Leading Ain't Easy
Leadership looks shiny on social media. But the reality is it’s messy, isolating, and full of self-doubt. Leading Ain’t Easy pulls back the curtain on the side of leadership nobody puts on their résumé.
Hosted by Ryan Calkins (Marine Corps veteran, career/leadership coach, and founder of Reframe & Rise) and Erny Epley (public-sector leader and founder of Bus Pro Network), this show dives into the raw, unfiltered truths of leading others; whether it’s in the military, the public sector, or the private world of business.
We’re not here with corporate buzzwords or textbook definitions. Instead, you’ll hear:
- Honest stories about the challenges and failures that shaped us.
- Real conversations about the doubts and decisions leaders wrestle with every day.
- Lessons, frameworks, and laughs that remind you you’re not alone in the struggle.
Episodes run 45-60 minutes (long enough to go deep, short enough for a commute) and drop weekly. Some weeks it’s just us, other weeks we’ll bring in guests (current and aspiring leaders) to share their own unfiltered journeys.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re cut out for this role, questioned yourself after making a hard call, or felt like a fraud even with the title… this podcast is for you.
Because leading ain’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Leading Ain't Easy
Episode 10 - Coaching in Leadership (feat. Alicia Sanders)
Most leaders are coaching whether they realize it or not. The question is whether they’re doing it intentionally… or accidentally.
In this episode of Leading Ain’t Easy, Ryan and Erny are joined by Alicia Sanders, a Director of Supply Chain Management in hospital logistics, to break down coaching as a practical leadership skill; especially in high-pressure environments where deadlines don’t stop so “development” can happen.
We talk about the difference between managing vs coaching, why coaching creates real capability (not just compliance), and the hard reality leaders face when someone refuses accountability, including when coaching ends and performance management begins.
If you’re tired of doing the job for your team, this episode is your reminder: coaching is slower in the moment… but faster over time.
What we cover
- Managing vs coaching: directing tasks vs developing thinking
- Why coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all
- Coaching through strengths (and why EQ matters)
- Mentorship vs coaching, and when leaders must do both
- Daily huddles/check-ins as a simple, repeatable coaching practice
- The “cut your losses” question: accountability, engagement, and reality
- PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) as a coaching framework
- The coaching pitfall: focusing only on the squeaky wheel and burning out high performers
Key takeaway
Coaching doesn't mean being “nice” or “helpful.” It’ means being effective and creating clarity, building capability, and holding standards without rescuing people.
Connect with us
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCLoVJP2UfHuJzOyNx4fHpg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reframerise/ or https://www.instagram.com/buspro_network/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leading-ain-t-easy-podcast/
Call to action
If this episode hit home, drop a comment or message us:
What’s the hardest part of coaching people in your environment?
"Leading ain’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone."
Leading Ain’t Easy is hosted by Ryan Calkins and Erny Epley.
- Ryan is the founder of Reframe & Rise, a career and leadership coaching practice helping veterans and other professionals realign their work and lead with purpose.
- Erny runs Bus Pro Network, supporting school transportation leaders across California with training and development.
Subscribe to the show on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for clips, prompts, and behind-the-scenes updates.
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