JD here. Just click this link to get a message to me. Peace

Leadership is more than achieving results. It’s about taking care of the people who have been entrusted to you.

Years ago, one of the best leaders I ever knew gave me a simple piece of advice: “Take care of your flock.”

Those words led me to 1 Peter 5:2–3 and a powerful picture of leadership—serve willingly, don’t be motivated by greed, don’t lord authority over people, and most importantly, be an example.

Years later, during a series of devastating hurricanes in Florida, that same leader reminded me what those words look like in practice. His instruction was simple: if we were going to make a mistake taking care of our people, make the mistake by doing too much.

In this episode, I share that story and three questions every leader should consider:

Where is your heart?
How can you serve your flock?
Are you setting the example?

Because the way we care for people today can have an impact far beyond anything we may ever see.

JD here. Just click this link to get a message to me. Peace

What happens when you've spent years in leadership positions—and suddenly find yourself in a role where you have no formal authority?

In this solo episode of the Circle of the Panda podcast, JD Ross reflects on two very different leadership experiences: leading through positional authority and leading through personal influence.

Drawing from decades of business leadership and his experience returning to an entry-level corporate role, JD explores why influencing others without the power to make decisions can teach lessons that traditional leadership positions often cannot.

He discusses leading by example, learning to lead up, understanding the realities of frontline employees, and why earning influence may be one of the most valuable skills a leader can develop.

Leadership isn't just about the authority you hold. It's about the influence you earn.

For questions or conversation, reach JD at jd@circleofthepanda.com.

JD here. Just click this link to get a message to me. Peace

In this episode of The Circle of the Panda Podcast, JD sits down with his friend TJ Hall, an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, and young leader whose story is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not have to define our future.

TJ shares how scouting taught him leadership from a young age and explains three principles he believes every leader needs: experience, the ability to follow, and empathy. He also talks about leading young people who face challenges with attention and learning—and why sometimes the best way to teach is to become the distraction that captures their attention.

But TJ's story goes much deeper.

As a young child, doctors told his parents not to expect much from him. Instead of accepting that prediction, TJ and his family kept moving forward. He went on to graduate high school with honors, earn the rank of Eagle Scout, achieve the highest rank in Venturing, and pursue his goal of becoming a park ranger.

Along the way, he learned that great leadership isn't about standing above people. It's about getting into the mud with them, serving alongside them, adapting to their needs without lowering standards, and helping them become better people and better citizens.

JD and TJ also explore the connection between leadership, faith, friendship, and action—including a powerful story about finding friendship without words and the lesson of a Scoutmaster who wasn't afraid to step into the mud to pull someone out.

This is a conversation about leadership, perseverance, service, inclusion, and keeping an open mind.

There is always more to climb.