Bred To Lead | With Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs
People aren’t born to lead; they’re bred to lead. Leadership isn’t some inherent quality coded into your DNA—it’s developed, honed, and forged through experiences, challenges, and intentional growth. Being “bred to lead” is about more than just having a title or natural charisma. It’s about embracing the grind, building resilience, and committing to the kind of personal development that molds someone into a true leader. Why “Bred to Lead” Matters More Than Being “Born to Lead”: When people say leaders are born, it implies that leadership is exclusive—something reserved for a select few. But “Bred to Lead” flips that notion on its head. It’s about recognizing that leadership potential is universal, but realizing it requires a process. No one simply wakes up one day as a great leader. Instead, it’s the intentional experiences—mentorship, adversity, education, and practice—that shape someone into a leader worth following. Think of it like this: a person might have natural talent, but talent alone doesn’t make a champion. Champions are bred through relentless training, countless hours of practice, and a mindset built for growth. Leadership is no different. It’s the result of a deliberate process, not a birthright. What It Really Means to Be “Bred to Lead”: Forged Through Adversity: Being “bred” suggests a process of refinement. It’s about going through setbacks, navigating crises, and coming out stronger. Great leaders aren’t the ones who never fail—they’re the ones who learn and evolve from every failure. Built by Purposeful Development: The “bred to lead” philosophy is rooted in the idea of intentional growth. This means placing people in environments that stretch them, giving them responsibilities that push their boundaries, and exposing them to the kind of guidance and mentorship that accelerates their development. Shaped by Experiences: Leaders aren’t made in a classroom or born with a skillset—they’re shaped in the field. Every tough decision, difficult conversation, and unexpected obstacle becomes part of the process that breeds someone into a leader. It’s not about being a “natural”—it’s about being someone who learns through doing. Driven by a Relentless Mindset: “Bred to Lead” also speaks to the mindset. It’s about a commitment to growth—never settling, never getting comfortable, and always striving to be better. It’s the mindset that says, “I wasn’t given this; I earned this.” The Beauty of “Bred to Lead”: The beauty of this concept is that it’s inclusive. It’s not about where you start—it’s about where you’re willing to go. Anyone, regardless of background, upbringing, or natural traits, can be bred to lead if they’re willing to go through the process. It’s a journey of growth that’s accessible to everyone who’s ready to put in the work and embrace the path. By emphasizing “Bred to Lead,” you’re making a powerful statement: leadership isn’t about who you are—it’s about who you’re becoming. It’s about dedication, resilience, and transformation. Being “bred to lead” means you’re shaped by every experience, and you carry the marks of every challenge you’ve faced. You’re not a leader by chance; you’re a leader by design. So, it’s not just that people aren’t born to lead—they don’t have to be. Because the real leaders are those who’ve been bred to rise up, forged in the fires of experience, and refined through continuous growth. And that’s a story that speaks to every aspiring leader, whether they’re just starting out or already on the path. It’s the ultimate equalizer in leadership: no matter where you begin, you can become Bred to Lead. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a first-time manager, ”Bred to Lead” will help you unlock your full potential as a leader and build a culture of engagement, innovation, and purpose. Join Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs on this transformative journey and discover how putting your people first can lead to game-changing results. Bredtolead.com
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Episodes
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Welcome back, Bridge Builders, to another hard-hitting episode of Bread to Lead. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and today we're diving into the trenches of corporate turnarounds. As a corporate fixer, I'm the person companies call when they're in dire straits. We'll explore the realities of diagnosing problems, making tough decisions, and implementing strategies to turn things around.
In this episode, we peel back the curtain on the brutal yet necessary work of corporate turnarounds. Whether it's a hospital's sterile processing department or a struggling business, the principles remain the same. We'll discuss the top leadership roles crucial for organizational survival, and the universal strategies that can be applied across various sectors.
Join us as we cover the signs that a turnaround is needed, from declining financial performance to high employee turnover. We'll also delve into the step-by-step process of diagnosing issues, stopping the bleeding, developing a turnaround strategy, and implementing and monitoring it effectively. Real-world examples and personal stories will illustrate these concepts, making them actionable for you.
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and do what's necessary to save an organization, this episode is for you. Let's build those bridges, even when it feels like everything is crumbling around you. Tune in and discover how to navigate through organizational crises and drive meaningful change.
