#0421  –  Stop Fixing Problems - Do This Instead with George Pesansky

#0421 – Stop Fixing Problems - Do This Instead with George Pesansky

Author: Jon S. Rennie March 21, 2026 Duration: 38:10
Stop Fixing Problems! Most leaders are trained to hunt problems, fix issues, and eliminate failure. But what if that mindset is actually limiting performance? In this episode, Jon sits down with George Pesansky, author of Super Performance, to challenge the way we think about leadership, operations, and improvement. Instead of obsessing over what’s broken, George explains how the best leaders identify what’s working—and then scale it. You’ll learn: Why focusing on failure holds teams back The concept of the “Golden Hour” and how to replicate peak performance How leaders unknowingly create a culture of mediocrity Why your best people may be holding back (and how to unlock them) A better way to drive consistent, high-level results If you want to build a high-performing team, it starts with changing what you pay attention to. George Pesansky's resources: https://georgepesansky.com/ https://myblendedlearning.com/ https://amzn.to/4lJm4gU Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cadre of Men⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Farrow Skin Care⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Salty Sailor Coffee Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leader Connect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Qualified Leadership Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For anyone who’s ever felt that leadership advice can be too theoretical or disconnected from reality, Deep Leadership offers a grounded alternative. Host Jon S. Rennie operates from a simple, powerful belief: “Leadership is a People Business.” This isn’t about abstract concepts; it’s about the tangible, often messy work of guiding teams and organizations. Jon brings a unique perspective shaped by his time as a Cold War Submarine Officer and over two decades leading within Corporate America before founding his own manufacturing company. In each episode, he translates that extensive experience into practical, actionable insights you can apply immediately. The conversations here delve into the core of what makes leadership work-or fail-across business, culture, and society. You’ll hear from Jon and a variety of expert guests as they explore the philosophical and practical dimensions of guiding people, discussing everything from daily management challenges to broader cultural forces that shape how we work. This podcast is built on the conviction that leadership matters profoundly, and that getting it right requires depth, reflection, and a relentless focus on the human element. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that cut through the noise and get to the heart of leading well.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 424

Deep Leadership
Podcast Episodes
#0282  –  Biotech Leadership with Jeff Fischer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:15
Today, I’m joined by Jeff Fischer, and we're talking about Biotech Leadership. Jeff is the co-founder and president of Longhorn Vaccines & Diagnostics. Before starting Longhorn, he was an executive vice president and CFO…
#0281 - Leadership Storytelling with Karen Eber [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:44
Today, I’m joined by Karen Eber, and we're talking about Leadership Storytelling. Karen is an author, international consultant, and keynote speaker. She has a popular TED talk called “How your brain responds to stories –…
#0280 - How to Build Engagement with Paul ter Wal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:32
Today, I’m joined by Paul ter Wal, and we're talking about How to Build Engagement. Paul is a Global Engagement Explorer, employability expert, and workplace architect. For more than 25 years, he has been in the speaking…
#0279  –  How to Make Money Doing Good with Bessi Graham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:57
Today, I’m joined by Bessi Graham, and we are talking about How to Make Money Doing Good. Bessi is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working with business owners, governments, and large fundi…
#0278  –  How to Lead People with Stephen Iacovelli [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:19
Today, I’m joined by retired Brigadier General Stephen Iacovelli, and we're talking about How to Lead People. Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1984 and served for 39 years. He was commissioned in 1989 and commanded a…
#0277  – How to Lead a Startup with Shane Foss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:14
Today, I’m joined by Shane Foss, and we are talking about How to Lead a Startup. Shane is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hooray Health. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he was a Surgical…
#0276  –  What is Emotional Intelligence? with Nadine Zeinoun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:51
Today, I’m joined by Nadine Zeinoun, and we're answering the question - What is Emotional Intelligence? Nadine is a certified Executive, Emotional Intelligence, and Team Coach. She is also the host of the popular TV Show…
#0274 – Achieving your Dreams with Dr. Deji Ayoade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:49
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Deji Ayoade, and we're talking about Achieving your Dreams. Deji is the first African immigrant to become a nuclear missile operator in the United States Air Force and serve in three U.S. militar…