headlines just got worse—again? You're not imagining it. Layoffs are rising, markets are rattling, and the question on everyone's mind is: what's coming next?
If you’re a leader or aspiring one, these moments of uncertainty matter most. But panic doesn’t help—and prediction isn’t strategy. What does help? Knowing the real signals to watch and how to prepare wisely, without overreacting.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The 3 key indicators that reveal what’s really happening in the economy (and what’s just noise)How to read reports lik...Handling Criticism: Essential Leadership Skills for Tough Feedback (#13)
Have you ever felt your stomach drop at the words, "We need to talk"? You're not alone—and how you handle criticism in these moments can define your leadership.
In this episode, we dive deep into the leadership skills every professional needs to master when faced with tough feedback. Discover how top leaders transform challenging conversations into opportunities for growth, trust, and influence.
You’ll learn:
Proven techniques for emotionally regulating before feedback conversations beginPowerful phrases and questions that build trust and clarity during difficult momentsA simple, actionable framework to turn handling criticism into a le...From Chaos to Character: Using Ancient Rituals to Lead with Balance and Purpose (#12)
What do ancient Masonic tools like the gavel, compass, and 24-inch gauge have to do with modern leadership, discipline, and self-improvement?
If you've ever struggled with finding balance, building character, or leading with clarity in chaotic times, this episode will hit home. Drawing from his life as a Freemason, police officer, and writer, Raymond Barry unpacks timeless principles that can guide your leadership journey-no matter your career stage. It's not just about setting goals, it's about shaping who you become.
Learn how symbolic tools like the gavel and compass offer powerful frameworks for emotional regulation, time...The Hidden Opportunity Inside Uncertainty — and Why Most Leaders Miss It
When uncertainty becomes the only certainty, how do great leaders make smart decisions, grow their companies, and stay resilient—even without a clear playbook?
In this deep-dive conversation with economist and leadership strategist Dr. Rebecca Homkes, you’ll learn why uncertainty is not something to survive—it’s something to lead through. Drawing from her global research with McKinsey, London Business School, and CEOs across industries, Rebecca shares an actionable approach to leadership in today’s rapidly shifting environment of tariffs, taxes, tech, and tension.
You’ll discover the three most common (and costly) leadership traps in uncertain...Mastering Tough Conversations at Work: The 4-Step Workplace Communication Framework for Leadership Skills (#11)
Are you putting off a tough conversation at work? Whether it’s with a colleague, employee, or your boss, delaying these moments can make workplace communication even more challenging. This episode is your essential guide to handling tough conversations at work with confidence, clarity, and true leadership skills. Difficult conversations aren’t hard because the truth is hidden—they’re tough because we avoid them until the consequences are unavoidable. In this powerful episode, Barry shares a real-life workplace communication case study (the Bill story) and unveils a proven 4-step framework designed to help you lead tough conversations at work wit...
Trust-Building in the Age of AI: Your Leadership Game Plan for a Successful Workplace Transition (#10)
AI integration is transforming the workplace faster than most leaders ever imagined, creating a critical workplace transition that demands new strategies and trust-building at every level. In this episode, discover a clear, actionable game plan to guide your team through the next phase of AI integration with confidence, clarity, and a human-centered approach.
If you’ve been wondering how to start this workplace transition, this episode is your essential playbook. Learn what steps to take in the next 7 to 14 days to kickstart momentum, and how to follow through over the next 90 days to foster a culture of tr...
AI and Job Security: 10 Predictions Shaping the Workplace Emotional Divide by 2026 (#9)
There are moments in business when everything changes—not just a new tool or trend, but a full rewrite. AI is now one of those moments. If you led through the early days of COVID, you’ll remember the speed, uncertainty, and disruption.
That same intensity is back, but this time it’s driven by technology, not crisis. In just months, AI has gone from curiosity to capability, fundamentally reshaping how work gets done, how decisions are made, and—most importantly—how people feel about their value at work.
Employees everywhere are asking: Is my job safe...
How To Deliver Tough Messages With Respect, Clarity, and Control. #8
Have you ever dreaded delivering bad news—especially when the stakes are high and emotions are raw?
