- 19
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Action Lab Leadership Podcast
Honest, unfiltered conversations with business leaders about the mistakes, pivots, and lessons that shape their growth.
- Publisher
- Danny Gruening
- Category
- business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 12 Nov 2025
- Latest episode
- 16 Jun 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
16 Jun 2026
Michelle Gruening: When Curiosity Turns Into Procrastination
"Any strength taken to the extreme can be a detriment." In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny is joined by Michelle Gruening, a coach at Action Lab Leadership (and his wife!). Together, they dive into the messy, human side of leadership. They pull back the curtain on how well-meaning habits can secretly sabotage your team's growth and your own progress. Michelle shares her personal leadership journey, from leading a team twice her age early in her career to finding her balance in the tech industry. She breaks down the thin line between staying genuinely curious and falling into the trap of hyper-fixation procrastination. Inside the Episode: The Protection Paradox: Why shielding your team from heavy workloads or tough clients might actually be hurting their ability to grow. Taming the Thunder: Michelle’s evolution from giving overly blunt feedback to being too soft, and how she learned to address behaviors instead of identities. The Ukulele Lesson: A powerful reminder to stop setting goals you don't actually care about. When Curiosity stalls Progress: How to spot the red flag when curiosity shifts from a strength into procrastination. Leadership as a Muscle: Why failure in business is exactly like lifting weights to failure in the gym; it’s the only way to grow. Transactional vs. Transformational: Looking past the transient nature of short-term staff to build relationships that leave a lasting ripple effect. Keeping Promises to Yourself: The single fastest, most surefire action you can take today to rebuild your self-confidence. True leadership doesn’t require perfection; it requires the willingness to be curious, reflect on your decisions, and learn as you go.
10 Jun 2026
[Solo] Why Waiting for Motivation Is Killing Your Progress
If you wait for motivation to show up, you might be waiting forever. In this solo episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny breaks down a common trap that keeps high achievers, managers, and business owners stuck: waiting around for inspiration to strike before tackling a major project. He introduces a powerful framework called the Cycle of Motivation, a five-part flywheel that shifts the focus from waiting for a feeling to controlling the habits that actually make progress. Danny shares tactical advice on how to build consistent optimism, reverse-engineer momentum, and apply practical mantras to keep your business moving forward even when life disrupts your routine. Inside the Episode The Trap of Waiting: Why waiting for motivation before taking action results in stagnant projects and zero progress. Flipping the Script: How to intentionally train your brain out of its natural bias for negativity by asking a simple, positive question. The Morning Reset: Why avoiding your phone for the first 15 to 30 minutes of the day protects your mental foundation. Shrink the Step: A practical strategy to break down massive, overwhelming tasks until it becomes ridiculous not to do them. Suck But Don't Skip: An empowering execution mindset that prioritizes consistency over "feeling like it". The Train Metaphor: Understand why a small hurdle can stop you completely if you don't keep moving. The Mount Kilimanjaro Reset: How Danny and his wife rebuilt their momentum from scratch after an unexpected health setback threatened their goals. True motivation isn't something you wait for; it is something you build through the daily choices you fully control.
30 Apr 2026
Ed Golebiowski: Why I Left Corporate America to Build Something Real
If you want your team to share in your vision, you have to be the first one to set the standard. In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Ed Golebiowski, owner of Zero Gravity Adventure Park. Ed discusses the unique dynamics of running a family business where his sons are also his employees and explains why he left a high-level corporate career for the fulfillment of the entertainment industry. He shares practical advice on leading by example and why the best managers are those who leave the counter and engage with customers on the floor. Ed also tells the story of a community initiative that started as a local way to support hospital workers and eventually gained traction in nine different countries. Inside the Episode Leading by Example: Why Ed views leadership as a way to set expectations for both his sons and his staff. Boss Mode vs. Home Mode: How to navigate the shift in roles when working with family members. The Communication Gap: Why failing to share your expectations leads to resentment within your team. Beyond the Counter: The importance of high-touch leadership and getting managers onto the floor. Dignified Coaching: How to train first-time employees on basic skills without being insulting. Corporate vs. Fulfillment: Why Ed walked away from a high-paying role in financial insurance to return to a creative career path. The Viral Pizza Portal: How a simple idea to help essential employees during Covid turned into a global community win. Give Them a Shot: Why owners should look at their staff and give the next generation a chance to lead. Ed’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than just managing operations; it's about the courage to bet on yourself and the commitment to bring others along with you.
