Alan Briggs sits down with Scott Cutlan—business leader, mountaineer, and author of Unreasonable: Seven Impactful Lessons Discovered Climbing the Seven Summits. Scott shares his journey from corporate executive to scaling the highest peaks in the world, and the deep leadership insights he uncovered along the way. They explore purpose, alignment, resilience, and the importance of saying "no" to stay focused on what truly matters.
1. The Call to Adventure
Scott was led by faith to leave his high-powered corporate job, climb the Seven Summits, start a nonprofit, and self-fund it—all without any prior mountaineering experience.
The initial challenge of stepping into the unknown and trusting the process.
2. Leadership & Mountain Analogies
Scott describes himself as a “mountain guide for the leadership journey,” drawing parallels between climbing and business leadership.
Alignment is key—leaders must be clear on their purpose to make the right decisions.
3. The “More” Concept
Many people misunderstand "more" as adding complexity. Instead, Scott defines "more" as expansion that comes through alignment with purpose.
Purpose = The best of what you have for others.
Fulfillment = The result of choosing to live in that purpose.
4. Saying No to Say Yes
Leaders face decision fatigue—executives make an estimated 40,000 decisions daily.
Scott is shifting from 30+ speaking engagements a year to only six highly intentional ones.
“The power of yes is in alignment, not just saying yes.”
5. Resilience & The Why That Keeps You Moving
Scott’s harrowing Everest solo climb:
Facing brutal conditions on the North side, alone, at extreme altitude.
The moment of exhaustion when he almost sat down—knowing that sitting meant death.
The significance of the colored band on his wrist, representing his “why.”
6. Isolation vs. Community
Isolation is one of the greatest threats to leaders.
The importance of linking arms with others for accountability, support, and shared growth.
7. The 3 Types of Responses You’ll Get When Pursuing Your Purpose
Eye Rolls: Dismissive people who don’t understand.
Blank Stares: Those who aren’t ready to process it.
Tell Me Mores: The people who are curious, hungry, and ready to engage—Scott’s focus.
8. Business, Money, and Alignment
Money can be a distraction or a tool—it must be aligned with purpose.
Scott shares how he self-funded his mission, trusting that provision would come.
9. The Most Important Pillar from His Book Right Now: Death
Not physical death, but dying to oneself daily.
Taking time to pause, realign, and ensure decisions reflect core values, not external pressures.
Resources & Next Steps:
Book: Unreasonable: Seven Impactful Lessons Discovered Climbing the Seven Summits – Available on Amazon. Leave a review!
Self-Assessment: Take the Unstoppable Clarity assessment to gain insight into your alignment and purpose. Text CLIMB to 33777.
Stay Connected: Follow Scott for more leadership insights and adventure-driven wisdom. https://www.scottcutlan.com/
Subscribe & Share: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the podcast and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation!
"If you sit, you die. Keep moving." – Scott Cutlan

Jonathan and Alan discuss the transformative power of sabbaticals, exploring how they can benefit both leaders and organizations. Alan shares his personal experiences with sabbaticals and how they led him to coaching others on the subject. They highlight the importance of demystifying sabbaticals, the organizational benefits they bring, and practical steps for implementing a healthy sabbatical program. 
 
Takeaways
Sabbaticals can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
Leaders often feel isolated during sabbaticals and need support.
Sabbaticals can lead to increased leadership capacity within organizations.
A well-structured sabbatical program can enhance organizational health.
Younger generations prioritize workplace flexibility and purpose.
Sabbaticals can help prevent burnout and promote longevity in leadership roles.
Organizations that support sabbaticals can attract and retain talent.
Sabbaticals can lead to clearer vision and innovation upon return.
The process of planning for a sabbatical can energize the entire team.
Investing in sabbaticals is an investment in a better life for employees.
Join us March 19th: https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/webinars-and-trainings#registration
Download 5 Reasons A Sabbatical Program Strengthens Your Entire Organization: https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/sabbatical-resources-for-leaders/p/5-reasons-a-sabbatical-program-strengthens-your-organization-a-comprehensive-guide-for-leaders
 

