Episodes

  • Breaking Free From Distractions

    Breaking Free From Distractions
    Feb 26 2025
    In this episode, David discusses the challenges of managing distractions and maintaining focus. He shares his personal experience with distractions, using the Full Focus Planner and the Wake Up Warrior method to improve his productivity. He emphasizes the importance of eliminating distractions to achieve true presence and intentionality. He uses the movie "Somewhere in Time" as a metaphor, highlighting how a single distraction can derail one's focus. He also advises using a subtractive approach, simplifying commitments, and creating intentional systems to enhance productivity and achieve goals.

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    22 mins
  • Asking The Right Questions

    Asking The Right Questions
    Feb 20 2025
    In this episode, David discusses the importance of asking the right questions in leadership rather than providing answers. He suggests three key questions: "What is the real challenge here?" to identify root causes, "What's another way to look at this?" to foster creative problem-solving, and "What's the next smallest step?" to inspire action. He argues that leaders should empower their teams by encouraging them to find their own solutions, which fosters engagement and growth. He encourages leaders to adopt a question-focused approach in various contexts, including team meetings and client interactions, to promote deeper understanding and better decision-making.

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    11 mins
  • The Power Of Reflection

    The Power Of Reflection
    Feb 12 2025
    In this episode, David discusses the importance of weekly reflection and accountability in leadership, drawing from his experience at the Wildlife Society's 72nd Annual Meeting. He emphasizes the need to assess what's working and what's not, using tools like the full focus planner and the Wake Up Warrior app's stack tool. He highlights the significance of addressing both successes and failures, learning from them, and continuously improving. He also stresses the value of community and peer support, sharing personal anecdotes and encouraging you to adopt a "return and report" system for personal and professional growth.

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    20 mins
  • Expanding Your Influence Through Connection And Service

    Expanding Your Influence Through Connection And Service
    Feb 5 2025
    In this episode, David discusses the importance of expanding influence through connection and service in leadership. He emphasizes the three pillars of influence: character, confidence, and connection. He shares his experience in the environmental consulting industry, highlighting the value of trust and service. He advocates for a "give first" mindset, providing examples like mentoring UC Davis students and making valuable introductions. He stresses the importance of being present, maintaining relationships, and following up consistently. He concludes by encouraging leaders to focus on serving others and building genuine connections to leave a lasting impact.

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    22 mins
  • Leading Beyond Titles

    Leading Beyond Titles
    Jan 29 2025
    In this episode, David discusses the importance of influence over authority in leadership, emphasizing that true leadership is measured by impact rather than titles. He highlights three core characteristics of influence: character, competence, and connection. He shares his experiences from networking events, advocating for building relationships over relying on titles. He suggests leading with curiosity and asking better questions to foster genuine connections. He also mentions his upcoming participation in the Western Wildlife Section annual meeting and the Desert Tortoise Annual Symposium, where he plans to apply these principles.

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    22 mins
  • Going The Distance

    Going The Distance
    Jan 22 2025
    In this episode, David explores what it means to lead yourself well without burning out or losing sight of your purpose. He reflects on foundational truths and current realities across life’s domains of body, being, balance, and business. He discusses tools and frameworks to build resilience, sustain energy, and maintain focus amidst life’s challenges. He also guides you in aligning commitments with your vision to create a life of meaningful progress and fulfillment.

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    24 mins
  • Rising From The Ashes

    Rising From The Ashes
    Jan 15 2025
    In this episode, David reflects on the devastating wildfires that recently ravaged Southern California, sharing personal experiences from his own evacuation and the emotional aftermath of such loss. He explores the importance of resilience, empathy, and leading with purpose during times of crisis. Drawing from past struggles, he encourages you to move from ashes to action, offering practical insights on how to support others, process grief, and rise stronger as individuals and communities, fostering healing and transformation.

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    23 mins
  • From Avoidance To Action

    From Avoidance To Action
    Jan 8 2025
    In this episode, David celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Intelligent Human Leadership podcast, reflecting on its growth and impact. He emphasizes the importance of addressing avoidance and neglect in both business and personal life, sharing his experience with Vargas Environmental Consulting. He advocates for intentionality and self-awareness, urging leaders to confront issues rather than neglect them. He discusses practical strategies like conducting leadership audits, practicing self-care, and maintaining healthy routines. He also highlights the transformative power of addressing neglected areas, encouraging you to strive for personal and professional growth in 2025.

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    24 mins