Leadership Currency with Dr. Doug McKinley

Leadership was never meant to be a solo pursuit. We talk often about courage, clarity, and competence, but rarely about the friendships that make those possible.

In this episode, Doug unveils the idea of relational currency: the value exchanged between people who know and trust each other. Drawing from Tom Rath’s work on Vital Friends and identity-based leadership framework, he explores why friendship is more than emotional support;...

In this final episode of The Resiliency Quest series, the mic remains in the hands of guest host Adam Mock, who turns the focus toward the fifth and final trailhead, Agility, as he interviews Dr. McKinley, the author of the book that inspired the series.

Agility is more than a leadership skill, it’s a survival trait for the uncertain, complex world we’re all navigating. In this candid conversation, Dr. McKinley unpacks what it means...

We’re nearing the summit in The Resiliency Quest podcast series. This week guest host Adam Mock continues his conversation with Dr. Doug McKinley—this time exploring one of the most misunderstood dimensions of resilient leadership: Boundaries.

Boundaries are often mistaken for walls, but they’re actually bridges to freedom. In leadership, if you’re always available, you’re never fully present. Dr. McKinley shares how burnout isn’t c...

In this episode of The Resiliency Quest podcast series, guest host Adam Mock continues his discussion with Dr. Doug McKinley, diving into the next trailhead on the journey toward resilient leadership: Connection.

At first glance, connection might seem like a soft skill—but in reality, it’s the backbone of sustainable leadership. Leaders often find themselves isolated at the top, praised for independence but starving for authentic hu...

Welcome back to The Resiliency Quest podcast series—where we hand the mic to Adam Mock, leadership author and podcast host, to interview Dr. Doug McKinley about his own book and the five Trailheads that map the journey toward resilient leadership.

Today’s Trailhead: Self-Awareness

Self-awareness isn’t a soft skill—it’s the first summit every resilient leader must face. Too many leaders operate with blind spots they don’t even know ex...

Seats are swapping for this special podcast series on Resiliency. Author and podcast host Adam Mock steps in to interview Dr. Doug McKinley—the regular host—about his own book, The Resiliency Quest. This unique series explores five trailheads, each a metaphorical waypoint on the mountain hike of resilient leadership.

Today’s episode: The Quest for Purpose

Purpose isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the trail marker that keeps leaders from get...

In this episode, Dr. McKinley has an engaging discussion with podcast favorite, Amy Kemp, a dynamic leadership coach who specializes in guiding female leaders toward deeper self-awareness. Through powerful stories and practical insights, she shares how clarity of identity transforms confidence, communication, and impact. If you lead—or coach—women, this conversation is rich with wisdom and relevance.

To Order Doug's Books: The ...

Dr. McKinley invites Tim Mohns back to the podcast to explore the paradox of pursuing excellence without becoming entangled in outcomes. Detachment isn’t apathy—it’s the disciplined art of letting go while still showing up fully. Join us as we unpack what it means to lead with passion, purpose, and poise—without being owned by results.

To Order Doug's Books: The Resiliency Quest,Mad About Us 

Visit Doug's Website: http...

In this episode of Leadership Currency, Dr. McKinley steps into the world of illusion with professional illusionist, David Laflin, to explore what magic reveals about the human mind. From sleight of hand to self-deception, we examine how leaders—like audiences—can be fooled not just by others, but by themselves. What lies do we choose to believe? Why do we see what we want to see? Join us for a fascinating conversation about percep...

Leaders are more vulnerable than ever before to become burned out, messed up, and off track. Using the ancient wisdom from the Toltecs, Dr. McKinley will discuss the Four Agreements that every leader might consider before they start their day. Using this simple but effective tool, leaders can become more focused and less confused about things that don’t matter and free to lead and serve without unnecessary internal distractions.

Life is very much like a river. In this reflective podcast Dr. McKinley explains how real life happens “in the river” where the current is constantly flowing. Sometimes we deny, avoid, or opt out of that reality and choose to be stuck on the riverbank. Listen and learn how to stay in the current.

To Order Doug's Books: The Resiliency Quest,Mad About Us 

Visit Doug's Website: https://www.dougmckinley.com/ 

Receive a Free...

It is important to realize that your life matters to someone. Inspired by a movie called Simon Birch, this podcast from Doug reminds leaders that purpose can guide life decisions, shape goals, and offer a sense of direction and meaning. Purpose provides the motivation to get up every day and embrace the work.

To Order Doug's Books: The Resiliency Quest,Mad About Us 

Visit Doug's Website: https://www.dougmckinley.com/ 

R...

Why do people keep talking about the same concepts—like trust, resilience, clarity—as if saying them out loud enough might make them become real? In this episode, Dr. McKinley invites leaders to do some self-searching by tuning into their own “echo chamber”—the repeated themes, values, and questions that may reveal blind spots, hidden fears, or deep aspirations. With tools like the Echo Inventory, Dr. McKinley guides us in decoding...

In our final summer series episode of Meetings Matter, Dr. McKinley shares that thought leaders in psychology and organizational health consistently highlight that when team members don’t feel seen, heard, or valued, it leads to disengagement, burnout, and turnover—and ultimately undermines both performance and culture.  Lead meetings in a way that members truly feel they are playing a positive part. 

To Order Doug's Books...

In this 7th episode of our summer series, Meetings Matter, Dr. McKinley shares that meeting and leadership experts strongly condemn “throwing people under the bus” or backstabbing behaviors in professional settings. These actions are seen as toxic, trust-breaking, and deeply damaging to team cohesion and organizational health.  Learning to be vulnerable and accountable goes a long way in meetings with colleagues. 

To Order Doug...

In this 6th episode of Meetings Matter on the Leadership Currency podcast, Dr. McKinley shares why meeting and leadership experts generally discourage manipulative tactics like offering donuts or snacks to get people into a meeting under false pretenses—especially if it’s a bait-and-switch strategy. Meeting participants are more apt to be engaged when transparency is evident. 

To Order Doug's Books: The Resiliency Quest,Ma...