We’re wrapping up our 5 Voices series with the Pioneer Voice, the visionary, results-driven leaders who see the future first and rally others to get there.

Pioneers are wired for strategy, clarity, and competition. They love solving big problems, setting bold goals, and pushing people and systems to their highest potential. They bring the “charge the hill” energy every organization needs, but that drive can come with a cost.

Here’s the truth: only 7% of the population are Pioneers, but they’re often the ones leading the room. And when they’re immature, that same clarity can turn into control. Their confidence can bulldoze. Their drive to win can wear people out.

In this episode, Shannon and I unpack:

• How to harness the Pioneer’s gift of clarity without crushing others
• Why healthy challenge creates stronger teams than constant competition
• What maturity looks like when power meets humility
• And how to help Pioneers slow down long enough to listen before they lead

If you’re a Pioneer, this one’s for you. It’ll help you lead with confidence and connection. And if you work for one, it’ll give you the language (and courage) to help them see the impact of their pace.

Listen in as we close out the series with a conversation about the voice that drives vision forward, but only thrives when it learns to value every other one.

The Five Voices Assessment: masiwillis.giantos.com/store/5-voices

Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat... your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

This week, we’re turning up the volume on the Connector Voice: the energetic, persuasive, people-first communicators who can rally just about anyone to just about anything.

Connectors are the relational glue of every team. They see potential everywhere, build bridges between people and ideas, and make sure no one feels left out. Their superpower is storytelling, so when a Connector believes in something, you will too.

But here’s the challenge: their greatest strength can also be their biggest struggle. Because Connectors care deeply about people and perception, they can take feedback personally, avoid conflict, or overpromise to keep the peace.

In this episode, Shannon and I unpack:

• Why Connectors are the spark that keeps culture alive
• How to help them bring challenge as clearly as they bring encouragement
• What every leader needs to know about giving Connectors feedback they can actually hear
• And the difference between a healthy Connector who multiplies energy and an unhealthy one who drains it

If you’re a Connector, this episode will help you channel your influence with focus and confidence. And if you lead one, you’ll learn how to create space for their voice without letting it dominate the room.

Listen in, and let’s talk about the voice that builds momentum, multiplies belief, and keeps people connected to the mission.

The Five Voices Assessment: masiwillis.giantos.com/store/5-voices

Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat... your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

This week, we’re talking about the Guardian Voice, and let me tell you, if you’ve ever been in a meeting with one, you know it. Guardians are the protectors of process, resources, and due diligence. They’re the ones asking the hard questions, pushing for clarity, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Here’s the thing: 30% of the population are Guardians. That means nearly a third of your team is wired to think about risk, stewardship, and execution. But too often, leaders write them off as negative or resistant when what they’re actually bringing is wisdom.

In this episode, Shannon and I unpack:

• Why Guardians are the steady hands that keep vision from falling apart in execution
• How their questions can feel like interrogation if you don’t know what’s behind them
• The difference between resistance and responsibility
• Practical ways to empower Guardians so their voice strengthens the team instead of frustrating it

If you’re a Guardian, this episode will help you own your voice with confidence. And if you lead one, you’ll walk away knowing how to hear their critique without shutting it down, and why your team can’t afford to ignore it.

Listen in, and let’s learn how to see Guardians not as obstacles, but as protectors of progress.

The Five Voices Assessment: masiwillis.giantos.com/store/5-voices

Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat... your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

This week, we’re diving into the Creative Voice, the smallest percentage of the population (just 9%), but the one carrying some of the biggest breakthroughs your team needs.

Creatives are the future thinkers, idea generators, and integrity protectors. They’re wired to ask “What if?” and “Why not?” They see opportunities, risks, and possibilities most people miss. But here’s the tension: what makes them brilliant also makes them misunderstood.

In this episode, Shannon and I unpack:

• Why Creatives are often dismissed as “too much” or “too confusing”
• How perfectionism and self-doubt keep them from sharing their best ideas
• The critical role of their “early warning radar” for danger and drift
• And how leaders can create safety so Creative voices are heard, not silenced

If you’re a Creative, this episode will help you step into your voice with confidence. And if you lead a Creative, you’ll walk away with practical tools to draw out their ideas, clarify their brilliance, and give them space to breathe.

