In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome David Long, founder of David J. Long Coaching & Performance, creator of Pandemic of Positivity, and author of Step Zero, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal growth, accountability, and the mindset that separates great leaders from everyone else.
David shares his incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and recovery to becoming one of the automotive industry's most respected leadership coaches. He explains why lasting success doesn't begin with better processes or new technology—it starts with what happens before every decision: your mindset, your energy, your attitude, and your approach. Drawing from nearly four decades of personal growth and leadership experience, David reveals why "Step Zero" is the foundation for every successful leader.
The conversation explores the importance of personal responsibility, self-awareness, positive influence, and building a culture where people thrive. David also shares the powerful life experiences that inspired Step Zero, the lessons he's learned coaching dealerships across the country, and why leadership is ultimately about helping others become the best version of themselves.
We talk about:
- Why leadership starts before any process or strategy
- The meaning behind "Step Zero"
- Why your mindset determines your results
- How to own your energy, attitude, and approach
- The power of accountability and self-awareness
- Why leaders must work on themselves first
- How recovery shaped David's leadership philosophy
- Building positive dealership cultures that last
- Why serving others creates lasting success
- Daily habits that help great leaders reset and grow
David also shares practical insights on developing stronger leaders, creating high-performing teams, building meaningful relationships, and why true leadership begins when you take responsibility for the person in the mirror.
This is an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal transformation, dealership culture, accountability, mindset, and becoming the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow.
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Join Managing Partner and Host Russell B. Hill and Co-Host Charity Dunning as they discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in What the Fixed Ops?!
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