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Empowerment Over "Face-Time" - How To Showcase Your People Naturally 

Episode Description:
In this episode of Northbound, Chris dives into the misguided workplace concept of "FaceTime"—the idea that employees need to spend artificial time with higher-ups to get noticed. Chris shares personal experiences from his career where forced visibility felt awkward, transactional, and unproductive. Instead, he highlights how effective leadership empowers employees, creates natural opportunities to showcase abilities, and focuses on results rather than optics. Through stories and lessons, Chris shows lead...

Email your host directly at Chris@Go-Northbound.com

From Inbox to Outbox - How Efficient Leaders Give Time Back

Episode Description:
In this episode of Northbound, Chris reflects on lessons learned from his grandfather and a particularly disciplined boss. From perfectly packed camping trips to an office inbox meticulously managed by priority, Chris explores how structure, efficiency, and clear expectations can transform the way we work and lead. He shares personal stories that show how great leaders value both results and the people achieving them, creating environments where teams can thrive without s...

Email your host directly at Chris@Go-Northbound.com

How to Get Promoted - The Right Way

In this episode, Chris dives into the overwhelming noise of modern leadership advice—especially the kind that circulates on social media. Using a popular LinkedIn article about "how to get promoted" as a springboard, he breaks down 11 common pieces of promotion advice, evaluates their strengths and pitfalls, and reframes them through the lens of transformational leadership. Instead of playing political games for advancement, Chris argues for a mindset shift: focus on elevating others and leading with integrity fr...

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Episode Title: The Greater Shackleton -

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris contrasts two legendary Antarctic explorers—Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton—to reveal a timeless leadership lesson. While Scott's obsession with being first to the South Pole led to tragedy and loss, Shackleton's leadership focused on the people around him, their well-being, and shared success along the journey.

Through Shackleton's example, Chris highlights how authentic leadership—grounded in truth, compassion, and clear purpose—can turn even the...

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Great Scott - A Case Study in Poor Priorities

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris unpacks the tragic Antarctic expedition of Robert Falcon Scott and reveals how a leader's obsession with reaching the summit or South Pole in this case—literally and figuratively—can destroy the very people they're called to guide. Through Scott's story, Chris highlights the dangers of prioritizing mission over people and challenges leaders to evaluate whether their strategy truly supports the teams they rely on.

With...

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris unpacks a powerful leadership lesson inspired by an Eagle Scout whose life embodied humility, vigilance, focus, and decisive action—Neil Armstrong. As the Apollo 11 lunar module descended toward its marked landing zone, Armstrong recognized that the planned site was covered with dangerous boulders and debris. With fuel running low and no time to abort, he took manual control and guided the spacecraft to safety.

This moment becomes a vivid metaphor for leadership today: organizations need strategic roadmaps and vision, but the best leaders mu...

Episode Title: From Wilderness to Summit: Finding Growth in Leadership

Leadership can be grueling, invisible, and exhausting — but it doesn't have to break you. In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris reflects on his journey from the most challenging moments of his military career to a 68-day solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, a period of deep reflection and personal growth. Through this story, he shares how leaders can move from the "wilderness" of stress, isolation, and emotional fatigue to the "summit" of resilience, clarity, and Christ-centered leadership.

Chris provides actionable strategies for ha...

Episode Title: The Weight You Carry

Leadership isn't just about making decisions or guiding a team — it's about carrying the unseen weight of the people you lead. In this deeply personal and raw episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris shares one of the most challenging moments of his leadership journey: a close call with a team member contemplating suicide. Through this story, he explores the heavy emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual toll that leadership can take, and the critical importance of support, community, and faith in navigating those difficult moments.

This episode is part of th...

Episode Title: The Miles No-One Sees

Leadership is hard, messy, and often invisible — just like the long, lonely miles on a backpacking trail. In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris explores the unseen struggles that leaders carry every day: the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual weight that doesn't show up on anyone else's radar. Using personal stories, historical examples like Abraham Lincoln, and his own experiences in the military, Chris shines a light on what it truly means to lead well — even when it's exhausting, isolating, and challenging.

This episode kicks off a new seri...

Podcast Summary: The Leadership Legacy of Air Force Pilot Edgar Lewis

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris shares the powerful and inspiring story of Edgar Lewis, the first African American B-47 and B-52 pilot in the United States Air Force. His journey is a testament to perseverance, emotional control, and courageous leadership in the face of racism and relentless adversity.

Chris recounts how Lewis—who had never even seen an airplane before enlisting—faced challenge after challenge, many of them created by the very people meant to serve beside him. From racial discrimination in t...

Episode Description – "They're Gonna Get Called"

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris unpacks a powerful leadership lesson inspired by a recent press conference with Nebraska Huskers head coach Matt Rhule. When asked whether he worries about other teams trying to recruit his top players, Rhule responded with confidence: "They're gonna get called"—and that's a good thing.

Chris uses this moment to highlight what exceptional leadership looks like: developing people so well that others notice, investing deeply in their growth, and refusing to lead from a place of fear. He explores how leaders can...

Episode Description – Northbound Podcast: Intentional Relationships and Time Management

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris dives into the critical role time management plays not just in business, but in family and personal relationships. Drawing from his experience in the Air Force and leadership discussions, Chris shares practical insights on how intentional relationships and daily spiritual rhythms can strengthen focus, integrity, and trust—both at home and in the workplace.

Main Points:

The importance of balancing business, leadership, and family life, especially during busy seasons.

How intentional relationships build trust and...

