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The Leadership Playbook: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Albers School of Business and Economics
Ever wondered about the journeys successful business leaders took to get to where they are? Looking to learn more about leadership to build a better team or advance your own career? Going through work challenges and want to know how top executives resolved similar situations? The Leadership Playbook podcast asks top executives from the business world’s most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they’ve faced and overcome. Candid, often humorous, and always inspiring, the Leadership Playbook is hosted by the Dean of the Albers School of Business and Economics, Joe Phillips.
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- Jul 15, 202618 min
From Small Village to Global Industry: The Honda Story
Welcome to Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks: How Great Leaders Turned Setbacks into Success—the podcast where we uncover the true stories of visionary leaders who hit rock bottom … then rewrote the ending. Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks is an offshoot of The Leadership Playbook, the podcast of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics and the Center for Leadership Formation. In this episode, we tell the story of Soichiro Honda and uncover his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to global automotive innovator, highlighting resilience, innovation, and leadership lessons. Writing and hosting by Viviane Lopuch and music/production by Alvarez Audio. Follow Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now and join Viviane Lopuch as we explore the fall, the fight, and the rise of the world’s greatest leaders. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show.
- May 8, 20261h 9m
Game Changers: How Sports Shape Seattle’s Future
Seattle’s identity has long been intertwined with sports, from passionate fan bases and iconic teams to major events that bring the city onto the global stage. As the region continues to grow, the impact of the sports industry extends far beyond the stadium walls—fueling economic development, strengthening community connections, and shaping the city's future. The final Albers Executive Speaker Series of the academic year invites students, professionals, and community members to explore the evolving role sports play in shaping Seattle’s economy, culture, and reputation. Moderated by Karen Bryant, Sports Advisor and Founder of Suite J Consulting, the conversation will feature Lynnette Buffington, Chief of Staff at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce; Joy Hollingsworth, Seattle City Councilmember and Council President; and Pamela Quadros, Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Sports Commission. Together, they will share insights into how sports drive economic impact across the region and what lies ahead for Seattle as a growing hub for major sporting events and sports industry innovation. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
- Feb 17, 202653 min
The Journey of a Leader: Lessons from the Navy
In this engaging conversation, Tom McAndrew shares his journey from a Navy veteran to the CEO of cybersecurity company Coalfire, emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership, resilience, and community impact. He reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, the challenges faced in both military and business environments, and the significance of giving back to the community through initiatives like Gold Star Gamers. Tom's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring leaders on building a strong foundation, navigating challenges, and creating a positive culture in organizations. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
- Jan 2, 20267 min
The Mustang, the Minivan, and the Man Who Saw Both Coming
Welcome to Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks: How Great Leaders Turned Setbacks into Success—the podcast where we uncover the true stories of visionary leaders who hit rock bottom … then rewrote the ending. Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks is an offshoot of The Leadership Playbook, the podcast of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics and the Center for Leadership Formation. In this episode, we tell the story of Hal Sperlich, the quiet visionary who saw how people really lived and imagined a car no one else believed in: the minivan. Rejected at Ford, embraced at Chrysler, Sperlich’s persistence reshaped the auto industry and changed family life forever. It’s a story about vision, power, and what happens when the right idea meets the wrong boss—and why believing in it anyway can change the world. Credit goes to the Wall Street Journal and Capital One Auto Navigator for providing details that went into this podcast episode—writing by Alicia Kan and music/production by Alvarez Audio. Follow Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now and join Viviane Lopuch as we explore the fall, the fight, and the rise of the world’s greatest leaders. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show.
- Nov 26, 202555 min
Unlimited Opportunity: Leading with Humility, Grit, and Care
What happens when someone who never planned on college ends up leading a global logistics company? In this episode, Dan Wall, President and CEO of Expeditors International and alum of Seattle University's Leadership Executive MBA program, reflects on his unlikely path from airport courier to the C-suite. Dan talks about Expeditors' "unlimited opportunity" culture, why titles don't define importance, and how he stays grounded while overseeing operations in more than 100 countries. He shares real stories of navigating constant supply chain disruption, cyberattacks, and regulatory complexity—while keeping people's livelihoods at the center of every decision. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
- Oct 16, 202556 min
The Pivot to CEO: Why Authenticity, Courage, and AI are the New Leadership Playbook
Beverly Anderson, President and CEO of BECU—the fourth-largest credit union in the United States—shares her 30-year leadership journey in financial services on the Albers Executive Speaker Series. From her Kentucky small-town roots learning credit fundamentals at a local corner store to leading a major financial institution, Anderson reveals the career strategies and leadership principles that shaped her path to the C-suite. In this conversation, Anderson discusses her leadership philosophy built on three pillars: authenticity, excellence, and courage. She offers practical advice for women executives navigating corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in career advancement. Anderson details a pivotal career decision that changed her trajectory: leaving a toxic leadership environment, a bold move which ultimately positioned her for the CEO appointment at BECU. Her experience demonstrates how strategic career pivots can accelerate executive success in the financial services industry. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
- May 19, 202556 min
Proceed Until Apprehended
This live recording of the Albers Executive Speaker Series features Swedish Health Services President and CEO Elizabeth Wako, who outlines her career trajectory in the context of the five leadership principles that have guided her. In the fireside chat with Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver, she talks about the impact of AI on healthcare, the business challenges generated by tariffs and the value of mentors. More than anything, Wako emphasizes being strategic in making life choices. "You only have one life," she advises the audience. "Make sure you experience the life that you want. If you're unhappy, make a change." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
- Mar 17, 202555 min
Culture is the Only Priority
Recorded in front of a live audience in February 2025, Costco CEO Ron Vachris talks at length about how the organization's culture is the bedrock for the retailer's success. "We always do what's right" is not an arrogant statement, he says, but a commitment to their stakeholders, whether they are customers, shareholders or the communities where they operate. Vachris, the third CEO to helm Costco, demonstrates the firm's commitment to growing talent from within. Starting as a forklift driver in 1982 at Price Club, which merged with Costco in 1993, he worked his way up through the company over the years, becoming CEO in January 2024. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
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About The Leadership Playbook
Ever wondered about the journeys successful business leaders took to get to where they are? Looking to learn more about leadership to build a better team or advance your own career? Going through work challenges and want to know how top executives resolved similar situations? The Leadership Playbook podcast asks top executives from the business world’s most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they’ve faced and overcome. Candid, often humorous, and always inspiring, the Leadership Playbook is hosted by the Dean of the Albers School of Business and Economics, Joe Phillips.
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