What if the moments that shape us into leaders are happening in ordinary conversations, quiet walks, and decisions no one else sees?
In this episode of It Just Takes One, Kelli talks with James Shin, author of The Leader’s Soul: 52 Reflections for Unlocking Your Inner Leader. James brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience to the conversation, but his message reaches far beyond corporate titles and business results.
James shares how his experiences growing up in South Korea, building a career in the United States, and working with people across different cultures changed the way he thinks about leadership. Over time, he learned that good leadership requires more than expertise. It asks us to stay curious, pay attention to the people around us, and be willing to learn from the moments that don’t go as planned.
His book grew from the stories and observations he gathered along the way. Each reflection invites the reader to slow down and consider how daily choices affect the people they lead. James talks about the responsibility leaders carry, including the importance of protecting their teams and helping new leaders develop.
The conversation also looks at the role family, travel, and time away from work can play in shaping better decisions. Sometimes the insight we need arrives when we step back long enough to notice what we’ve been missing.
James brings thoughtfulness and humor to a subject that can often feel overly formal. His approach reminds us that leadership is deeply personal. It lives in the way we listen, how we respond under pressure, and whether people feel valued after spending time with us.
Listen in for a conversation that may have you thinking differently about the people you lead and the kind of leader you want to become.