Listen in, and let’s learn how to stop missing the innovation right under our noses.

The Five Voices Assessment: masiwillis.giantos.com/store/5-voices

Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat... your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

We’re kicking off our new series on the 5 Voices, and we’re starting with the one that makes up the biggest part of the population, and the least heard in most rooms: the Nurturer.

Nurturers are the champions of people, values, and relational harmony. They’re the ones who notice the atmosphere shift, who celebrate quietly, and who make sure people are cared for before projects are pushed. Here’s the kicker: 43% of the population are Nurturers… but they’re often ignored, talked over, or dismissed.

In this episode, Shannon and I unpack:

• Why Nurturers are the “relational oil” that keeps teams moving
• How silence can undermine their influence (and why leaders can’t afford to miss their wisdom)
• The shadow side of conflict-avoidance and under-valuing themselves
• And what leaders can do to empower Nurturers to speak first, be heard, and lead with confidence

If you’re a Nurturer, you’ll feel seen in this one. And if you lead a Nurturer, you’ll walk away with practical ways to call out their strengths and stop mistaking their quiet for weakness.

Takeaways

• Taking breaks is essential for productivity.
• The Five Voices framework is a collaborative assessment.
• Understanding behavioral leadership styles is crucial.
• Each person embodies all five voices in different orders.
• Maturity allows us to appreciate all voices.
• Nurturers prioritize people over profit.
• Nurturers are often the quietest voices in the room.
• Silence from nurturers can indicate a lack of safety.
• Empowering nurturers involves inviting them to speak first.
• The Nurturer voice is vital for relational harmony.

Chapters
00:00 | Welcome Back from the Break
02:57 | Introduction to the Five Voices
08:39 | Understanding the Five Voices Framework
22:18 | Exploring the Nurturer Voice

The Five Voices Assessment: masiwillis.giantos.com/store/5-voices

Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat... your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

This week on Lead Like You Mean It, Shannon and I welcomed our very first guest and we couldn’t think of a better person than Jeremie Kubicek, co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, bestselling author, and one of the brilliant minds behind the Five Voices framework.

If you’ve heard me talk about leadership, you’ve heard me reference the tools Steve Cockram, Jeremie, and the GiANT team developed. They’ve changed how I lead, how I coach, and how I show up with my own people. Why? Because they give leaders something most of us are missing: a common language.

Jeremie shared the origin story of the Five Voices (yes, it literally came together on a transatlantic flight), why humility is at the core of GiANT’s work, and how knowing your voice isn’t just theory; it transforms marriages, teams, companies, and even Division 1 basketball games.

Jeremie also gave us a sneak peek into his new book The Voice-Driven Leader, and y’all, it’s not fluff. It’s practical, it’s meaty, and it’s going to be dog-eared and highlighted by anyone serious about developing people.

This conversation was fire. If you’ve ever wanted to understand yourself, your team, or even your family better, don’t miss this one.

Takeaways

• The Five Voices framework helps individuals understand their communication styles.
• Common language in teams enhances collaboration and reduces misunderstandings.
• Identity plays a crucial role in effective leadership and team dynamics.
• Transformative stories illustrate the impact of the Five Voices in various settings.
• Leaders must prioritize relational intelligence in the age of AI.
• The Voice Driven Leader book provides practical tools for personal and team development.
• Understanding triggers can lead to better communication and relationships.
• The Five Voices framework is distinct from other personality assessments like Enneagram and DISC.
• Training people to know themselves and others is a competitive advantage.
• Leaders should focus on developing their teams rather than treating them as liabilities.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction and Milestones

