The Leadership Playbook

Albers School of Business and Economics

Ever wondered about the journeys successful business leaders took to get to where they are?

Looking to learn more about leadership to build a better team or advance your own career?

Going through work challenges and want to know how top executives resolved similar situations?

The Leadership Playbook podcast asks top executives from the business world’s most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they’ve faced and overcome.

Candid, often humorous, and always inspiring, the Leadership Playbook is hosted by the Dean of the Albers School of Business and Economics, Joe Phillips.

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20 episodes
Updated July 15

Episodes20

Newest first

July 15 · 18 min
From Small Village to Global Industry: The Honda Story
Welcome to Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks: How Great Leaders Turned Setbacks into Success—the podcast where we uncover the true stories of visionary leaders who hit rock bottom … then rewrote the ending. Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks is an offshoot of The Leadership Playbook, the podcast of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics and the Center for Leadership Formation. In this episode, we tell the story of Soichiro Honda and uncover his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to global automotive innovator, highlighting resilience, innovation, and leadership lessons. Writing and hosting by Viviane Lopuch and music/production by Alvarez Audio. Follow Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now and join Viviane Lopuch as we explore the fall, the fight, and the rise of the world’s greatest leaders. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show.
May 8 · 1 hr 9 min
Game Changers: How Sports Shape Seattle’s Future
Seattle’s identity has long been intertwined with sports, from passionate fan bases and iconic teams to major events that bring the city onto the global stage. As the region continues to grow, the impact of the sports industry extends far beyond the stadium walls—fueling economic development, strengthening community connections, and shaping the city's future. The final Albers Executive Speaker Series of the academic year invites students, professionals, and community members to explore the evolving role sports play in shaping Seattle’s economy, culture, and reputation. Moderated by Karen Bryant, Sports Advisor and Founder of Suite J Consulting, the conversation will feature Lynnette Buffington, Chief of Staff at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce; Joy Hollingsworth, Seattle City Councilmember and Council President; and Pamela Quadros, Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Sports Commission. Together, they will share insights into how sports drive economic impact across the region and what lies ahead for Seattle as a growing hub for major sporting events and sports industry innovation. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
February 17 · 53 min
The Journey of a Leader: Lessons from the Navy
In this engaging conversation, Tom McAndrew shares his journey from a Navy veteran to the CEO of cybersecurity company Coalfire, emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership, resilience, and community impact. He reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, the challenges faced in both military and business environments, and the significance of giving back to the community through initiatives like Gold Star Gamers. Tom's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring leaders on building a strong foundation, navigating challenges, and creating a positive culture in organizations. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
January 2 · 7 min
The Mustang, the Minivan, and the Man Who Saw Both Coming
Welcome to Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks: How Great Leaders Turned Setbacks into Success—the podcast where we uncover the true stories of visionary leaders who hit rock bottom … then rewrote the ending. Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks is an offshoot of The Leadership Playbook, the podcast of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics and the Center for Leadership Formation. In this episode, we tell the story of Hal Sperlich, the quiet visionary who saw how people really lived and imagined a car no one else believed in: the minivan. Rejected at Ford, embraced at Chrysler, Sperlich’s persistence reshaped the auto industry and changed family life forever. It’s a story about vision, power, and what happens when the right idea meets the wrong boss—and why believing in it anyway can change the world. Credit goes to the Wall Street Journal and Capital One Auto Navigator for providing details that went into this podcast episode—writing by Alicia Kan and music/production by Alvarez Audio. Follow Epic Fails, Epic Comebacks wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now and join Viviane Lopuch as we explore the fall, the fight, and the rise of the world’s greatest leaders. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show.
Nov 26, 2025 · 55 min
Unlimited Opportunity: Leading with Humility, Grit, and Care
What happens when someone who never planned on college ends up leading a global logistics company? In this episode, Dan Wall, President and CEO of Expeditors International and alum of Seattle University's Leadership Executive MBA program, reflects on his unlikely path from airport courier to the C-suite. Dan talks about Expeditors' "unlimited opportunity" culture, why titles don't define importance, and how he stays grounded while overseeing operations in more than 100 countries. He shares real stories of navigating constant supply chain disruption, cyberattacks, and regulatory complexity—while keeping people's livelihoods at the center of every decision. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
Oct 16, 2025 · 56 min
The Pivot to CEO: Why Authenticity, Courage, and AI are the New Leadership Playbook
Beverly Anderson, President and CEO of BECU—the fourth-largest credit union in the United States—shares her 30-year leadership journey in financial services on the Albers Executive Speaker Series. From her Kentucky small-town roots learning credit fundamentals at a local corner store to leading a major financial institution, Anderson reveals the career strategies and leadership principles that shaped her path to the C-suite. In this conversation, Anderson discusses her leadership philosophy built on three pillars: authenticity, excellence, and courage. She offers practical advice for women executives navigating corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in career advancement. Anderson details a pivotal career decision that changed her trajectory: leaving a toxic leadership environment, a bold move which ultimately positioned her for the CEO appointment at BECU. Her experience demonstrates how strategic career pivots can accelerate executive success in the financial services industry. The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
