Eps. #206 Tuesday, October 27th, 2026
Plenty of managers think leadership means carrying everything. They answer every question and fix every problem, then wonder why nobody on the team grows.
Zach Arend, founder and leadership coach at Create Purpose, is a two-time state champion saddle bronc rider who spent nine years rising to VP of sales at a $300 million logistics company. Then he got demoted at 34, and that demotion is where his coaching philosophy started.
In this episode, he breaks down:
How carrying 20 direct reports for four years made Zach a "good soldier" instead of a leader, and why too much ownership strips it from your team
What the LIFT practice (listen, identify, focus, transform) looks like for a middle manager caught between the team and the executive suite
Why "are you running away from something, or toward something?" is the question to ask before you quit a job that isn't working
Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your HR practices!
Guest(s): Zach Arend, Founder and Leadership Coach, Create Purpose
Guest(s): Zach Arend, Founder and Leadership Coach, Create Purpose
Zach's journey from the rodeo arena to the boardroom is packed with grit, growth, and the kind of no BS leadership wisdom we all need more of. He’s spent the last 20 years helping entrepreneurs, executives, and sales pros "Saddle Their Own Horse" a modern leadership mindset built on clarity, confidence, and purpose.
If you’re ready for fresh ideas, real connection, and the kind of energy that’ll fuel your next big move, you’re going to love Zach!