Jenni Catron and Alan Briggs explore the complexities of leadership and organizational culture. They discuss the importance of open communication, feedback loops, and the need for leaders to be aware of the cultural dynamics within their teams. Jenni emphasizes the significance of patience and persistence when implementing change, as well as the responsibility leaders have in shaping the lives of their team members. The discussion highlights the need for clarity, emotional intelligence, and the impact of a positive culture on overall organizational success.
About Jenni Catron
Jenni Catron is a leadership coach, author and speaker. Her passion is to cultivate healthy leaders to lead thriving organizations. She speaks at conferences and events nationwide, seeking to help leaders develop the clarity and confidence to lead well. As Founder and CEO of The 4Sight Group, she consults organizations on leadership, team culture and organizational health. With over 20 years experience in corporate and non-profit organizations, Jenni has a passion for helping leaders “put feet to their vision”.
Jenni is the author of several books including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence and The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership. She loves a fabulous cup of tea, great books, learning the game of tennis and hiking with her husband. Jenni can be found on social media at @jennicatron and at www.get4sight.com.
 
Gran a copy of Culture Matters
 
Reclaim your brain: visit www.magicmind.com today and use code BRIGGS at checkout for an exclusive discount. 
Join us for our next Demystifying Sabbatical Webinar on March 19th.
 

Alan Briggs is joined by Brad Lomenick, leadership consultant, author, and connector of world-changing leaders, to discuss the art of building meaningful relationships, creating transformational gatherings, and leading with curiosity.
Brad unpacks the difference between networkers vs. connectors, the importance of relational intelligence, and how leaders can curate experiences that foster true connection. They also dive into:
Why curiosity is the bridge between knowledge and action
How to read the room and pivot your leadership approach in real-time
The power of invite-only, high-impact gatherings
How faith, influence, and leadership intersect in today’s world
Practical strategies to become a better connector and steward relationships wisely
If you're a leader, entrepreneur, pastor, or someone who wants to level up their ability to connect and influence, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways.
Coaching questions for you:
What am I wired to do? – What are my natural strengths, skills, and abilities?
What do I love to do? – What work excites and energizes me?
What is God calling me to do in this season? – What is my purpose or divine assignment right now?
What can I do that creates income and sustainability? – How can I make this a viable, long-term pursuit?
Connect with Brad:
https://www.bradlomenick.com/
Attend our next demystifying sabbaticals webinar: https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/webinars-and-trainings#registration

In this deeply moving and insightful conversation, Alan Briggs sits down with bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg to explore the profound relationship between pain, spiritual growth, and authentic community. Drawing from his own personal journey, the teachings of Jesus, and the wisdom of the AA movement, John shares how embracing our brokenness can lead to deep transformation.
About John
John Ortberg was born in Rockford, Illinois. He earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, and his M.Div. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has also studied at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. From 1985 to 1990 he served as senior pastor at Simi Valley Community Church, and then from 1990 to 1994 at Horizons Community Church (now Baseline Community Church) in Claremont, California. He then moved from California to Illinois to serve as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois until 2003, when he became the senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, a multi-campus church in Northern California. Now, John leads the ministry Become New focused on helping people grow spiritually one day at a time through daily teaching and community. 
John's wife, Nancy, is also a pastor and published author. She currently leads Transforming the Bay with Christ in San Jose, California. John and Nancy have three children: Laura, Daniel, and John III. 
A central theme of John’s teaching is spiritual formation, the transforming of human character through authentic experiences with God. John was a friend and mentee of the late Dallas Willard, a Christian teacher and author who wrote works such as The Divine Conspiracy and Renovation of the Heart. John draws much of his inspiration from Dallas. Today John continues to work alongside authors and teachers such as John Mark Comer, the founder and leader of Practicing the Way.
John has been a speaker at many events including: Promise Keepers, Global Leadership Summit, Catalyst, and Practicing the Way.
John is currently working on a new book based on the Become New teaching series “Ashes to Beauty” in which he explores the importance of embracing personal inadequacy as a means to experience spiritual renewal.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why pain is often the greatest catalyst for spiritual growth✅ The lessons John has learned from suffering and how they changed him✅ How true connection and healing come through vulnerability✅ What the church can learn from AA and the 12-step journey✅ The power of confession, community, and finding a fully disclosing friend✅ Why hitting rock bottom may actually be the beginning of real hope
Key Quotes:
💬 "There is no barrier to my joyfully serving God today."💬 "We can only be fully loved when we are fully known."💬 "The worse your story, the warmer your welcome—who does that sound like? That’s Jesus."💬 "God’s address is at the end of your rope."
Resources & Links:
📖 John Ortberg’s latest book: Steps – Get Your Copy Here🎧 John Ortberg’s Daily Podcast: Listen Here📚 Recommended Reading: Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
 

 Alan and Jonathan explore the intersection of leadership and culture using the NFL as a case study, discussing how organizational culture impacts performance. They delve into the definitions of culture, the importance of health and impact in leadership, and share examples of NFL teams, particularly focusing on the Washington Commanders' recent turnaround. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to identify cultural issues, make necessary changes, and foster an environment where team members feel valued and respected.
 