May 19, 2025 · 56 min
Proceed Until Apprehended
This live recording of the Albers Executive Speaker Series features Swedish Health Services President and CEO Elizabeth Wako, who outlines her career trajectory in the context of the five leadership principles that have guided her. In the fireside chat with Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver, she talks about the impact of AI on healthcare, the business challenges generated by tariffs and the value of mentors. More than anything, Wako emphasizes being strategic in making life choices. "You only have one life," she advises the audience. "Make sure you experience the life that you want. If you're unhappy, make a change." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
Mar 17, 2025 · 55 min
Culture is the Only Priority
Recorded in front of a live audience in February 2025, Costco CEO Ron Vachris talks at length about how the organization's culture is the bedrock for the retailer's success. "We always do what's right" is not an arrogant statement, he says, but a commitment to their stakeholders, whether they are customers, shareholders or the communities where they operate. Vachris, the third CEO to helm Costco, demonstrates the firm's commitment to growing talent from within. Starting as a forklift driver in 1982 at Price Club, which merged with Costco in 1993, he worked his way up through the company over the years, becoming CEO in January 2024. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
Oct 25, 2024 · 55 min
Let Your Life Unfold
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Sunny Gurpreet Singh kicked off the 2024-25 season of the Albers Executive Speaker Series with this recorded fireside chat with Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver. Singh is the founder of global healthcare technology company Edifecs and the Roundglass organization that supports programs and initiatives in India promoting health, wellness, the environment and more. In this conversation, he talked about his journey from India to Montana and Seattle, what he learned in jobs as varied as engineering to working in an Alaskan fishing boat, and how he realized his calling as an entrepreneur at 32. Key to his success was his openness to what each day would bring him. "Let every day, every job, everything you do be an experience in figuring out who you are," Singh advised the audience made up mostly of students. "Find your purpose." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
May 23, 2024 · 55 min
People, Planet, Profit—and Purpose
PCC Community Markets CEO Krish Srinivasan closed out the 2023-24 season of the Albers Executive Speaker Series talking about the co-op's history; the challenges they overcame during the pandemic; their mission, vision, and values, and why a statement of equity and inclusion—which may seem rote in today's business world—is particularly meaningful to their business. "The food supply chain in this country, for centuries, has been extremely exploitative, has been built on the backs of enslaved labor," Srinivasan said. "It is one area where, as a grocer, we decided we needed to make it clear that it's a long journey ... we acknowledge that they exist, we acknowledge that we have a role to play ... and anything that falls under our purview, we will take steps to ensure that we have a safe and inclusive environment." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes.
Mar 8, 2024 · 50 min
Math and Magic
It was a packed Pigott Auditorium when Taco Bell CEO and MBA alum Sean Tresvant spoke at the Albers Executive Speaker Series. Tresvant, the first Black CEO of the $16 billion QSR brand, talked about his journey from university to the top position at Taco Bell, lessons he learned along the way, and how he saw marketing for the future: "It's both math and magic." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Jan 31, 2024 · 49 min
Leadership is About Learning, Collaboration, and Embracing Change
"You want to be a leader? Then you must be a sponge." Virginia Mason Franciscan Health CEO Ketul Patel told the audience at the Albers Executive Speaker Series that learning is core to leadership success, along with building relationships and leaning into change. Healthcare continues to face challenges, among them workforce shortages and the entry of Wall Street, but he is optimistic about growing and scaling the only health system covering the entire Puget Sound. He is committed to rebuilding the workforce and culture, exploring partnerships, and continuing to learn from everyone. A wise mentor once told him that to be successful, "you have to live on an elevator. What he meant was you must connect with people at all levels of the organization, not just make it to the boardroom. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Nov 13, 2023 · 31 min
The Regime Change of Our Times
Most recessions are not all hands-on-deck, everything-stops-at-once collapses." RSM US Deputy Chief Economist and Industry Analyst Program Leader Kevin Depew talks to Albers Dean Joe Phillips about the economy, domestic and global, and prospects for inflation. Recorded in August 2023, Depew elaborates on why he doesn't think a recession is guaranteed and how the regime change the world is experiencing is underpinned by three key factors: Globalization, growth, and liquidity. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Jul 19, 2023 · 1 hr 41 min
The Challenge and Promise of NIL
In April of this year, Albers' MBA in Sport and Entertainment Management hosted the Pacific Northwest Academy of Legal Studies in Business' regional conference here in Seattle. Among the sessions was a highly anticipated panel discussion on NIL. NIL (name, image, likeness) refers to the rights of college athletes to profit from their personal brands as mandated by an NCAA policy that went into effect on July 1st, 2021. The evolving legal landscape for NIL makes it a closely watched topic by athletes, brands, universities, and other stakeholders. This is a recording of the panel discussion with NIL subject matter experts who are deeply immersed in the area: James Buder, Assistant Attorney General of the University of Washington; Hector Rivas, co-founder of Disruptive Sports; Debbie Spander, founder and CEO of Insight Sports Advisers; and Natalie M. Welch, assistant professor at the MBA in Sport and Entertainment Management. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Jun 21, 2023 · 51 min
