Lead. Win. - An Extreme Ownership Podcast
Hosted by Leif Babin and Jamie Cochran
In a world where leadership is tested daily, Lead. Win. brings you the hard-earned lessons, battle-tested principles, and real-world strategies you need to excel. Join Leif Babin, co-author of Extreme Ownership and decorated combat leader, and Jamie Cochran, a renowned leadership instructor, as they break down the core tenets of Extreme Ownership and apply them to the challenges of business, family, and life.
Each episode dives into practical examples and case studies, featuring conversations with leaders from all walks of life. Whether you're a CEO, coach, teacher, or simply striving to lead better, this podcast equips you to take ownership, lead with courage, and—ultimately—win.
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Check latest episodes from Lead. Win. - An Extreme Ownership Podcast podcast
Get Your Team on the Same Page Before It's Too Late
2026/10/20
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Stop letting team friction hold you back. Learn how to prioritize cooperation over internal competition for long-term career advancement.
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Hasby to break down the realities of working within a team. We discuss why internal competition often destroys morale and how you can shift your focus to collective success. When individuals prioritize the mission over personal gain, the entire unit moves faster and more effectively.
We also cover where to place an effective cooperation point during your projects. If you are struggling to get your team on the same page, you need to understand how to structure your leadership debrief to ensure everyone learns from past mistakes and wins together.
Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and let us know in the comments how you manage competition within your own team.
The Haterade Trap: How Good Leaders Drive Their Best People Away.
2026/10/13
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Join us for this podcast episode as we tackle common leadership challenges and explore how to regain control in your daily life.
Matt Hasby joins the Lead Win team to discuss the recurring questions clients ask when seeking clarity and direction. We break down the practical steps required for sustained personal growth and discuss how to navigate the obstacles that often stall progress for teams and individuals alike.
Whether you are managing a business or looking to refine your own decision-making process, this discussion offers actionable client guidance to help you lead more effectively. We examine the balance between what you can influence and what you must accept to maintain focus.
Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and let us know in the comments which topic you want us to cover next.
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon.
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Why Leadership Training Fails (And How to Make It Stick)
2026/09/01
Free Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://engage.echelonfront.com/Rundown
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon.
https://echelonfront.com/links/
➕ Follow Us On Social:
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Why does leadership training fail—even when the training itself is good? Most leadership development programs don’t fail in the classroom. They fail because leaders stop reinforcing the lessons once the training is over.
In this episode of the Lead. Win. Podcast, Echelon Front co-founder and former Navy SEAL officer Leif Babin and Carlos Mendes break down why leadership training loses momentum and what organizations can do to create lasting change.
Leadership is a skill. It has to be learned, practiced, reinforced, and continually developed.
Leif and Carlos explain why one-time leadership workshops aren’t enough, why senior leaders must model the behaviors they expect from their teams, and how practical tools like debriefs, readbacks, realistic training, and Decentralized Command can build a lasting culture of Extreme Ownership.
They also break down the three components every effective training program needs:
• REALISTIC — Train for the problems your people actually face
• FUNDAMENTAL — Master the basic principles before chasing advanced tactics
• REPETITIVE — Leadership skills have to be practiced consistently
You’ll also learn:
• Why leadership development programs lose momentum
• Why consistency matters more than a single great workshop
• How debriefs reinforce Extreme Ownership
• Why leaders must participate in the training themselves
• How to give your people ownership of their development
• Why frontline input makes training more effective
• How to build leadership development into your organization’s culture
• Simple ways to continue training through book clubs, cohorts, case studies, and ongoing practice
If you’re frustrated because your team isn’t taking ownership, stepping up, or developing into stronger leaders, don’t immediately ask:
“What’s wrong with my team?”
Ask:
“What am I doing to develop them?”
Leadership development doesn’t happen automatically.
Make time to train. Keep it realistic. Focus on the fundamentals. Give your people ownership. And reinforce the lessons consistently.
That’s how you build leaders who can Lead. Win.
