Josh Troche | Episode #483

The Team Engagement Podcast – Season 6, Episode 483: Pull the Emotion Out of Leadership

In this episode, Shawn Richards welcomes Josh Troche, Founder of PedalStomper Productions and Co-founder of The Business Fix, for a practical conversation about honest leadership, psychological safety, and making better decisions by separating emotion from action.

Josh believes psychological safety starts with leaders being willing to say the hard things. Rather than hiding behind vague language or the traditional "feedback sandwich," he encourages leaders to communicate directly, honestly, and with genuine care for the people involved. Clear communication, delivered with the right intent, builds trust far more effectively than avoiding difficult conversations.

The conversation also explores servant leadership through one powerful question: "What do you need from me?" Josh shares how a mentor transformed his perspective on leadership by teaching him that it's not enough to define the destination. Great leaders also remove obstacles and equip their people for success.

When discussing growth mindset, Josh encourages leaders to stop chasing competitors and instead look for the gaps others overlook. By intentionally identifying opportunities where others aren't paying attention, leaders can create meaningful differentiation and continual improvement.

Josh also shares his perspective on emotional wellness, explaining that leaders should avoid reacting emotionally in the heat of difficult situations. By taking a moment to process emotions before responding, leaders create space for productive conversations that solve problems without making people feel personally attacked.

He closes by reflecting on his first jobs delivering newspapers and mowing lawns, experiences that taught him discipline, responsibility, and the importance of simply doing the work.

⭐ About Josh Troche

Josh Troche is the Founder of PedalStomper Productions and Co-founder of The Business Fix. Through podcast production, consulting, and speaking, he helps business leaders improve communication, strengthen leadership, and grow their organizations.

Drawing from years of leadership experience and entrepreneurship, Josh is passionate about practical leadership that prioritizes clarity, accountability, and servant leadership.

Connect with Josh

The Business Fix:
https://www.businessfixpodcast.com/

PedalStomper Productions:
https://pedalstomperproductions.com