04:47 | Welcoming Jeremy Kubicek

05:47 | The Genesis of Giant Worldwide

07:10 | The Birth of the Five Voices

12:10 | Understanding Communication Dynamics

14:38 | The Impact of Identity on Performance

16:30 | Comparing Five Voices with Other Frameworks

19:31 | Transformative Stories from the Five Voices

23:40 | Personal Impact of the Five Voices

25:32 | Navigating Parenting Styles

28:28 | The Importance of Learning Languages of Communication

31:24 | Transforming Team Dynamics through Common Language

34:32 | The Role of AI in Human Interaction

37:13 | Understanding the Voice-Driven Leader

41:14 | Personal Transformations through Voice Awareness

49:34 | Connecting with Jeremie and the Five Voices Assessment

Jeremie's Website: https://www.jeremiekubicek.com/
The Voice-Driven Leader Book: https://www.amazon.com/-/zh_TW/Jeremie-Kubicek/dp/1394150660
The Five Voices Book: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Communicate-Effectively-Everyone-Lead/dp/1119111099
The Five Voices Assessment: masiwillis.giantos.com/store/5-voices

Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat... your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

Every culture has kryptonite—the hidden stuff that keeps us from showing up at full strength. And spoiler alert: it usually has less to do with your skills and way more to do with your blind spots, unhealthy patterns, and the culture you’re tolerating.

In this episode, Shannon and I unpack what kryptonite looks like in teams, why it drains the life out of leaders, and how to actually identify and kill it before it kills your culture. We also talk about the difference between being a perfectionist vs. a multiplier, why exhaustion isn’t a badge of honor, and how to lead with clarity instead of chaos.

If you’re ready to stop patching problems and start building a culture that doesn’t crack under pressure, this one’s for you.

Leaders, your team doesn’t need a superhero. They need a human who’s willing to kill their kryptonite.

Takeaways

• Evolve signifies a continuous journey in leadership development.
• Consistent tending is necessary for a healthy organizational culture.
• Accidental leadership can lead to dysfunction within teams.
• Every voice in a team must be heard and valued.
• Gossip can destroy the fabric of an organization.
• Clear communication is essential for effective leadership.
• Provisional, plan, promise helps in managing expectations.
• Discretion and discipline are vital in sharing information.
• Leaders must continuously evolve to adapt to new challenges.
• Leading like you mean it requires intentionality and effort.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Leadership Evolution

01:58 | Understanding the MILE Framework

03:41 | The Importance of Continuous Evolution in Leadership

07:06 | Identifying Team Kryptonites

11:27 | The Accidental Voice in Leadership

12:21 | The Missing Voice: Ensuring Diverse Perspectives

15:56 | Addressing Gossip: Go to the Source

23:17 | Communicating with Clarity: Provisional, Plan, Promise

24:09 | Exploring Provisional Thoughts and Planning

27:42 | The Impact of Provisional Planning on Parenting

32:11 | The Weight of Words: Promises and Provisional Thoughts

34:03 | Discretion and Discipline in Communication

41:56 | The Mile Framework: Continuous Leadership Evolution

🌐 Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

📬 Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat—your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

If you’re still doing everything yourself, you’re not leading—you’re hoarding. 😏 In this episode of Lead Like You Mean It, we’re talking about the “L” in my M.I.L.E.™ Leadership Framework: Leverage. And no, this isn’t about titles, corner offices, or boss vibes. It’s about multiplying your influence, building trust through the Four C’s, and moving from doing to developing.

I’ll break down the math of leadership (don’t panic—there’s no test), the biggest trust killers, and my favorite tool for actually developing people instead of just dumping tasks on them. Plus, we’ll talk about why fixing processes without fixing people is a one-way ticket to burnout and turnover.

If you want to build leaders who outlast you, systems that survive you, and a culture that thrives without you—this one’s your blueprint.

Takeaways

• Continuous improvement is essential in leadership.
• Leverage is about equipping others, not just authority.
• Trust is foundational for effective leadership.
• The four C's of trust are chemistry, character, competency, and credibility.
• Developing others requires a structured approach.
• Leadership failures can provide valuable lessons.
• People problems often underlie process issues.
• Healthy people can sustain broken processes.
• Clear communication is key in leadership development.
• Liberating leaders empower their teams for success.

