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Leadership is a continuous process that requires constant education. One of the best ways business owners and executives can maximize their time while learning is to tune into business podcasts they love. Podcasts also provide opportunities for obtaining direct knowledge from some of today’s greatest leaders.
However, with so many business and leadership podcasts out there, spending time searching for the perfect one can be counterproductive in regard to time management. In fact, as of April 2020, podcasthosting.org found there are over “900,000 podcasts and 28 million episodes” currently available to listeners.
Avoid wasting time and start expanding your leadership skills now by checking out this shortlist of the best business podcasts. Additionally, we’ve included a brief summary, the main topics covered, what others say about the podcast, and a direct link for listening.
FOMO – Business Podcasts You Don’t Want to Miss
1. Lead to Win
Kickstarting the list of top business podcasts is Lead to Win, hosted by best-selling author and speaker Michael Hyatt along with his daughter, Megan Hyatt Miller. In this series, the father-daughter duo portrays leadership as a journey people must continually pursue. Above all, it is especially helpful for people who want advice from the perspective of executive-level and entrepreneurial experience. Whether addressing common leadership problems or preparing new managers for challenges they may face, both Hyatts provide insight into core leadership topics.
Top Topics Covered:
- Leadership
- Self-development
- Vision
- Turnover
- Goal achievement
- Problem solving
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “Have always loved keeping up with Michael Hyatt since stumbling upon him back in his Thomas Nelson CEO days. Now along with his daughter, I am getting more and more up-to-date great advice. While some of it doesn’t necessarily fit where I am, it generates new ideas and thoughts for me. A great brain exercise!”
2. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
With guests ranging from celebrities to top psychologists and doctors, On Purpose is one of the best business podcasts for getting a wide variety of viewpoints. In contrast to the Hyatts’ show, Jay Shetty’s podcast includes more abstract and broad topics around leadership, business, and spirituality. Furthermore, the series provides knowledge on balancing one’s professional and personal life. When these two align, people excel as leaders. In short, this show is a good choice for entrepreneurs, executives, and managers who feel under pressure, stressed, and need a dose of positivity and inspiration in their lives.
Top Topics Covered:
- Growth
- Positivity
- Habits
- Mindset
- Manifestation
- Purpose
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “This podcast has been a game-changer and mood booster for me over the last couple months. It is the first thing I put on in the car every morning to work to get me excited and ready for the day. Each podcast has a special meaning and it helps bring perspective to my well-being and daily life.”
3. Entrepreneurs on Fire
John Lee Dumas (JLD) hosts this series which features a variety of interviews from successful entrepreneurs. For example, his guests include people like Tony Robbins, Lewis Howes and Gary Vaynerchuk. In summary, this popular podcast is more focused on the technicalities of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Furthermore, it thematically discusses how to make newly launched companies profitable in a short period of time. On this list of top business podcasts, Entrepreneurs on Fire is a great starting point for leaders who are focused on starting a business online.
Top Topics Covered:
- Growing a business
- Scaling and selling
- Planning
- Value proposition
- Branding
- Strategy
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to start a business OR an established entrepreneur who wants to scale a business, this is a must-listen for you! Highly valuable insights on several topics that can help you skyrocket your business and entrepreneurial journey!”
4. Hacking Your Leadership
Chris Stark, an experienced engagement consultant for Fortune 500 companies, and Lorenzo Flores, a leader at Apple, co-host Hacking Your Leadership. Due to their extensive experience, the show provides incredible insight into what effective leadership looks like. Out of all the business podcasts, this one is especially good for those who want to feel like they’re listening to a business friend or mentor give them advice. With over four decades of combined experience, Stark and Flores teach their listeners how to retain top talent, influence employees, and advance soft skills.
Top Topics Covered:
- Managing and guiding teams
- Crisis management
- Emotional intelligence
- Hiring new talent
- Team culture
- Leadership traits
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “This is a no BS podcast that doesn’t use vague notions about what leadership ‘should be.’ It gets to the core of what TRUE LEADERSHIP is!”
5. The LEADx Leadership Show
Tech mogul and best-selling author Kevin Krus hosts this interview-style podcast. In the series, he explores a variety of topics related to leadership through discussions with a vast network of executive coaches, business owners, and other experts. Out of the top business podcasts listed, this is one of the best for receiving executive coaching from leading industry experts. On the whole, the show mixes executive coaching, the science of leadership, and motivational speaking together. In summary, the podcast will resonate with those who love TED Talks and people who have stacks of leadership books in their library.
Top Topics Covered:
- Mindset
- Work-life balance
- Productivity
- Team-building
- Goal achievement
- Leadership tactics
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “Have been listening for over a year and shared with all of my new leaders. Love the variety of topics and easy to implement actionables to improve leadership skills.”
6. Business Wars
Journalist and lawyer David Brown leads this popular podcast about famous rivalries in business. From Ford vs. Chevrolet to Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ Donuts, Brown provides information about what happens when titans clash. In contrast to the other podcasts, this one stands out as unique in structure. Firstly, many of the episodes discuss how companies scale, grow, and take over in their markets. Secondly, it teaches lessons from failure. In particular, the show especially directs people on what not to do when guiding the ship. It’s an easy, yet interesting listen for entrepreneurs interested in learning business lessons from those who’ve experienced both success and failure.
Top Topics Covered:
- Entrepreneurship
- Business rivalries
- Disrupting the industry
- Scaling
- Innovation
- Failure
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “Listening to Boeing vs. Airbus. Fascinating history of how two of the biggest companies in the world developed and forged their path to success.”
