04 Masculine Leadership: Can Control Transform into Competence? Insights from an Air Force Leader.

The American Masculinity Podcast

The American Masculinity Podcast
04 Masculine Leadership: Can Control Transform into Competence? Insights from an Air Force Leader.
May 14, 2025 Season 1 Episode 4
Timothy Wienecke, MA, LPC, LAC

Send us a text

Masculine Leadership: Lessons from an Air Force Leader
What happens when men lead from control instead of competence? This episode explores how fear-based leadership damages teams—and how to reset your leadership style with grounded authority.

Former Air Force instructor and Space Force advisor Stephen DeGuzman joins the podcast to share powerful insights on:
– Why masculine leadership often defaults to control
– The difference between fear-based leadership and real influence
– How the military culture both helps and hurts leadership development
– What men can do to grow beyond old leadership habits
– Why trust, not intimidation, builds effective teams

🎯 Whether you’re leading in the workplace, at home, or in uniform—this episode offers a tactical reset for men who carry too much.

🧰 Download the free leadership worksheet:
https://americanmasculinity.gumroad.com/l/pytjp

📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/l1tgh1oqZl0

📚 Book mentioned: Leaders Eat Last – Support us with this affiliate link
https://bookshop.org/a/112938/9781591848011

👤 Connect with Stephen DeGuzman on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-deguzman-2a4aa8143

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Masculine Leadership vs Fear-Based Control
 05:12 – Leadership Lessons from the Military
 14:37 – What Happens When You Micromanage
 22:40 – Respect, Dignity, and Modern Masculinity
 36:20 – Personal Reflections on Leadership Failure
 51:00 – A Tactical Reset for Men Who Lead

The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.