I’m a busy guy. That means I’m also a podcast guy, whether listening on a run or a long drive. I find podcasts are a great tool when you don’t have the time or attention span to dive into a book. But let’s be honest – not all podcasts are created equal. Finding that sweet spot of entertaining, engaging hosts and solid, worthwhile information isn’t easy.
That’s why I’ve assembled this list of leadership podcasts to check out!
12 Leadership Podcasts to Listen to This Year
#1 – The Learning Leader
If you know me, you know I believe in lifelong learning. Pushing ourselves to new places is crucial to becoming better people and better leaders. That’s what this podcast is about. Host Ryan Hawk sits down with influential people from all walks of life with interviews that will challenge your thinking, expand your knowledge, and better equip you to reach your full potential.
#2 – How I Built This
Ever wonder how some of the world’s biggest brands got there? How I Built This will satisfy your curiosity. These interviews with entrepreneurs, change-makers, visionaries, and founders give the inside scoop, from trials to triumphs, on their journey to building the most recognizable businesses in the world.
#3 – Dare to Lead
Dare to Lead is about capturing the courage to embrace your leadership role. No phoning it in. This is about showing up, getting engaged, and giving it your all. This podcast comes with solo and conversation-based episodes that strive to make everyday leadership daring, no matter your role.
#4 – Fail Forward
There’s nothing more valuable to a leader than failure. The trick is learning how to “fail forward” – and that’s what this podcast is all about. This honest look into real “lost it all” failures helps dispel the stigma and empowers us to get back up, bounce back, and use our mistakes to succeed.
#5 – We Can Do Hard Things
We Can Do Hard Things gets real about the challenges and ugly parts of life under the premise that things don’t get easier until we’re willing to be honest. The struggles, failures, and embarrassments… can all empower us to learn and lead better lives, less alone.
#6 – The Leadership Habit
This podcast is pretty much what you would expect from business leadership content. Each episode brings on an expert who explores how to improve every facet of leadership: communication, ethics, finding fulfillment, mentorship…and more!
#7 – A Bit of Optimism
If we’re not careful, it’s easy to be a pessimist. A Bit of Optimism is all about finding a bright future through life’s challenges. Host Simon Sinek interviews leaders and standouts from just about every corner of the world, from legendary chef Christina Tosi and NBA champ Shane Battier to NASA director Laurie Leshin and Venezuelan political prisoner Leopoldo Lopez.
#8 – TED Talks Daily
Who doesn’t love a good TED Talk? While this isn’t specifically a leadership podcast, the wide variety of topics, perspectives, and knowledge will sharpen any entrepreneur. This is one where you’ll want to pick and choose what interests you rather than binge every episode. Still, there’s a wealth of great insights to be had.
#9 – Coaching for Leaders
Reviews call this “must listen” podcast perfect for anyone – leadership role or not! With deep conversations and a focus on personal and relational growth, this pod will “coach” you into a bold, impactful communicator and a truly standout leader.
#10 – WorkLife with Adam Grant
This TED original podcast started with a simple idea: you’re at work for a quarter of your life, so you might as well enjoy it. Organizational psychologist Adam Grant interviews unusual professionals – most recently music mogul will.i.am and NXIVM whistleblower Sarah Edmundson – to transform how we view work.
#11 – Do Good to Lead Well
Craig Dowden is all about positive leadership. If you ask me, the leadership space desperately needs this brand of psychology-backed, compassionate positivity in the workplace. Discover how to tackle risk, be coachable, and be the kind of leader people want to be around.
#12 – Team Anywhere
This pod is perfect for today’s remote work culture. If you’re a leader managing a team from far away, give it a listen. The unique challenges facing remote teams – from communications breakdowns and technical issues to isolation and building trust – demand strategies. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to lead remote workers well.
What are your favorite leadership podcasts? Share your recommendations in the comments.