7. The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast
Best-selling author John Maxwell hosts this entrepreneur podcast that provides a wide variety of lessons on how to be a transformational leader. Occasionally, Maxwell interviews leadership experts such as Simon Sinek, but the main focus is sharing a distinct lesson in leadership he’s learned over the course of 50 years. In brief, this podcast is great for anyone who wants weekly practical advice from someone who’s spent his life multiplying leaders. Above all, it is for those who want to learn how to become a servant leader and positively influence their teams.
Top Topics Covered:
- Relationship-building
- Communication
- Vision
- Mentorship
- Growth
- Mindset
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “What great words for a middle management leader such as myself . . . I definitely can use this as I continue to lead service members on my level. Thank you for providing this free resource for those of us trying to find our place in leadership. I actually sent this to my son so he can understand what an unforgettable leader is!”
8. Jocko Podcast
Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink and producer and director Echo Charles host one of the more popular podcasts on leadership in all areas of life. For instance, Willink’s perspective and beliefs around leadership, team building, and duty provide valuable insight into what it takes to be an effective leader. Whether reading excerpts, recommending or referencing books, they promote reading and studying from great leaders as an essential leadership quality. While the average show runs well over an hour, this series commands its audience’s attention.
Top Topics Covered:
- Vision
- Resilience
- Victory
- Accountability
- Strategy and Planning
- Service
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “One of THE best of the best podcasts to help you callous your mindset and develop the skills to lead yourself, your family, and your team.“
9. Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
While Groeschel is well-known for being the pastor of one of the world’s most innovative churches, he’s also a successful business owner. In 2019, CNBC ranked Life.Church as the best small company to work at. In Groeschel’s opinion, leadership isn’t about likability or power, but it’s about becoming a person who others love to follow. While he lays out the foundation for this in the first few episodes, more recent shows highlight other famous leaders such as Michael Hyatt and Patrick Lencioni. In turn, his approach to leading with a servant’s heart heavily influences those interested in doing the same.
Top Topics Covered:
- Influence
- Growth
- Innovation
- Team culture
- Multiplying leaders
- Inspiration and motivation
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “I was just moved into a leadership position. These podcasts have been my training. What great wisdom Craig has with dealing with people and situations. Thanks for your commitment to doing these.“
10. The Amber Lilyestrom Show
Business coach, branding strategist, author, and speaker Amber Lilyestrom hosts this show with a list of multi-faceted guests. Lilyestrom not only hosts her own show as a successful business owner, but she also exposes her audience to more diverse leaders. The Amber Lilyestrom Show is an excellent choice for those interested in hearing a fresh take on what it means to be a leader. For example, her work with newer, up-and-coming leaders might feel more relatable to young business owners and executives.
Top Topics Covered:
- Focus
- Work-life balance
- Mission
- Fear
- Impact
- Adversity
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “Amber is an inspiring leader. She goes deep inwardly to help you clear the clutter and deal with what’s truly getting in the way. With her support and guidance on this podcast, Amber helps you transform on the outside too. A must listen!“
11. The Ken Coleman Show
Radio show host Ken Coleman leads this podcast that helps people find purpose and passion, and plan to get where they want to go in life. But, the greatest benefit of the podcast is that it connects directly with its audience. During each episode, he answers real-life questions from callers and provides answers people are looking for as they grow their businesses and careers. Coleman is a leader who makes himself easily accessible when it comes to helping others. While some top leadership experts can feel distant, Coleman’s show is about talking one-on-one with him for career advice.
Top Topics Covered:
- Passion
- Purpose
- Career-building
- True calling
- Leadership advice
- Playing the right role
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “I am a job search coach who worked in executive search for many years. Ken Coleman does a great job of helping people make smart decisions they are afraid to make and act on. You got to love his principles and convictions.“
12. Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
As the founder and leader of North Point Ministries, Andy Stanley is another one of America’s most influential and innovative pastors. Together, with his expert guests, Stanley creates a detailed portrait of what it means to serve others. For example, some of the lessons covered are delegation, managing tension, and developing high-performing teams. With his friendly and warm tone, there’s certainly a sense of comfort and familiarity created between the audience, guests, and Stanley. Among the business podcasts listed, this one is great for people who are busy but want to start or end their day with some words of wisdom.
Top Topics Covered:
- Team-building
- Self-leadership
- Purpose
- Leading during crisis
- Organizational culture
- Being a daring leader
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “Andy Stanley is one of the best communicators in America. He understands leadership as well as anyone in any sphere of engagement, and he uses his gift for communication to share those complex ideas in a way that benefits all of us. Every episode is worth the time you will invest.“
13. Coaching for Leaders with Dave Stachowiak
The host of this entrepreneur podcast, Dave Stachowiak, was a former executive at Dale Carnegie of Southern Los Angeles. Each week, Stachowiak interviews leadership experts and authors, including Daniel Goleman, Seth Godin, and Simon Sinek. This podcast is specifically designed for people who want as much support as possible in growing as a leader. What’s especially interesting about this series is that listeners can dive as deeply into the material as they want. Stachowiak also has a leadership academy, which can be accessed online. While some leaders might just want a refresher or new information, others might resonate with the companion programs and courses Stachowiak offers.
Top Topics Covered:
- Leadership challenges
- Personal and professional development
- Building other leaders
- Decision-making
- Business transitions
- Creating leverage
What the Fans Say on Apple Reviews: “Whether you’re already deep into your journey of authentic leadership, or just getting started organizing your life around transformation, this is a must-listen podcast for you! Dave does an incredible job leading conversations that cover the entire range of mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural challenges we all face.“