The Way of The Wolf

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 260 | 12.16.2025
Episode Title: Leadership Mistake Too Many Entrepreneurs Make When Hiring
 
Hiring the wrong person isn’t just a bad business decision, it can quietly damage your credibility as a leader.
In this episode, Sean Barnes breaks down one of the most common traps leaders and entrepreneurs fall into as their teams grow: hiring people they trust instead of people who are qualified. From workout buddies to close friends, familiarity can create blind spots that lead to costly mistakes.
Sean explains why slowing down the interview process, involving your team, and asking real, technical questions upfront is not optional, it’s leadership. He also tackles the uncomfortable truth about ego, reputation, and why admitting a bad hire is often harder than making one.
If you’re building a team, scaling a business, or carrying the weight of leadership decisions, this conversation will sharpen how you think about hiring before it costs you more than money.
 
Key Moments
00:00 – Why hiring the right person is critical as a leader00:31 – The danger of hiring friends and workout buddies01:09 – Why urgency and trust can cloud judgment01:41 – The importance of panel interviews and team input02:13 – The real risk: salary burden and reputation damage02:46 – Ego, denial, and giving someone “too many chances”03:18 – Why slowing down the hiring process is a leadership skill
 
Key Takeaways
Trust isn’t the same as qualification.Liking someone, knowing them personally, or trusting their character does not mean they have the skills required to succeed in the role.
Rushing a hire creates long-term damage.Filling a role quickly to relieve pressure often leads to performance issues, reputation risk, and far more time spent fixing the mistake later.
Ego is what keeps bad hires in place.Leaders often give too many chances because admitting a hiring mistake feels personal—but accountability is a leadership responsibility, not a failure.
Key Takeaways
Trust isn’t the same as qualification.Liking someone, knowing them personally, or trusting their character does not mean they have the skills required to succeed in the role.
Rushing a hire creates long-term damage.Filling a role quickly to relieve pressure often leads to performance issues, reputation risk, and far more time spent fixing the mistake later.
Ego is what keeps bad hires in place.Leaders often give too many chances because admitting a hiring mistake feels personal—but accountability is a leadership responsibility, not a failure.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
 

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 259 | 12.09.2025
Episode Title: Stop Wasting Your Life: What Most People Realize Too Late
 
This episode isn’t about simple goal setting; it’s about confronting how much of your life you spend working without ever questioning whether it leads to fulfillment. Sean Barnes breaks down the hard truth behind chasing titles, money, and the corporate ladder, and why so many people wake up later in life feeling unfulfilled. This reflection pushes you to look honestly at where you are on your life timeline, what truly matters, and whether you’re living in a way you won’t regret.
 
Key Moments
00:00 - Reflecting on the year and your life
00:26 - Mapping your life timeline
01:57 - Why high achievers feel unfulfilled
03:00 - Discovering purpose at 40
03:55 - Advice for your 20s and 30s
04:24 - Try everything and work hard early
05:08 - Seasons of grind vs seasons of rest
05:39 - How to evaluate your timeline
06:17 - Why you must start before you're ready
06:44 - Avoiding lifelong regret
07:28 - Final challenge: step into what you’re meant to do
 
Key Takeaways
Chasing titles and money won’t create fulfillment, the real legacy is the impact you have on others.
Starting something meaningful will feel uncomfortable and imperfect, but the only true regret is never trying.
Take time to intentionally assess where you are in your life timeline, and if you’re not where you want to be, start changing it now.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Sean breaks down a conversation he had with a young professional who believed the only path to a better job was earning more letters behind his name. MBA, certifications, extra degrees… we talk about why those things rarely move the needle the way people think they do.
This episode is all about:
Why your reputation matters more than your credentials
How to get “time in the seat” when you feel stuck
Why networking, showing up, and lifting others up is far more valuable than another degree
How to build real leverage by becoming known for results
The mindset shift that opens doors faster than any title ever could
If you're early in your career, in transition, or questioning your next move, this is the reset you probably need.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 258 | 12.02.2025
Episode Title: Stop Chasing Degrees – Start Chasing Results
Key Moments
00:00 – The conversation that sparked this episode00:34 – The myth of “get another degree”01:02 – Why letters behind your name don’t matter01:33 – The credibility catch-2201:52 – Getting your foot in the door02:26 – How lifting others changes everything02:57 – Stop chasing degrees. Start chasing results.
Key Takeaways
Most companies don’t care about the letters behind your name, they care about whether you can deliver.
Success comes from experience, consistency, and being the person people want to work with.
You don’t become great overnight; you grow through showing up, learning the environment, and helping others succeed.
Stop chasing credentials you don’t need. Start chasing the kind of impact you want to have.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
 