Renaissance Man
Management professor Bill Weis sat down with Albers dean Joe Phillips to talk about how he became the school's longest serving faculty member with 50 years of teaching under his belt. In this half-century, Weis became the standard bearer of banning smoking in the workplace; brought worldwide attention to an obscure 15th century Italian friar; and started an adventure-based leadership course that built strong bonds among generations of MBA students. The freedom to pursue his varied interests was one reason he has stayed at Albers: "This is a place that honors who you are." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Jun 14, 2023 · 49 min
Bringing the World to Seattle, and Seattle to the World
The FIFA World Cup is the world's largest sporting event, 14% bigger than the Olympics in audience size and six times the size of the Super Bowl's 175 million viewers. And it's coming to Seattle in 2026 as the city becomes one of 16 North American locations chosen to host several games. How do cities pitch for sporting events of this size? What is the economic impact of occasions like this? Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SEAFWC26, the organization tasked with preparing Seattle for the 2026 World Cup, talks about this and more at a recent Albers Executive Speaker Series. More important than putting on a good show is the legacy left behind, he says. "We're not going to build another Space Needle," he says, referring to the iconic construction from 1962 World's Fair. "The plan is to focus on a people-based legacy, on community, culture, and children." Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Oct 26, 2022 · 52 min
Leading With Purpose
In his book 'Running with Purpose: How Brooks Outpaced Goliath Competitors to Lead the Pack', Brooks Running Company CEO Jim Weber shared how he led a passionate, committed team to transform a failing business into a billion-dollar brand in the ultra-competitive global running market. Brooks' success caught the attention of Warren Buffett, who declared it a standalone subsidiary company of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in 2012. Listen to this live recording of Weber's panel discussion where he talked about a range of topics, from promoting diversity in the workplace to what he would tell his 20-year-old self, in this episode of The Leadership Playbook. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Jun 22, 2022 · 47 min
Economic Allyship: Bridging the Gap Between Intention and Action
Intentionalist founder and CEO Laura Clise makes the call for thinking small – small business, to be specific. In this episode, she talks about how we can all be part of the solution to economic inequality, racial injustice, and the fraying of our social fabric by being more intentional about where we eat, drink, and shop. As Clise puts it, 'Economic allyship is a powerful way to translate our good intentions into action that contributes to the cultural change necessary for a more connected, inclusive, and equitable world.' Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
May 18, 2022 · 49 min
The New Return on Experience (ROE): Redefining the Fan Experience
How is the highest-ranking female business executive in baseball looking to revitalize one of Seattle's most loved sports franchises? Catie Griggs, President of Business Operations for the Seattle Mariners, joined the Albers Executive Speaker Series in April to talk about her vision. For her, it boils down to a renewed focus on the fan experience that's grounded on three principles: winning their games, creating a truly inclusive and welcoming experience to all, and offering outstanding value. Listen to the recording of Griggs' live panel where she talks about all this and her mantra, 'Doesn't Matter; Get Better'. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.
Mar 10, 2022 · 32 min
Harriet Stephenson: All Business From Day One
For Albers' 75th year, Dean Joe Phillips sat down with the iconic Harriet Stephenson, a business professor who taught at Albers from 1967 to 2014. Stephenson, one of the few female business PhDs in her time, founded what is now the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) and won many awards for her teaching and her work in social entrepreneurship and small business management. Phillips asked her how she first got interested in business (leasing her grandfather's swimming pool in Walla Walla), what it was like to be a woman in business in the 60s ("business was pretty much men"), and the origins of Albers' triple bottom line, among others. When asked how she felt about the IEC naming their business competition after her, Stephenson said with much satisfaction, "I gotta say I like it." If you studied under Harriet or are just interested in the woman after whom our business plan competition is named, listen to understand why she's a living legend. Hosted by Joseph M. Phillips, dean of Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, The Leadership Playbook asks top executives from the business world's most recognizable brands and companies about the stories behind their success, their leadership secrets, and the biggest obstacles they've faced and overcome. Follow us on leadershipplaybook.org to find out more about the show. Subscribe to listen to succeeding episodes. The Leadership Playbook is brought to you by RSM US, the nation's leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. Podcast production and music by Alvarez Audio.

The Leadership Playbook

From Small Village to Global Industry: The Honda Story

Game Changers: How Sports Shape Seattle’s Future

The Journey of a Leader: Lessons from the Navy

The Mustang, the Minivan, and the Man Who Saw Both Coming

Unlimited Opportunity: Leading with Humility, Grit, and Care

The Pivot to CEO: Why Authenticity, Courage, and AI are the New Leadership Playbook

Proceed Until Apprehended

Culture is the Only Priority

Let Your Life Unfold

People, Planet, Profit—and Purpose

Math and Magic

Leadership is About Learning, Collaboration, and Embracing Change

The Regime Change of Our Times

The Challenge and Promise of NIL

Renaissance Man

Bringing the World to Seattle, and Seattle to the World

Leading With Purpose

Economic Allyship: Bridging the Gap Between Intention and Action

The New Return on Experience (ROE): Redefining the Fan Experience

Harriet Stephenson: All Business From Day One