The Way of The Wolf

Thirteen years ago, Sean Barnes sent a job application email that was… one sentence long. No follow-up. No context. No response.
In this episode, Sean uses that moment as a launching point to unpack what really works in today’s job market, especially at the senior and executive level. With trust at an all-time low and AI optimizing both resumes and applicant tracking systems, standing out now requires more than a polished résumé.
This conversation breaks down why relationships, trust, and intentional networking matter more than ever, and how to use LinkedIn and in-person connections the right way.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 267 | 02.03.2025
Episode Title: Why Blindly Sending Your Resume Doesn’t Work
 
Key Moments
00:00 – 00:36 – Sean reflects on his current work with executives and stumbles across a job application he sent 13 years ago
00:36 – 01:35 – Reading the original one-line email, and the frustration that followed
01:35 – 02:00 – Why “here’s my resume, I’m a perfect fit” no longer works
02:00 – 02:33 – How AI has changed resumes, applicant tracking systems, and trust in the hiring process
02:33 – 02:56 – Using LinkedIn to build relationships instead of asking for favors
02:57 – 03:25 – How real conversations lower walls and open doors
03:25 – 03:58 – Why networking events matter, even if you hate “peopling”
03:58 – 04:22 – There is no silver bullet, only consistent, intentional effort
04:22 – 04:52 – What executive recruiting firms actually rely on to find candidates
04:52 – 05:27 – The hard truth about blind resume submissions
 
Key Takeaways
Trust is the real currency in today’s job market
With AI everywhere, credibility doesn’t come from keywords, it comes from relationships.
Networking isn’t asking for a job
The goal is connection first. Opportunities follow trust, not desperation.
Executive roles are filled through people, not portals
Referrals and networks matter far more than blind applications, especially at senior levels.
 
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/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

There’s been a noticeable increase in turnover at the senior executive level, and with it, a flood of leaders trying to break into Director, VP, and C-suite roles.
In this episode, Sean Barnes walks through what actually matters in executive interviews. From preparation and research to power dynamics and closing the conversation with confidence, this episode breaks down how senior leaders can stand out, bring real value, and show they’re ready to lead on day one.
If you’re interviewing for an executive role, or preparing for one, this episode is a must-listen.
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 266 | 01.27.2025
Episode Title: How Senior Executives Win Interviews (And Why Most Don’t)
 
Key Moments
00:00 – 00:57 – Why executive burnout conversations are missing the point
00:57 – 01:54 – The expectation gap: why executives must arrive ready to solve problems immediately
01:54 – 02:47 – How deep research separates you from average candidates
02:47 – 03:49 – Why asking targeted, informed questions instantly elevates your status
03:49 – 04:39 – Addressing the fear of “giving away solutions” during interviews
04:39 – 05:42 – How transparency about real challenges builds credibility, not weakness
05:42 – 06:30 – Why sharing lessons learned shows adaptability, growth, and leadership maturity
06:30 – 07:30 – The hidden power dynamic in interviews, and how to shift it
07:30 – 08:31 – Examples of executive-level questions that signal strategic thinking
08:31 – 09:38 – How to close an interview clearly without sounding desperate
09:38 – 10:45 – Taking initiative, driving next steps, and leading the process forward
 
Key Takeaways
Executive interviews are about value, not potential
At the senior level, organizations expect you to contribute immediately. Preparation and insight are table stakes, not bonuses.
 
The strongest candidates change the conversation
Great executives don’t wait until the end to ask questions. They create dialogue, challenge thinking, and engage as peers.
 
Leadership shows up in how you close
Clarity, confidence, and initiative at the end of an interview leave a lasting impression and reinforce executive presence.
 
