Chief Change Officer™: Ensemble

#424 Brian Sims: When Truth Gets Political — Part Two

Chief Change Officer™: Ensemble

Show Notes

In Part Two, Brian opens up about what it really cost him to tell the truth inside a political system built on avoidance. From surviving misinformation attacks to refusing to play nice for the sake of power, he reflects on the risks and responsibilities that come with using your platform when it might backfire. We also hear how he rebuilt after the storm—why starting over matters, and what he’s doing differently this time around.

Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Price of Authenticity “I didn’t lose because I lacked support—I lost because I refused to lie.” What really happened during his run for lieutenant governor. Party Loyalty vs. Personal Truth “I wasn’t going to smile and play along just to move up.” When doing the right thing means going against your own team. Retaliation Isn’t Always Loud “It’s the silence. The meetings you stop getting invited to.” How quiet resistance can be louder than shouting. Redefining Leadership “I don’t want to lead the way they taught us. I want to lead in a way that reflects my truth.” Why he’s rebuilding his leadership from the ground up. The Work Continues—But Differently “My goal now isn’t to win office. It’s to win trust.” From political power to public service, on his own terms. _______________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Brian Sims

--Chief Change Officer-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep, Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts. EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist. 20 Million+ All-Time Downloads. 80+ Countries Reached Daily. Global Top 1% Podcast. Top 5 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>>200,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

More from Chief Change Officer™: Ensemble

Jul 10, 2025

Waverly Deutsch doesn’t just coach entrepreneurs—she translates English to English, reframes stories with strategy, and helps even the most logic-trained professionals tap into their conviction. In this three-part series, we walk through her unusual path from consulting to Chicago Booth to founding WyseHeart, her pitch strategy firm.

Jul 9, 2025

Waverly Deutsch doesn’t just coach entrepreneurs—she translates English to English, reframes stories with strategy, and helps even the most logic-trained professionals tap into their conviction. In this three-part series, we walk through her unusual path from consulting to Chicago Booth to founding WyseHeart, her pitch strategy firm.

Jul 9, 2025

Waverly Deutsch doesn’t just coach entrepreneurs—she translates English to English, reframes stories with strategy, and helps even the most logic-trained professionals tap into their conviction. In this three-part series, we walk through her unusual path from consulting to Chicago Booth to founding WyseHeart, her pitch strategy firm.

Jul 8, 2025

In Part One, Brian walks us through the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from coming out as a college athlete to confronting power structures as a civil rights lawyer. He shares how being raised by military parents shaped his moral compass, how football taught him about leadership under pressure, and why he believes his queerness has made him a better, sharper advocate. This is the story of a public servant forged in fire—and not afraid to stay loud.

Jul 7, 2025

In Part Two, Kevin Eikenberry challenges the myth that leadership is just for those with formal authority. He unpacks the idea of “leadership by choice,” reflects on the rise of remote work, and shares practical advice for building influence, trust, and connection—especially when you’re not in the same room. With insights from decades of coaching and his own mistakes, Kevin makes a compelling case: the future of work belongs to people who choose to lead, wherever they are.

See all episodes →