80 How to Grow - with John Gallagher

In this episode, I am joined by John Gallagher, an executive coach, host of the Uncommon Leader Podcast, and creator of Champions Brew, to explore the principles of leadership, personal growth, and the importance of intentionality.

Drawing on over 25 years of leadership experience, John shares practical frameworks for transforming leaders and organisations, from developing personal discipline to cultivating leaders who inspire and equip others.

We discuss how leaders can raise the average of those around them, creating high-performing teams with purpose.

John also reflects on the importance of faith and family, showing how personal and professional growth are deeply interconnected.

Key Quotes:

• "Good intentions without discipline lead to excuses, but good discipline with intention leads to excellence." —John Gallagher [00:18:14]
• "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So look at your circle and raise the average." —John Gallagher [00:26:20]

Chapter Breakdown and Timestamps:

1. John Gallagher's Leadership Journey [00:00:57]
   • John reflects on his 25-year journey into leadership and the influence of John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
2. The Importance of Family and Relationships [00:03:38]
   • John talks about his Irish roots, a recent family reunion, and the importance of nurturing relationships with loved ones.
3. Defining Leadership and Influence [00:09:52]
   • John shares his simple definition of leadership as influence and how he applies this philosophy in coaching others.
4. The Pain of Change vs. Staying the Same [00:11:22]
   • Through a metaphor about a chirping smoke detector, John illustrates the necessity of making uncomfortable decisions to achieve growth.
5. The Seven Steps to Personal Growth [00:15:55]
   • John outlines his seven-step framework for growth, covering decision-making, discipline, and the need for continuous reflection.
6. Intentionality in Leadership and Faith [00:22:00]
   • John explains how his faith drives his leadership approach, emphasizing how core values like love and empathy are key to influencing others without being overbearing.
7. Raising the Average in Leadership [00:26:00]
   • Inspired by Jim Rohn’s famous quote, John challenges leaders to constantly raise the average of the people they surround themselves with and those they influence.
8. Future Projects and Personal Growth [00:27:40]
   • John reveals his upcoming book, Excellence Only Happens on Purpose, and his commitment to continuous growth in all aspects of life.

Actionable Insights:

• Embrace Discipline with Intention: Focus on consistent daily habits—whether in leadership, fitness, or family life—that align with your long-term goals.
• Raise the Average: Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you to grow. Be the kind of leader who raises the average in every room you enter.
• Make the Tough Decisions: Whether in life or leadership, growth comes when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change.

For more wisdom from John Gallagher, check out his podcast, Uncommon Leader, or subscribe to his Champions Brew newsletter:

https://www.coachjohngallagher.com/

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