What makes a leader truly influential—and why do some thrive while others fall flat? Leadership expert Paul Thornton joins Adrienne Barker to break down the core traits of impactful, ethical leadership and how anyone—regardless of title—can step up and lead with confidence.
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Adrienne Barker welcomes Paul Thornton, leadership author, professor, and speaker, to share what decades of experience in developing leaders has taught him. From writing leadership books to teaching at Springfield College, Paul reveals how great leaders think, communicate, and inspire. He also explores how businesses and individuals can build cultures that support growth, accountability, and courage—without relying on charisma or ego.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with both strength and integrity, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.
💡 Key Takeaways:
➡️ Leadership is about clarity, courage, and communication—not just control.
➡️ Anyone in any role can develop leadership skills by taking ownership and influencing outcomes.
➡️ Bold leaders are willing to challenge the status quo—and welcome feedback.
➡️ Teaching leadership in colleges helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
➡️ Paul shares tips on how to mentor future leaders in your workplace or community.
🗣️ Memorable Quotes:
📌 “You can lead from any chair. It's not about the title—it’s about how you show up.” – Paul Thornton
📚 About Paul Thornton:
Paul B. Thornton is the author of multiple books on leadership, including Leadership: Best Advice I Ever Got. He has taught leadership at Springfield College and worked with companies across industries to build leadership capacity at every level. His mission is to help people think like leaders—so they can act like leaders.
📢 Connect with Paul Thornton:
📘 Books by Paul Thornton on Amazon 🔗 LinkedIn – Paul B. Thornton
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Catch this episode and more of Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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