EP199 - How Ancient Wisdom Is Reshaping Modern Leadership with Matt Poepsel
In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Matt Poepsel to uncover the transformative journey that led him from Marine Corps service to becoming a passionate advocate for enlightened leadership. Matt reveals how his relentless pursuit of achievements—from military accomplishments to Ironman races to earning a PhD—ultimately left him feeling empty, until the pandemic forced him into a free fall that changed everything.
They explore the profound disconnect between outdated leadership models and today's workforce, particularly as younger generations demand purpose alongside paychecks. Matt shares his unexpected path to ancient wisdom traditions and how these timeless principles can revolutionize modern organizations facing unprecedented challenges. From the "Killer Bees" of workplace fulfillment to the power of purposeful pauses, this conversation examines why fear destroys everything good in organizations—and how authentic leadership begins with genuine self-reflection.
Meet Matt Poepsel
Massachusetts-based Matt Poepsel, PhD, Author, Veteran, Podcaster, and Boston College faculty member, is the creator of a unique approach to reshaping beliefs!
With a distinguished 25-year career as a Reconnaissance Marine, Arabic Linguist, and successful software product executive, Matt blends his military and corporate experience with an enlightened philosophy to help professionals and organizations unlock their full potential.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Introduction
01:27 Joining the Marines
02:05 The military adapted, but leadership models didn't
04:28 Why retirees return to the workforce
07:24 How Millennials and Gen Z Are Redefining Work
11:59 The 2008 Crisis Changed Retirement Forever
15:10 What Is Enlightened Leadership?
19:47 How Nature Reconnects You to Who You Are
22:38 Slow Is Fast: The Counterintuitive Secret to Productivity
25:32 Fear Is What’s Ruining Your Workplace
31:48 Why Every Employee Should See Themselves as a Leader
33:32 The Power of Leading Yourself Before Leading Others
36:56 Are We Still Using the Wrong Playbook for Success?
40:11 Impact of Toxic Work Environments
42:35 Pause Button for Better Leadership
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
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https://www.mattpoepsel.com/podcasts/lead-the-people
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About the Tyler Dickerhoof Show Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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