Bob Galen and Josh Anderson dissect toxic workplace culture and challenge leaders to take ownership. Learn why stack ranking exists (spoiler: because leaders aren't doing their jobs), why brutal AI-driven hiring processes are destroying recruitment, and how to properly use performance improvement plans. Stop passing the buck to HR or the C-suite.

If your workplace is toxic, it's your responsibility to detoxify it. Bob shares his experience refusing to participate in stack ranking, Josh explains why hiring can't be automated, and both hosts deliver their "Make it so" challenge for leaders ready to do the hard work.

Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse"

Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced tech environment. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll find valuable guidance and practical advice to enhance your leadership skills. Subscribe to "Leadership Lighthouse" for the latest articles and exclusive content right to your inbox.

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Bob Galen's "Agile Moose"

Bob Galen's "Agile Moose" is a must-read for anyone interested in Agile practices, team dynamics, and personal growth within the tech industry. The newsletter features in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable tips to help you excel in your Agile journey. Bob brings his extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives directly to you, covering everything from foundational Agile concepts to advanced techniques. Join a community of Agile enthusiasts and practitioners by subscribing to "Agile Moose."

Subscribe here

Do More Than Listen:

We publish video versions of every episode and post them on our YouTube page.

Help Us Spread The Word:

Love our content? Help us out by sharing on social media, rating our podcast/episodes on iTunes, or by giving to our Patreon campaign. Every time you give, in any way, you empower our mission of helping as many agilists as possible. Thanks for sharing!

Celebrate Episode 100 of The Meta-Cast's Leadership Focus as Bob Galen and Josh Anderson share 8 critical areas where leaders need to do MORE. Learn why hiring can't be outsourced to AI, how to be aggressively patient with change, why speaking truth to power matters, and the importance of growing the next generation. Plus: advocating for women in leadership, thinking about your legacy, and building team cohesion through language. Practical leadership advice from two thought leaders with decades of experience.

Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse"

Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced tech environment. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll find valuable guidance and practical advice to enhance your leadership skills. Subscribe to "Leadership Lighthouse" for the latest articles and exclusive content right to your inbox.

Subscribe here

Bob Galen's "Agile Moose"

Bob Galen's "Agile Moose" is a must-read for anyone interested in Agile practices, team dynamics, and personal growth within the tech industry. The newsletter features in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable tips to help you excel in your Agile journey. Bob brings his extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives directly to you, covering everything from foundational Agile concepts to advanced techniques. Join a community of Agile enthusiasts and practitioners by subscribing to "Agile Moose."

Subscribe here

Do More Than Listen:

We publish video versions of every episode and post them on our YouTube page.

Help Us Spread The Word:

Love our content? Help us out by sharing on social media, rating our podcast/episodes on iTunes, or by giving to our Patreon campaign. Every time you give, in any way, you empower our mission of helping as many agilists as possible. Thanks for sharing!

This week, Josh and Bob tackle the hidden beliefs that hold leaders back — inspired by a recent Harvard Business Review article. From perfectionism and ego to the inability to say “no,” they unpack the mental traps that quietly sabotage leadership growth.

Through stories, humor, and brutal honesty, they dig into what it really means to lead without making it about you. Whether it’s learning that not everyone’s wired like you, realizing you’re the ceiling for your team, or finally getting comfortable saying “no,” this episode is a mirror for every leader who’s brave enough to look.

It’s part confession, part coaching session — and all real talk about what it takes to lead in today’s world.

• Bob's Book Recommendation: Death March: The Complete Software Developer's Guide to Surviving "Mission Impossible" Projects
• Josh's Book Recommendation - The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering, Anniversary Edition
• The Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back - The HBR article that inspired this episode

Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse"

Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced tech environment. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll find valuable guidance and practical advice to enhance your leadership skills. Subscribe to "Leadership Lighthouse" for the latest articles and exclusive content right to your inbox.

Subscribe here

Bob Galen's "Agile Moose"

Bob Galen's "Agile Moose" is a must-read for anyone interested in Agile practices, team dynamics, and personal growth within the tech industry. The newsletter features in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable tips to help you excel in your Agile journey. Bob brings his extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives directly to you, covering everything from foundational Agile concepts to advanced techniques. Join a community of Agile enthusiasts and practitioners by subscribing to "Agile Moose."

Subscribe here

Do More Than Listen:

We publish video versions of every episode and post them on our YouTube page.

Help Us Spread The Word:

Love our content? Help us out by sharing on social media, rating our podcast/episodes on iTunes, or by giving to our Patreon campaign. Every time you give, in any way, you empower our mission of helping as many agilists as possible. Thanks for sharing!