Sound Bites

• "We never arrive at full health."
• "Are you multiplying or dividing?"
• "Lead like you mean it."

Chapters

00:00 | Reviving Leadership Conversations

02:33 | Understanding Leverage in Leadership

07:24 | The Importance of Trust in Leadership

11:31 | Unlocking the Four C's of Trust

15:15 | Developing Others: A Framework for Growth

23:20 | Real-Life Applications of Leadership Development

39:18 | Practical Steps for Developing Others

🌐 Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

📬 Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?

Let’s chat—your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

In this episode of Lead Like You Mean It, we’re diving into the second step of the M.I.L.E.™ Framework: I for Implement.

Because here’s the deal: you can stare in the mirror all day, uncover all your tendencies, and name every leadership pattern in the book… but if you don’t do anything with that insight, you’re just gathering dust.

Implementation is where transformation actually happens.

This episode is full of real talk and practical tools, including:

• Why most leaders operate on autopilot (a.k.a. accidental leadership)
• How to build an intentional leadership toolbox
• A game-changing tool called the Communication Code—with 5 words that will completely transform how your team interacts
• Why "fix my people" is a red flag
• And yes, how critique, care, and even celebration are leadership superpowers when used on purpose

Whether you’re leading a boardroom, a ministry team, or a dinner table full of toddlers—this episode will help you move from passive reaction to intentional action.

Let’s stop winging it. Let’s start implementing.

Takeaways

• Life is an adventure filled with unexpected experiences.
• Self-reflection is crucial for effective leadership.
• Leaders can be categorized as either intentional or accidental.
• Information alone does not lead to transformation.
• Implementing change requires intentional actions.
• The Communication Code is a practical tool for leaders.
• Celebrating wins is often overlooked in leadership.
• Empathy and care are essential in team dynamics.
• Effective communication can break down barriers.
• Leaders should foster connections to combat disconnection.

Chapters

00:00 | The Roach Encounter: A Comedic Start

05:24 | Leadership Framework: The Importance of Self-Reflection

10:07 | Intentional vs. Accidental Leadership

15:13 | Implementing Change: The Communication Code

30:05 | Celebration and Connection in Leadership

37:14 | New Chapter

🌐 Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

📬 Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?
 

Let’s chat—your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

This week we’re kicking off my M.I.L.E.™ Framework with the first step: M is for Mirror. Let me be blunt: you can't lead anyone well if you aren’t leading yourself first.

In this episode, Shannon and I are getting honest (and a little hilarious) about self-leadership—what it looks like, where it breaks down, and why so many of us keep repeating patterns that sabotage our influence. From Chick-fil-A ice cream cravings to road rage and passive-aggressive meeting behavior, we break down how our tendencies shape our actions—and how a simple pause can change the whole room.

We’ll show you:

- How to ask, “What’s it like to be on the other side of me?”

- How to interrupt your unhealthy patterns and build new ones

- Why your intent doesn’t matter as much as your impact

- And how to start logging your tendencies like a leadership journal

This is one of the most transformational conversations we’ve had so far—and if you’re willing to look in the mirror, it might just change how you lead everything.

Let’s go first. Let’s go deep.

And let’s lead like we mean it.

Takeaways

• Leadership has not been fun; we've been led poorly.
• The most important person we're ever going to lead is ourselves.
• We are all leaders of self, impacting family and teams.
• The M in MILE stands for mirror, emphasizing self-reflection.
• Understanding our natural behavior is crucial for development.
• The mirror can be personal and painful but also freeing.
• Recognizing our tendencies helps us lead better.
• Intent is not the issue; impact is what matters.
• There is power in the pause before reacting.
• Self-awareness is key to effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Leadership and Self-Leadership

25:33 | Recognizing Tendencies and Triggers in Leadership

🌐 Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

📬 Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass? Let’s chat—your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

In this episode of Lead Like You Mean It, we’re digging into one of my favorite leadership analogies: the greenhouse.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t people just grow already?”—you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: growth doesn’t happen by accident. Plants don’t thrive without care, and neither do people. That’s why we’re reframing leadership not as a grind, but as gardening.

