The Way of The Wolf

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 214 | 02.04.2025
Episode Title: Sean Barnes on Resolving Conflict
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes explores the essential role of conflict resolution in leadership, focusing on the power of one-on-one conversations. He discusses strategies for gathering information and initiating team dialogue, emphasizing the importance of encouraging direct communication and effectively managing discussions. The episode covers mediation techniques and the significance of allowing team members to express themselves. Sean highlights the value of collaboration in resolving conflicts and concludes with closing thoughts on integrating these practices into leadership to foster a harmonious work environment.
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction to conflict resolution and the importance of one-on-one conversations
1:10 – Gathering information and initiating team dialogue
2:18 – Encouraging direct communication and managing discussions
3:25 – Mediation strategies and allowing team member expression
4:06 – Emphasizing collaboration and providing closing thoughts
 
Key Takeaways
Building trust and understanding individual perspectives are crucial first steps in resolving team conflict.
Facilitating direct communication between conflicting parties helps to address the core issues and encourages mutual understanding.
As a leader, guiding the conversation and maintaining a calm environment are essential to ensure productive conflict resolution.
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/
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

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 213 | 01.28.2024
Episode Title: Women in Leadership: Kelly Adels Hess on Mentorship and Sustainability
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes welcomes Kelly Adels Hess to discuss her role at CompuCycle and the company's impressive journey, including a Guinness World Record. Kelly shares insights on building a strong management team and fostering a collaborative environment. The conversation delves into CompuCycle’s E-Steward Certification, secure data destruction, and the benefits of ESG documentation. A tour of CompuCycle’s facility highlights their asset management and recycling processes. Kelly addresses rapid expansion challenges and offers entrepreneurial growth advice. The episode emphasizes the importance of leadership mindset, valuing employees, and human connection, providing guidance for women leaders and the value of mentorship.
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction of Kelly Adels Hess and CompuCycle
0:25 – Guinness World Record and guidance for women in careers
1:31 – Kelly's journey and growth of CompuCycle
5:00 – Building a strong management team and collaborative work environment
12:14 – Sean Barnes on leadership and CompuCycle’s operations
17:29 – E Steward Certification, differentiating factors, and innovations
24:05 – Secure data destruction and ESG documentation benefits
28:01 – CompuCycle facility tour and security measures
32:18 – Asset management and recycling processes
41:23 – Hard drive destruction and battery disposal
47:10 – Data center decommissioning and enterprise-level asset processing
53:22 – Rapid expansion challenges and entrepreneurial growth advice
56:40 – Leadership mindset, valuing employees, and strong culture
58:02 – Networking, relationships, and AI in entrepreneurship
1:02:17 – Human connection in leadership and advice for women leaders
1:04:06 – Value of mentorship and overcoming fear
1:06:25 – Contacting Kelly and CompuCycle's customer approach
1:07:32 – Episode wrap-up and call to action
 
 
 
Key Takeaways
Building strong relationships and networking are essential for entrepreneurial success and career advancement.
Having a robust management team and letting go of control can propel a business to the next level.
Mentorship and the support of experienced individuals are invaluable for navigating career challenges and achieving growth.
 
Guest: Kelly Adels Hess
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-adels-hess-568a0056/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/compucycle-inc./posts/?feedView=all
Website: https://www.compucycle.com/
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website:
https://www.wsssolutions.com/
https://seanbarnes.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 212 | 01.21.2024
Episode Title: Finding Your Leadership Style
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes discusses the journey of finding one's leadership style and overcoming early challenges. He shares insights on reaching breaking points, the importance of apologies, and learning from mistakes. The episode highlights the value of observing others and how military experiences can shape leadership approaches. Sean emphasizes intentional leadership, self-awareness, and effective employee assessment as key components for growth. The conversation concludes with reflections on these themes, encouraging listeners to integrate these lessons into their leadership practices.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction and welcome
0:23 – Finding your leadership style and overcoming early challenges
2:36 – Breaking point, apologies, and learning from mistakes
3:52 – Observing others and military influence on leadership
5:41 – Intentional leadership, self-awareness, and employee assessment
7:23 – Conclusion and closing remarks
Key Takeaways
- Leadership is often learned through trial and error, and finding your style involves identifying what resonates with you and what doesn't. Understanding your employees' behaviors and motivations can significantly enhance your ability to lead effectively. Personal growth in leadership is accelerated by intentional self-reflection and continuous learning.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 211 | 01.14.2025
Episode Title: Njsane & Sean  
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes and Njsane Courtney delve into the importance of perseverance and the art of combining storytelling with emotional impact in public speaking. They explore the challenges and power of entrepreneurship and networking, highlighting vulnerability in leadership and audience connection. The discussion covers adapting leadership styles, managing time during speeches, and balancing focus between numbers and people. Trust, culture, and AI's role in performance management are examined, alongside AI's impact on resume screening and decision-making. Personal branding, historical technological perspectives, and the future of human-AI interaction are discussed. The episode concludes with insights on continuous learning and future podcast topics.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – The importance of perseverance
1:38 – Combining storytelling and emotional impact in public speaking
4:23 – The challenges and power of entrepreneurship and networking
8:49 – Vulnerability in leadership and connecting with your audience
20:49 – Adapting leadership styles and managing time during speeches
23:24 – Empathy and the Peter Principle in leadership
27:38 – Balancing focus between numbers and people in management
34:41 – Trust and culture in organizational performance
41:03 – Evolving performance management and the role of AI
50:08 – AI in resume screening and the human element in AI processes
1:00:21 – Context and accountability in AI decision making
1:04:07 – Personal branding and the future of human-AI interaction
1:07:16 – Historical perspectives on technological advancements
1:10:42 – Building connections and the value of spontaneous conversations
1:15:18 – Balancing personality tendencies and continuous learning
1:20:57 – Leveraging resources for self-improvement and knowledge prioritization
1:23:01 – Future podcast topics and episode conclusion
 
