268: People Matter More Than Power, Featuring Rod Branch

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.
1. 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.
1. The strongest leaders create space for truth, not performance.
Leaders earn influence through relationships, not hierarchy.
1. 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/