The Way of The Wolf

Hiring the wrong person happens. Keeping them too long is the real mistake.
In this episode, Sean Barnes breaks down what leaders should do when a bad hire becomes obvious. From recognizing early warning signs to coaching, supporting, and ultimately making the tough call, this conversation walks through the real cost of ignoring a poor fit.
We explore how bad hires drain morale, push out high performers, and increase operational costs. More importantly, we unpack how leaders can prevent repeat mistakes by asking better questions, involving the team, and getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations.
If you’re a new leader or an executive responsible for building teams, this episode will challenge how you think about accountability, ownership, and the true responsibility of leadership.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 270 | 02.24.2025
Episode Title: Hiring Mistakes That Set Us Back Years
 
Key Moments
[0:00:00] – “Do Not Hire the Idiot”
[0:01:03] – Early Warning Signs of a Bad Hire
[0:02:07] – Coaching Before Cutting
[0:02:50] – The Real Cost of Keeping Them Too Long
[0:03:28] – The Financial Impact
[0:04:03] – Preventing the Next Hiring Mistake
[0:05:14] – Involving the Team in the Hiring Process
[0:05:45] – The Leadership Skill Most People Avoid
[0:06:23] – Act Quickly
[0:06:55] – A Skill New Leaders Must Develop
 
Key Takeaways
Act Early or Pay Later
Bad hires reveal themselves quickly. Ignoring early signals damages morale, culture, and performance.
Coach First. Exit If Necessary.
Leaders have a responsibility to support and develop someone they hired. But if performance does not improve, protecting the team comes first.
Own the Mistake and Fix the Process
Hiring errors are leadership errors. Ask better questions, involve your team, and build a stronger interview process to prevent it from happening again.
 
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/
Twitter: https://x.com/seanbarnes
https://x.com/wolfexecutives
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theseanbarnes
 

1,097 applications in three days for a single VP-level role.
Today’s hiring strategy is overwhelmed by volume, automation, and noise. AI-powered recruiting tools are filtering resumes while candidates use AI to optimize applications, creating a talent acquisition process that feels increasingly impersonal and inefficient.
In this episode, Sean Barnes breaks down why the modern recruiting and interview process is broken and what executive leaders, HR professionals, and hiring managers must do to fix it.
You’ll learn practical hiring best practices for building high-performance teams, improving candidate experience, and strengthening your talent pipeline through trust, referrals, and strategic networking.
If you are responsible for talent acquisition, executive hiring, or leadership recruitment, this episode offers a smarter framework for attracting top talent and reducing friction in your hiring process.
 
Key Moments
00:00 - 1,097 applications in three days: what that says about the hiring market
01:00 - AI on both sides: resume parsing vs AI-tailored applications
02:15 - Principle #1: Trust is king in hiring
04:00 - Principle #2: Everyone’s network counts, not just HR
06:00 - Principle #3: Why you should reward employee referrals
08:00 - Principle #4: Remove friction from your hiring process
10:30 - Principle #5: Know when to stop interviewing
12:00 - Closing thoughts: building an experience that attracts top talent
 
Key Takeaways
The volume of applications does not equal quality hiring.
AI has made hiring more efficient but also more impersonal and noisy.
Warm introductions dramatically increase trust and probability of fit.
Every leader’s network should serve the organization, not just themselves.
Referral programs save time, money, and recruiting friction.
Overly long interview processes repel high performers.
After three to four strong interviews, additional rounds create diminishing returns.
Respecting candidate time builds the foundation for long-term trust.
 
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
 
 

In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes sits down with Rod Branch for a powerful conversation on what real leadership actually requires, caring, vulnerability, trust, and relationships.
Rod shares the story behind his upcoming book (built from 52 life lessons and four core themes), how writing vulnerably on LinkedIn opened the door to deeper impact, and why today’s leaders can’t hide behind titles, polish, or “corporate distance” if they want people to follow them.
Together, they unpack why psychological safety starts long before any initiative or culture statement, how “reasonable risk” changes the way HR and leaders serve the business, and why the strongest leaders are the ones willing to show up human first.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode xxx | 00.00.2025
Episode Title: People Matter More Than Power, Featuring Rod Branch
 
Key Moments
00:00 – Sean opens with a defining leadership line: presence over position.
01:25 – Rod explains what sparked the book: vulnerability, LinkedIn stories, and demand for more.
03:27 – Why vulnerability is becoming more accepted—and why leaders must model it first.
05:02 – Sean shares a moment where a leader’s vulnerability reshaped trust in a room instantly.
08:02 – Rod reframes imposter syndrome: if you don’t feel it, you’re not stretching enough.
10:10 – Sean reflects on taking jobs before he felt ready—and learning on the fly.
14:25 – Rod breaks down his leadership model and the “mosaic” of connected principles.
16:32 – Sean shares a keynote story and what happens when you get real in public.
19:03 – What vulnerability actually looks like day-to-day (hint: it’s not just trauma stories).
30:03 – Sean explains why HR should be a strategic advisor, not “the HR police.”
31:52 – Rod introduces “reasonable risk” and why zero-risk decisions don’t exist anymore.
36:03 – Sean unpacks why asking great questions is a career superpower.
43:20 – Rod shares the “penalty flag” story: how to coach behavior without losing the room.
49:27 – Rod’s Friday story: leadership is not making people perform for your title.
52:49 – Rod shares his book launch date: April 4, 2026 (his 68th birthday).
53:27 – The core lesson Rod would write on a matchbook: Caring.
 
 
 
Key Takeaways
Psychological safety starts with caring, then trust, respect, empathy, and vulnerability follow.
If leaders skip the “human” foundation, culture work turns into theater.
Vulnerability isn’t oversharing, its humility, great questions, and honoring people in the room.
The strongest leaders create space for truth, not performance.
Leaders earn influence through relationships, not hierarchy.
People don’t follow titles; they follow leaders who are worth knowing.
 
Guest: Rod Branch, CHRO
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/rodbranch-hr
 
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

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