Key Takeaways
Consistency and perseverance are key to achieving long-term success, even when immediate results aren't visible.
Engaging storytelling can create a powerful connection with an audience, making complex or emotional topics more relatable and impactful.
Balancing empathy and accountability is crucial in leadership, helping to support and motivate employees while still driving performance and results.
Guest: Njsane Courtney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/njsanecourtney/
Website: https://myfriendinhr.buzzsprout.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfriendin_hr/
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.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

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 210 | 01.07.2025
Episode Title: Passed Over for Promotion   
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes shares personal experiences of being passed over for a promotion, delving into the challenges of dealing with a new, incompetent manager. He emphasizes the importance of patience and self-improvement when faced with career setbacks. Sean explores strategies for navigating difficult workplace dynamics and encourages listeners to focus on personal growth and development. The episode underscores the value of choosing one's path with intention, highlighting how resilience and self-awareness can lead to long-term success in both personal and professional spheres.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction to the episode
0:30 – Being passed over for a promotion and personal experiences
1:34 – Dealing with a new, incompetent manager
3:04 – Patience, self-improvement, and choosing your path
 
Key Takeaways
Patience and self-improvement are crucial when dealing with workplace frustrations.
Supporting your peers and maintaining high-quality work can set you apart for future opportunities.
Choosing optimism and focusing on personal growth can lead to better outcomes in challenging situations.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 209 | 12.31.2024
Episode Title: Inspired Leaders, Sean Barnes   
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes shares his personal journey, beginning with opening remarks and his backstory. He discusses overcoming introversion and the importance of setting career goals, which paved the way for his transition into HR leadership. Sean reflects on the challenges faced in this role and the strategies used to integrate people, processes, and technology for organizational growth. The episode also delves into his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the obstacles encountered and the lessons learned in overcoming business challenges. Through these narratives, Sean provides valuable insights for listeners on personal and professional development.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – Opening remarks and backstory
2:28 – Overcoming introversion and setting career goals
5:16 – Transition to HR leadership and facing challenges
10:08 – Integrating people, processes, and technology for growth
18:24 – Entrepreneurial journey and overcoming business challenges
 
Key Takeaways
True growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges, even when it means starting over.
Success and fulfillment are not solely defined by personal achievements but by the impact you have on others and the relationships you build.
Facing and overcoming life's adversities forges you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself, ready to tackle even greater challenges ahead.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website:
https://seanbarnes.com/ 
https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.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

In this episode of The Way of the Wolf, Sean Barnes dives into one of the most overlooked aspects of professional growth—investing in yourself. Drawing from real-world scenarios and personal coaching experiences, Sean tackles why so many companies fail to fund employee development, even though 70% of employers acknowledge a critical skills gap in their workforce.
Sean shares practical strategies for persuading your employer to sponsor your training—starting with framing the ROI (Return on Investment) for your boss and your organization. He also offers a bold “Hail Mary” approach for those who can’t get managerial support: paying for it yourself. This power move not only demonstrates your commitment but also spotlights any reluctance from senior leadership to invest in their people.
 
Key Takeaways
How to present a compelling ROI case to get leadership onboard
Why most businesses neglect skill-building budgets—and how you can still get ahead
The “Hail Mary” strategy: Using self-investment to encourage employer buy-in
Tips for researching credible coaches, courses, and programs that deliver results
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction and welcome
0:27 – Investing in yourself & Getting employer support for coaching
2:01 – Convincing management to invest in training
3:19 – Success rate and importance of self-investment in training
4:16 – Due diligence on training programs & Closing remarks
 
Tune in to discover how you can close your skills gap and become a more effective leader—even if your company won’t foot the bill. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you find it helpful!

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 207 | 00.00.2024
Episode Title: Stay Focused: Avoiding Distractions as an Entrepreneur
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes introduces the episode with the "woman in the red dress" analogy to illustrate the concept of distractions in business. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing business opportunities and maintaining focus to achieve success. Sean offers advice to serial entrepreneurs, highlighting the value of a singular focus rather than juggling multiple ventures simultaneously. The episode concludes with a succinct sign-off, reinforcing the message that maintaining clarity and concentration is essential for entrepreneurial growth and success.
 
Key Moments
0:00 - Introduction and the woman in the red dress analogy
1:58 - Prioritizing business opportunities and the importance of focus
3:06 - Advice to serial entrepreneurs and the value of a singular focus
4:46 - Signing off
 
Key Takeaways
Success often comes from focusing on one venture at a time rather than spreading yourself too thin across multiple opportunities.
Prioritizing your primary business and refining its core offerings is crucial to providing the highest quality of service.
A clear and singular focus helps your team align with your vision and direction, fostering better collective effort and understanding.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.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