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Leadership Lessons From The Great Books: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network
Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.
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- 4 days ago1h 43m
Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells
Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells---Dive into Don DeLillo’s Cosmopolis as Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the novel’s critique of leadership in an era of wealth, technology, and cultural upheaval. They discuss the dangers of disconnected leadership, the ongoing crisis of accountability among elites, and the pitfalls of managing strictly by data and dashboards. The episode draws sharp parallels between fictional failures and real-world leadership challenges, offering actionable lessons for those navigating today’s ever-shifting leadership landscape.Book Title: CosmopolisAuthor: Don DeLilloHosts: Jesan Sorrells, Tom Libby---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Eric Packer's limousine journey.09:54 Discussing a prolific modernist author.16:00 DeLillo's risk-taking in writing.17:47 Reflecting on character minimalism.25:36 Discussing key themes in book and movie.28:33 Early AI's impact on finance.35:52 Challenges of Leadership Disconnect.41:42 Billionaires don't live in my town.49:38 Reflecting on 9/11 emotions.55:27 Catharsis in Cosmopolis.56:19 Reflections on WWII veterans' honor.01:06:32 AI accountability in decision-making.01:09:49 Wealth Redistribution for Global Issues.01:15:24 Discussing money and character.01:18:23 Exploring Worldview and Character Development.01:27:08 Discussing a retirement plan.01:31:38 The crisis of tech outpacing morality.01:35:09 Gut feeling vs data in decisions.01:40:30 Leadership lessons from Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo.---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
- 1 weeks ago1h 44m
"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger
"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger---Diving into Kurt Vonnegut’s Welcome to the Monkey House, Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger examine the prophetic warnings about conformity, institutional control, and the battle over language and individual agency. The conversation connects the stories “Harrison Bergeron,” “Report on the Barnhouse Effect,” and “Where I Live” to today’s challenges for leaders navigating a culture of safetyism, linguistic manipulation, and technological disruption. Practical takeaways center around preserving individual responsibility, resisting institutional overreach, and regrounding leadership in local, real-world community.Book title: Welcome to the Monkey HouseAuthor: Kurt VonnegutHost: Jesan Sorrells, Guest: Libby Unger---Time-Stamped Overview:---00:00 Discussing 20th-century sci-fi authors08:46 Kurt Vonnegut's literary journey12:12 High school memories and Vonnegut18:13 Publication dates and context of stories26:07 Lindsay Clancy's controversial trial27:31 Jury deadlock in Lindsey Clancy case34:20 Reflecting on Gloria Steinem's Impact42:31 Authors and technology of books47:38 Vonnegut's views on language usage52:27 Technology, communication, and culture overlap58:36 Hourglass analogy and chaotic transitions01:01:24 Impact of 2020 lockdowns01:05:56 Barnhouse effect report analysis01:16:06 Discussing global conflict and climate agendas01:19:58 American culture and equality debate01:27:48 Reflecting on personal growth01:32:19 Exploring an abandoned harbor clubhouse01:34:09 Wendell Berry and localism themes01:43:28 Local community and cultural shift----Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
- 2 weeks ago2h 5m
A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World
A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World---The Articles that Inspired the Conversation:The End of Reading is Here by Rose Horowich - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/08/reading-crisis-postliterate-age/687618/Leading in the Post-Literate West by Jesan Sorrells - https://jesanmsorrells.micro.blog/2026/07/16/leading-in-the-postliterate-west.html---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
- 3 weeks ago1h 44m
The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells
The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells---Connect with Harvey Seifter by clicking on the links below:Creating Futures That Work - https://futuresthatwork.com/The Art of Science Learning - https://www.artofsciencelearning.org/Harvey Seifter LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hseifter/---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
- Aug 21, 20262h 36m
Henry V by Shakespeare — Legitimate Authority and the Leader Who Rebuilds (w/Zac Stucki)
