Am I Actually Making a Difference... or Just Hitting Numbers?

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you hit every target, earn every promotion and still wonder if you're making a difference?  In this episode, Preston Poore and seasoned executive James Ackerman explore the tension between success and significance, and why strong results don't always tell the full story of effective leadership. They discuss the difference between measuring output and impact, and what it means to lead in a way that leaves people and organizations better than they found them.  From Preston's experience discovering significance during a mission trip to a Tijuana landfill to James' journey from corporate leadership to Prison Fellowship, this conversation challenges leaders to look beyond the scoreboard and consider who they are impacting, why they lead, and what ultimately matters.  Timestamps  \[02:01] Success vs. Significance: Why hitting the numbers isn't the same as making a difference.  \[03:41] The Five Warning Signs: How leaders can confuse success with significance.  \[05:30] A Lesson in a Landfill: How one unexpected moment with Juan changed Preston's perspective.  \[07:21] Changing the Measurement: Moving from what was accomplished to who was impacted.  \[10:05] Meet James Ackerman: From media and entertainment to leading Prison Fellowship.  \[15:26] Your Life Is a Calling: Why faith and career don't have to be separate.  \[18:22] From My Significance to God's: How failure changed James' perspective on leadership.  \[20:00] Measuring Significance: Balancing business results with lasting impact.  \[23:50] Mission and the Marketplace: Why purpose and profit don't have to be either-or.  \[27:12] Learning Through Failure: How adversity can shape a better leader. \[32:28] Faith at Work: How organizations are creating space for meaningful conversations about faith.  \[38:58] Three Lessons for Leaders: Measure impact, change the metric, and recognize significance in the small things.  Links & Resources Mentioned  • Discipled Leader Apprenticeship: https://prestonpoore.com/  • Discipled Leader Book: https://prestonpoore.com/books-by-preston/  • How Is Greater Than What Book: https://prestonpoore.com/book/  • About Preston: https://prestonpoore.com/about-preston\_poore/  • New Canaan Society: https://newcanaan.org/  • Alpha: https://alpha.org/  Connect With Me  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonpoore/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoorePreston/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prestonpoore1/  Closing thoughts  If today's episode hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Like, comment, and leave a review. It helps more people find the show and, quite honestly, it reminds me I'm not just talking to myself in here.  And if you're tired of measuring your leadership only by the scoreboard, check out the Discipled Leader Apprenticeship and take the next step toward making a lasting impact.  Peace out. Be a rock star. About Preston Poore Preston Poore is a former Coca-Cola executive who practices what he preaches. He uses his wealth of hard-earned experience in the corporate arena to help emerging leaders and millennials reach their potential—all while staying true to his values, purpose, and goals. Preston is a Certified Maxwell Leadership Team Keynote Speaker, Facilitator, Trainer, and Executive Coach. Through his books, How Is Greater Than What, Discipled Leader (2022 Selah Awards Nonfiction Book of the Year) and 21 Days to Sound Decision Making, his blog, and podcast, he seeks to help people become redemptive influences in their workplaces and live more fulfilling lives. Learn more about Preston Poore & Associates: https://prestonpoore.com Work with Preston or invite him to speak: https://prestonpoore.com/leadership-development-services/ Sign up to receive the P³ Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/prestonpoore.com/thepulse LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonpoore/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prestonpoore1/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PoorePreston