Bring Your Own Pencil: The Discipline Leaders Forget First
Wed Jan 28 2026
In this episode of The John Eades Podcast, I sit down with Dan Casey and Griffin Brand, co-authors of Bring Your Own Pencil.
At its core, this conversation is about preparation, discipline, and respect. Not as buzzwords, but as daily practices that quietly separate professionals from amateurs. Dan and Griffin share stories and principles behind the idea of "bringing your own pencil," the mindset of taking ownership before you're asked, and why leaders who prepare consistently earn trust faster and sustain credibility longer.
We talk about:
Why preparation is a signal of respect for others How leaders lose influence when they rely on talent alone The difference between showing up and showing up ready This is a practical conversation for leaders who care about standards, growth, and doing the work before the spotlight ever turns on.
Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Bring-Your-Own-Pencil-Playbook/dp/B0GGC8JTL4
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In this episode of The John Eades Podcast, I sit down with Dan Casey and Griffin Brand, co-authors of Bring Your Own Pencil. At its core, this conversation is about preparation, discipline, and respect. Not as buzzwords, but as daily practices that quietly separate professionals from amateurs. Dan and Griffin share stories and principles behind the idea of "bringing your own pencil," the mindset of taking ownership before you're asked, and why leaders who prepare consistently earn trust faster and sustain credibility longer. We talk about: Why preparation is a signal of respect for others How leaders lose influence when they rely on talent alone The difference between showing up and showing up ready This is a practical conversation for leaders who care about standards, growth, and doing the work before the spotlight ever turns on. Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Bring-Your-Own-Pencil-Playbook/dp/B0GGC8JTL4