Reputation or Reality: LeadingBeyond the Image. It discusses the danger of building a leadership persona without a solid personal foundation, and the idea that a person's identity can become wrapped up in external approval and social validation. This can lead to leading from insecurity, not integrity, which can ultimately result in burnout and disconnection. The host encourages listeners to lead with authenticity and not just visibility, and to understand that the truth The habit of constantly seeking validation and appreciation from others is called the "dopamine addiction." It is easy to become addicted to thisfeeling when we are constantly performing instead of truly leading and being authentic to ourselves. To break this addiction, we need to name the pattern, pause andreflect on what is real versus what others see, and choose integrity even if it costs us admiration. We need to identify the image we are portraying and audit it to see if it matches reality. Then, we In this episode of the Lead Well, Live Whole podcast, host Michael Sherman discusses the importance ofauthenticity and living a life that aligns with our reputation. He emphasizes that while reputation may get us into the room, it is our reality thatdetermines if we stay. He encourages leaders to be true to themselves and to invite others to hold them accountable. At the end of the day, the world needs whole leaders, not just ones who have a polished image.

Episode 11 – Leadership Discussion With Frank Boudreau
Special Guest: Frank Boudreau

Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influence, integrity, and showing up with purpose wherever you are.

In this powerful conversation, Michael sits down with seasoned leader Frank Boudreau to talk about what it really means to lead from the middle, rise in hard seasons, and influence others without needing permission or position. Frank brings decades of experience, wisdom earned in the trenches, and a refreshing honesty about the real challenges leaders face every day.

🎯 In this episode:

• How to lead when you're not in charge

• Lessons learned through setbacks and comebacks

• Why humility and consistency matter more than hype

• Encouragement for anyone feeling unseen in their role

Whether you're an aspiring leader, mid-level manager, or simply trying to make a difference where you stand, this episode will remind you: your influence matters more than your title.

#LeadWellLiveWhole #LeadershipWithoutTitle #FrankBoudreau #Episode10 #EverydayLeaders

Episode 11 – Lead From Where You Are
You don’t need a title to lead. You don’t need permission to influence. And you certainly don’t need to wait until you “arrive” to make an impact.

In this episode, we unpack the powerful truth that leadership isn’t about position—it’s about presence. Whether you're in the boardroom or the breakroom, at home or in the hustle, you carry influence. And how you steward that influence right now shapes who you’re becoming as a leader.

Join Michael as he shares practical insights, personal stories, and a call to rise where you stand—because the most powerful leaders aren’t always the ones with authority… they’re the ones who take responsibility.

🎯 You’ll discover:

• Why waiting for a title is a trap

• How to recognize and grow your current sphere of influence

• What it means to lead with identity-first clarity

• How small moments of courage create lasting change

💡 Wherever you are, leadership starts now.

#LeadWellLiveWhole #LeadershipWithoutTitle #EverydayLeadership #Episode11

🎙️ Episode 9: The Power of Accountability

Accountability isn’t about punishment—it’s about growth, trust, and integrity. In this episode, we explore why true accountability is essential for healthy leadership and how to build it into your personal and professional life.

You’ll discover:

• Why accountability starts with self-leadership

• The difference between blame and responsibility

• How to create a culture of trust without fear

• Practical ways to invite accountability into your leadership journey

Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, accountability is the foundation of sustainable influence.

🤝 Lead with honesty. Grow with accountability.

🎙️ Episode 8: Don’t Overpromise—Lead with Integrity

In the pressure to impress, it's easy for leaders to overcommit—saying “yes” to everything and promising more than they can realistically deliver. But overpromising erodes trust, drains energy, and fractures team alignment.

In this honest episode, we unpack:

• Why overpromising is often rooted in fear, pride, or people-pleasing

• The cost of constantly saying “yes” when your margin says “no”

• How to set realistic expectations without sacrificing excellence

• What it looks like to lead with integrity, honesty, and healthy boundaries

If you want to build lasting trust and lead with peace instead of pressure, this conversation is for you.

🛑 Stop overpromising. Start leading with clarity and conviction.

🎙️ Episode 7: Build Healthy Leadership Rhythms

Leadership isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s about how sustainably you live while leading others. In this episode, we explore the importance of developing rhythms that protect your energy, sharpen your focus, and fuel long-term impact.

You’ll discover:

• Why hustle without harmony leads to burnout

• The difference between habits and rhythms—and why it matters

• Practical ways to structure your days and weeks for clarity, connection, and capacity

• How faith, rest, and intention create resilience in leadership

Whether you’re navigating a busy season or trying to reset after burnout, this episode will help you trade chaos for cadence and build a leadership life that actually lasts.

🕊️ Lead from overflow—not overload.

🎙️ Episode 6: Know Your Core Values—Let Them Lead

In this episode, we dive into one of the most foundational—but often overlooked—principles of powerful leadership: living and leading from your core values.

Without clear values, your leadership becomes reactive, inconsistent, and exhausting. But when your values are defined and non-negotiable, they become your compass in the chaos.

You’ll learn:

• Why clarity of values is essential to sustainable leadership

• How to identify the beliefs that drive your best decisions

• What it takes to lead with conviction—not just convenience

Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or recalibrating your approach, this episode will help you lead with greater alignment, purpose, and peace.

🧭 Get clear. Get grounded. Let your values lead the way.

In this episode, Michael Sirmon explores the power of vision—not just as a leadership tool, but as a lifeline for clarity, direction, and purpose. Vision isn’t about buzzwords on a wall; it’s about seeing farther, believing deeper, and lifting those you lead to a higher standard of meaning and mission.

You’ll learn:

• Why leaders without vision often drift into burnout or misalignment

• How to clarify and communicate a compelling vision that motivates action

• The difference between ego-driven goals and service-driven purpose

• Practical steps to recalibrate your vision when life or leadership gets blurry

If you're ready to stop reacting and start leading with intention, this episode is for you.

🔗 Available on all major platforms.
📘 Pair this episode with Lead Well. Live Whole. the book – available now on Amazon. Also available is the book Eagle Leadership