The Life of Henry V by William Shakespeare w/Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki---Delving into William Shakespeare’s The Life of Henry V, Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki analyze the cultural foundation of leadership, the decline of cultural confidence in Western societies, and the complex responsibilities leaders face when making consequential decisions. They connect Shakespeare’s lessons on accountability and mentorship to today’s leadership crises—highlighting generational gaps, the impact of cultural narratives, and how leaders can prepare to uphold a standard in turbulent times.Play: The Life of Henry VAuthor: William ShakespeareGuest: Zac StuckiHost: Jesan Sorrells---Time-Stamped Outline:---00:00 Debating France's royal succession21:07 Discussing OK Boomer Cultural Dynamics24:34 Emergence of New Political Powers42:06 Discussing future Shakespeare episodes43:58 Portraying the French as complex characters01:00:11 The thin red line of America01:05:25 Shakespeare's historical context and audience01:23:28 Defining true intelligence beyond academics01:31:32 Child's simple requests for water01:46:11 Current insurgency tactics and alliances01:55:04 Post-War Nuremberg Trials Discussion02:00:40 Discussing moral standards and politics02:15:59 Discussing King Harry's Agincourt dilemma02:28:08 Learning from older generations02:35:29 Wrapping up the podcast episode---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
- Aug 5, 20262h 36m
The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare w/John Hill and Jesan Sorrells
The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare w/John Hill and Jesan Sorrells---Unpacking Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Coriolanus, this episode draws out timeless leadership insights on integrity, social hierarchies, and the tension between individual values and the demands of the group. The hosts explore how Coriolanus’ unwavering personal code clashes with political and social expectations, what the play reveals about family as the first organizational structure, and why the forces of social conformity remain so powerful for modern leaders. The discussion also connects classic themes to today’s leadership challenges, including sales management, organizational power, and navigating cultural shifts in a digitized world.Play Title: The Tragedy of CoriolanusAuthor: William ShakespeareHosts: Jesan Sorrells (Host); John Hill aka Small Mountain (Co-host)---Time-Stamps:---00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare 02:49 Information overload and war reporting.10:39 European history and colonization context of Coriolanus.25:35 Shakespeare's portrayal of motherhood in Coriolanus.35:15 Discussing a sales coach's priorities.44:53 Historical view on war from Coriolanus as opportunity.55:22 Coriolanus's pride and public perception.01:10:39 Challenges in sales and marketing ethics.01:18:22 Realizing the value of partnership.01:29:00 Redefining the employee-supervisor relationship.01:38:05 Dealing with manipulative conversations.01:49:55 Conversations on genuine apologies.02:02:21 Discussing Volumnia from Coriolanus.02:10:34 Finding Your Own Community.02:28:00 Discussing salesperson job interviews.02:29:48 Encouraging kids to ask why.---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
- Jul 29, 20262h 5m
The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare w/Katie Mestres & Jesan Sorrells
The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare w/Katie Mestres & Jesan Sorrells---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
- Jul 22, 20261h 30m
The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - What Lies at the Bottom of Our Constitutional Order w/Dorollo Nixon
The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - What Lies at the Bottom of Our Constitutional Order w/Dorollo Nixon---Jesan Sorrells and Dorollo Nixon, Jr. examine the foundational debates framing citizenship, rights, and law in the United States through readings from The Federalist Papers and recent (2026) Supreme Court case analysis. They discuss the evolving meanings of “a more perfect union,” birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age, and the challenges of culture and authority facing contemporary American leadership. Supreme Court rulings on mass migration, surveillance, and biological reality take center stage as turning points shaping the future of the republic and the prospects for building strong, resilient communities.Book Title: The Federalist PapersAuthor: Alexander Hamilton (and others)Guest Names: Jesan Sorrells, Dorollo Nixon, Jr.---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Federal government's defense authority - Federalist No.23 05:31 Founders' views on human nature11:34 Birthright citizenship and legal debates20:44 Discussing elite influence on legislation26:21 Justice Jackson's modern writing style30:38 Discussing Virginia Convention Amendments35:27 Discussion on privacy rights43:59 Justice Frankfurter's memoirs discussion49:47 Discussing crime and lack of protests52:08 Artificial intelligence and tech giants01:01:16 Judicial tenure and good behavior01:03:43 Discussing Supreme Court cases and biological reality01:08:41 Worldviews and legislative influence01:16:14 Christian communities and leadership dynamics01:22:57 Social media spectacle and republic concerns01:29:37 Building Community and Support Systems01:30:40 Discussing what America is not---Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!---Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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About Leadership Lessons From The Great Books
Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.
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