21 Apr 2026
Chris Epstein: Solving Problems the Fun Way
If you are waiting for a guarantee of success before you try something new, you’ve already stopped leading. In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Chris Epstein, Business Development Officer at Laserforce. Drawing from his background as a football coach and teacher, Chris shares why the most effective leaders focus on driving progress through camaraderie rather than rank. He makes a compelling case for why "taking creative swings" is essential, even when those swings end in a miss. Chris also dives into the importance of showing up authentically in business, arguing that the best professional relationships are built when you are unapologetically yourself. Inside the Episode: Leadership as a Reflex: Why true leadership is the natural instinct to make sure your team is taken care of and progressing together. The Position Coach Perspective: How to take a mountain of complex data and funnel it into actionable communication for your team. Taking the Two-Point Conversion: Why you should be willing to solve problems in unique, fun ways; and why you have to be okay when you miss. The Power of Authenticity: Why trying to be someone you're not can actually prevent you from building real relationships. Rewiring the To-Do List: How to break the childhood "chores" mentality and set an intentional pace for long-term sustainability. The Loneliness of the Top: Why joining a community or mastermind is the right move for any high-level leader. Chris’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that leadership isn't about the clout of a title; it's about camaraderie and the courage to play the game creatively.
8 Apr 2026
Sven Rösch: Why Leaders Never Clock Out
If you view leadership as a 9-to-5 job description, you are missing the true power of your influence. In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Sven Rösch, the Head of Sales at Valo Motion. Sven shares a vulnerable look at a pivotal moment early in his career when he was nearly fired for a lack of results. His turnaround didn't come from following a stricter process, but from a radical shift in mindset: he decided to stop following bullet points and start being genuinely curious about the people in front of him. From the high-stakes world of motorcycle racing to the technical challenges of rock climbing, Sven explains why excellence is the byproduct of better technique and a service-oriented heart. Inside the Episode: The Identity of a Leader: Why leadership is a choice to be a positive influence that doesn't end when you clock out. The Curiosity Cure: How Sven saved his career by deciding to be fascinated by the stories of his clients. Don’t Ride Faster, Ride Better: Why focusing on the process (not the lap time) is the secret to long-term business success. The Climber’s Spark: Why seeing a team member surpass your own skill set is the ultimate "job well done" for a leader. Sparring Partners: The importance of having a trusted network you can collaborate with and learn from. Reflected Experience: Why wisdom doesn't happen automatically and how to intentionally extract lessons from difficult times. Sven’s journey is a powerful reminder that when you lead with curiosity and focus on the person instead of the process, the results tend to take care of themselves.
10 Mar 2026
Jeff Willy: I Love When People Make Mistakes
If you aren’t creating a space where it is safe to fail, you are accidentally capping your team’s potential. If your team is afraid to mess up, they are likely afraid to grow. In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny talks with Jeff Willy, owner of Loveland Laser Tag and co-owner of Time Emporium Escape Rooms, about why he actively celebrates mistakes in his business. Jeff shares his journey from a "do everything himself" business owner to a mentor who empowers his team to challenge his ideas, even when it means being proven wrong. From a floor-stripping disaster that cost $12,000 to the "loaded fries" menu debate, Jeff explains why leadership isn't about having the perfect plan, but about seeing the potential in your people and helping them reach their own dreams. Inside the Episode: The Potential Superpower: Why Jeff interacts with his staff based on who they want to become, not just who they are today. The $12,000 Teaching Moment: How a massive mistake became a milestone for one of his managers instead of a reason to fire them. The CPU Myth: Why multitasking is a lie and how Jeff uses his background in computer programming to focus on what matters. Listening Mode: Jeff’s personal challenge to talk less and listen more to unlock the "hidden" genius of his team. Leading Without a Map: Why Jeff has stopped worrying about the exact "path" to a goal and started trusting his team to find the way. Ownership vs. Employment: How to identify and nurture the rare employees who view your business with an "owner's eye". Jeff’s insights provide a blueprint for any leader looking to build a culture of psychological safety, high ambition, and genuine partnership.
17 Feb 2026
Megan Burtch: Why Helping Others Grow is the Greatest Reward
Leadership isn’t a task to be completed. It’s a garden to be nurtured. Leadership is easy when you’re just handing out tasks, but it’s a different game when you’re trying to help people grow. In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Megan Burtch of Redemption Plus to discuss why leading a team is a lot like being a "plant lady". Megan shares how her love for gardening helped her realize that true leadership requires patience, individualized care, and a focus on long-term growth over instant gratification. Megan opens up about the "proud mama bear" joy that comes from watching a team member achieve a milestone and shares hard-earned lessons on shifting from a high-achieving "doer" to an empowering "leader". Inside the Episode: Leading Like a Plant Lady: Why every person on your team needs a different "fertilizer schedule" or coaching style to thrive. Mowing vs. Planting: The difference between the instant gratification of task completion and the patient, rewarding process of people growth. The High-Achiever Trap: How Megan is learning to "delegate to elevate" and move beyond the burnout-inducing need to do it all herself. Meeting People Where They Are: The importance of reading the room and adjusting your energy to support your team through stress. Venting at the Top: Why you should never complain downward and how to find healthy ways to process the pressure of leadership. The Power of Admitting You're Wrong: Why owning your mistakes is the fastest way to build trust and encourage team-wide growth. Megan’s stories are a masterclass in the empathy and patience required to nurture a high-performing culture that lasts.