Whether you're a leader, educator, healthcare professional, or sales executive, chances are you've faced moments where you had to share something tough. This episode breaks down how to handle those high-stakes conversations with confidence, empathy, and clarity—so you maintain trust and preserve relationships even in the most difficult situations.
You’ll learn a 6-step framework for delivering difficult news in a way that keeps dignity and respect intact for everyone involved.You’ll discover why traditional methods like the "com...Why Women Need a Different Confidence Playbook — And How To Start Using It Today. #7
Confidence doesn’t look the same for women as it does for men—and it shouldn’t be treated like it does. In this empowering episode, we’ll unpack five research-based strategies that speak directly to the unique challenges women face in leadership, from being judged more harshly to getting vague feedback like “Be more assertive.” This conversation is for women who are ready to lead with clarity, not apology.
In this episode, you’ll
Discover why naming the “confidence gap” is the first step to neutralizing it and taking back your power.You’ll learn how to advocate for...How Confident Leaders Think, Speak, and Show Up — A Step-by-Step Playbook. #6
Ever wonder why some people naturally command the room — while others (equally smart and talented) hold themselves back?
If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself, stayed silent in a meeting, or felt like you weren’t “ready” yet to lead — this episode is for you. The truth is, confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. And in this episode of The Leadership Career Accelerator, longtime CEO Barry Moline walks you through exactly how to do it — with clear, actionable strategies you can start using today.
Learn why confidence comes after action — not before it
Discover t...Top Strategies to Overcome Impostor Syndrome for Emerging Leaders
Do you ever feel like a fraud, despite your accomplishments—and fear one day someone will "find you out"? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck.
Impostor syndrome affects up to 80% of professionals—and hits ambitious leaders the hardest. It shows up in meetings, decisions, promotions, and performance, quietly undermining your confidence. In this episode, we unpack what impostor syndrome really is and offer a toolkit of strategies to help you lead with clarity and courage.
Learn the psychological roots of impostor syndrome and how to reframe it as a sign of growt...How a Racist Joke Got One Employee Fired — And Why the Boss Should’ve Gone Too
What do you do about racist jokes, and second, what actions can you take when your dream job isn’t so dreamy.
In today’s episode, Barry critiques a recent New York Times "Work Friend" column, calling out the gap between theoretical advice and real-world business leadership. He dives into two workplace dilemmas—one involving a firing over a racist joke, and another about feeling stuck in a dream job abroad—to offer grounded, experienced-based guidance you won’t find in the media.
Hear why a fired employee may have a strong legal case—and what leaders must...Transforming Impostor Syndrome Into Leadership Strength. #3
Do you ever feel like you don’t deserve your success—or that one day someone will “find you out”? You’re not alone. Up to 80% of professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point.
In this candid episode, author, entrepreneur, and executive coach Kris Kelso joins me to unpack the psychology behind self-doubt and why the most accomplished people are often the ones who feel like impostors. Kris shares lessons from his book Overcoming the Imposter—including how to replace “proud insecurity” with “humble confidence,” and why vulnerability is actually the secret to authentic leadership.
You’ll Learn:
How...How To Keep the Peace During the Holidays When the Conversation Turns Political. #2
Worried about political arguments derailing your holiday dinner? What if you could make it through the season without a single fight?
In today’s divided world, holiday gatherings often turn into battlegrounds over politics—damaging relationships and stealing the joy. This episode offers practical ways to keep the peace, even with the most opinionated relatives.
Learn how to redirect heated conversations with grace, humor, and curiosity.Discover powerful techniques like the “Newscaster Tactic” to stay calm and engaged.Use simple tools like “House Rules” and conversation pivots to preserve family harmony.Listen now to equip yourse...
What Every Future Leader Needs To Know About Their Leadership Destiny. #1
Do you ever wonder what it really takes to be seen as a leader and climb the career ladder—without waiting for someone to retire?
If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of how to get noticed or move forward in your organization, this episode is your starting point. Learn why leadership recognition isn’t about luck or timing—it’s about taking control of what you can influence.
You will:
Discover the single action that will shape your entire leadership journey.Learn why executive presence isn’t reserved for the C-suite—and how to start build...