Today I want to share something meaningful with you. What began as a simple idea to help my kids strengthen their mindset on the way to school grew into a daily newsletter, then a podcast, and now a book. In this special episode, I read the full introduction to my new book, The Optimistic Outlook. The introduction sets the tone for everything the book stands for. It is honest about the reality we all face and the negativity that can shape our thinking, and it offers a simple but powerful truth. You can choose your optimistic voice. One thought at a time. One lesson at a time. If you have been encouraged by this show, the newsletter, or any of the daily messages this year, I think this introduction will speak to you. It explains why optimism is not a feeling you stumble into. It is a skill you train. In this episode, you will hear: • The story behind the Optimistic Outlook • Why your mindset is the most important muscle in your body • The difference between the pessimistic voice and the optimistic voice • Why choosing optimism is not naive, it is intentional • How daily thoughts shape long-term identity • Why I wrote this book and who it is for Quote from the episode: "Life is too short and too hard to let your mind settle into negativity. Your mind must be challenged, shaped, and trained to believe good things can happen and that the future can be bright." If this message resonates with you, you can get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4R5VJH1 Use your gifts, John Eades
--------
10:17
--------
10:17
How to Lead with Gratitude (Even When It's Not Easy)
Gratitude changes how you feel without changing your circumstances. In this episode, John explains why gratitude is a leadership advantage, not a soft skill. You will learn how the Gratitude Five Challenge reframes stress, connects you with the people who matter most, and increases engagement on your team. John shares real examples from his own life, research on recognition and appreciation, the handwritten note habit of Frank Blake from Home Depot, and three areas where leaders often withhold gratitude even though it fuels growth. If you want to become a leader people remember for the right reasons, gratitude must be part of your daily practice. Listen and start today. Subscribe to The Optimistic Outlook newsletter for a daily dose of encouragement and practical advice: https://theoptimisticoutlook.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about leadership development at LearnLoft: https://learnloft.com Connect with John: https://johneades.com
--------
20:56
--------
20:56
Warren Buffett's Final Lesson on Life and Leadership
Warren Buffett's final annual letter ended with a message about character, growth, and kindness. It was a reminder that success is measured by how you live and how you treat people. In this episode, I break down the four lessons from his closing words and why they matter for your leadership and your life. 🟩 Quote of the Day: "Kindness is costless but also priceless." In this episode: Why failure is feedback How to pick the right heroes and copy their strengths Why writing your obituary creates clarity Why kindness builds trust in every room Subscribe to the daily newsletter: https://theoptimisticoutlook.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about leadership development at: https://learnloft.com/ Connect with me at https://johneades.com/
--------
19:57
--------
19:57
How Gratitude and Grace Build Resilient Leaders with Chris Visami
In this powerful episode, former professional baseball player and performance coach Chris Visami joins John Eades to explore how gratitude, grace, and daily discipline shape resilient leaders. After facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Chris shares how he repurposed his athletic mindset to focus on what truly matters — and what we can all learn from it. In this conversation, we cover: How to control what matters most and release what doesn't Why "micro moments" shape your character and leadership impact The 4 G's that guide Chris's life: Grind, Grace, Gratitude, and Great How to reframe struggle as a classroom for growth The simple morning habit that sets the tone for your entire day Key Quote: "Start every day with gratitude and end it with grace." If you've ever faced adversity or simply want to lead yourself and others more intentionally, this episode will inspire you to focus on the things that truly count. You can see if the Teamwork Advantage is right for you or your team here.
--------
50:16
--------
50:16
Energy, Ownership, and the Work of Leadership
Gary Scott is the President of Howard Hanna | Allen Tate. He joins John Eades to share how energy and momentum drive performance. We dig into getting an A in the controllables and the prep needed to win. We cover ownership over accountability, clear standards, and the shift from transactions to relationships. Stay to the end for two simple moves that pay off. Write down what you completed at the end of each day. Order 500 note cards and start sending handwritten notes. Quote of the Day: "Ownership over accountability. Own the actions, own the outcome." — Gary Scott 🔗 Subscribe to the daily newsletter: https://theoptimisticoutlook.beehiiv.com/subscribe 📘 Get the Daily Optimism Blueprint ($17): https://eyl.thinkific.com/order?ct=647d7fbe-5f39-4714-b9c4-70db6b55a877 Check out John's new talk and workshop, The Teamwork Advantage https://johneades.com/
Follow My Lead is a podcast created for you, the young professional, millennial, or aspiring leader. If you are looking for tips, tricks, and hacks from experts about leadership, you are in the right place. Through our interviews we transfer struggles, stories, and best practices of today's leaders to the leaders of tomorrow.