From Drug Dealer to Strong Leader — with Doug Smith

Join our hosts Tim Tannert, Certified EOS Implementer, and Josh Roberts, CEO of USA Talent Solutions, as they celebrate the wins and, more hilariously, the failures we’ve made as leaders. 

Each episode of the You Can’t Make This Shit Up Podcast, we’ll be interviewing successful, inspiring leaders about some of the people issues they have faced, and what they’ve learned in their leadership journey. 

This episode, Doug Smith, Assistant Executive Director of Light of Life Rescue Mission and founder of L3 Leadership, shares his inspiring journey from a troubled past to becoming a passionate leader and mentor. 

Thanks for joining us for Season 3! Stay tuned for more stories and leadership insights in future episodes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:12 Doug's Background and Career at Light of Life
01:56 Leadership Development and Personal Transformation
02:47 Family Life and Podcasting Journey
03:52 Podcasting Tips and Consistency
06:05 Overcoming Insecurities in Interviewing
07:04 Doug's Origin Story and Turning Point
15:45 Mentorship and Its Impact
30:27 Daily Routines and Systems for Success
37:37 Impact of Light of Life and Final Thoughts
39:50 Heartfelt Stories of Transformation
41:54 Faith's Role in Recovery
43:24 From Client to Staff: Hutch's Journey
45:49 The Power of Mentorship and Community
46:27 Leadership and Vulnerability
51:02 Personal Struggles and Therapy
55:57 Balancing Life's Demands
57:45 Reflecting on Leadership and Future Goals
01:05:30 Overcoming Dyslexia and Negative Labels
01:18:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement