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The Learning To Lead Show with Mark J. Cundiff

The Learning To Lead Show with Mark J. Cundiff

Written by: Mark J. Cundiff
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The Learning to Lead Show with Mark J. Cundiff


Helping Good Leaders Become Great—One Practical Insight at a Time

You’re busy. The demands are real. But your desire to grow as a leader hasn’t gone anywhere.


That’s why The Learning to Lead Show is designed for leaders like you—driven, growth-minded, and always on the go. Hosted by Executive Leadership Coach Mark J. Cundiff, this podcast delivers practical leadership insights you can use today, not someday.


Each week, you’ll get:


  • Short, focused teaching episodes packed with real-world lessons from decades of leadership experience, bestselling books, and proven frameworks.


  • Authentic interviews with front-line leaders who share how they’re navigating challenges, building teams, and leading with purpose, right where they are.


Whether you’re commuting, working out, or grabbing a few quiet minutes between meetings, this show helps you invest in your leadership without adding to your already busy schedule.


Because great leadership isn’t about having more time—it’s about using the time you have to lead on purpose.


This show is for growth-minded professionals who want more than titles and tactics. It’s for those who want to lead with purpose, develop a legacy, and make their future bigger than their past.


So whether you're leading a team, a business, or yourself—tune in, take notes, and let’s grow together.

© 2025 The Learning To Lead Show with Mark J. Cundiff Careers Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • "Mastering Your Mindset: A Journey of Self-Leadership with Marianne Renner"

    "Mastering Your Mindset: A Journey of Self-Leadership with Marianne Renner"
    Dec 23 2025

    In this episode of The Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff interviews leadership coach, trainer, and speaker Marianne Renner about her latest book, 'Self-Talk.'

    Marianne shares her personal journey of overcoming decades of depression and addiction by mastering her mindset and transforming her self-talk. She discusses the profound impact self-talk has on leadership and personal growth, revealing tools and strategies to change negative self-talk patterns.

    Through compelling stories and practical advice, Marianne emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's actions, thoughts, and feelings. Additionally, she highlights the crucial role of mentors and divine connections in shaping one's journey.

    Marianne also touches on the significance of gratitude, affirmations, and acceptance in fostering a positive mindset. The episode provides valuable lessons for leaders on removing self-imposed barriers and unleashing their full potential.


    00:00 The Power of Self-Talk

    00:57 Introduction to Marianne Renner

    02:15 Marianne's Personal Journey

    04:54 The Impact of Self-Talk on Leadership

    08:37 Understanding the Invisible Bubble

    13:11 The SEAR Framework for Changing Your Story

    17:43 Real-Life Success Stories

    24:49 The Clock is Ticking: A Story of Perseverance

    25:18 A Life-Changing Phone Call

    26:34 Behind the Scenes: Coaching and Mindset

    28:31 Changing Your Stories: Past, Present, and Future

    32:54 The Turning Point: Acceptance and Empowerment

    36:04 Owning Your Role: From Victim to Victor

    40:13 The Importance of a Support System

    43:41 Books and Mentors: Continuous Growth

    45:31 Connecting with Marianne: Coaching and Resources


    Connect with Marianne Renner:

    Email: marianne@mariannerenner.com

    LinkedIn

    mariannerenner.com

    Marianne’s Books

    • Self-Talk
    • From Chaos to Clarity Success Journal
    • Stop Thinking Like an Employee

    Free Learning To Lead Resources

    • Free Book: The Trust Gap
    • The Learning To Lead Newsletter
    • LeaderNotes

    🔎 About LeaderNotes


    LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.


    It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.


    Contact Mark at: mark@markjcundiff.com
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • "Building Trust and Innovation: 5 Insights from The All-In Manager" Reflections on my conversation with Ali Merchant

    "Building Trust and Innovation: 5 Insights from The All-In Manager" Reflections on my conversation with Ali Merchant
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff reflects on Ali Merchant's book 'The All-In Manager', and shares key insights from their previous discussion.

    He highlights five major takeaways for leaders:

    1. The common phenomenon of accidental managers
    2. The importance of trust is built on care, reliability, and competence.
    3. The role of psychological safety and candor in fostering innovation.
    4. The necessity for leaders to actively seek feedback and address blind spots.
    5. The shift from being a problem-fixer to a question-asker and debate-maker.

    Cundiff emphasizes that true leadership is about continual learning, meaningful results, and genuinely caring for team members. Listeners are encouraged to go back to the previous episode, download the leader notes, and subscribe to the podcast.

    00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show

    00:42 Key Takeaway 1: From Accidental Leader to All-In Manager

    02:20 Key Takeaway 2: Building Trust as a Leader

    03:35 Key Takeaway 3: Psychological Safety and Candor

    05:00 Key Takeaway 4: Seeking Feedback and Busting Blind Spots

    06:24 Key Takeaway 5: Stop Being the Fixer

    07:57 Conclusion and Call to Action


    Connect with Ali Merchant:

    • ali@allinmanager.com
    • LinkedIn
    • allinmanager.com
    • 📚 Ali's Book Recommendations
      • The All-In Manager: Become a Better Leader Today, Not Someday – Ali Merchant: Ali’s full framework on moving from accidental to all-in, with tools, templates, and practical scripts.
      • Multipliers – Liz Wiseman
      • No Rules Rules – Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer
      • Zen and the Art of Firefighting - Chris Prentiss

    Free Learning To Lead Resources

    • Free Book: The Trust Gap
    • The Learning To Lead Newsletter
    • LeaderNotes

    🔎 About LeaderNotes

    LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

    It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

    Contact Mark at: mark@markjcundiff.com
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • “From Accidental Leader to All-In Manager: Ali Merchant’s Leadership Journey"

    “From Accidental Leader to All-In Manager: Ali Merchant’s Leadership Journey"
    Dec 9 2025

    In this episode, Ali discusses the pivotal role of trust in leadership, emphasizing that without trust, nothing else matters. He shares his personal journey from growing up in a bookstore in Karachi, Pakistan, to becoming a leader and now an author of 'The All In Manager.'

    Ali explains the concept of an accidental manager and the importance of transitioning to an all-in manager, characterized by insatiable learning, delivering meaningful results, and caring personally for team members. He highlights the significance of psychological safety in fostering innovation and effective communication within organizations.

    Ali offers practical advice on becoming a better leader, including the importance of learning and listening, asking the right questions, and conducting difficult conversations. He also discusses burnout and managing up as common issues leaders face today.

    The episode wraps up with Ali sharing his methodologies for training and coaching leaders and recommending essential books that have shaped his leadership philosophy.


    00:00 Building Trust: The Foundation of Leadership

    00:58 Ali's Leadership Journey: From Bookstore to Boardroom

    02:45 Navigating the Workforce: Applying Self-Development

    05:35 The Accidental Leader: Rising to the Challenge

    11:04 Psychological Safety: Creating a Safe Culture

    20:58 The Power of Candor: Speaking Truth with Kindness

    24:02 Establishing Rules for Candor

    24:43 Rewarding Candor in Leadership

    25:40 Learning from Mistakes

    26:24 Challenges Leaders Face with Candor

    27:31 The Importance of Feedback

    31:25 Practical Steps for Leaders

    33:05 Coaching and Training Leaders

    36:04 Common Issues Leaders Face

    41:38 Advice for New Leaders

    43:53 Recommended Books for Leaders

    45:30 Where to Find More Resources


    Connect with Ali Merchant:

    • ali@allinmanager.com
    • LinkedIn
    • allinmanager.com
    • 📚 Ali's Book Recommendations
      • The All-In Manager: Become a Better Leader Today, Not Someday – Ali Merchant: Ali’s full framework on moving from accidental to all-in, with tools, templates, and practical scripts.
      • Multipliers – Liz Wiseman
      • No Rules Rules – Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer
      • Zen and the Art of Firefighting - Chris Prentiss

    Free Learning To Lead Resources

    • Free Book: The Trust Gap
    • The Learning To Lead Newsletter
    • LeaderNotes

    🔎 About LeaderNotes

    LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go.

    It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

    Contact Mark at: mark@markjcundiff.com
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
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