Learn more about Echelon Front and access free leadership resources at EchelonFront.com.
Explore the Extreme Ownership Academy for deeper training on how to apply the principles of Extreme Ownership in business and life.
#Leadership #LeadershipTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #ExtremeOwnership #Management #BusinessLeadership #EchelonFront
The Guardrail Rule That Teaches Kids to Handle Failure (Not Avoid It)
2026/08/25
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Get practical parenting advice on why consistency matters. Learn how to stay the course when raising children in a busy world.
In this episode of the Lead Win Podcast, hosts Jamie Cochran, Leif Babin and Carlos Mendez discuss the reality of parenting and the importance of time. We focus on how consistent parenting helps you navigate the challenges of raising children, even when it feels like your time is running out. This conversation is for any parent looking for a grounded perspective on staying patient and steady.
We break down why staying the course is the most effective approach to long-term success with your kids. By applying these parenting tips, you can feel more confident in your daily routine and decision-making process. We emphasize that your time with them is precious, so making the right choices today creates a better foundation for tomorrow.
Subscribe for weekly parenting advice breakdowns and let us know in the comments how you maintain consistency with your kids.
0:00 The Fleeting Nature of Time with Our Kids
0:34 Extreme Ownership in the Family Dynamic
2:18 Shifting from Discipline to Connection
3:49 The Power of the Indirect Approach
12:36 Letting Kids Experience Failure
20:24 Prioritizing What Truly Matters
The Mistake New Leaders Make That Immediately Destroys Their Influence
2026/08/18
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon.
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Stop damaging your credibility by pretending to know the answers. Learn how building credibility actually comes from admitting what you do not know.
In this episode of the Lead Win Podcast, Leif Babin and Carlos Mendez break down the counterintuitive reality of leadership influence. Many professionals mistakenly believe that projecting total confidence is the key to respect, but this often backfires, proving to your team that you were faking it all along. We discuss why admitting ignorance is a powerful tool for gaining genuine influence.
This conversation is for anyone struggling to balance authority with honesty. You will learn why letting others influence you first creates a stronger dynamic than forcing your own agenda. True professional authenticity requires vulnerability, and we explore how to maintain that balance without losing the respect of your peers or subordinates.
Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and comment below with a time you had to admit you did not know the answer to a problem.
0:00 The Hidden Cost of Proving Yourself
1:48 The Power of Starting with Silence
3:41 Gaining Influence by Letting Others Lead
6:41 Debunking the Myth of the Barking Leader
11:26 The Mechanics of Decentralized Command
How Great Leaders Decide When to Fire and When to Mentor
2026/08/11
Managing top performers who display toxic behavior is one of the hardest leadership challenges. Learn how to address poor conduct.
Lace Babin and Carlos Mendez discuss the difficult balance between individual talent and the health of the broader team. High-performing employees often feel entitled to act poorly because of their results, but this creates a culture that drives away other talent. This conversation breaks down why you cannot ignore negative behavior just because an employee hits their numbers.
We explore practical strategies for managing top performers without sacrificing team cohesion. You will learn how to confront toxic employees effectively, set clear boundaries, and ensure that high achievers align with company values. By the end of this episode, you will have a framework for addressing conduct issues while maintaining the productivity of your team.
Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and comment below on how you handle high-performing staff who disrupt your office culture.
Jocko on Why Fast Tech Adoption Fails Teams
2026/08/04
Try Jocko AI: https://echelonfront.com/jocko-ai/
Is AI technology going to take over the world? Jocko Willink joins us to cut through the noise and discuss the reality of artificial intelligence.
Many people are caught in the debate between fearing the future of AI or dismissing it entirely. In this conversation, we look past the hype to examine how these tools actually function in our daily lives. We address the skepticism surrounding new tech trends and why it is important to maintain a balanced perspective instead of rushing to extremes.
Whether you are curious about the practical application of AI technology or simply want a grounded take on the current landscape, this discussion provides a clear-eyed look at where things stand. We explore why even the most skeptical voices are shifting their views on AI technology as it becomes more integrated into society.
