Episodes

There is someone on your team you need to talk to. They've been showing up late. Dropping the ball. Bringing an attitude everyone can feel. You know the conversation needs to happen. And you've been putting it off for weeks. Here is the truth. Issues don't age well. They rot. And when you finally do have the conversation, if it comes out as "because I'm the boss, that's why," you just made it worse. In this episode, James Rosseau Sr. shares the working relationship that went sideways...

You just got promoted. Or you just walked across the stage. Or you're staring at an offer that looks perfect on paper. The phone is blowing up. The congratulations are pouring in. And underneath all of it, the pressure to make the next move is already loud. You start wondering if you're falling behind. You start scanning for the next thing. You start telling yourself the clock is ticking, when honestly, the only clock is the one in your own head. That is the urgency trap. And it is where a lo...

You got promoted, and now you're drowning in numbers. Dashboards. Scorecards with twenty-plus rows. Metrics flying at you from every direction. You're measuring everything, but you can't say in one sentence whether you're actually delivering. Then your manager stops by and asks, "How's the project going?" And you fumble. If that scene feels a little too familiar, this one is for you. In this episode, James Rosseau Sr. shares the moment a potential mentor stopped him cold with a single questi...

You got promoted because you answered every email, attended every meeting, and solved every problem. Now you're a manager, you're trying to lead the same way, and you're running on fumes. Here's what no one told you. If you don't manage your energy, your team will shortly inherit your exhaustion. In this episode, James Rosseau Sr. walks through why your depletion isn't just yours, it's contagious. Your team doesn't just inherit your decisions. They inherit your state of being. When you walk in...

Your projects keep stalling and you've been blaming the wrong thing. It's not your team. It's not that they lack ownership. It's not that they don't care. The real reason is something most new managers don't see coming, and once you see it, you can fix it this week. Are you leaving meetings feeling aligned, only to come back a week later and realize nothing moved? Are you constantly refereeing decisions nobody seems willing to make? Are you carrying the anxiety of entire projects because no one...

You were told to treat everyone the same. Same feedback, same expectations, same approach. That's fairness, right? But what if that sameness is the thing quietly tanking your team? In this episode of The Leader I Need It, James Rosseau breaks down why identical leadership is lazy leadership — and introduces four roles every leader needs to move between: coach, cheerleader, confidant, and counselor. He shares the story of a single email from his CEO that activated his fight or flight and left him...

The skills that got you promoted may be the ones now working against you. If you were a great individual contributor, the game slowed down for you. You knew the systems, knew where the answers lived, knew how to score. Then you became a manager, and the game sped right back up. The rim moved. The court changed. And the instincts that made you dependable, the "I'll just do it myself" reflex, the urge to route around the difficult teammate, the pressure to have every answer, those instincts now c...

You got promoted because you were good at your job. Nobody told you that the title doesn't put people beneath you — it puts you beneath them. In Part 2 of my conversation with Big Phil, we get into what real leadership authority actually looks like, why the way most new managers lead quietly damages their teams, and what changes when you finally flip the org chart. This one will make you rethink everything.

What does your team say about you when you leave the room? Most leaders never ask. In Part 1 of this conversation, James sits down with recording artist and worship leader Big Fil for an honest look at what low emotional intelligence actually costs you as a leader. Not in theory. In real relationships, real rooms, and real feedback from the people you're responsible for. Big Fil spent years leading people while burning bridges he didn't know he was burning. In this episode, he shares what it to...

Getting promoted is exciting until Monday hits and your friend now reports to you. Or someone who used to outrank you. Or a team that never chose you. In this episode, James Rosseau Sr. walks through three of the most awkward leadership transitions no one warns you about, with real stories and scripts you can use. Learn how to lead with clarity instead of avoidance, and become the leader you wish you always had.

You got promoted because you're sharp. Now you're snapping in meetings, shutting down under pressure, and going home drained. Here's the truth: that's not a character flaw, it's biology. In this episode, James breaks down why your brain reacts before you can think, the P.A.U.S.E. framework that interrupts it, and how the best leaders learn to pause inside the surge. Anyone can react. Leaders respond on purpose. That's where your leadership lives.