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Welcome back, Bridge Builders, to another enlightening episode of Bread to Lead. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and today we delve into a vital topic for aspiring healthcare leaders: the power of patience in your leadership journey.
Before diving into our main topic, let's reflect on last week's episode on Next Step Leadership. Many listeners shared inspiring stories of implementing these principles in their organizations, showcasing a commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Your proactive efforts are exactly what today's healthcare landscape needs. So, take a moment to applaud yourselves for the hard work you're putting in as bridge builders.
Today's episode explores the concept of "patience pays" and why "slow and steady" truly wins the leadership race. We discuss the importance of mastering your current role before seeking rapid advancement, using a relatable scenario of two healthcare professionals, Alex and Jamie, to illustrate the long-term benefits of a measured approach to career progression.
We also delve into the critical aspects of leadership: skill development, relationship building, organizational understanding, credibility, and reducing stress and burnout. By mastering these areas, you not only advance your career but also enhance your impact and value to your organization.
Join us as we explore strategies to balance ambition with patience, ensuring you build a solid foundation for sustainable, impactful leadership. Remember, true leadership isn't about how quickly you climb the ladder but the bridges you build along the way.
Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and share your stories with us at breadtolead.com. Let's continue building those bridges together!
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Welcome back to Bread to Lead, the podcast dedicated to empowering leaders across the globe, with a special focus on healthcare. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and I'm thrilled to share another inspiring episode with you.
In today's episode, we introduce the concept of "Bridge Builders"—the vital role you play as a leader in connecting departments, ideas, and people to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. We discuss the importance of developing future leaders through our Next Step Leadership program, which emphasizes early identification, continuous development, practical experience, and mentorship.
We'll also reflect on the feedback from our previous episode on emotional intelligence, share real-world examples of successful leadership development, and explore the challenges and strategies for implementing a robust leadership pipeline within your organization.
Join us as we delve into how you can create a legacy of leadership that ensures the long-term success and sustainability of healthcare organizations. Don't miss out on practical insights, tools, and strategies to elevate your leadership journey.
Stay tuned, and remember to keep building those bridges with purpose, authenticity, and heart.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Welcome back to Bread to Lead, the podcast dedicated to empowering you to unleash your leadership potential and make a lasting impact. Hosted by Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, this episode dives into the critical issue affecting healthcare organizations across the nation: the true cost of neglecting team development and the transformative power of investing in your people.
In this episode, Dr. Jacobs peels back the layers to examine the real financial and human costs of failing to invest in your existing team. Drawing from his extensive experience in staffing and workforce management, he highlights the challenges healthcare organizations face with temporary staffing solutions and the importance of addressing deeper systemic issues.
From the financial impact and productivity loss to the hidden costs of undeveloped staff, Dr. Jacobs presents compelling data and real-world examples to underscore the importance of investing in leadership and skill development. He also provides actionable strategies for effective team development, such as comprehensive needs assessments, personal development plans, and mentorship programs.
Whether you're in healthcare or any other sector, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical solutions to help you cultivate a thriving, resilient, and engaged workforce. Tune in and discover how investing in your team can lead to better patient outcomes, higher staff retention, and a more robust organizational culture.
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Welcome back to the Bread to Lead Podcast with your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs! In this exciting episode, Dr. Jake dives deep into the art of storytelling and its transformative impact on leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience with leaders across the globe, he shares actionable insights on how storytelling can unlock your leadership potential and create lasting impact.
Dr. Jake emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience, having a clear purpose, and using a simple structure to make your stories more compelling. He also highlights the emotional connections that stories can build, making your message more memorable and inspiring action within your organization.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on how to harness the power of storytelling to influence and persuade ethically. Tune in to learn how to become the most impactful leader in your organization!
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Welcome back, change agents, to Bread to Lead, the podcast dedicated to empowering you to unlock your leadership potential and create lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and I'm thrilled to continue our journey of leadership exploration and growth together.
In this episode, we delve into the crucial role of emotional intelligence in influence and persuasion. We explore the core competencies of emotional intelligence, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, and how they enhance our ability to lead effectively.
We also discuss practical strategies for leveraging emotional intelligence, including active listening, emotional mirroring, and managing relationship dynamics. These strategies will help you navigate complex social situations and inspire genuine commitment and action.
This episode is part of our ongoing series on mastering the art of influence and persuasion. If you haven't listened to the previous episode, be sure to check it out for a comprehensive understanding of the ethical foundations and psychology of influence.
