Lead with un(Common) Sense, with David Mead

We all know the leaders we love to follow—and the ones we simply have to. What’s the difference? In this conversation, Tim sits down with speaker and author David Mead to dig into the human qualities that set great leaders apart. David introduces the simple yet transformative framework at the heart of his new book, Lead with (un)Common Sense, offering practical ways to lead with honesty, humility, and humanity every day. This episode is an invitation to lead from who you are, not just what you do.

 

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • Why the leaders we love to follow are defined more by who they are than what they do — and the three core qualities that set them apart: Honesty, Humility, and Humanity.

  • How aligning your actions with your values builds trust and credibility in everyday leadership moments.

  • What humble confidence looks like—acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses without ego or self-diminishing.

  • How to create an environment of psychological safety, connection, and trust where people feel motivated to contribute and grow.

Things to listen for:

00:00 Introduction: Building Leadership Traits

00:34 Meet David Mead: Entrepreneur and Author

02:01 David's Motivation for Writing Lead With (un)Common Sense

03:25 Key Leadership Qualities: Honesty, Humility, and Humanity

07:05 Deep Dive into Honesty

08:51 Exploring Humility and Humble Confidence

14:20 Understanding Humanity in Leadership

16:32 The Magic Middle: Combining All Three Traits

21:02 Practical Applications and Real-World Examples

28:00 Conclusion: The Impact of Effective Leadership

32:44 Closing Remarks and Call to Action