Hosts: Ed Schaefer
Episode: Bonus — Season 1 Wrap & What’s Next
Runtime: Approximately 9 minutes
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Website: leadershipexploredpod.com
Episode Description:
In this short bonus episode of Leadership Explored, Ed Schaefer shares why the podcast is taking a short, intentional break—and why that’s a leadership decision in itself.
After 14 episodes diving into the realities of modern leadership, Ed and Andy are hitting pause to create breathing room. With travel, life changes, and the holiday season ahead, they’re stepping back to reflect, refocus, and plan Season 2 with intention.
But the break doesn’t mean silence. You’ll still hear from us with a few special episodes, including:
Season 1 highlights
Leadership lessons and mindset shifts from the past year
A retrospective on what worked and what we want to do differently going forward
Ed also previews the topics we’re planning for Season 2—from “Watermelon Projects” to the myth of the natural leader—and shares a powerful reflection for listeners on reclaiming capacity, choosing rest, and practicing leadership through intentional pauses.
Whether you’re a long-time listener or just discovering the show, this episode invites you to reflect, reset, and get ready to lead with more purpose in 2026.
Episode Highlights:
⏳ [00:12] – Why we’re taking a break: travel, timing, and practicing what we preac
⏳ [01:15] – What’s coming during the break: reflections, highlights, retrospectives
⏳ [02:17] – Season 2 preview: Watermelon Projects, Project Risk, Leadership Literacy, and more
⏳ [05:53] – A coaching moment: reclaiming capacity through reflection and rest
⏳ [07:19] – What Leadership Explored is about—and where to start if you’re new
⏳ [08:25] – Listener favorites to catch up on while we’re on break
📌 Recommended Episodes to Revisit:
Episode 7 & 8: Giving and receiving feedback
Episode 9: Leading through uncertainty with confidence
Episode 12: Why “It’s All the Work”
Episode 14: Assists and glue people—how real teams win
📣 Want to Help Shape Season 2?
We’d love to hear from you
📩 Email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com
What challenges are you facing? What topics should we unpack next?
Thank you for exploring leadership with us. We’ll be back with new full episodes February 10, 2026. Until then, take care, take breaks, and lead with purpose.