You got the title. You got the team. You're putting in the hours. So why does it feel like you're running hard and getting nowhere? Here's what nobody told you when they handed you that promotion: your success as a leader isn't about what you know or what you can do anymore. It's about who's in your corner. And if you're like most new managers, you've been so focused on proving yourself that you've left every relationship around you on the table. In this episode, James Rosseau Sr. walks you th...

Covering themes of resilience, personal growth, and spirituality, Don Ready highlights his journey through music and life. He shares his experiences with cancer, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance. Don also touches on leadership, therapy, and the significance of maintaining joy and authenticity. His upcoming album, "It Must Be God," reflects his personal transformation and commitment to authenticity.

Recalling his experiences of street culture, and personal transformation, Sevin covers topics such as the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the impact of faith and ministry, and the journey from gang life to becoming a leader in the Christian community. He shares his struggles with identity, the importance of accountability, and the role of love and protection within the church. Sevin, and host of The Corelink Solution Show, Trig, also touch on the use of social media, the signifi...

Focusing on the challenges and opportunities within the podcasting and church communities, Pastor Eric Mason, discussing the crowded podcast space and the potential for growth, particularly in niche areas like the Christian space. Dr. Mason shares insights on the importance of having an existing audience and the challenges of starting a podcast from scratch. Dr. Mason and Trig, host of The Corelink Solution Show, also delve into the history and branding of Holy Culture Radio, emphasizing the sig...

Discussing his journey in music and ministry, Dee Black emphasizes the importance of tangible experiences, mentorship, and personal development. He explores themes of loyalty, commitment, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Dee shares insights on his new album "Above All Else," highlighting its themes of faith and resilience. He also touches on the significance of maintaining relationships and the role of counseling in personal growth.

Discussing the importance of shifting from hero leadership to system building, Trig shares this model to newer leaders in order to empower teams and ensure sustainable success. He explores the validation trap, the paradigm shift needed for effective leadership, and practical steps to create lasting systems that multiply impact.

Emphasizing the importance of modeling leadership behavior, even when one feels unprepared, Trig shares key points to help inform new leaders in their roles that include the significance of emotional regulation, consistency in enforcing standards, and the impact of public praise versus private reprimand. He also discusses the concept of leadership as stewardship, where leaders should attribute successes to their teams and take responsibility for failures. Trig encourages self-reflection on one's...

Dropping his new album today, Datin discusses what inspired his creative path for his newest project. He shares his journey through ministry, music, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity and obedience in his calling. Discovering his perspectives on burnout, Datin also taps in on the themes of the evolution of Christian hip hop, storytelling, and music consumption.

What is one person, one relationship as a leader that you've been avoiding having a deep conversation with because you know it's going to get a little tight? Trig discusses the challenges of conflict in leadership, particularly for new leaders. He emphasizes that conflict is a natural part of leadership and not a sign of failure. Trig shares practical advice on navigating conflicts with former peers, understanding different leadership styles, and the importance of clarity and accountability. He ...

Have you ever felt like you were in the wrong career position? Or even as a leader noticing in someone on your team? Trig, discussing the critical role of people in leadership, emphasizes the importance of getting the right people in the right seats, aligning team goals with organizational vision, and the necessity of clear communication. Through personal anecdotes and insights, he highlights the challenges and rewards of investing in team development, fostering a culture of trust, and understan...

Looking for valuable insights for new managers and leaders on how to set themselves up for success in the new year? Host Trig emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the previous year's performance, leading oneself effectively, and establishing clear expectations and goals for the team. By taking a sober look at past achievements and challenges, leaders can better prepare for the future and ensure they are equipped to guide their teams effectivel

Jumping over many hurdles on his path to finding Christ, Wingy Danejah shares how he embraced faith with his challenges. He reflects on his early life in Jamaica, the influence of his strict upbringing, and how he discovered his passion for music through poetry and performance. Wingy discusses his experiences touring with renowned artists like Beanie Man and Sean Paul, and the pivotal moment when he decided to dedicate his life to God, leading to a profound shift in his music and purpose. Wingy ...

Surrendering to faith and authenticity, Michael Holden returns for his second TCS interview in over a year discussing the importance of small changes leading to significant impacts, the redefinition of wealth beyond monetary value, and the creation of a family operating system to strengthen relationships. He emphasizes the role of authenticity in personal and professional success and the challenges of navigating solvency while following a higher purpose. Through Michael’s experiences, he aims to...