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/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
 

People often ask how someone who was once a hardcore introvert, awkward, uncomfortable, and struggling to communicate, ends up delivering keynotes on stages around the country.
In this episode, Sean breaks down the real journey from introversion to confident public speaking, and why communication became the single most important skill he ever developed.
This is not about becoming louder or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about learning how to communicate clearly, connect authentically, and build confidence through competence and repetition.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 265 | 01.20.2025
Episode Title: How I Went From Hardcore Introvert to Confident Public Speaker  
 
Key Moments
00:00 – From introvert to keynote speaker00:44 – Early struggles with communication and confidence01:34 – First public speaking experience and harsh self-awareness02:08 – Watching yourself on camera (the wake-up call)02:42 – Choosing growth over frustration03:06 – Why expertise comes before confidence03:49 – Becoming an expert in your domain04:50 – Navigating networking as an introvert05:19 – The power of asking questions06:06 – Getting invited onto panels and stages06:41 – Why everyone sucks at first (and that’s normal)07:45 – Building a reputation through repetition08:01 – Learning stage presence and delivery skills09:00 – Eye contact, movement, voice modulation09:52 – Why Toastmasters accelerates growth10:18 – Human skills vs. AI-generated personas10:50 – Why people crave real connection11:26 – Communication creates opportunity and freedom
 
Key Takeaways
Confidence comes from competence, not personality.
Master your craft first, confidence follows.
Public speaking is a skill, not a trait.
Anyone can learn it with reps, feedback, and intention.
Strong communication creates freedom.
The ability to communicate clearly opens doors, builds influence, and gives you choice.
 
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/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 breaks down one of the most common career myths: that hard work alone guarantees advancement.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
Sean walks through why so many high performers stall out at the manager or director level, how the Peter Principle quietly derails careers, and what it really takes to move from individual contributor to executive leader.
This episode is a must-watch for professionals who feel stuck despite working harder than everyone around them.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 264 | 01.13.2025
Episode Title: Why Hard Work Alone Won’t Get You Promoted
 
Key Moments
00:00 – Why “do the work” isn’t the whole story
00:29 – The corporate pyramid and the hustle mindset
01:06 – Why hard workers still get stuck
01:33 – Skill gaps that prevent upward movement
02:06 – The Peter Principle explained
02:31 – When titles outpace leadership capability
03:32 – Step 1: Observe leaders above you
04:16 – Executive communication vs task-level thinking
04:46 – Confidence vs competence in leadership
05:45 – Step 2: Intentionally develop new skills
06:20 – Why proximity to excellence matters
06:56 – Step 3: Apply, test, and refine
07:25 – Becoming a force multiplier
07:57 – The real path to meaningful career progression
 
Key Takeaways
Hard work alone won’t move you up.
Advancement happens when you develop the skills required at the next level, not just when you work harder at your current one.
Observe how leaders above you actually operate.
Pay attention to how executives think, communicate, and influence, not just what they tell you to do. Leadership is learned through observation as much as instruction.
Career growth shifts from output to impact.
As you level up, success is no longer about individual contribution. It’s about becoming a force multiplier who elevates the people and outcomes around you.
 
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/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

This episode is a raw, reflective breakdown of the 10 most important leadership and business lessons learned over the past year, surfaced through intentional self-reflection and unexpected insights from AI tools like ChatGPT.
Rather than chasing more activity, this episode explores what actually moves the needle: clarity, alignment, structure, emotional intelligence, boundaries, and long-term thinking.
If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or executive who feels stretched thin, emotionally drained, or stuck between growth and burnout, this episode will hit home.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 263 | 01.06.2025
Episode Title: 2025 Year End Review
 
Key Moments
00:00 – Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t00:41 – Using AI to surface leadership lessons01:45 – Lesson 1: Clarity beats activity04:04 – Lesson 2: Premium positioning requires discipline06:22 – Lesson 3: Not every paying client is a good client08:57 – Lesson 4: Leadership work is emotional work10:49 – Lesson 5: Structure creates freedom13:01 – Lesson 6: Personal brand is a long game17:05 – Lesson 7: You can’t save everyone19:24 – Lesson 8: Your voice matters more than perfect delivery21:57 – Lesson 9: Growth often feels lonely before it’s rewarding24:57 – Lesson 10: You’re building something bigger than you intended28:29 – Final reflection on becoming your best self
 
Key Takeaways
Doing more isn’t the answer, doing what matters is.
Clarity and focus create momentum, not constant motion.
Alignment matters more than revenue.
Misaligned clients, relationships, and commitments cost more than they pay.
Leadership growth is emotional, lonely, and worth it.
The hardest seasons are often forging the strongest leaders.
 
