How to Fix Fake Leadership

by | Mar 26, 2025 | Leadership, Management, Podcast Leader Guide, Sales Leadership, Strategic Execution

How to NOT Execute Your Strategy (Episode 33): Larry Levine

Larry Levine is both a best-selling author and the award-winning co-host of the “Selling From the Heart” podcast. Larry recently launched “Culture From the Heart” (with Darrell Amy) to expand the conversation to executives who need to lead differently. As one of the top sales podcasters in the world, he has access to CEOs and other executives in a way that few do – and in this conversation, Larry shares the essential secrets to success that he has learned from these interactions.

Three key concepts:

  1. Relationships trump transactions. Your competitive edge isn’t found in transactional tactics. It’s in building deep, authentic relationships. Know your clients, understand your team beyond their roles, and prioritize genuine connection over convenience or efficiency.
  2. Clarity is your leadership currency. If you’re unclear, your leadership breaks down. Communicate with transparency, conviction, and consistency. Engage in robust dialogue – even when it’s hard – and use clarity to unlock trust, alignment, and high performance.
  3. You can’t fake trust. People sense insincerity instantly. Do the inner work required to lead authentically and courageously. Embrace healthy conflict and accountability openly. Authenticity isn’t about being nice. It’s about intentionally balancing truth and love.

BONUS – Leader guide: Use the following questions for (a) self-reflection as a leader and/or (b) a great discussion with your team.

1) Listen to the full episode before this discussion.
2) Larry and Tim talked about the power of relationships in business. Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not??
3) In 10 words or less, define what a healthy business relationship looks like. Share your answers.
4) What are the key components for leaders to have healthy relationships with their people?
5) Healthy relationships can transform an entire organization. Do we have the key components we just discussed at every level of this organization? Why or why not?
6) Looking at our efforts now, what are biggest relationship strengths? What are our biggest opportunities for improving our relationships? What leadership advice does this generate?
7) Option: Take time right now to define exactly what following that advice looks like (the outcome(s), metrics, and requirements).

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with at least one person. And leave me a review on whatever platform you engaged this podcast. Your feedback is invaluable to me.

Holomua. Onward and upward.

All the best ~ Tim

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