#8: Leadership, Emotion, and the Courage to Own Your Mistakes

In this vulnerable solo episode, host Steve Arendt revisits a recent leadership experience that went completely sideways—and how he used it as an opportunity for growth through the three levels of work (framework from Episode 6):

1. The cogs and wheels—getting things done

2. The deep work—stepping back to improve the system

3. The deepest work—doing the inner work as a leader

Steve shares what happened during a frustrating nonprofit meeting he was leading: unclear leadership, a lack of direction, no measurable deliverables, and confused team dynamics. The result? Frustration, anger, and shut-down teammates.

But instead of staying stuck, Steve leaned into the discomfort, unpacked his emotional response, and took full ownership of his role in the breakdown. What followed was a powerful reflection on how to move forward—with clarity, humility, and renewed leadership.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Why great leadership starts with emotional self-awareness

• How to turn anger into a learning opportunity

• The difference between consensus-building and decision-making

• A simple framework to lead better meetings

• Why “failing forward” is essential to building a better life and business

This is real leadership—raw, honest, and growth-minded.