10 Feb 2026
Sara Paz: Why You Aren't Failing Enough
If you aren't failing, you might be playing it too safe. In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny talks with Sara Paz, Chief Marketing Officer at Embed, about why the most successful leaders prioritize professional adventure over perfection. Sara shares her philosophy on leading high-performing teams by removing political obstacles and providing a safety net that gives people the courage to take massive risks. From sending marketing winners to the edge of space on a Russian MiG to navigating personal life quakes, Sara explains why leadership is about bringing out the best in people and helping them discover the unique gift only they can offer the world. Inside the Episode: The Safety Net Strategy: How providing a secure environment allows your team to innovate and fail forward without fear. Professional Adventures: Why Sara tells her team there is nowhere to hide and why that leads to the best work of their lives. Greatness vs. The Greatest: A deep dive into why greatness is inclusive and internal, while being the greatest is competitive and exclusive. The Note Only You Can Sing: Why the purpose of life is discovering your unique gift and putting it in service of your goals. Confident in Uncertainty: How to stay grounded and take action when you don’t have all the answers. Squeezing Life Dry: Sara’s "milk it to the bone" mantra for making the most of your one life and your health. Sara’s insights provide a masterclass in how to lead yourself first so that you can effectively lead others toward extraordinary results.
4 Feb 2026
Jeremy Hoyum: You Don’t Know the Battle They’re Fighting
What do you do when a guest (or an employee) is at their absolute worst? In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with industry veteran and leadership coach Jeremy Hoyum to discuss the shift from being a "robot manager" to a leader with a servant’s heart. Jeremy recounts a "punch to the gut" moment with a guest facing a terminal illness that forever changed how he views the people in his organization. Jeremy breaks down the "Equity Bank" of relationships, explaining why leaders must constantly deposit into their team so they have something to withdraw from when the business gets chaotic. We also dive into why core values shouldn't be aspirational wishes on a wall, but a daily language used to guide, coach, and even fire. Inside the Episode: The Relationship Equity Bank: How to deposit equity into your people so you can navigate the hard times together. Core Values as Language: Why consistency in your wording is the only way to avoid the "gray area" of misalignment. The Blacksmith Metaphor: Why challenging seasons are actually the "pounding" that turns a raw piece of metal into a valuable tool. The Problem-Solving Gap: How to teach critical thinking to a generation raised on instant search results. Jeremy’s insights are a masterclass in balancing military-grade discipline with the deep empathy required to change the world one person at a time.
27 Jan 2026
Jason Wistreich: Chase Curiosity, Not Perfection
Is your need to be "the expert" holding your team back? In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Jason Wistreich, a principal at JKRP Architects. Jason shares his journey from a young, "malleable" architect right out of school to leading a firm that has grown from 20 to 70 people. He provides a transparent look at the evolution of a leader, moving away from the technical pressure of having all the answers toward the human skill of leadership curiosity. Jason advocates for an "iterative approach" to business; the belief that nothing is ever truly perfect, and that true progress comes from taking action, reflecting, and fine-tuning along the way. Whether you are navigating a complex partnership with multiple owners or trying to improve how your message lands with your team, Jason’s "human-first" philosophy is a roadmap for any ambitious leader. Inside the Episode: Situating Success: Why true leadership means thinking outside of your own success to help others win. The Iterative Loop: How to conceptually launch an idea and fine-tune it through action rather than waiting for perfection. The "Listener’s Ear": Why communication doesn't happen at the speaker’s mouth, and how to ensure your message is actually received. Reframing Failure: Adopting the Kobe Bryant philosophy: there is no failure if you learn from the experience. Ask, Don’t Tell: The power of using questions to let team members discover answers organically. Jason’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that leadership isn't about being perfect; it's about being the best role model for growth.
14 Jan 2026
Jim Lewis: Why the World Keeps Turning After You Fail
What happens to your leadership when you hit the "limit of your skill" and everything crashes? In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Jim Lewis, the president of 12 companies and owner of Area 254. Jim shares a candid look at the high-stakes world of multi-business ownership, from the weight of being the "final call" to the humility required to lead through failure. Jim uses his background in BMX racing to explain a powerful philosophy: If you aren't crashing occasionally, you aren't testing the limits of how fast you can go. Whether it's shutting down a 50-year-old family business or making a multi-million dollar decision, Jim breaks down how to maintain an "even keel" when things go wrong and why the world keeps turning even after a setback. Inside the Episode: The "Adolescent Brain": Why leadership requires honesty about our internal struggles. Testing the Limit: How to view failure as a necessary metric for growth and speed. Curiosity Over Ego: Why the best leaders are "surveyors of more than one" and endlessly curious. The Final Call: Managing the mental weight of being the person responsible for the results. Protecting the Priorities: Learning to set the work aside to give your family your full attention. Jim’s perspective is a masterclass in resilience for any business owner or manager who feels the pressure of "getting it right" every time.
