PM Cowboy Podcasts

Leadership, Truth, and Power - Lessons from Politics, the Military, and Business

Why Modern Leadership Is at a Crossroads

Across industries and governments, leadership seems to be in crisis.
Ego often replaces empathy, and image replaces integrity. Yet behind every failing system lies a common truth - leadership still matters, perhaps more than ever.

By looking at leadership through the lens of the military, politics, and business, we can rediscover timeless principles that define genuine authority: service, humility, and accountability.

From West Texas to Washington: A Career Built on Service

Few journeys illustrate leadership's complexity better than that of a man who grew up in West Texas, carried a Jimmy Carter campaign sign to school, became a helicopter pilot in the Gulf War, served under multiple U.S. presidents, and later built a successful government contracting firm.

His story reflects the evolution of leadership itself - from service and sacrifice to strategy and vision. Each phase revealed the same lesson: real leadership means serving something greater than oneself.

The Military Perspective: "Service Beyond Self"

The military often defines leadership in its purest form.
It teaches that:

• Altruism is non-negotiable - the mission and your people come first.

• Integrity requires choosing "the harder right over the easier wrong."

• Leading by example earns trust more than any title or speech ever could.

These principles transcend uniforms and ranks. They apply equally to corporate boardrooms and community organizations. True leaders show up for their people, not just their own ambitions.

The Three H's of Leadership: Humility, Humor, and Humanity

Effective leadership is built on three human pillars:

1. Humility - to stay grounded and open to learning.

2. Humor - to stay connected and approachable.

3. Humanity - to remember the purpose behind every goal.

Without humility, leaders become self-absorbed. Without humor, they lose connection. Without humanity, they lose direction. The combination of all three transforms authority into authenticity.

The Political Mirror: What Leadership in Politics Reveals About Us

It's easy to criticize political leaders, but their failures often reflect our collective challenges in leadership.
In politics, as in business, many people prefer certainty over honesty. Charisma often trumps competence. This trade-off fuels populism, misinformation, and moral decay.

The result is "me-ism" - leadership driven by image rather than purpose. When truth becomes negotiable, power quickly fills the vacuum.

Truth, Power, and the Age of Social Media

Social media has democratized information but also distorted truth.
Everyone can now speak - yet few are truly listening. Algorithms reward outrage, not integrity. This digital noise makes authentic leadership harder but also more essential.

In such an environment, leaders must hold firm to facts, fairness, and empathy. Without these anchors, influence becomes manipulation.

Money and the Erosion of Accountability

Nowhere is leadership tested more than in systems corrupted by money and influence.
In both politics and corporate life, wealth has become a gatekeeper. Campaigns cost billions, lobbyists write legislation, and executives walk away from failure with golden parachutes.

This lack of accountability destroys trust. True leadership demands the courage to say, "I made a mistake - and I'll fix it." Excuses and scapegoating are signs of weakness, not wisdom.

Leadership Principles for Every Organization

Regardless of sector or title, strong leadership follows the same universal rules:

• Surround yourself with diverse voices

• Listen before acting

• Admit mistakes without fear

• Serve a higher mission beyond personal ambition

• Stand for truth, even when unpopular

Leadership isn't about popularity; it's about responsibility. It's not about saying what people want to hear, but what they need to hear.

Reimagining Democracy and Organizational Ethics

A functioning democracy, like a healthy organization, depends on fairness, representation, and moral grounding.
To restore balance, several reforms apply broadly - in governance and corporate life alike:

• Reduce financial influence on decision-making

• Reward transparency and accountability

• Encourage diversity of ideas and perspectives

• Empower ethical leadership through better systems and incentives

When systems favor integrity over profit, trust begins to rebuild.

The Need for Authentic Leadership

The world doesn't need more famous leaders - it needs more authentic ones.
People respond to honesty, directness, and consistency. That's why leaders who combine competence with sincerity resonate across political and business divides.

Leadership that feels real inspires action far beyond policies and profits.

Leadership Starts at Home

Leadership is not reserved for presidents, generals, or CEOs. It begins at the most personal level - in families, teams, and local communities.
Voting, volunteering, mentoring, and speaking up for what's right are all acts of leadership.

