What’s the smartest way to take over a team without falling into the usual traps? In this episode, I’m joined by Carl Sharperson Jr. — a former Marine Corps pilot, corporate VP and leadership coach who’s worked with brands like Chick-fil-A, BMW and Lockheed Martin. Carl shares the exact process he uses to walk into a new team and turn it into a high-performing system (not just a team).
We get into how authenticity and resilience aren’t just personal values — they’re strategic leadership tools. Carl breaks down his "join-up" approach for building trust, getting buy-in and turning adversity into fuel. No theory here. Just straight-up, battle-tested tactics from someone who’s lived it in the military, the boardroom and life-or-death moments. If you’re a leader stepping into a new role — or rebuilding a struggling team — this one’s essential.
How to take over a team and turn it into a high-performing systemBuild trust with a “join-up” conversation — start with your own story Ask what the org can do better, from their perspective Set expectations and invite the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable Ask: “How can I help you?” Solve one problem, earn long-term loyalty Co-create the vision, strategy and plan — don’t dictate Focus on the system: people, processes, relationships and metrics Teach resilience: if you quit once, it gets easier to quit again
Timeline summary[04:52] - The P&G plant that outperformed by building trust and diversity [11:07] - Carl’s join-up method: the conversation every new leader should have [13:20] - “Help them with one problem, and you’ve got a friend for life” [16:13] - Turning trust into results with clear, co-created goals [20:01] - Why high performance means building systems, not just teams [24:46] - Resilience in action: what football, cancer and leadership have in common [31:33] - Why you should go with their solution, even if yours is better [36:08] - The real leadership challenge execs confess too late: balance [40:08] - Carl’s message to the world: “Love covers a multitude of sins”
Links & resources👉 www.carlsharpersonjr.com 📘 Sharp Leadership: Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity — available on Amazon
If this episode helped shift your perspective, do me a favour: rate, follow, share or leave a review. Let’s help more leaders lead first and sell more.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.