The Business Mechanic Show

The Business Mechanic Show

Vaughn is the co-founder of Results-Driven Leadership. He is a leadership development expert, podcaster, and author. His methods are brought from his real-world of experience of working on the front lines and living the role of being a high-impact leader and manager. No theory, just common-sense advice, and direction from someone who developed the team and scaled a $2 Billion business with 3000 employees. CarMax is the world's largest and most respected company in the auto industry and is a Fortune 100 Best Places to Work. Vaughn's mission is to improve the impact of executives and other managers by increasing their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Visit www.rdltraining.com for more information.

Episodes

October 28, 2025 16 mins

Elite military teams perform under pressure not because they're fearless, but because they're trained to think tactically.

In this episode, Vaughn shares seven powerful leadership lessons inspired by Special Forces—showing how preparation, calm, and clarity can help any manager lead like a pro when things get tough.

 

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If your team doesn't seem to buy in—even when your plans are clear—it's not a motivation problem, it's a leadership communication problem.

In this episode, Vaughn breaks down how explaining the why behind what you ask turns compliance into commitment, confusion into clarity, and your team in...

Great teams are engineered. Not found.

In this episode, I show you how to shape a high-performing management team with the five leader types that balance each other.

You will learn how to spot each type with DISC, where they shine, where they stall, and how to pair them so execution, innovation, and culture rise together.

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Most leaders dread difficult conversations—but that's where real leadership is measured.

In this episode, I wrap up the Roadmap to Difficult Conversations series with the ultimate leadership tune-up.

You'll learn how to handle tough talks calmly, get alignment instead of compliance, and turn f...

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Culture doesn't come from posters or mission statements—it comes from what leaders enforce every single day.

In this episode, I break down why "you don't get what you preach, you get what you tolerate," how little slips poison culture, and what real enforcement looks like with standards big and small.

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September 24, 2025 43 mins

Every time you "win" an argument as a leader, you actually lose influence.

In this episode I reveal why arguments sabotage trust, how to spot the ego traps that bait you in, and a proven redirect playbook to turn conflict into collaboration.

You'll leave with scripts, questions, and practical tools to lead with calm authority in...

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One bad conversation can wreck a relationship you spent years building. In this episode I walk you through a practical roadmap for tough talks with direct reports, peers, and your boss so you protect respect, keep trust intact, and actually improve performance. You will get exact openers, EQ cues, and a simple four-step flow you can use today.

 

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September 8, 2025 22 mins

Ever had a conversation go nuclear in 60 seconds flat? You're not alone. In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, Vaughn Sigmon breaks down how great leaders turn explosive moments into opportunities for trust and clarity.

Learn how to stop pouring gas on the fire and start becoming the calm thermostat your team needs whe...

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In this power-packed episode of The Business Mechanic Show, Vaughn Sigmon uncovers the hidden fears behind why managers avoid difficult conversations—and gives you a bulletproof playbook for how to overcome them.

From confronting an underperforming direct report to correcting a peer's mistake, Vaughn explains how to step into t...

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August 5, 2025 22 mins

In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, the focus is all about real leadership—starting where excuses stop. It's a no-nonsense call to managers and leaders who are tired of feeling like they're running an adult daycare. The message? Leadership isn't about blame—it's about ownership. And if you want better outcomes, stronger teams, and real respect, you've...

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How to Start Tough Conversations Without Triggering a Blow Up

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What if the biggest obstacle to a productive conversation… was the story in your head?
In this powerful episode, the curtain gets pulled back on one of the most damaging habits in leadership: assuming intent. From ghosted emails to pushback in meetings, it's easy to jump to conclusions. But when leaders start conversations like prosecutors instead of partners,...

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In this episode of the Business Mechanic Show, the three hidden layers of every difficult conversation are broken down with precision. What often starts as a simple discussion about performance or behavior can quickly escalate when deeper emotions and identity concerns go unrecognized. This episode dives deep into why most managers mishandle tough conversations—and how to shift from reactive manager to confident, emotionally intell...

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This episode cuts straight to the heart of why difficult conversations so often go sideways for managers. It's not just about saying the wrong thing—it's about starting from the wrong mindset. Managers either avoid the talk entirely or come in too hot, trying to prove a point instead of seeking clarity. The result? Trust erodes, engagement drops, and the issue never really gets fixed.

You'll learn why your approach to tough convers...

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June 24, 2025 37 mins

Disagreements are inevitable—but conflict doesn't have to be destructive. In this episode, you'll learn how to handle tough conversations with calm, clarity, and confidence. This isn't about avoiding conflict—it's about navigating it with emotional intelligence and real leadership. The conversation covers practical steps to remain in control, de-escalate tension, and respond with intention instead...

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In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, we unpack what it really takes to navigate difficult conversations without losing your cool. This isn't about walking in with a perfect script or powering through on assumptions.

It's about letting go of the need to be right—and embracing the discipline to actually listen, lead, and respond with clarity. The episode ...

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If your team has gone quiet—less feedback, less engagement, less energy—it's not a people problem, it's a leadership issue. And it almost always comes back to one skill: listening.

This episode flips the script on how most managers communicate. Too many are addicted to the sound of their own voice. Real leadership isn't about telling. It's about tuning in. When y...

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Most people want to lead. Few are willing to go through what leadership truly demands. This episode lays down the truth: growth doesn't happen in comfort. It happens when you lean into discomfort, own your shortcomings, and take the reps that reshape who you are. Real leadership isn't about feeling ready. It's about showing up even when you're not.

Get ready to h...

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This episode is a gut-check for every leader who wants to stop firefighting and start winning. If your team isn't producing, if you're spending more time chasing fixes than building success—this episode is the wake-up call. The truth? Your team's performance is a direct reflection of your leadership.

This no-fluff session walks through the real ...

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