Episode 936 | The Win That No One Will Clap For

·24 min·2 clips

Brian Hess reveals the thankless decisions leaders face, starting with his son Kingston breaking a door hinge.

The episode opens with host Brian Hess introducing the topic of 'the win that no one will clap for,' focusing on unseen leadership struggles. He shares a personal anecdote about his son Kingston breaking a door hinge, linking it to parenting and business decisions. Co-host Josh Miller joins, and they briefly mention the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont as a metaphor for mental toughness. Hess contrasts popular social media quick fixes with the difficult conversations that actually drive business results. Miller discusses the modern challenges of leadership, including managing diverse employee sensitivities and maintaining integrity. Hess explains the loneliness of leadership, using examples like deciding whether to keep a talented but poor-fit team member. The conversation shifts to scaling a business, with Hess mourning the loss of close relationships as his company grew from 6 to 50 people. He shares a heartfelt moment where his 10-year-old son's birthday letter made him reflect on balancing fatherhood and leadership. Miller emphasizes the importance of self-care and delegation, noting how Hess's intern son, Cal, inspired him to wake up at 5 AM and work out. Hess concludes by advising listeners to trust their gut, take decisive action, and rely on faith or mentors for validation in thankless decisions.

As heard by us

A steady leadership episode about quiet decisions, delegated standards, and the work that rarely gets applause.

"The Win That No One Will Clap For" sits with the part of leadership that rarely earns applause: the decision made early, quietly, and often without visible payoff.

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Why you'd press play

If you are carrying a decision nobody will applaud, this is your Monday-morning push.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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