On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Michael Klassen, veteran broadcast producer and host of the 5am Podcast. Michael shared how his journey in media shaped his ability to build strong teams, the importance of routines and rest for high performers, and the power of being intentional with your mornings. Whether you’re leading a boardroom, launching your own business, or striving to find balance in your busy life, Michael’s insights on preparation, refreshing others, and prioritizing your team’s wellbeing will leave you inspired to elevate your impact. Don’t miss this episode—tune in now!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Behind the Camera Success
04:35 "Learning Organization from Necessity"
07:50 "Naps Boost Brain and Body"
10:59 "Early Riser's Morning Routine"
13:41 Time Management Rituals
19:52 Valuing Team Members' Well-being
22:42 Continuous Learning for Leaders
24:40 Evaluating Daily Success and Priorities
29:37 "Leadership Insights from Four Hour Body"
33:03 Intentional Sabbath Planning Needed
35:28 Work-Life Balance Warning
40:16 Advice for Future Leaders
42:46 Automatic Intelligence Approach
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Here are my top 3 takeaways that every leader and entrepreneur can use right away:
🔸 Preparation Meets Opportunity Success often looks like “luck” from the outside, but Michael emphasized that it’s about being organized, disciplined, and ready when opportunity knocks. “If we don't plan, we plan to fail.”
🔸 Refresh Others, Refresh Yourself Building a culture of encouragement is vital—whether you lead a boardroom or a podcast community. Michael’s mission with the 5am Podcast is to be a "purveyor of hope" and to uplift others, drawing on the belief that by refreshing others, we are refreshed ourselves.
🔸 Rest Is a Leadership Discipline High-performing professionals need rest as much as effort. Michael discussed the importance of intentionally scheduling a true Sabbath—however it fits your life and business. Consistent rest sustains both personal health and effective leadership.
Listen to this episode if you want to rethink your approach to routines, inspiration, and leading with purpose. And check out Michael’s latest projects at fiveampodcast.com—especially his upcoming Smart Goal & Vision Journal!
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Michael's Website
Book Recommendation
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