Episode Title: The Power of Being Present

Description:
In this deeply impactful episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris discusses the critical role of presence in leadership, especially when lives are at stake. Drawing from his time in the military, he shares a story of an airman struggling with suicidal thoughts and how the simple act of showing up—being present—can make a life-changing difference.

Key Takeaways:

True leadership goes beyond words—it's shown through actions.

Being present interrupts isolation and shows people they are valued and care...

Episode Title: The Stars at Noon

Episode Description:
In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris explores the extraordinary story of Jackie Cochran, a pioneering aviator whose determination, skill, and courage left an indelible mark on aviation and the World War II war effort. Beyond her incredible accomplishments, this episode highlights the profound impact of words—how encouragement, recognition, and belief can help people break barriers and reach their full potential.

Key Quotes:

"Words build people up and they help people break the barriers that they were called to break." — Chris

"...

The Power of WORDS

In this live-streamed conversation, Chris sits down with author and coach Matt Hallock to explore the deep connection between marriage, identity, and leadership. With real-life stories, and practical wisdom, this episode unpacks why a healthy home life directly influences how well you lead at work—and why your words might be shaping more than you realize.

DNA of a Man by Matt Hallock: https://a.co/d/3IGPKoE

"People become what you say they are—whether you speak it out loud or just think it." – Matt

"Wh...

Northbound Podcast: Just Living The Dream

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris breaks down a common workplace phrase that often hides more than it reveals: "Just living the dream." While it can be a casual response, Chris explores how it may signal deeper frustration, anxiety, or even burnout—feelings employees rarely voice openly. He challenges leaders to look beyond surface-level answers, seek meaningful feedback, and create a culture where team members feel safe sharing their real experiences.

Want to learn more? If you want to learn how small conversations can uncover big opportunities fo...

Northbound Podcast: When Your Employee Is Smarter Than You

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris dives into a challenge every leader faces: what to do when an employee is smarter than you. Drawing from his Air Force experience, he shares how initial feelings of threat can turn into incredible opportunities for growth and team success. Chris explores practical ways to empower talented team members, learn from them, and build a stronger, more confident, and collaborative organization.

Want to join the Northbound Team?  Email me direct at chris@go-northbound.com and I will personally i...

Episode Description — Find Your Beetle

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris shares a powerful story from his Air Force days—one that began with an unexpected "you're fired" moment and ended with a new role he never saw coming: speechwriter for a general.

Thrown into a job he'd never done before, Chris was given the freedom to choose anyone he wanted for his team. His pick was immediate: a friend and colleague everyone knew as Beetle. Creative, skilled, and gifted in all the ways Chris wasn't, Beetle was the kind of teammate who elev...

Episode Description — Trimming the Fat: How to Streamline Your Organization for Greater Efficiency

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris dives into one of leadership's most challenging responsibilities: figuring out which programs and processes truly matter—and which ones are quietly wasting time and energy.

He shares a personal story of taking over a team overloaded with outdated initiatives, and the surprising emotional resistance that can surface when it's time to cut something. From hidden inefficiencies to team members who've poured their hearts into a program, Chris explains how intentional leadership, clear communication, and a si...

Northbound Podcast — Episode: Dirt Bag in the Dark

In this episode, Chris tackles a common leadership challenge: the underperformer who doesn't realize they're holding the team back. Often, these individuals are labeled behind their backs, creating a toxic environment and consuming valuable leadership time.

Chris explains why direct, honest feedback is crucial—delivered privately when constructive, publicly when praising—and how addressing underperformance head-on can transform both the individual and the organization. Learn practical strategies for giving feedback effectively, maintaining team health, and leading with confidence and humility.

Tune in to sharpen your leader...

Northbound Podcast — Episode: Building a Legacy: The Impact of Leadership on Future Generations

In this episode, Chris explores the profound influence leaders have on the generations that follow. From the inspiring story of Jorge, an immigrant who built a better life for his family, to the contrasting legacies of Easy Eddie and his son Butch O'Hare, we examine how intentional choices, values, and actions shape the future.

Chris shares practical insights for leaders to reflect on their own legacy, consider the impact they're having on the people they lead, and take steps to create a la...

Northbound Podcast — Episode: Honoring the Doolittle Raiders

In this special Veterans Day episode, Chris reflects on the incredible courage and leadership of the Doolittle Raiders—the airmen who carried out one of World War II's boldest missions. Launching B-25 bombers from an aircraft carrier and flying toward the unknown, these 80 men embodied true risk, sacrifice, and commitment.

Chris shares his personal encounter with Lt. Dick Cole, the last surviving Raider, and the simple, powerful words that revealed the mindset behind their bravery: "We just did it." Their story offers timeless lessons in decisive leadership, facing unce...

Northbound Podcast — Episode: "It Could Be Better"

In this episode, Chris explores a common workplace red flag: the phrase "It could be worse." Instead of settling for that mindset, Chris challenges leaders to flip the script and ask a more powerful question—"How could it be better?"

He shares practical ways to shift team conversations, gather meaningful feedback, and create space for employees to share ideas that improve your organization, ministry, or business.

Tune in to learn how small changes in language can spark big changes in culture.
Lead boldly. Lead humbly.

Hi everyone! I'm your host Chris Miser and I'm really glad you are here. I've been on a leadership journey for a while now, and what I love most is helping others grow in their leadership—at work, at home, and in life.

I'm passionate about building teams, encouraging people, and learning alongside others. My approach is shaped by faith, experience, and the belief that leadership is really a journey we take together.

I'm looking forward to connecting with all of you, sharing ideas, and learning from your experiences as we grow together as leaders.