Takeaways
Culture is the atmosphere of an organization.
Healthy cultures can still underperform, and unhealthy cultures can perform well temporarily.
Identifying cultural issues requires honesty and clarity.
Effective leadership involves creating a culture where people want to be involved.
Total overhauls in culture often require hard decisions and new leadership.
The Washington Commanders' turnaround showcases the impact of healthy leadership.
Different leadership styles can lead to successful cultures in sports teams.
Respect is crucial for leaders to maintain a healthy culture.
Cultural health cascades down from leadership to all levels of an organization.
Evaluating and addressing cultural health is essential for long-term success.
Reclaim your brain.
visit www.magicmind.com today and use code BRIGGS at checkout for an exclusive discount. 
 

We often hear about "awareness" and "seasons" in leadership, but what if the key to making better decisions isn't about setting the right goals—but recognizing the season you're actually in? 
In this episode, Jonathan and Alan dive deep into the overlooked yet powerful concept of leadership seasons. They discuss how understanding the phase you're in—whether it's one of pruning, growth, acceleration, or transition—can bring clarity, reduce overwhelm, and lead to more effective actions.
Key Takeaways
Your goals aren’t the problem—your season might be. Are you in a time of expansion or a period where slowing down is wiser?Seasons change, and so should your leadership strategy. You can’t hustle the same way at 40 as you did at 25.Naming your season brings clarity. Learn two powerful methods for identifying where you are.Leadership isn’t always about acceleration. Organizations, teams, and individuals go through rhythms of pruning and growth.Action follows awareness. Once you know your season, what courageous steps will you take?
Reflection Questions
Hit pause, grab a journal, and reflect on these:What season have you just come from?When did (or will) that season end?What season are you currently in?What should you say yes to in this season?What should you say no to?What’s scary about this season change?
 

In this episode, Alan sits down with author, pastor, and speaker Zach Meerkreebs to explore the journey of humility, pain, and redemption that led to his powerful new book, Lower. Zach shares how God shaped his life through challenges, failures, and moments of transformation. The conversation dives deep into themes like radical humility, the crushing seasons of life, and finding God's presence in unexpected places—whether it’s cleaning windows or working at a donut shop. Zach offers raw, heartfelt reflections on grief, leadership, and the power of embracing the low places to let God work in profound ways.
Key Moments:
Childhood & Faith Journey: Zach's unique story of growing up in a Jewish household and finding Jesus through authentic relationships with mentors like Alan.
Lessons in Leadership: Insights from Zach's experiences at the Asbury revival and how 16 days transformed his understanding of humility and spiritual leadership.
The Crushing & Formation: Zach shares candidly about personal failures, the painful process of restoration, and how God uses "compost moments" to cultivate growth.
Radical Humility Defined: A deep dive into the biblical concept of humility as "agreeing with God's assessment of who we are and who He is."
Living in Tension: Zach talks about the paradox of writing a book on humility and navigating the challenges of staying grounded while sharing his story widely.
Quotes to Remember:
"Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself; it’s agreeing with who God says you are and trusting Him to lead."
"You can choose to let suffering deform you—or let it form you into the image of Christ."
"Radical humility is one of the most countercultural and compelling traits Christians can live out today."
A Message for the Weary:If you're in a season of crushing, Zach offers encouragement rooted in Ephesians 2:10: "You are God’s workmanship, created for good works." He shares a powerful reminder to trust the process and let God’s Spirit testify to your adoption, even in the midst of hardship.
Resources Mentioned:
Zach Meerkreebs’ book, Lower: The Journey of Radical Humility
Philippians 2:1-11 – A passage that anchored Zach during the Asbury revival
Call to Action:Be sure to grab your copy of Lower to dive deeper into the principles of radical humility and the stories that shaped Zach’s faith. Available on Amazon and other major retailers now! https://bit.ly/lowerzm