311: How to Lead People Who Know More Than You | Jon Rennie
Jon Rennie, former U.S. Navy submarine officer, manufacturing CEO, leadership coach, and bestselling author, shares one of the most intimidating challenges every leader eventually faces: leading people with more technical expertise than they have. In this episode, host Damon Lembi and Jon explore why great leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about building trust, asking better questions, and empowering experts to do their best work. Drawing from his experience leading highly skilled teams in the military and business, Jon offers practical strategies for leading with humility, confidence, and credibility.
Read the full breakdown of Jon Rennie’s episode on Learnit.
Key Leadership Lessons from Jon Rennie’s Journey:
Leadership Isn't About Being the Smartest Person in the Room – Learn why great leaders succeed by empowering experts rather than competing with them.
Curiosity Builds Credibility – Discover how asking thoughtful questions and actively listening earns trust from highly skilled teams.
Lead People, Not Technical Details – Understand why your primary responsibility as a leader is creating clarity, accountability, and an environment where others can excel.
Connect with Jon Rennie:
Website: JonSRennie.com
LinkedIn: Jon Rennie
Podcast: Deep Leadership
Books: I Have the Watch, You Have the Watch, and All in the Same Boat
Jon Rennie is a former Cold War U.S. Navy submarine officer, manufacturing CEO, executive coach, and bestselling leadership author. After more than 20 years leading businesses in Corporate America and later owning a manufacturing company, Jon founded the Deep Leadership podcast and coaching practice to help leaders build high-performing teams through trust, accountability, and servant leadership. His philosophy is simple: leadership is a people business.
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