Leadership Lessons from the Kitchen

Leadership Lessons from the Kitchen

Author: Doug McKinley, Psy.D. March 9, 2026 Duration: 37:18
What does it take to lead in one of the most intense environments in the world? In this dynamic conversation, I sit down with Emmanuel Laroche to explore leadership through the lens of the professional kitchen. We talk about why food culture has exploded, the personality patterns of world-class chefs, and what separates ego-driven kitchens from those led with clarity and purpose. Emmanuel shares what he has learned from interviewing chefs around the globe and how great chefs lead under pressu...

In a professional world often focused on external strategies and metrics, Leadership Currency with Dr. Doug McKinley explores the foundational human elements that truly drive influence and effectiveness. Hosted by psychologist and Master Certified Coach Doug McKinley, Psy.D., this podcast operates on a core principle: sustainable leadership is built from the inside out, blending deep self-knowledge with practical action. Each episode is a conversation that delves into the psychological frameworks and personal practices that shape how we show up at work. You’ll hear discussions that move beyond generic advice, tackling the real complexities of modern professional life. Topics like cultivating genuine self-awareness, developing emotional agility in high-pressure situations, and thoughtfully navigating workplace cultures are common ground. The dialogue also consistently engages with the critical work of fostering authentic diversity and inclusion, examining the leader's role in building environments where people can truly connect and contribute. This isn't a lecture series; it's a resource for anyone who leads, follows, or collaborates, offering reflective questions and actionable insights. By listening to this podcast, you gain access to Doug's unique perspective where clinical psychology meets real-world coaching, all aimed at helping you understand and increase your own value-your currency-in any professional relationship. The focus is always on the interplay between personal growth and collective success, making it relevant for entrepreneurs, managers, and team members alike who believe that how we work together is just as important as what we accomplish.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Leadership Currency with Dr. Doug McKinley
Podcast Episodes
Meetings Matter: Provide Clear Direction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:38
In this episode of Leadership Currency, we focus on the currency of meetings, specifically why meeting experts consistently advocate for having clear, intentional meeting agendas as a cornerstone of effective leadership…
Murder by Meeting with Marie Pawlak [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:39
Dr. McKinley invites podcast designer, Marie Geneviève Pawlak, Founder and CEO of Prime Alchemy, to the podcast today. She recently created an episodic radio podcast that offers a tongue-in-cheek exploration of bad meeti…
Are You Recruitable? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
On the podcast today, Dr. McKinley invites Dr. Naftali Kaminski, a physician scientist who explains the cultural differences in leadership. Most know that culture is a real tricky subject to study, learn, and shift. They…
The Entrepreneur Mindset: Blessing or Burden? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:29
In this episode, three seasoned entrepreneurs sit down for a candid conversation about the real deal behind the entrepreneurial mindset. Is it a superpower—or a source of stress? They unpack the drive, risk tolerance, cr…
Seats on the Bus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
You’ve heard it before—get the right people on the bus and in the right seats. But how do you actually do that in today’s fast-paced workplace? In this episode, Dr. McKinley and Jonathan Gulley break down author Jim Coll…
Leadership Hackers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:20
I believe leadership and the game of golf share many principles. Most may be obvious but one in particular has not been talked about enough. Some golf players don’t care much about the game itself so they casually engage…
The Currency of Rejection Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:21
Dr. McKinley continues his discussion with guest Hendre Coetzee who is a transformation coach and co-author of Shiftability. In part one of this interview the focus was on how to reframe rejection as a possible currency.…
The Currency of Rejection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:02
We all face rejection. Leaders are not exempt and often navigate rejection in real time. Dr. McKinley’s guest today is Hendre Coetzee who navigates this personal and organizational dynamic frequently with leaders from ar…
Salespeople - Foe or Friend? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:50
Why do salespeople often get a bad rap? Dr. McKinely’s podcast guest today is James Hoard, a seasoned sales coach, manager and author. James is currently in a leadership role managing sales leaders as well as consulting…
Compliance vs Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:33
There is an old saying, “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still” Put simply, the goal of coaching is to support a positive behavioral change in the coachee. Coaching with compassion is an approach…