In this episode of Quest for Success, we take a deep dive into what truly defines great leadership—and it’s not charisma, titles, or even talent. It’s something deeper, more foundational, and far more enduring: values, integrity, and principles. Dr. Jerry Cunningham—psychologist, leadership coach, and best-selling author of the Quest for Success series—guides us through a fast-paced, humorous, and deeply thought-provoking conversation about the qualities that separate temporary influencers from timeless leaders. This episode isn't about surface-level motivation or quick hacks; it’s about understanding the core of who you are and how that shapes the way you lead, love, and live. We live in a world where brands can trend for 24 hours and vanish in 12. Social media influencers sell products they’ve never used, and people build reputations on style over substance. But true success—the kind that lasts—starts with character, not clicks. In this episode, Dr. Cunningham unpacks what it really means to lead with integrity, stand on principles, and live out your values when no one’s watching. Using insights from psychology, stoic philosophy, biblical wisdom, and real-time leadership practices, you’ll learn: Why values act as your internal GPS—and how they keep you from ending up in life’s proverbial ditches. How integrity is less about being perfect and more about being whole—consistent in character, no matter the context. What the Stoics, like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, can teach us about filtering our reactions and anchoring our choices. How to apply “self-concordance” from psychological research to align your goals with what truly matters to you. Why principles are the bumpers in the bowling alley of life—keeping you from veering into emotional or ethical gutters. What real leadership looks like when the pressure is on and compromise would be easy. How brands like Chick-fil-A and Patagonia model values-based leadership in today’s noisy world—and how you can, too. You’ll also hear some of Dr. Cunningham’s signature humor along the way—from confession-level love for Chick-fil-A, to commentary on CrossFit, judgmental grandmas, and the spiritual hazard of gas station sushi. But beneath the laughs is a serious challenge: Are you living what you say you value? And to ground all of this, we look at the ultimate example of values in action—Jesus. From flipping tables in righteous anger to walking humbly with the outcast, His life was a blueprint of integrity, principles, and unwavering mission. As Dr. Cunningham points out, Jesus didn’t just preach truth—He lived it, even when it led to suffering and sacrifice (Matthew 21:12-13). That’s the kind of legacy we’re called to emulate. Whether you’re leading a business, a church, a classroom, a team, or a family, this episode will help you identify your real values (not just the ones you say out loud), reframe your daily decisions through the lens of principle-driven leadership, and start building a life that people don’t just admire—but trust. Dr. Jerry also challenges listeners to complete a simple but powerful exercise: Write down your top five actual values—not your aspirational ones. And then take a hard look at whether your schedule, your relationships, and your choices reflect those values. Because at the end of the day, values aren’t what you post… they’re what you practice. If you’re tired of the surface-level success culture and want to build a leadership style rooted in authenticity, courage, and consistency, this episode will both encourage and equip you for the journey. Hosted by Dr. Jerry Cunningham, clinical psychologist, leadership consultant, and bestselling author of the Quest for Success book series. Dr. Cunningham blends psychological science, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies to help people grow mentally, morally, physically, spiritually, and financially. You can learn more, access free resources, and explore his full series of tools for personal development and leadership at www.Quest-Success.com. Books by Dr. Jerry Cunningham are available on Amazon. Just search Dr. Jerry Cunningham to start your journey toward living with purpose, leading with integrity, and building your own legacy of success.       EXTRA SOURCES YOU CAN CHECK OUT The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt – for psychological insights into values. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius – for Stoic principles. Harvard Business Review – search "Leadership and Integrity" articles. Dr. Brené Brown’s work on authenticity and values – especially her Dare to Lead podcast.

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