Join us as we explore how to connect deeply with others, inspire change, and create a lasting impact through the power of emotional intelligence. Your journey to becoming a more effective leader starts here.
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Welcome back to Bred to Lead Season 2! In this episode, host Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs reflects on the incredible milestones achieved in Season 1 and emphasizes the core mission of the podcast: to provide actionable leadership advice that can transform your life and business.
Dr. Jacobs discusses the importance of purchasing the newly released book, "Bread to Lead," which serves as a comprehensive manual for becoming a people-first, results-second leader. He encourages listeners to subscribe, review, and share the podcast to continue spreading impactful leadership insights.
The episode delves into mastering the art of influence and persuasion, a crucial skill for effective leadership. Dr. Jacobs outlines key strategies and principles, including the ethical foundations of influence, the psychology behind it, and practical techniques to inspire and motivate others.
From the importance of building trust and rapport to leveraging social proof and creating a sense of urgency, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Dr. Jacobs emphasizes that true influence is about creating win-win outcomes and aligning diverse interests towards a common good.
Join us as we explore the essential skills needed to become a more effective and ethical leader in today's complex world. Stay tuned for the next parts of this deep dive into the art and science of influence and persuasion. Don't forget to grab your copy of "Bread to Lead" and continue your journey towards leadership excellence.
Subscribe, share, and be the leader you were bred to be!
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
In our previous episode, we discussed the pivotal differences between management and leadership and how making the leadership leap is essential for transformative change. We delved into effective leadership practices, from problem-solving and empowerment to creating a compelling vision. In today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, we shift our focus to navigating change and cultivating resilience.
Welcome to Bread to Lead, the podcast dedicated to unlocking your leadership potential and making a lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs. Today, we explore the art and science of navigating change and building resilience, drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and leadership studies. We'll tackle common challenges like resistance, uncertainty, and burnout, and provide practical strategies for resilience in ourselves, our teams, and our lives.
Whether you're leading a major transformation, navigating personal transitions, or simply keeping up with rapid changes, this episode is for you. Learn about embracing a growth mindset, practicing self-awareness, fostering connection and support, finding purpose, and developing adaptability. Our goal is to equip you with the tools to lead with clarity, conviction, and resilience.
Join us as we break down these concepts, share real-world examples, and offer actionable tips to help you thrive in the face of change. Don't miss out on this essential guide to resilient leadership!
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Welcome to Bred to Lead, the podcast that empowers you to unleash your leadership potential and make a lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and I'm on a mission to help you cultivate the mindset and skills to lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart.
In today's episode, we dive deep into a critical distinction that can make or break your ability to drive transformative change in your organization: the difference between management and leadership. We explore how the traditional model of leadership, focused on efficiency and short-term results, falls short in a world of constant change and complexity.
We'll discuss the essential shifts in mindset and behavior necessary to make the leap from merely managing the status quo to driving meaningful, transformative change. You'll learn how to move from problem-solving to problem-finding, from directing to empowering, and from transactional to transformational leadership.
Join us as we explore how to become the kind of leader who inspires and empowers others to create a better future. Whether you're new to leadership or looking to refine your skills, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you lead with purpose and impact.
Remember to visit Bread to Lead for more resources, including our book and information about the Sips Leadership Institute.
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
Welcome back to Bread to Lead, the podcast that empowers you to unleash your leadership potential and make a lasting impact. I'm your host, Dr. Jake Tayler Jacobs, and I'm on a mission to help you cultivate the mindset and skills to lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart. Let's dive in!Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com
In our last episode, we explored the art and science of developing and empowering your team, focusing on self-determination theory and intrinsic motivation. Today, we're building on that foundation by tackling another critical aspect of people-first leadership: setting clear, compelling goals and expectations.Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com
Effective goal setting is more than just declaring lofty aspirations. It involves striking the right balance between ambition and achievability, clarity and flexibility, and challenge and support. We'll dive into the latest research and real-world examples to help you leverage the power of goals and expectations to inspire and motivate your team.Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com
We'll explore frameworks like the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) and OKR (Objectives and Key Results) to break down your vision into actionable targets. We'll also discuss the importance of culture contracts and situational leadership to ensure your team is aligned and empowered.Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com
Whether you're setting goals for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights and tools to help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. So grab a notepad, get comfortable, and let's dive in!Click Here To Get Access To The Book "People First, Results Second" Bredtolead.com