Sean Barnes, President of Wolf Executives and former VP of IT, HR, ESG, and Leadership Development in oil and gas, shares how building a personal brand became the biggest unlock of his life.
From introverted “IT nerd” hiding behind a keyboard…
…to an executive leading multiple functions and launching his own company…
Sean walks through the exact mindset shifts and strategies that helped him build a reputation as a problem solver, leader builder, and trusted executive partner.
Using examples from brands like Nike, Lamborghini, and Louis Vuitton, Sean breaks personal branding down to its simplest form: What are you known for when you’re not in the room?
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 257 | 11.25.2025
Episode Title: From Introverted IT Nerd to Executive Leader: Building a Powerful Personal Brand
 
Key Moments
00:00 – Opening and introduction
01:14 – Who actually has a personal brand?
01:53 – Nike vs. Reebok: what brand really is
03:29 – The introverted kid in the corner
04:21 – Discovering technology and drive
05:48 – Ladder climbed… purpose missing
07:06 – “I think I can lead HR” (and getting shut down)
10:39 – The email that changed everything
11:44 – Becoming VP of IT and HR overnight
12:08 – Learning to lead people, not just systems
13:11 – “All ships rise with the tide”
13:36 – Adding PMO and ESG to the mix
14:00 – Stacking domains: IT, HR, PMO, ESG, HSE, leadership development
15:08 – Entrepreneurship and adversity
15:40 – What this has to do with personal brand
16:06 – Lamborghini and Louis Vuitton: one-word associations
16:37 – Brand in its simplest form
17:20 – The three pillars: Clarity, Visibility, Value
17:37 – Clarity: getting real feedback (even from your nemesis)
18:55 – Aim your brand: who do you want to become?
19:29 – Visibility: how you show up in rooms and inboxes
20:28 – LinkedIn done simply
21:21 – Turning events into content
21:38 – Value: give more than you take
22:22 – The results: reputation, influence, and invitations
23:50 – Why this is a marathon, not a sprint
24:23 – Being spoiled for choice
25:33 – The playbook & closing challenge
Key Takeaways
Everyone already has a personal brand — it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room, whether you’ve been intentional about it or not.
Clarity comes first: you need to know what you’re known for today and what you want to be known for tomorrow, then close that gap with deliberate growth.
Visibility matters: how you show up in meetings, emails, conferences, and on LinkedIn shapes your executive presence and reputation.
Value is the engine: approach every interaction by giving more than you take, even when it’s tiring, that’s how trust and reputation are built.
Adversity and stretch roles are brand accelerators: saying yes to hard, unfamiliar opportunities forces growth and creates powerful stories about who you are as a leader.
A strong personal brand gives you options: when you’re known and trusted, you’re no longer trapped in toxic cultures, you’re “spoiled for choice” in your career.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Sean Barnes pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to become a paid public speaker. Forget the “get rich from keynotes fast” promises, Sean shares the real story behind building influence, stepping on 100+ stages, and developing a clear, compelling message that event organizers actually want.
He breaks down the discipline behind effective communication, storytelling, audience connection, and what separates aspiring speakers from the ones who earn their place on stage. If you're working to grow your leadership voice, build a personal brand, or become a paid speaker, this episode gives you the roadmap most people won’t tell you.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 256 | 11.18.2025
Episode Title: Becoming a Paid Speaker: What No One Tells You  
Key Moments
00:00 – Opening in Vancouver00:33 – The “Spaceship Moment”01:05 – Reflecting on 5 Years of Speaking01:41 – The truth behind paid speaking02:04 – The power of repetition02:29 – What event organizers look for02:57 – How to craft a compelling message03:25 – Finding your life story
Key Takeaways
Paid speaking is a marathon, you earn your place through reps, not shortcuts.
Stepping on as many stages as possible is the fastest way to grow your skillset.
Event organizers are overwhelmed with requests, differentiation and relationships matter.
Your story is your power: clarity, storytelling, and emotional resonance are non-negotiable.
Influence is built over time through consistency, credibility, and the courage to share your message.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Sean Barnes shares a powerful and practical framework for building your personal brand, one that creates opportunities, strengthens your reputation, and positions you as a trusted leader.
Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or early in your career, your personal brand is being built every day, intentionally or not. Sean breaks it down into three core pillars:
Clarity. Visibility. Value.
He explains how to gain self-awareness through honest feedback, how to show up intentionally (both in person and online), and how to create value in every interaction.
This is a must-listen for anyone serious about becoming the kind of leader people want to work with, follow, and trust.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 255 | 11.11.2025
Episode Title: Clarity. Visibility. Value. The Framework to Build Your Personal Brand  
 