As one timeless truth reminds us: leadership isn't optional; it's everyone's duty.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership means service beyond self
• Leadership means rewarding transparency and accountability
• Truth and accountability rebuild trust
• Ethical reform is essential for progress
• Leadership begins with individual responsibility

In this episode of the PM Cowboy Podcast, we dive deep into the troubling lack of global leadership we see in politics across the world. Why are so many nations struggling to find strong, visionary leaders? What are the long-term implications for global stability, economic progress, and social justice?

Joining me for this critical discussion is Todd Weiler, CEO of Blue Rose Consulting, a former Political Campaign Advisor to two Democratic presidential candidates, former Assistant Secretary of Defense, and a former US Army Officer and Warrant Officer. Todd brings decades of experience in politics, defense, and leadership, offering valuable insights into how we got here and where we might go from here.

If you're a leader in project management, corporate strategy, or just curious about the future of political leadership, this episode is a must-listen!

Tune in to gain a no-nonsense, unfiltered perspective on global leadership and the steps we need to take to restore it.

SUMMARY

Mark Engelhardt (PM Cowboy): Hi, this is your Project Management Cowboy coming back to you with another podcast. Today, we're going to take a fresh look at leadership. We've done a couple of episodes on this before, but I'm always looking for new angles and new voices. And today I've invited someone I've known for a very long time - Mr. Todd Weiler. Todd has a deep background in leadership, spanning politics, the military, and business. And today we're going to talk not only about leadership in organizations but also about the type of leadership we often complain about - political leadership. This is what I like to call “complaining in proxy,” because while it's easy to criticize politicians, the real lesson is: what does this tell us about our own leadership in business?

Todd Weiler: Thanks for having me. I'm a native Texan - grew up in West Texas, Midland. From an early age, I got into politics, campaigned, and even carried a Jimmy Carter sign to school. That didn't end well for me, but it sparked a lifelong interest. I studied political science, joined ROTC, became a helicopter pilot, and served in the Gulf War. Later, I worked in politics, joining the Clinton campaign, then the administration, and eventually became Assistant Secretary of Defense under Obama. Today, I run a government contracting firm.

Mark: You've seen leadership from many perspectives - military, politics, and business. Let's start with the military. What qualities of leadership did you take away from your service?

Todd: The biggest was altruism - service beyond self. Good leaders care about the mission and their people first. Another was “taking the harder right over the easier wrong.” That stuck with me. And of course, leadership by example. Soldiers won't follow someone who isn't willing to share their hardships.

Mark: I agree. In business, I often say humility, humor, and humanity are three essentials. Without humility, leaders become self-centered. Without humor, they lose connection. Without humanity, they lose their purpose. Unfortunately, we see the opposite all too often - grandiosity and self-importance.

Todd: Exactly. And that's one of the big issues in politics today. Leadership has degraded. People expect politicians to speak directly, strongly, and with humor. Unfortunately, many will accept that even if it comes without truth. People crave certainty more than honesty.

Mark: That's dangerous. In democracy, the purpose of government is not to serve the majority at the expense of the minority, but to create fairness and protect everyone from domination - whether by oligarchs, monopolies, or populist movements. Leadership should be about justice, vision, and service.

Todd: Absolutely. But instead, what we see today is me-ism, the cult of personality, and a breakdown of ethics. Social media has amplified this. The loss of shared moral grounding - once reinforced by communities, religion, and even the news - has left a vacuum. And when truth no longer matters, power fills the void.

Mark: Which brings us back to leadership. Whether in politics, the military, or business, the same principles apply: surround yourself with diverse voices, listen deeply, admit mistakes, and stand for something greater than yourself. Leaders must be willing to say not what people want to hear, but what they need to hear.

Todd: Exactly. Without that, leadership devolves into manipulation. And that's what we must guard against - in government, in companies, and in our own personal roles as leaders.

Mark: I couldn't agree with you more. I think we need an incredibly charismatic leader - but here's the thing: part of why Donald Trump is popular is because he does that, just in the wrong way. He points out flaws in American culture, but his solution is simply to double down on them.

Todd: Right. He highlights problems but offers the wrong path forward. The question is: will we learn from this moment, or just repeat the cycle?

Mark: Exactly. Social media, for example - it's one of humanity's greatest inventions. Everyone has access to information now. But uncontrolled, it's poisoning the well. Some powers fear what happens if the masses truly know the truth - because that truth would sweep away injustice. That's supposed to be the purpose of democracy: to give people their voice and to keep leaders accountable.

Todd: And yet, rhetoric twists it. Look at voter suppression. The Electoral College was designed to balance rural and urban interests, but today it over-represents small states. Time and time again, we've had mismatches between the popular vote and the presidency. That raises real concerns, but one side doesn't want reform because the imbalance benefits them.

Mark: Which means the majority is often at the mercy of a vocal minority. And that's dangerous.

Todd: Exactly. And unless something dramatic changes, we're stuck in this loop. I thought Obama was exceptional - his election was a milestone. But American politics swings like a pendulum. After him, the backlash was severe.

Mark: My sons are voting age now. I tell them: you must vote. But they also say, “We can't vote for Biden.” Which gets us to the next challenge: both parties have failed to produce leaders people are inspired by. Money dominates politics. Lobbyists write legislation. Democracy is effectively for sale.

Todd: That's true. I raised $150,000 for Hillary Clinton in 2008 - that was considered huge at the time. After the Citizens United decision, a single donor can cut a check that size without blinking. Fundraising now requires millions, even billions. That shuts out grassroots leaders. We've essentially created a system of political feudalism.

Mark: And then socialism is used as a scare word. But the U.S. military is, in fact, the largest socialist organization in the world - everyone gets fed, trained, educated, and supported. Socialism simply means the government works for the masses, not just individuals.

Todd: Exactly. Yet industries without a moral compass dictate legislation. Government's role is to stand up to that, but too often it's captured by it. Politicians make modest salaries yet retire as millionaires - why? Lobbying and influence. That's corruption, plain and simple.

Mark: Which brings us to accountability. Leaders in politics and business cause massive harm yet walk away with bonuses or golden parachutes. In 2008, taxpayers bailed out banks, and executives rewarded themselves. That erodes public trust.

Todd: Leadership requires saying, “I screwed up, I'll learn from it.” But instead we see excuses, scapegoating, and finger-pointing. Accountability has to return.

Mark: Let's talk solutions: getting money out of politics, reforming the Electoral College, banning lobbyists, paying politicians more so corruption isn't tempting, and punishing those who abuse power. Without drastic reforms, nothing changes.

Todd: And maybe even restructuring into more than two parties. If America had four viable parties, you'd get more honest representation. Right now, extreme voices drown out the moderates.

Mark: I think that's why Bernie Sanders had such traction - he was authentic. Many voters who supported Trump also said Bernie was their second choice. That shows what people really want: honesty, directness, leadership that feels real.

Todd: Exactly. But insiders in both parties block outsiders. That's why America needs new blood - leaders like Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and others. But without reforming money in politics, even the best leaders won't have a chance.

Mark: That's also where American exceptionalism comes in. For decades, the U.S. stood for fairness, opportunity, and democracy. Even if imperfect, it inspired the world. Today, that credibility is shaken. Our allies ask: “Which America are we dealing with?” We owe it to ourselves - and the world - to reclaim that higher standard.

Todd: 100%. We must stand for the little guy, be consistent, and hold leaders accountable. Our example matters globally. If America wavers, authoritarianism elsewhere grows stronger.

Mark: Leadership isn't just about presidents and CEOs. It's everywhere. From voters to neighbors to parents - everyone has a role. If we want better politics, we must also take responsibility locally. Vote, speak up, get involved. Leadership starts at home.

Todd: Well said. Leadership is not optional. It's everyone's duty.

Mark: Todd, this has been a blast. Thanks so much for your time. And just to put you on the spot - when are you running for office?

Todd: When we get the money out of politics.

Mark: Fair enough. Thank you again, Todd. This was a powerful conversation. We'll break it into shorts, mid-form, and long-form, so I'm sure you'll get some feedback. Until next time - thanks, my friend.

