00:00 – Introduction
Ken introduces Landon Kirk and reflects on their shared history co-founding Calo.

01:10 – "What’s the through line in your approach to helping people grow?"
Landon: Relationships. Trust comes from time and evidence.

02:28 – "Any specific make-or-break advice on building trust?"
Landon: Authenticity. You can’t fake who you are.

03:04 – "When did you first recognize yourself as a leader?"
Landon: I resisted the title at first but leaned in as I saw the impact.

04:13 – "What were the early leadership lessons at Calo?"
Landon: Balancing empathy with challenge is key to true growth.

05:18 – "How do you balance being trauma-informed while still leading assertively?"
Landon: Sometimes the kindest thing is letting someone go when their role activates unresolved trauma.

07:31 – "What was the Embark People Machine?"
Landon: A system for excellence across the entire employee life cycle.

10:58 – "What’s the first thing a new leader should master?"
Landon: Time management and intentional one-on-ones.

12:11 – "What’s next after time discipline?"
Landon: Hiring discipline. Past performance > good interview.

14:26 – "How do you prevent (or respond to) burnout?"
Landon: Give people experiences of success. That’s the antidote.

16:59 – "Does self-care actually help with burnout?"
Landon: Surface-level self-care doesn’t heal. Success does.

18:04 – "What’s a leadership blind spot you see often?"
Landon: Ego. Also: undisciplined time, and trying to do everything yourself.

20:40 – "How do you evaluate right people, right seats?"
Landon: Would I trust them with my child, my money, my mission?

21:55 – "What if someone’s talented, but in the wrong seat?"
Landon: Assess culture vs performance. Redeploy if they align culturally.

22:58 – "What’s a hard leadership lesson you’re grateful for?"
Landon: Time isn’t peanut butter. Don’t spread it evenly — be strategic.

24:45 – "What are you doing now at Next Level Growth?"
Landon: Coaching leadership teams using the 5 Obsessions framework.

26:29 – "How can someone get in touch with you?"
Landon: Visit Next Level Growth, or take the free Leadership Health Check.

27:38 – Closing
A heartfelt exchange of gratitude and mutual respect between Landon and Ken.