Key Moments
00:00 – The importance of building a personal brand
00:28 – The three pillars: Clarity, Visibility, and Value
01:00 – Clarity: understanding who you are and how you’re perceived
01:22 – Seeking feedback (even from your “arch nemesis”)
02:20 – Learning from people you admire and identifying the skill gap
03:00 – Visibility: being intentional about how you show up
03:32 – Why visibility matters for leaders and professionals
04:00 – Value: giving more than you receive
04:28 – Why giving first pays off in the long run
05:00 – Becoming known as the problem solver and leader others seek out
06:00 – Building a brand that gives you choices and control in your career
 
Key Takeaways
Clarity begins with self-awareness. You can’t shape your brand until you understand how others perceive you.
Visibility is intentional. Every email, meeting, and post contributes to how people experience your brand.
Value compounds. When you consistently give more than you receive, opportunities naturally follow.
Your reputation becomes your leverage. Being known for solving problems and uplifting others makes you magnetic.
You get to choose. When you build a strong personal brand, you create the freedom to choose who you work with and how you lead.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15
 

Sean Barnes opens up about one of the toughest leadership lessons of all, realizing that not everyone you invest in will make the climb with you.
As leaders, mentors, and friends, we often pour ourselves into others, wanting success for them as much as they should want it for themselves. But sometimes, paths diverge. And holding on too tightly can keep you from reaching new heights and helping those who are truly ready to grow.
Sean reflects on the heartbreak of letting go, the importance of making room for the right people, and what it really means to lead with intention and grace.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 254 | 11.04.2025
Episode Title: Letting Go: Why Not Everyone Will Make the Climb With You
 
Key Moments
00:00 – Not everyone will make the climb with you
00:45 – Why we pour into others who show potential
01:10 – The painful reality: some people don’t want it as bad as you do
01:45 – When paths diverge and connection fades
02:15 – Letting go to make room for those meant to be in your life
03:00 – Focusing your energy on people who truly value and appreciate your support
 
Key Takeaways
Not everyone will make the climb with you. Growth often means outgrowing certain relationships, and that’s okay.
You can’t want success more than someone else does. No matter how much you pour into people, their drive has to come from within.
Letting go creates space. Holding on to the past can become an anchor that slows your impact and limits your ability to lift others.
Appreciation matters. Focus your time and energy on those who value your guidance and are committed to growth.
Leadership is about seasons. Some people are meant to walk part of the journey with you, not the entire climb.
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Every entrepreneur faces moments when success on paper doesn’t feel like success in purpose. In this episode, Sean Barnes shares the raw and real story behind transforming WSS Solutions into Wolf Executives, a journey built on clarity, courage, and alignment.
Sean Barnes opens up about the missed shots, the pivots, and the moment he realized that true growth begins when you stop chasing everything and go all in on what lights a fire in your soul.
If you’ve ever questioned whether your work still fits who you’ve become, this story will remind you that alignment isn’t just about business, it’s about becoming who you’re meant to be.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 253 | 10.27.2025
Episode Title: The Power of Alignment: How I Transformed My Company
Key Moments
00:25 - The “bowling pin” metaphor for missed shots in business.
01:33 - Why WSS Solutions wasn’t aligned, and how “Wolf Executives” came to life.
03:26 - How a pandemic pivot reshaped Sean’s direction.
05:49 - The decision to shut down consulting and focus on leadership development.
07:56 - The moment Sean realized Wolf Executives was the vision all along.
10:14 - What happens when your passion becomes your magnet.
 
Key Takeaways
Entrepreneurship means missing more shots than you make, but each “miss” sharpens your aim.
A brand evolves when you do. Don’t be afraid to outgrow your old story.
True success comes from aligning your work with your purpose, not just your skills.
Winding down what no longer excites you opens the door to what fulfills you.
Focus on one thing that ignites your energy; your customers and opportunities will follow.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com  
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15