Lead Like a CEO Without the Title | Stop Firefighting and Build Real Leadership with guest Jim Saliba
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips is joined by Jim Saliba, executive leadership coach, former tech VP, and host of the Building Legendary Leaders podcast
This episode centers on a powerful and timely leadership idea: how to lead like a CEO without needing a new title.
Jim shares what he learned moving from individual contributor to executive leadership inside a multibillion-dollar tech organization, and what he now teaches directors, VPs, and senior leaders who feel stuck in constant firefighting mode. Together, Mike and Jim unpack why many leaders get promoted but never make the mindset shift from doing the work to leading the system that produces results.
In this conversation, you will learn:
Why leadership promotions often happen without training and how to take ownership of your growth
The critical difference between accountability and ownership
Why fixers and doers struggle to reach the strategy table
How to delegate effectively without dumping responsibility
Why asking better questions creates stronger leaders and better teams
How small leadership experiments build momentum and confidence
If you are a manager, director, or senior leader who feels busy but not impactful, this episode will help you rethink how you lead right where you are.
Contact Information:
Jim Saliba
Website: jamessaliba.com
Free Book Offer: jamessaliba.com/freebook
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamessaliba
Mike Phillips
Email: mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam
Twitter: @LeadershipTLT
YouTube: YouTube.com/@MikePhillips
Hosted by Mike Phillips
Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team
Guest: Jim Saliba, leadership mastermind and ownership expert
Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com
If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!
Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.
Thank you for watching and listening!
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* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.
*** Affiliate disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links which may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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In this episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips is joined by Jim Saliba, executive leadership coach, former tech VP, and host of the Building Legendary Leaders podcast This episode centers on a powerful and timely leadership idea: how to lead like a CEO without needing a new title. Jim shares what he learned moving from individual contributor to executive leadership inside a multibillion-dollar tech organization, and what he now teaches directors, VPs, and senior leaders who feel stuck in constant firefighting mode. Together, Mike and Jim unpack why many leaders get promoted but never make the mindset shift from doing the work to leading the system that produces results. In this conversation, you will learn: Why leadership promotions often happen without training and how to take ownership of your growth The critical difference between accountability and ownership Why fixers and doers struggle to reach the strategy table How to delegate effectively without dumping responsibility Why asking better questions creates stronger leaders and better teams How small leadership experiments build momentum and confidence If you are a manager, director, or senior leader who feels busy but not impactful, this episode will help you rethink how you lead right where you are. Contact Information: Jim Saliba Website: jamessaliba.com Free Book Offer: jamessaliba.com/freebook LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamessaliba Mike Phillips Email: mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam Twitter: @LeadershipTLT YouTube: YouTube.com/@MikePhillips Hosted by Mike Phillips Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team Guest: Jim Saliba, leadership mastermind and ownership expert Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review! Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues. Thank you for watching and listening! ---- * Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised. *** Affiliate disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links which may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.