In this inaugural episode of Learning Leadership, In Practice, host David Reyes introduces the heart and purpose of this podcast: exploring what it truly means to lead as a learner. David shares why learning leadership — a concept inspired by the work of James Kouzes and Barry Posner — matters now more than ever, and how this podcast will lean into reflection, growth, and thoughtful practice over time.
He also lays out the first series — reflections on the books he read in 2025, including leadership texts and other works that offered insights into leadership in surprising ways. This episode is an invitation for listeners to join a space where leadership is continually shaped by curiosity, humility, and intentional learning.
Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring others, serving in your community, or seeking to grow personally and professionally, this episode encourages you to stay curious and keep learning.
Featured Book:Learning Leadership: The Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary Leader — by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. A foundational book in David’s leadership journey, this work challenges readers to embrace leadership as a learned practice and offers practical actions for personal growth and development. AmazonBuy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Leadership-Fundamentals-Becoming-Exemplary/dp/1119144280 Amazon
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why this podcast exists and what David hopes it will become
What learning leadership means and why it matters
How the 2025 reading series will work
An invitation to lead by learning
Quote for Leaders:
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about staying open to learning your way forward.
Connect & Subscribe:Stay up to date with the Learning Leadership Network on Substack, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts for future episodes in this series.
