7 Leadership Lessons I Learned at the Most Powerful Memorial Service I’ve Ever Attended

Send us Fan Mail What would people say about your life at your memorial service? In this deeply personal episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares the powerful leadership lessons he learned after attending the memorial service of legendary pastor and leader Jeff Leake. For over two hours, story after story was shared about a man who finished his race with his faith, family, character, and calling intact. The experience forced Doug to ask a question every leader must wrestle with: Am I living in a way that will lead to a life well lived? ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why this memorial service deeply moved Doug 02:00 – Doug’s relationship with Jeff and the impact of mentorship 04:00 – The 2% principle: Finishing with family, character, and calling intact 08:00 – “Nobody has a dad like my dad” — intentional parenting that lasts 12:00 – Why family must come before success 14:30 – The urgency of spiritual fathers and mothers 18:00 – Becoming a spiritual parent to the next generation 20:30 – “Calm always wins” — emotional steadiness in leadership 25:00 – Teaching leadership lessons at home 27:00 – First Samuel 20 friendships: Anything, anytime, anywhere 31:00 – Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion 35:00 – Resume building vs. people building 38:00 – Why documenting your content is a gift to your family 42:00 – One day it will be your memorial service 45:00 – What are you doing with your life? 48:00 – Long obedience in the same direction 50:00 – Don’t quit. Finish well. In this episode, Doug breaks down the leadership principles he took away from that unforgettable service and how they can help you lead with greater purpose, clarity, and legacy. If you want to become a leader who finishes well , this conversation will challenge and inspire you. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why only 2% of leaders finish their race with their faith, family, and character intact • The parenting goal every leader should pursue: “Nobody has a dad like my dad.” • Why great leaders learn to live by the principle “Calm always wins.” • The importance of spiritual fathers, mentors, and leadership relationships • The powerful legacy principle: Your legacy is not what you do, but what you set into motion • Why documenting your life and leadership content is a gift to future generations • How reflecting on your own mortality can help you lead a more intentional life It's finishing well. Resources Mentioned • Jeff Leek Memorial Service • Jeff Leek – Allison Park Church • L3 Leadership Podcast Connect with Doug Smith Follow Doug Smith for leadership content and resources to help you grow to your maximum potential and maximize the impact of your leadership.

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7 Leadership Lessons I Learned at the Most Powerful Memorial Service I’ve Ever Attended is an episode from L3 Leadership Podcast by Doug Smith.

This episode is 26:35 long.

This episode was published on Mar 3, 2026.

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