Ever since NPR’s Serial broke the internet last year, it seems like we’ve been in the middle of a podcast boom. But while podcasts like Serial can be fun and fascinating to listen to, there are some podcasts that are about more than just smart storytelling. These gems can actually teach you to be smarter, more resilient, and a better leader.
Here are some of the best podcasts for honing your leadership skills. They give you the chance to tune in (for free) and learn invaluable lessons from some of the most successful people and high performers in the world.
1. The Tim Ferriss Show
The author of the productivity bible The 4-Hour Work Week, talks to high-powered guests about what they do to perform so efficiently and effectively, and the tricks they use to get ahead; things you can do too! He’s hosted everyone from Arnold Schwarzenegger to investor Peter Thiel to director Robert Rodriguez.
2. The Full Ratchet
If you want to get into the minds of angel investors and learn how to get funding for your startup, this is the podcast for you. It’s hosted by angel investor Nick Moran and covers topics that include negotiation tips, raising VC funds, and reasons why startups fail. Moran’s guests are investors and inventors and everyone in between. This podcast is essential for startup leaders: It gives you the inside scoop on the angel investing world and can prepare you to lead your company to success.
3. Rocketship.FM
With every episode, Rocketship.FM brings you an interview with a startup founder who’s built a successful company. My favorite episodes include an interview with Popforms’ Kate Matsudaira, who talks about how to plan for and realize your five-year goals, and Brian Balfour’s genius talk on how to build growth methodically. Again, a great podcast that will give you the skills to be an effective startup leader.
4. Off the Charts
Nathalie Lussier packs a ton of information, advice, and tips into each five-minute episode—and she makes sure every podcast leaves listeners with something concrete they can do to be a better business leader. Lussier is a digital strategist and online marketing whiz, and in Off the Charts she dispenses actionable advice for growing your business, marketing yourself and your company online, writing sales pitches, and more.
5. Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders
Stanford University’s Technology Ventures Program hosts talks from leading entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers every semester. Thanks to this podcast, you can benefit from their advice without ever having to set foot on campus. Recent talks have featured Susan Koger of ModCloth and Mike Rothenberg of Rothenberg Ventures. This podcast offers a great opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top entrepreneurial thinkers and one of the world’s best universities.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you about my own very exciting foray into radio! In addition to my weekly podcast for entrepreneurs, my partners and I are reformatting our broadband show, which already airs in 36 markets. The Big Pitch Radio Show offers innovators an opportunity to land a discussion about funding with our co-host Kevin Harrington (an original shark from ABC’s Shark Tank). Hosted by Harrington, Jason Garey, and myself, the show is an exciting and refreshing twist to business talk radio.
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