7 Jan 2026
Brian Hahn: Doing the Work When No One’s Watching
Does your leadership hold up when no one is watching? In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Brian Hahn, owner of Metropolis Resort, to strip away the "fluff" of modern leadership. Brian shares a grounded, high-stakes perspective on leadership accountability and why true culture isn’t built on keynote speeches—it’s built on the boring, daily discipline of maintaining standards. Most leaders wait for motivation; Brian explains why you should rely on consistency. We dive into the "cost of silence" and how allowing small issues to slide can eventually dismantle an entire organization. Inside the Episode: Leadership Accountability: Why your culture is defined by what you allow and enforce daily. Consistency vs. Motivation: Why showing up matters more than feeling inspired. The Cost of Silence: How ignoring "minor" issues creates major organizational rot. Leading Without a Spotlight: The power of doing the work without needing the recognition. Building Trust: How personal discipline creates a foundation for high-performing teams. Brian’s approach is a masterclass for any leader, manager, or business owner who wants to build a team that thrives on discipline, trust, and clear expectations.
30 Dec 2025
Stephanie Moxley: Making Decisions Before You Feel Ready
Stephanie Moxley, Owner of Pins & Wheels, shares what it really looks like to make decisions before you feel ready, especially during seasons of growth and change. In this episode, we talk about uncertainty, hesitation, and the pressure leaders feel to get everything right. Stephanie explains why waiting for clarity can stall progress and how action creates learning, confidence, and momentum. This conversation is for leaders who are tired of overthinking and ready to move forward—even without perfect answers.
16 Dec 2025
Albert Waitt: Why Fear Stops Growth
Albert Waitt, President of Operations at Smitty's Entertainment, shares a grounded perspective on why fear quietly limits growth inside teams and organizations. In this episode, we talk about how leaders unintentionally create pressure, how mistakes too often get punished, and what it looks like to build environments where people feel safe to try. Albert explains why calm leadership, perspective, and trust matter more than urgency or control. This conversation is a reminder that real progress starts when fear is removed, not reinforced.
9 Dec 2025
Laura Zorn: Building a Business Without Losing Yourself
Laura Zorn, owner of Bravoz in Jacksonville, opens up about what it really takes to rebuild a culture, lead through discouraging seasons, and keep optimism alive when business gets hard. She shares honest lessons from navigating COVID, redefining team roles, improving communication, and learning to trust her managers more deeply. If you want a grounded, real-world look at leadership in small business, this conversation delivers it.
2 Dec 2025
Mario Valadez: Turning Discouragement Into Strength
Mario Valadez shares how early career discouragement shaped the way he leads today—with humility, service, and heart. In this episode, he opens up about the moments that defined his leadership style, the mentors who believed in him, and the culture he builds for others. If you want a grounded look at what real leadership requires, this conversation will stay with you.
26 Nov 2025
Kevin Loughery: The Power of “Yes, And” in Business & Life
Kevin Loughery, founder of Prospr Communications, shares how an unexpected failure became the launchpad for a business and life he never saw coming. We dig into trusting people, saying “yes” to new opportunities, and leading as a solopreneur without a traditional team. Kevin also opens up about presence, improv, and the small moments that ultimately shape a career.
15 Nov 2025
Craig Buster: Why Being Yourself Is the Most Underrated Leadership Skill
Craig Buster, COO at Pinz, shares how authenticity, mentorship, and investing in your team can transform culture and drive long-term growth. Learn how he navigated big career transitions and built a leadership approach grounded in trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
12 Nov 2025
Podcast Trailer - Join Me For These Unfiltered Conversations
Welcome to the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, where I have honest, unfiltered conversations with business leaders. I’m Danny, founder of Action Lab Leadership. After years of working with business owners, I wanted to go deeper than the highlights — I wanted to explore the real stories of leadership and growth. That’s why I created this podcast. People love hearing about success, but I want to talk about the messy journey that happens along the way — the mistakes, the pivots, and the lessons that shape how great leaders actually think and grow. Here’s what you can expect: every week, I sit down for a long-form, honest conversation with someone who’s building something meaningful. We’ll talk about mindset, failure, growth, and what it truly takes to lead with purpose. If you're a business owner, a manager, or simply someone who wants to grow in how you think and lead — you’ll feel right at home here. If that sounds like you, hit follow or subscribe — and join me for these conversations.
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