Guest: Hayssam Al-Amine, International Leadership Trainer, Consultant, and Speaker @pppmcowboy

In our latest podcast, we sit down with Hayssam Al Amine, a seasoned leadership expert and distinguished lecturer with over 25 years of experience in high-profile management positions. Hayssam shares his profound insights on effective leadership, drawing from his extensive background in various industries across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and the USA. Tune in to gain actionable strategies and elevate your leadership skills from one of the best in the field.

Guest: Uwe Reiner Kolouch/ Communication Expert & Master PCM Trainer

Join us for an engaging podcast with Uwe Reiner-Kolouch as he delves into the intricacies of the Process Communication Model (PCM). Discover valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your communication skills and drive successful project outcomes.

The Process Communication Model (PCM) is a psychological and communication framework developed by Dr. Taibi Kahler in the 1970s. It identifies six distinct personality types, each with its own unique communication style, motivational needs, and stress responses. The model emphasizes the importance of understanding these personality types to improve interpersonal communication and minimize conflict.

PCM categorizes individuals into six personality types: Thinker, Persister, Harmonizer, Imaginer, Promoter, and Rebel. Each type has specific traits, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as preferred ways of receiving and conveying information. By recognizing and adapting to these differences, individuals can enhance their communication effectiveness, build better relationships, and foster a more collaborative environment, whether in personal or professional settings.

Guest: Karina Olivier - Psychologist & Talent Development Expert

P.A.P.I., or the Personal and Professional Inventory, is a psychometric tool used to assess an individual's personality traits and behaviors, particularly in a work environment. It focuses on measuring how individuals perceive themselves and their interactions with others in various professional contexts. The assessment typically evaluates areas such as motivation, communication style, and problem-solving preferences, providing insights that can help in recruitment, team building, and personal development.

The results can guide organizations in understanding how to best leverage an individual's strengths and address any potential challenges in a workplace setting.

Guest: Massilimiliano (Max) Langosco di Langosco

Max is an outspoken PM Cowboy and Expert on all matters having to do with PM & PMO. Furthermore he is an active and knowledgeable master user of AI in Project Management. Listen to him give his perspective on where the AI journey will take us.

How Fragile is Agile - What is the State of Agile Today with Roy Schilling: Agile Evangelist, Pragmatist and Practitioner Join us with an absolutely honest and pragmatic Subject Matter Expert on all things Agile, to discuss the future of Agile and Project Management as a discipline.

Agile has been the hype for the last 15 years. Only to be surpassed by AI and its potential for project management. As a PM Cowboy I am absolute advocate of many agile principles, methods and tools, but am totally annoyed with the empty promises and exaggerated claims and the assumption that it will replace classical PM Practices. The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time - is an example of the hyperbolic statements made about what Agile Practices can do for your projects. FACT; 80% of all executive use the word AGILE in formulating their expectations of operational excellence, but maybe 5% actually know what it entails DOING agile. And don't buy into the unrealistic agile slogan "it's more important to be agile, than do agile." In the real world YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO not what you talk about.

Talks about why Agile Principles are often misunderstood and misused, what it take to do it better.

In our enlightening podcast with Dr. Lee R. Lambert, one of the founding figures of the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, we uncovered the timeless value of PM certification and its evolution over the years. Dr. Lambert provided valuable insights into the history of the PMP certification, shedding light on how it emerged as a benchmark for project managers worldwide. He emphasized the enduring significance of PMP certification, even in the face of rapid technological advancements and changing project management landscapes.

The Orignal PM Cowboy, Lee Lambert, also discussed the present state of project management certification, highlighting its adaptability to modern project management methodologies. He outlined the role of the certification in equipping project managers with essential skills and knowledge to excel in today's dynamic business environment.

Wir sehen uns an, warum agil manchmal eher eine Ausrede für schlechtes Projektmanagement ist und was tatsächlich hinter dem Begriff steht.

Join us with Mithat Külür, a veteran in project and program management at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. He has worked in over 70 countries and has managed countless projects.

Former top manager Christian Stelzhammer shares with us his journey from burnout back to a purpose driven life.

Do Project Managers need certification in order to be brilliant? Franz Sobotka and Walter Kosak talk about pre-PM-bullshit-bingo times, about rational commitments, radical common sense, the power of a calm no and much more. Get your boots ready, we´re going on a hike!