The Power of Curiosity and Resilience in Leadership

Rich Lohman sits down with Josh Johnston, founder of agency consulting firm Hydra, to explore the nuances of leadership in today’s challenging landscape. From navigating the uncertainties of a post-pandemic world to understanding the importance of asking the right questions, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to succeed in business and life. Josh shares his journey of moving to Nashville, starting a business, and ultimately, achieving a multi-seven-figure exit. 

Together, Rich and Josh unpack the power of curiosity, the value of calculated risk-taking, and how an emphasis on leadership can be the key to unlocking both personal and professional growth. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone looking to level up their leadership skills.

The discussion kicks off with Josh reflecting on the difficulties of building a business during some of the most uncertain times in recent history, including the pandemic and the political turmoil that followed. He emphasizes that while risks are a natural part of any big decision, the key lies in evaluating those risks and seeing the potential upside.

Rich then shifts the conversation toward the changing dynamics of the workforce, highlighting the complexities of recruiting, hiring, and retaining talent in today's environment. Josh speaks to the importance of balancing risk with opportunity, encouraging listeners to embrace their own entrepreneurial journeys with a mindset of growth and curiosity.

A central theme of the episode is the significance of leadership development. Josh shares why he believes that growth as a leader is essential for achieving both financial success and making a meaningful impact. He offers practical advice on the importance of asking “why” questions, emphasizing that understanding the motivations behind decisions is crucial for effective leadership and sales.

In addition, the two dive into the role of education—both traditional and non-traditional—in shaping successful leaders. While Josh values learning, he contends that success doesn’t necessarily require a college degree, especially in entrepreneurial pursuits.

One of the episode’s most insightful moments comes when Rich asks Josh why someone should invest in personal growth and leadership. Instead of providing a typical motivational answer, Josh reframes the question to get to the root of motivation:Josh Johnston: "Well, my question would be, 'What are you trying to do with it? Because maybe you shouldn't, to be honest.' So I'd figure out, 'Hey, what are you trying to do with it first?'”

This response showcases Josh’s nuanced perspective on leadership—focusing not just on action, but on understanding the underlying purpose behind it. This emphasis on reflection and deeper questioning is a central theme in his consulting approach and sets this episode apart as a valuable guide for listeners seeking more thoughtful approaches to leadership challenges.

In this episode, Rich Lohman and Josh Johnston offer listeners a wealth of actionable insights into what it takes to succeed as a leader in today’s world. From embracing risk with a calculated mindset to the importance of continuous learning and asking deeper questions, the conversation is a call to action for anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact. As Josh points out, success is often about “being ultimately curious” and focusing on the “why” behind decisions. Rich adds to this by emphasizing that life’s journey is about growth, pushing past fear, and helping others along the way. If you're ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, this episode is a must-listen.

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