# Ep 41: Staying in the Arena: Leading With Grit and Grace With Dr. Derek Bub

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-unleashing-leaders-podcast-6405544/ep-41-staying-in-the-arena-leading-with-grit-and-grace-with-dr-derek-bub
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-unleashing-leaders-podcast-6405544/ep-41-staying-in-the-arena-leading-with-grit-and-grace-with-dr-derek-bub.md
Podcast: [The Unleashing Leaders Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-unleashing-leaders-podcast-6405544)
Published: 2025-08-13T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://unleashingleaders.libsyn.com/ep-41-staying-in-the-arena-leading-with-grit-and-grace-with-dr-derek-bub
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/unleashingleaders/Rebuilding_Leaders_after_a_Challenging_Setback_With_Dr._Derek_Bub_-_5_14_UL_Derek_Bub_-_PFN.mp3?dest-id=4018965
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Duration seconds: 2675

## Resource

In this episode, Dr. Derek Bub shares some of the less glamorous realities of navigating turbulence and rebuilding leaders after setbacks. Dr. Bub shares his unconventional career journey, starting as a fraud investigator to becoming the superintendent of the West Ada School District, the largest K-12 educational district in Idaho. The conversation delves into the 'dark side' of leadership, which recognizes that often leaders are found and forged in the foundry of a crisis. It isn't pleasant in the moment. Maybe you are stuck cleaning up a mess that had nothing to do with you; or maybe you made a mistake that you are recovering from. But it is these setbacks that are the setups for growing as a leader. Dr. Derek Bub outlines how to prepare for the inevitable setbacks, navigate them with grace, and then how to restore yourself or colleagues who might feel bruised by the gauntlet. He also highlights how to demonstrate compassion by listening to stakeholders and teammates, even when emotions run high and answers are unclear. And then following up after the fact to reflect and restore confidence, so leaders have the room to grow and learn. Additional Resources: Follow Dr. Derek Bub on Linkedin Learn more about West Ada School District Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Sign up for our newsletter! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Leadership is not confined to titles; it can manifest at all levels. Leadership is not always glorious, but the 'setbacks" are "setups" for growth. Don't just seek to understand; show others that you understand them, even when there are disparate views. Surprises often come from small i…

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## Transcript

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