In this episode, Dan Stockdale shares leadership and personal growth insights while hiking at Fontana Dam on the Appalachian Trail. Reflecting on a key organizational theme from 2008, "enjoy the journey," Dan discusses how appreciating the path — not just the destination — leads to greater success, both personally and professionally.

Dan outlines three essential principles for individuals and organizations to thrive:

• Enjoying the Journey: Focus not just on end goals, but also on daily experiences and relationships. If your current journey isn't fulfilling, don't be afraid to pivot.

• Setting Clear Success Markers: Define measurable survey points to track progress and celebrate small wins along the way.

• Contingency Planning: Prepare for unexpected challenges — whether it's a change in weather, HR issues, or operational roadblocks — with solid backup plans.

Dan reminds listeners that the journey won't always be easy (bugs, sweat, and all!), but embracing every part of it is key to lasting success and resilience.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Success is about the experience, not just the finish line.
✔️ Clear markers and small goals help you stay motivated and on track.
✔️ Always have a backup plan — the unexpected is inevitable.
✔️ Difficult moments are part of the journey worth embracing.

Check out more here: https://danstockdale.com/

In this episode, Dan Stockdale dives deep into the underrated power of personal time and journaling—and how these simple practices can transform your success, mindset, and clarity.

Dan challenges the common excuse of "not having time" by reframing personal time as a non-negotiable habit, much like saving money. He shares how making even small windows of time to reflect and write can lead to massive long-term growth—both professionally and personally.

Referencing Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, Dan discusses the “morning pages” technique and offers his own practical spin on it, proving that journaling doesn’t have to be rigid or overwhelming to be powerful.

📝 Key Highlights:

Why personal time is essential for growth—and how to create it in any environment (yes, even an airport stall)

How to start a sustainable journaling habit without pressure or perfection

A unique journaling exercise: tracking your remaining days based on family longevity

Dan’s simple journaling tools—from dollar-store notebooks to more premium options

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling too busy to slow down—and needing a reminder that clarity, success, and impact begin in quiet moments with yourself.

In this episode, I dive into one of the most challenging (but necessary) parts of leadership: handling difficult conversations. Whether it's addressing underperformance, delivering tough feedback, or letting someone go, avoiding these conversations only makes the situation worse over time.

I share why addressing issues early is a sign of strong leadership—not conflict. Letting small problems slide can quickly snowball into major challenges, so I walk you through why transparency and timely communication are key.

I outline five practical strategies that have helped me navigate these moments with clarity and confidence. Preparation is a huge part of the process—just like I would never walk into a presentation unprepared, I never approach a tough conversation without planning. I talk about maintaining professionalism, leaving personal emotions at the door, and approaching the conversation with empathy and compassion.

I also cover how to handle terminations effectively. Having been in that position many times, I’ve learned to keep the conversation short, focused, and respectful. It’s not about getting into debates or justifying decisions—it’s about being clear, compassionate, and professional.

This episode is for anyone in a leadership position (or preparing for one) who wants to get better at addressing the hard stuff—with confidence and care.

Check out more here: https://danstockdale.com/