What separates organizations that consistently grow from those that struggle with turnover, burnout, and disengaged teams?

In this episode of the APEX Performance Podcast, Dr. Anthony Simmons explains why leadership coaching is no longer optional. It's the defining characteristic of organizations that develop future leaders, build trust, and create cultures where people perform at their highest level.

Drawing on more than three decades of leadership experience as a U.S. Navy commanding officer, executive coach, and scholar practitioner, Dr. Simmons shares how coaching differs from managing, mentoring, and directing. He reveals why today's leaders must connect before they lead, create environments built on trust, encourage continuous feedback, and empower others to grow through experience rather than control.

Through compelling stories from his naval command, Dr. Simmons demonstrates how allowing people to make mistakes, fostering psychological safety, and developing leadership at every level creates resilient, high-performing teams prepared to thrive in times of uncertainty and change. He also introduces practical coaching frameworks that help leaders improve communication, strengthen succession planning, reduce burnout, and build organizations where leadership becomes everyone's responsibility.

Whether you're leading a business, a military unit, a nonprofit, or a growing team, this episode provides practical strategies to help you become the kind of leader who develops people, strengthens culture, and creates lasting organizational excellence.

Because great leaders don't create followers.

They coach others to become leaders.