Subscribe for weekly leadership and mindset breakdowns, and let us know your thoughts on the future of AI technology in the comments below.
5 Ways to Handle Someone Who Doesn’t Respect You
2026/07/28
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon.
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Stop expecting instant conflict resolution from a single apology. Learn why fixing broken relationships is a long-term campaign.
Most people assume that one conversation can mend a major issue, but that approach rarely works. This video explains why effective conflict resolution requires patience and consistent effort rather than a quick fix. If you have been struggling to get through to someone, you likely need to rethink your strategy entirely.
We break down the reality of handling difficult conversations when emotions run high. You will learn why expecting immediate results often leads to frustration and how to view your interactions as a campaign instead of a one-time event. Whether you are dealing with a professional disagreement or personal tension, understanding this perspective is essential for long-term progress.
Subscribe for weekly communication skills breakdowns, and comment below with a time you had to persist through a tough situation.
How to Stay Ice Cold When Everything In You Wants To React Emotionally
2026/07/21
Master leadership decision making when your team pushes back. Learn how to handle intense debates and keep your team aligned.
Effective leadership decision making requires navigating resistance during high-pressure moments. This discussion focuses on the reality of team conflict, specifically when your direct reports challenge your calls or resist the path forward. If you manage people, you know that the toughest part of the job happens inside the debrief room when consensus breaks down.
We break down how to address team conflict without shutting down critical feedback. By mastering the art of managing team friction, you can turn a tense argument into a productive debrief. Learn to hold your ground on the right call while still validating your team's perspective. Understanding these nuances of leadership decision making is essential for any manager facing pushback.
Subscribe for weekly management breakdowns and comment below: how do you handle it when your team refuses to get on board with your strategy?
How Positive Leaders Lose Their Team
2026/07/14
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon. https://echelonfront.com/links/ ➕ Follow Us On Social: https://www.instagram.com/echelonfront https://twitter.com/EchelonFront https://www.facebook.com/echelonfront/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/echelon-front-llc/ Free Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://engage.echelonfront.com/Rundown Learn the long-term consequences of lying and why avoiding the truth damages your personal and professional growth. This discussion breaks down the psychological and relational impact of deception. We examine why people choose to avoid the truth and how these patterns of behavior create barriers to genuine connection. If you have ever struggled with the pressure to maintain a false narrative, this conversation provides a clear perspective on the cost of dishonesty.
Why Your Boss Respects Problem Solvers, Not Problem Finders
2026/07/07
Stop complaining and start practicing proactive communication. Learn how to stop waiting for orders and become a solution oriented leader.
Are you tired of feeling like you are always bringing problems to the table without results? This episode of The Lead Win focuses on shifting your mindset from a complainer to a contributor. Whether you are dealing with a difficult manager or just trying to improve your daily workflow, learning how to handle your relationship with your boss is critical. We discuss why sitting around waiting to be told what to do is the fastest way to stall your career growth.
By taking ownership of your role, you can positively influence your team success. We break down the specific behaviors that distinguish high performers from those who only identify issues. If you want to refine your leadership skills and stop being part of the problem, this discussion provides the framework you need to start bringing solutions to every conversation.
Subscribe for weekly leadership tips to level up your management style and share your thoughts on how you stay proactive at work in the comments below.
What Separates Leaders Who Train Their Team From Leaders Who Don't
2026/06/30
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon.
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Stop avoiding leadership challenges. Learn why the cost of poor management is inevitable and how to address it head-on today.
Effective team management requires addressing the reality that leadership challenges have a price, whether you acknowledge them or not. Many managers hesitate because they do not trust their people, but failing to lead only creates further distance. This discussion breaks down why you cannot afford to ignore the friction between your expectations and your team's output.
We examine why low performers often stay that way when management ignores the core issues. If you are struggling with team dynamics or questioning your approach to management trust, this breakdown offers a clear perspective on why leadership costs are unavoidable. You will learn to recognize when your hesitation is actually costing you productivity and how to shift your mindset to get better results.
Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and comment below with the biggest management hurdle you are facing right now.
The Truth About Low Morale (Most Leaders Get This Wrong)
2026/04/28
Free Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://engage.echelonfront.com/Rundown
What do you do when your team just isn’t motivated—and nothing seems to fix it?
In this episode, Jocko Willink and the team break down how leaders can take ownership of low morale, negative attitudes, and disengaged teams. The answer isn’t blame—it’s leadership.
Through real-world combat stories and business examples, they explain why people lose motivation, how lack of ownership and unclear purpose drive negativity, and what leaders can do to turn it around fast.
You’ll learn how to:
Give meaningful ownership that actually improves attitudeConnect the “why” so people feel valued and engagedCreate small wins to rebuild momentumReframe tough situations into challenges worth taking onUse honesty and transparency to eliminate doubt and negativityIf your team is struggling—or if you’ve ever dealt with someone who’s “never happy”—this episode gives you the practical tools to lead through it.
Because when morale drops… it’s not a people problem. It’s a leadership opportunity.
How Great Leaders Tell the Brutal Truth and Get Everyone On Board
2026/04/21
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon.
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Nobody likes change, especially when it leads to constant shifting priorities within organizations. This episode of the Leif, Jamie and JP discuss the challenges of frequent changes and the importance of effective change management to prevent frustration and maintain strong relationships. We emphasize that individuals and teams must cultivate flexibility and learn to adapt to change to thrive in dynamic environments.
Drowning in Work? This Is the Answer
2026/04/14
📚 Books On Amazon: Purchase books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin on Amazon.
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➕ Follow Us On Social:
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Free Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://engage.echelonfront.com/Rundown
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Many people ask how to balance work and life, and feelings of being burned out and stressed out are common challenges. This video addresses the overwhelm paralysis that can arise from these struggles, offering mental health tips to navigate the demands of daily life. Understanding and managing emotional exhaustion is key to finding equilibrium.
Podcast reviews
Read Lead. Win. - An Extreme Ownership Podcast podcast reviews
5 out of 5
83 reviews
★★★★★
anonymous87347843 2026/10/05
Great leadership lessons
Short, high-signal
★★★★★
Dfnc16 2026/04/06
Extreme Ownership light
Great podcast, short, direct and to the point.
★★★★★
stooko125 2026/03/04
Very helpful
I love the ideas in the podcast and the constant introspection that it urges me to make, so I can improve my leadership and relational skills. Thank y...
★★★★★
manda569 2025/12/07
Extreme Empowerment
This show is incredible and implements the core values of Extreme Ownership, making them even more applicable to everyone. There is not a soul on Eart...
★★★★★
ArtyM1977 2025/10/03
Own Yourself
From the day a colleague came into my office and said to me that he was surprised that I haven’t read Extreme Ownership, so I jumped on it and did. To...
★★★★★
Decentralized Command! 2025/09/11
Great Podcast!
I have been listening to everything involving leadership that Jocko/Leif put out for many years. My two favorite things about this podcast are how co...
★★★★★
Casey McMillan 2025/08/14
Extreme Ownership: Weekly Immediate Action Drills
Lead. Win. An Extreme Ownership Podcast provides weekly actionable drills to reinforce the leadership principals taught by Echelon Front. The weekly p...
★★★★★
Freakouts 2025/08/04
Weekly doses of leadership goodness
Love the premise of this podcast. Every episode I listen to feels like it was written for me in the exact moment I needed it.
★★★★★
DEFCOR Mini Trooper 2025/06/20
IAD - Immediate Action Drill included
Love that Leif and Jamie included self reflection and a call to action at the end. Such a hallmark of the way Echelon Front teaches these principles r...
★★★★★
Nathanbshaver 2025/06/20
Instructive and Compelling.
Happy to see this new podcast launch. The conversation around taking ownership in every day decisions is instructive and compelling. Jamie and Leif ar...