Leadership Is Acting Before You’re 100% Sure

Leadership today demands something different: the courage to start by leading with uncertainty.

Last week’s message was titled  “Feeling Stuck.”
And just to keep it real—I still kind of am.

But that’s part of leading with uncertainty , isn’t it?
Stuck between clarity and uncertainty.
Between comfort and calling.
Between the business I’ve built… and the reach I know I need next.

But here’s what I  am  sure of:

I can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results.

So I’m trying something different.

I’ve decided to step into a new (and honestly, slightly uncomfortable) zone:
→  Strategic podcast appearances.

Not because I think it’s going to solve everything overnight.
Not because I love the sound of my own voice—though I have been told it’s got a solid “coach meets uncle-who-gives-good-advice” vibe.

But because I’ve realized something important:

I’ve outgrown the model (networking) that built my business.

Back in SoCal, I had 50 years of relationships.
Here in the Northwest? I’m a few years and one pandemic in.
Let’s just say it’s been a little hard to make new friends when everyone’s still figuring out how to wave from six feet away.

So yeah—I need a bigger outreach.

It’s time to find the people I haven’t met yet…
But who are already searching for exactly what we’re building.

This is the uncomfortable part of leading with uncertainty —testing what works, without guarantees.

Last week I said:

“The biggest breakthroughs don’t happen when you feel ready.
They happen when you move forward anyway.”

Well—this is me moving forward anyway.

I’m not 100% certain this will work.
I’m digging into a mountain of podcast data, trying to figure out which shows make sense, which ones are just noise, and which ones might land me in someone’s garage-turned-studio with a cat walking across the soundboard.

But here’s the thing:
The  3-Day Whole Life Leadership Intensive  and the  5-Day Fast Track to Business Freedom Challenge  are working. They’re changing lives.

Now I just need to get them in front of the right people—not just familiar ones.

1. Clarify Goal → Reach net new audiences, not just existing network
2. Identify Aligned Shows → Contractors, coaches, service-based leaders
3. Evaluate ROI → Will it move the needle or just be noise?
4. Pitch with Purpose → Short, personal, relevant
5. Appear + Repurpose → Clip it, share it, use it
6. Scale and Track → Repeat what works. Drop what doesn’t.

Yes, there’s a spreadsheet.
No, I haven’t made friends with it yet.
But I’m trying.

The top 1–2.5% of shows (with real audiences + legit marketing support) are paid placement opportunities.

These shows often come with:

• Email newsletters promoting your episode

• Social media reels or audiograms

• Links in show notes

• Multiple platform distribution

• Prices between  $97 and $500  are normal, depending on reach and promo power.

Here’s my decision model

1. Is the audience aligned with my high-ticket event or service?

2. What’s the  total marketing value  included in the fee?

3. Do I have a clear CTA + follow-up plan in place?

I’m not looking for exposure… I need amplification.

I’ll Pick ONE and Test it like this:

• How many visitors came from the link

• How many emails or registrations resulted

• How many new social followers or warm leads entered my world

  Because it’s been proven:

A controlled test beats a perfect plan every time.

If you’re serious about leading with uncertainty , you’ve got to measure, tweak, and repeat.

Know a podcast I should check out?
Or a host you trust who features thoughtful conversations about business, leadership, or growth?

Just reply to this email—I’ll follow up with the pitch.
You might be the bridge that helps someone find their next breakthrough.

I’m still feeling a little stuck.
Still staring at a dozen podcast invites drafted and unsent.
Still wondering if my first guest appearance will lead to breakthrough… or bloopers.

But  stuck doesn’t mean stopped.
And this week, stuck looks like  starting anyway .

I believe leading with uncertainty is what separates good intentions from meaningful impact.

Thanks for walking this journey with me—brick by brick, mic by mic.

In gratitude and purpose,
Coach John

I’m tracking every insight and lesson as I go. Want to see behind the scenes of this visibility shift (and maybe a blooper or two)? Hit reply and I’ll loop you in.

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Very good stuff man! It was succinct, felt on point, built trust, gave value, wasn’t pushy and felt authentic and authentically you.

~ Eric Saar, Business Owner

“That was an excellent presentation , John. That was awesome.   I think the biggest thing for me was around the team element.   Also I like how you dealt with the different objections, how you reframed it to  help people overcome the story that they’re telling themselves , why they can’t take action.”

~ B. Sarnor, Business Owner

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