Leadership In Tough Times Podcast
Ken Leatherman has spent 30 years in commercial insurance and has advised senior housing operators (skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care) on risk and governance since 2007. He is the founder of Storify Studio, creator of the Leadership in Tough Times (LITT) framework, and author of Senior Housing: The AI Gap. He lives in Newport, Oregon.
Episodes

Aug 11, 2025
Aug 11, 2025
50 min
In this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, hosts Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan Terry explore the concept of resilience in leadership. They discuss the importance of personal experiences in building resilience, the critical decision-making process leaders face during tough times, and the necessity of adaptability and courageous pivoting. The conversation emphasizes the role of trust and connection within teams, as well as strategies for cultivating resilience in established organizational cultures. In this conversation, the speakers explore the essential qualities of effective leadership, particularly in challenging times. They discuss the importance of reading the room, establishing a clear purpose, and the power of storytelling as tools for building resilience within teams. Historical examples, such as Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War, are highlighted to illustrate the significance of purpose and adaptability. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to prepare their teams for change and to cultivate resilience through practice and experience.

Jun 17, 2025
Jun 17, 2025
50 min
Summary
In this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan discuss the critical phases of disruption and direction in leadership. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, decisive action, and building trust during crises. The conversation explores different leadership styles, the necessity of rapid assessment and fact-finding, and the role of vision and values in guiding teams through challenging times. The hosts share insights on learning from past disruptions and preparing for future challenges, highlighting the need for ongoing training and investment in leadership development.

Jun 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
52 min
In this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, Ken Leatherman, Larry Briggs, and Dan discuss the emotional responses leaders face during crises and how to effectively manage their teams. They explore the 10-80-10 rule, which categorizes people into three groups based on their reactions to tough situations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding team dynamics, collaboration, and the need for leaders to possess integrity and emotional intelligence. They also draw lessons from historical leaders and discuss the significance of preparing for future challenges.

Jun 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
53 min
Leadership isn’t easy—even in calm waters. But what happens when the storm hits? In this episode of Leadership in Tough Times, we explore what it truly means to lead when circumstances are uncertain, volatile, or overwhelming.
What exactly is a “Tough Time”? How can you recognize the stages of disruption before they overtake your organization or team? Join us as we unpack the definition of a Tough Time, explore its key attributes, and lay the foundation for navigating adversity with resilience, clarity, and purpose.




