The Way of The Wolf

What does “dressing for success” really mean for leaders? Sean Barnes breaks it down, connecting attire, attitude, and team standards to the culture you create. It’s about more than clothes; it’s about trust, cohesion, and setting the tone for success.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 244 | 08.26.2025
Episode Title: The Standard You Set Is the Standard You Get
Key Moments
0:00 - Dressing for Success in Leadership
2:09 - Setting and Reinforcing Team Standards
5:13 - Team Fit: Dress, Work Quality, and Positivity
6:49 - External Recognition and Team Success Celebration
 
Key Takeaways
Dressing well sets the tone for mindset, respect, and professionalism in the workplace.
Positive reinforcement and subtle compliments can encourage team members to elevate their dress standards.
If someone consistently fails to meet the dress code, it may be a sign to evaluate their overall fit within the team.
 
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 and Selena Young unpack the connection between leadership and failure, why it should be celebrated, how to grow through it, and what it takes to be a calming presence as a leader. They share lessons on resilience, building strong teams, giving feedback, and stepping out of comfort zones, while reflecting on their own leadership journeys and future goals.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 243 | 08.19.2025
Episode Title: Sean Barnes & Selena Young
 
Key Moments
0:00 - Introduction and guest Selena Young
1:31 - Merging leadership and failure insights
4:13 - Celebrating and learning from failures
6:15 - The cycle of learning, earning, and returning
8:05 - Being a calming leader
10:11 - Titles, office spaces, and leadership dynamics
16:37 - Strategies for overcoming adversity
20:37 - Essentials of building a strong team
24:26 - Feedback, self-awareness, and balancing tasks with team development
27:52 - The leader's role: Shielding vs. transparency
30:58 - Selena Young's pivotal leadership lessons
32:37 - Embracing discomfort for growth
34:01 - Sean's transition from IT to HR leadership
35:13 - Starting a podcast and redefining failure
37:14 - Setting future goals and team development
38:40 - The joy of aiding others' growth
41:20 - Gaining public speaking confidence
42:13 - The value of stepping out of comfort zones
44:00 - Upcoming events and networking opportunities
 
Key Takeaways
Learning from failures and embracing discomfort are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Strong leadership involves prioritizing people over processes and fostering a culture of transparency and trust.
Building a team so strong you don't know who the leader is can drive exceptional performance and collective success.
Guest: Selena Young
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selena-young-phr-shrm-cp-b7b0a3149/
 
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/
Register for the Wolf Leadership Series: https://lnkd.in/gbuJKXSj
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
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

Toxic behavior can quietly destroy a team from the inside out. This conversation dives into how to spot it early, how to address it directly, and why removing just one toxic person can completely shift a team’s energy. You’ll walk away with real strategies for creating a healthier, stronger, more productive team culture, one built on trust, not tension.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 242 
Episode Title: Toxic Employees
 
Key Moments
0:00 - Addressing and recognizing toxic behaviors in a team
2:44 - Gathering feedback and addressing team issues
5:07 - Positive outcomes of removing toxic individuals
 
Key Takeaways
Ignoring feedback about a problematic team member due to personal relationships can harm company culture and leadership credibility.
Identifying issues such as high turnover, low employee morale, and declining productivity can indicate that a trusted team member might be the problem.
Addressing and resolving toxic behaviors, whether through coaching or termination, can significantly improve team morale and overall company performance.
 
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/
Register for the Wolf Leadership Series: https://lnkd.in/gbuJKXSj
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
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
 

Change is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. In this video, Sean breaks down what really makes change management work, starting with identifying the gaps, building a solid plan, and most importantly, communicating it in a way that actually sticks. He shares why teams often resist change, how leadership plays a massive role in guiding people through it, and why so many initiatives fail before they even get off the ground. It’s not just about managing change; it’s about leading it the right way.
 
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 241 | 08.05.2025
Episode Title: Managing Change   
Key Moments
0:00 - Introduction to change management and initial challenges
1:31 - Gap assessment, planning, and communication importance
3:07 - Reinforcement, alignment, and communication scaling
4:38 - Challenges in organizations and dealing with resistance
7:06 - Reasons for failure and the role of leadership in change initiatives
8:52 - Final thoughts on change management
 
Key Takeaways
Effective change management requires thorough understanding of existing workflows and systems on both sides of an integration.
Tailoring communication styles to different departments and consistently reinforcing the change helps maintain alignment and momentum.
Leadership accountability and holding team members responsible for their roles in the change process are crucial for successful implementation.
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/
Register for the Wolf Leadership Series: https://lnkd.in/gbuJKXSj
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
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
 

Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build.
In this episode, Sean Barnes reflects on his journey from being a highly confident introvert in IT to leading teams in HR, ESG, safety, and leadership development. Through every new challenge, he learned that confidence is domain-specific and must be earned through action, discomfort, and growth.
Whether you're stuck in a job you’ve outgrown or afraid to step into something new, this episode will challenge you to stop playing it safe and start building the skills that lead to real confidence.
 
In this episode:
Why confidence in one area doesn’t mean confidence in all
The role discomfort plays in your growth
How to lead without being the smartest in the room
What it takes to become comfortable being uncomfortable
If you're ready to grow, it's time to get uncomfortable.

Are your teams truly aligned, or is everyone just staying busy? In this episode, Sean Barnes talks about the hidden cost of misaligned priorities inside companies.
He shares why trust is the foundation for alignment, how to navigate conflicting team objectives, and what it takes to get everyone rowing in the same direction.
If you're a leader struggling to create clarity and focus across departments, this episode gives you a practical, no-fluff strategy to bring your teams together and drive results.
In this episode:
Why trust is critical for team alignment
How to lead uncomfortable but necessary conversations
When to say no to competing priorities
A simple cadence for realigning your team
Get your people moving together, not just moving.

In this episode, Sean shares insights from his recent keynote and workshop in Toronto, where he spoke to CISOs about intentionally building a personal brand. He talks about why blasting out content isn’t enough if you don’t have real results behind it, how to find out what people really think of you, and the steps to shape your reputation into what you want it to be. If you’ve ever wondered how to open more doors in your career and life, start here.
Key points:• Focus on results before building your brand• Seek real feedback to get your baseline• Learn from mentors and close your gaps• Know what you want to be known for — and work towards it intentionally
Ready to become the problem-solver everyone turns to? Start building your brand the right way.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 237 | 07.07.2025
Episode Title: Why Projects Fail
 
Episode Summary Introduction: 
Starting a project is easy, but achieving proper project closure is where true success lies. Effective project planning and project status updates are crucial for keeping your team aligned and on track. Use these business tips and never underestimate the value of solid project management.
 
Key Moments
0:00 - Introduction to project management challenges
2:27 - Starting and consolidating project management efforts
4:45 - Issues in small and medium-sized businesses with project completion
5:52 - Ownership, accountability, and key focus areas for success
7:13 - The significance of project completion in brand and reputation building
 
Key Takeaways
Prioritizing project completion over starting new initiatives is crucial for driving meaningful progress and achieving organizational goals.
Utilizing project management tools like Trello or Asana can streamline task tracking and accountability, ensuring everyone is aligned and aware of their responsibilities.
Building a reputation for finishing projects can significantly enhance your brand and open up further opportunities for growth and success.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
LinkedIn Newsletter:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 for The Wolf Leadership Series: https://lnkd.in/gbuJKXSj
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
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