Seasonal Sunset: From Accidental Podcasters to a Renewed Focus

🎙️ Final Episode: Accidental Podcasters

Duration: ~16 minutes⏱️

In their final episode, hosts Susan Ireland and Debbie Collard announce the close of the Seasons Leadership Podcast after 112 episodes. They reflect on their journey as “accidental podcasters,” share key lessons on intentional, values-based leadership, and express gratitude to their listeners and guests. The full archive remains available at seasonsleadership.com.

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Episode Breakdown:

‍00:01 – Welcome & Big Announcement, Debbie and Susan open with heartfelt gratitude and announce that this is the final episode of the Seasons Leadership podcast. They explain the decision to focus on leadership coaching and consulting going forward.

‍00:28 – Total Episodes: 112!Susan shares their surprise at having created 112 episodes despite a “wonky” numbering system.

‍01:01 – The Podcast LegacyEven though they won’t be releasing new episodes, the full archive will remain available as a resource packed with leadership insights.

‍01:45 – A Look Back: Guests & Global VoicesReflections on the range of amazing guests: all ages, all industries, and from around the world.

‍02:48 – Leadership is IntentionalKey insight: Great leaders aren’t born—they’re values-based, intentional, and always learning. Leadership requires ongoing development, just like any skill.

‍04:28 – Debunking Myths About LeadershipLeadership is not tied to being extroverted or having direct reports. Everyone is a leader to someone.

‍05:47 – You’re Always OnA reminder that leaders are always being observed—values-based consistency matters across all areas of life.

‍07:10 – Accidental PodcastersDebbie recounts how an invitation led to podcasting, the transition from Women in Leadership to Seasons Leadership, and their seasonal metaphor for life and leadership.

‍09:30 – A Podcast Through the SeasonsSusan reflects on how the podcast itself followed a seasonal arc—beginning in winter, experimenting in spring, thriving in summer, and now moving into fall with the decision to stop podcasting and focus on leadership coaching and consulting.

‍11:15 – Call to Action: Apply What You’ve LearnedDebbie encourages listeners to apply the leadership advice shared by guests. Action is where change happens—just start!

‍12:36 – GratitudeSusan and Debbie express appreciation for everyone involved (especially each other) —guests, producers, writers, and their community. Susan thanks Debbie, calling the podcast a “happy accident.”

‍14:04 – Stay ConnectedListeners are encouraged to explore the podcast archive, blog, and other offerings at www.seasonsleadership.com.

‍15:15 – Final Thought from Frances HesselbeinSusan closes the episode with a quote that beautifully captures the spirit of the podcast and their leadership philosophy:"Leadership is a matter of how to be, not how to do. In the end, you and I spend most of our lives learning how to do and teaching other people how to do. Yet we know in the end, it's the quality and character of the leader that determines the performance, the results."— Frances Hesselbein

‍15:53 – Closing WordsDebbie and Susan sign off with one final call to action:“Go be great leaders.”