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

In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes sits down with entrepreneur James Rasmussen to unpack the real story behind building, scaling, and exiting a business in the oil and gas services industry.
James shares how he and his brothers launched a company out of necessity, scaled revenue aggressively in the first year, and navigated the realities most entrepreneurs are never warned about, including cash flow strain, slow-paying customers, payroll pressure, and the emotional weight of being responsible for employees’ livelihoods.
The conversation goes deep into hard-earned lessons on saying no to customers, structuring credit, building trust with buyers, negotiating an exit without ego, and why timing can matter more than valuation. James also reflects on leadership during downturns, the impact of COVID, and what he would do differently if he were building again today.
This episode is an unfiltered look at entrepreneurship, leadership, and exit planning from someone who has lived it.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 262 | 12.30.2025
Episode Title: Why Giving Matters More Than You Think!
 
Key Moments
00:00 – Sean introduces James Rasmussen and why he respects his character
01:05 – The real reason James started a business: “We were tired of getting laid off.”
02:12 – Discovering a market gap: API standards and non-destructive testing
03:16 – Educating the industry and building a niche with little competition
04:53 – The bank story: asking for $80K and getting a $17K line of credit instead
06:30 – Bringing family in: James hires his mom to get the books right
07:32 – The certification grind and becoming “unstoppable” once trained
08:36 – Integrity moment: choosing people over money because his brothers use the equipment
09:41 – Six months in: ramping to $150K–$200K/month revenue
10:08 – How he scaled fast: part-time help, hiring smart, and paperwork discipline
11:25 – The cash-flow reality: customers dragging payments out to 180–190 days
12:42 – The hard skill: saying no and setting credit limits
13:33 – Sean’s “worst customer” story and why cash flow is survival
14:58 – “It’s a gift until they pay you.” (game-changing mindset)
16:18 – Corporate vs field tension in oil & gas—and why it hurts vendors
18:06 – Exit wasn’t planned: how the opportunity “fell in their laps”
19:48 – Trust builds the deal: friendships formed before negotiation
21:23 – Negotiation: low offer vs “I want $10M” and then getting serious fast
23:32 – Why it worked: alignment, not greed, and they really wanted the people
25:17 – The hidden stress of leadership: 15 families depending on you
29:26 – Biggest lesson: buy assets to increase valuation
30:29 – Exit advice: negotiate employee contracts like your future depends on it
31:02 – Timing matters: sold in Nov 2019, COVID hit months later
33:44 – COVID layoffs + whiplash rehiring: brutal leadership reality
38:09 – Final advice: be goal-oriented, be fair, and make sure both sides win
 
Key Takeaways
Scaling a business quickly without losing integrity
Managing cash flow and receivables under pressure
Why relationships matter more than leverage in an exit
Leadership responsibility and the weight of payroll
Lessons learned from selling at the right time
 
Guest: James Rasmussen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rasmussen-374847257/
 
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

Many leaders believe networking is about being outgoing, charismatic, or naturally confident. In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes breaks that myth wide open.
 
Drawing from his own journey as a lifelong introvert, Sean shares how he learned to work the room not by changing who he was, but by adding structure, intention, and curiosity to how he connected with people.
 
This episode walks through three simple, practical strategies that help leaders build genuine relationships at conferences, events, and professional settings, without the awkward small talk, forced energy, or anxiety spiral.
 
At its core, this conversation is about building trust, strengthening your personal brand, and creating opportunities long before you actually need them.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 261 | 12.23.2025
Episode Title: How to Work the Room: 3 Networking Skills Every Leader Needs
 
Key Moments
00:00 – 01:05 | From Extreme Introvert to HR Leader
01:05 – 01:35 | Why Watching From the Back of the Room Wasn’t Enough
01:35 – 04:22 | Skill #1: Remember Their Name
04:22 – 05:53 | Skill #2: Match Their Energy
05:53 – 07:53 | Skill #3: Ask Better Questions
07:53 – 08:53 | Why People Walk Away Trusting You
08:53 – 09:58 | Relationships Create Opportunity
 
Key Takeaways
Working the room is a learned leadership skill, not a personality trait
Trust is built through small, intentional moments
Curiosity beats charisma every time
Strong relationships create long-term opportunity and career security
 
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 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