We're talking about:                                                           

•  Why culture is more than ping pong tables
•  How to spot stress vs. safety in your team’s environment
•  What overwatering your people looks like (and yes, I’ve done it too)
•  The Five Voices as flowers—because every team is a garden, and each person blooms differently

We’ll also unpack how understanding yourself—and your people—is the real key to lasting transformation, not just team harmony.

If you’re a leader who wants to cultivate more than just results, this one’s for you. Grab your watering can (or just your coffee), and let’s get growing.

Audience Takeaways

• Leadership is about creating a nurturing environment.
• Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
• Understanding individual growth needs is essential.
• Healthy leaders foster healthy teams.
• Culture leaks can undermine team performance.
• The Five Voices framework helps identify team dynamics.
• Every team member requires different care to thrive.
• Leaders must listen to their teams to improve culture.
• Transformational leadership involves knowing oneself and others.
• Leaders should lead with intention and understanding.

Sound Bites

"Leadership is gardening, not grind."

"Healthy leaders equal healthy people."

"Every plant blooms differently."

Chapters

00:00 | Reframing Leadership as Gardening

03:27 | Understanding Growth and Cultivating Culture

17:10 | Understanding Individual Needs

21:30 | The Role of Different Voices in Leadership

24:35 | Transformational Leadership through Understanding

27:26 | Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Growth

Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?
 

Let’s chat—your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!

I finally did the thing I said I’d never do: launch a podcast. Welcome to Lead Like You Mean It, where we’re tossing out the corporate buzzwords, getting real about the mess and beauty of leadership, and talking straight about what it actually takes to grow and lead with purpose.

In this first episode, my ride-or-die Shannon Scott and I lay the foundation for where we’re headed. We talk about transformation over information, why knowing your Enneagram number isn’t the same as knowing how to lead, and why being a Sherpa might be the best kind of leader there is. We share our own leadership scars and stories, and let’s just say—we’ve both been the boss, the burnt out, and the bridge builder.

You’ll hear about our Southern roots (boiled peanuts and SEC football included), why culture isn’t just ping pong tables, and what it really looks like to hone the edges—in yourself and in the people you lead.

If you’ve ever felt like leadership is lonely, exhausting, or just plain confusing… pull up a chair. You’re not alone. And we’re not here to fix you—we’re here to walk with you, call it like it is, and help you lead like you actually mean it.

5 Catchy Masi Willis Quotes

1. "Transformation beats information every time."
2. "You can have the blueprint, but that don’t mean you’ve built the house."
3. "I'm a guide, not God. And you don’t need a savior—you need a Sherpa."
4. "Knowing your number, your bird, your color—none of it matters if you can’t lead yourself."
5. "We’re not here to fix broken people. We’re here to unleash the best version of what’s already in you."

Audience Takeaways

• Understand the difference between leadership transformation and just consuming content.
• Discover the Sherpa mindset and why great leaders guide more than they go first.
• Learn why self-awareness without action is just noise.
• Embrace the power of real-talk leadership—raw, relational, and results-driven.
• Get a sneak peek into the greenhouse analogy that will reshape how you think about team culture.

Episode Chapters

1. 00:00 - Welcome to Lead Like You Mean It
2. 03:14 - Why Masi Said "I’ll Never Do a Podcast"
3. 06:22 - What's Missing in Leadership Today?
4. 10:55 - What Transformation Really Takes
5. 14:08 - The Sherpa Analogy: Leading Up the Mountain
6. 19:42 - Blueprints, Barns, and Building Leadership Like a House
7. 27:30 - Culture vs. Greenhouse: A Preview of What’s Next
8. 30:45 - Signs You're Ready for Real Leadership Growth
9. 35:20 - Wrap Up & What to Expect in Episode 2

I hope it challenged you, encouraged you, or lit a fire for what’s next in your leadership journey.

🌐 Visit my website: www.masiwillis.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @masiwillis

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  

📬 Contact me: masi@masiwillis.com

Want to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass?
 

Let’s chat—your next level could be one click away.

What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!