Episode 8

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Published on:

2nd Dec 2024

Episode 8: Choosing To Lead

Choosing To Lead

Episode Summary

What does it mean to truly lead, and how do you step into that role intentionally? In this episode, Kevin and Joe tackle the journey of choosing to lead—whether in business, family, or within yourself. They discuss what authentic leadership looks like and share personal stories of how stepping up as leaders has reshaped their lives and relationships.

Why You Should Listen

Kevin Rogers and Joe DiRoma are leaders with extensive backgrounds in business and personal growth. Known for their honest, relatable discussions, they explore the realities of leadership beyond titles, focusing on character, integrity, and the impact of leading by example.

Why This Episode Matters

For men navigating midlife, the call to lead can come in many forms. As career paths, family dynamics, and personal goals evolve, there’s a growing awareness that leadership is less about authority and more about guiding with purpose and empathy. This episode explores the steps to embody meaningful leadership and the challenges of balancing self-accountability with empathy for others.

Key Quotes

“We’re all leaders, whether by default or design. It’s about knowing your role and leading from there.” – Kevin
“Real leadership is creating breaks in the current reality for people to see new possibilities.” – Joe
“In order to lead, you have to connect. And that starts with knowing your own intentions and being willing to listen.” – Kevin

Key Takeaways

  • Intention-Driven Leadership: Real leadership starts with clear, purposeful intentions. Kevin and Joe discuss how knowing your intent is essential to guiding others and setting the foundation for authentic leadership.
  • Empathy and Connection: Leaders connect through empathy, understanding, and the courage to have difficult conversations. Building trust and fostering a genuine connection can turn challenges into growth opportunities.
  • The Power of Presence: Leadership is not only about big decisions; it’s also about small, everyday actions. From engaging a cashier meaningfully to being the person who steps up in times of need, leadership is built through presence and integrity in each moment.
  • Understanding Expectations: Unmet expectations often lead to conflict. Joe highlights the importance of setting clear expectations in both personal and professional settings, noting that holding yourself accountable to those standards is a powerful form of leadership.

Resources Mentioned

  • Book: 
  • Supercommunicator by Charles Dewey (for insights on types of conversations)
  • The Middle Passage by James Hollis
  • Quotes: Carl Jung and other notable thinkers on leadership and personal growth

Call-to-Action

If this episode sparked new insights on leadership, please share it with others and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more men looking to step into their leadership roles meaningfully. Every episode is complemented with a weekly newsletter so sign up for our SubStack at maninthemiddleshow.com

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About the Podcast

Man in the Middle Show w/ Kevin & Joe
Man in the Middle Show with Kevin & Joe

Are you a middle-aged man feeling trapped in your life? Stuck in a relationship, career, health situation, or financial rut that leaves you unfulfilled? Do you find yourself asking, "Is this it? Is it me? Is there more?"

You're not alone, and the Man in the Middle Show is here to prove it.

Join Kevin and Joe, two regular guys living in the "middle", as they dive deep into the challenges, triumphs, and existential questions that plague men in midlife. This isn't your typical self-help podcast – it's a raw, honest conversation between friends who've been there, done that, and are still figuring it out.

Meet Your Hosts:

Kevin at 54, he's a bald, bionic entrepreneur with a metal heart valve and 20 years in the "bonus round" of life. A former stand-up comic turned business owner, Kevin's journey includes:
- 25 years of marriage
- Raising two newly adult children
- A near-death experience and open-heart surgery at 35
- Navigating major career shifts and life transitions

Joe is The 42-year-old "regular guy" with an extraordinary story:
- 15 years sober after a 13-year battle with addiction
- High school dropout turned successful restaurant industry leader and now COO in digital marketing
- Father to a teenager and expecting a newborn (talk about a midlife shake-up!)
- Proof that it's never too late to turn your life around

Why Listen?

Real Talk, No BS... Kevin and Joe aren't therapists or gurus – they're guys just like you, sharing their experiences and struggles without filters.

You're Not Alone! Discover that those feelings of emptiness, confusion, and restlessness are normal and part of the midlife journey for many men.

Diverse Perspectives are critical. With their vastly different backgrounds and life experiences, Kevin and Joe offer unique insights into common midlife challenges.

Inspiration to Ask Bigger Questions. Instead of easy answers, you'll be motivated to dig deeper and rediscover what truly matters to you.

A Safe Space for Men. Finally, a place where you can hear open, honest discussions about the topics men often feel they can't talk about.

Practical Wisdom. Learn from the hosts' successes and failures as they navigate relationships, career transitions, health scares, and major life changes.

Finally... some Humor and Heart. Expect laughs alongside the deep stuff – because sometimes, you've got to find the funny in life's challenges.

The Man in the Middle Show isn't about having it all figured out. It's about embracing the messy middle, finding meaning in the struggle, and realizing that your best years might still be ahead of you.

Whether you're feeling lost, looking for a change, or just want to hear from guys who get it, Kevin and Joe are here to bring you into the middle of the conversation. You're not above, you're not below – you're right there with them, part of a community of men facing midlife head-on.

Tune in and discover:
- Strategies for reigniting passion in your relationships and career
- How to navigate major life transitions with grace (or at least a sense of humor)
- Ways to redefine success and fulfillment on your own terms
- The power of vulnerability and authentic male friendships
- Tools for managing stress, health concerns, and the infamous midlife crisis

Don't let society tell you how to age or what your life should look like. Join Kevin, Joe, and a growing tribe of men who are rewriting the rules of midlife, one honest conversation at a time.

Subscribe to the Man in the Middle Show w/ Kevin & Joe because midlife doesn't have to be a crisis. It can be your awakening.

New episodes drop weekly. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Remember... You're not stuck. You're not alone. And there's definitely more to life – let's find it together.

About your host

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Joseph DiRoma