Episode Summary
Executive Summary: Ryan Hawk interviews executive coach Marshall Goldsmith on what makes great leaders, why ego blocks growth, and how simple daily accountability tools can drive behavior change. Goldsmith emphasizes courage, humility, and discipline, explains his results-based coaching model, and shares practical methods like daily self-review questions to improve leadership and life.
Main Topics: Qualities of sustained excellence: Goldsmith says leaders who sustain excellence share three traits: courage to self-reflect, humility to admit improvement is needed, and discipline to follow through on hard work. Executive coaching as a growth tool: He argues even top CEOs need coaching to keep improving, and describes his work with leaders at major organizations as a structured, measurable process. Ego and the need for help: A recurring theme is that ego, pride, and the belief that one can do everything alone prevent improvement; asking for help is presented as a strength. Triggers and environmental influence: Goldsmith explains that behavior is shaped by triggers—events, words, sounds, and environments—and that people must anticipate or manage them to become who they want to be. Daily question process for behavior change: He details a simple daily spreadsheet/check-in system that uses self-scored questions to create accountability and drive improvement through repeated reflection. Leadership vs. achievement mindset: Goldsmith distinguishes great achievers, who often focus on themselves, from great leaders, who focus on others and making a positive difference.
Key Arguments: Great leaders must have courage, humility, and discipline to improve over time. Even highly successful CEOs benefit from coaching; success does not eliminate the need for feedback. Leadership growth requires measurable behavior change, not just good intentions or inspiration. Ego is a major barrier to progress because it causes people to defend their image instead of fixing problems. The best coaching works when the coach is paid only if the client improves according to outside observers. Daily self-assessment creates awareness and accountability, which are more effective than relying on willpower alone. Environment and triggers shape behavior, so people must learn to anticipate, avoid, or adapt to them. A leader's job is to make a positive difference, not to prove how smart or right they are.
Data Points: Books authored/edited: 35 - Goldsmith says he has written or edited 35 books. New York Times bestsellers: 3 - He names What Got You Here Won't Get You There, Mojo, and Triggers as his three biggest bestsellers. Countries visited for teaching/speaking: 96 - Goldsmith says he has traveled to 96 countries as a speaker/teacher. American Airlines frequent flyer miles: 11 million+ - He cites over 11 million miles on American Airlines alone. Years coaching: 39 years - He says he has been coaching for 39 years. Coaching fee: $250,000 - Goldsmith says his typical 18-month coaching engagement pays this amount if successful. Typical coaching duration: 18 months - He describes his standard coaching engagement length. Client count: About 10 - He says he currently has around 10 coaching clients. Book advance for Triggers: About $1.6 million - He says the book received offers around this amount in advances. CEOs endorsing Triggers: 27 - Goldsmith says 27 major CEOs endorsed the book. Daily question study result: 46% better at everything after 10 days - He cites outcomes from his six-question daily test. Daily question study result: 75% better at 4 of 6 questions - Reported after 10 days of using the daily questions. Daily question study result: 94% better at least one area - Reported after 10 days of using the daily questions. Daily question study result: 0.7% got worse - Reported after 10 days of using the daily questions. Ford turnaround: $1 to $18.40 - He cites Alan Mulally's leadership impact on Ford's stock price. Ford loss: $17 billion - Mulally’s early turnaround meeting referenced Ford losing $17 billion.
Pivotal Quotes: "The mission in life is to make a positive difference, not to prove how smart we are, not to prove how right we are." — Marshall Goldsmith: He explains why leaders must shift from self-justification to service and impact. "My name is Marshall Goldsmith. I am the world's leading executive coach. I pay a woman to call me on the phone every day just to listen to me read questions I wrote and provide answers I wrote." — Marshall Goldsmith: He uses himself as an example of needing external accountability and help. "For the great achiever, it's all about me, and for the great leader, it's all about them." — Marshall Goldsmith: He contrasts achievement-focused behavior with true leadership.
Implications: Listeners are encouraged to replace ego with accountability, use daily self-review to build better habits, and view coaching/help as a competitive advantage rather than a weakness. The episode reframes leadership as measurable behavior change, not status.
About The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk
View all episodes from The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk