Ambition and Balance: A Discussion on Leadership Dynamics with Adam Tarnow

“Control your controlables.”

In this episode, Dan interviews leadership development consultant Adam Tarnow, partner at People Works International, former CPA and ministry leader, and author of the forthcoming book The Fog of Work (April 14). Tarnow shares that quitting alcohol became a “keystone habit” that improved sleep, health, emotional regulation, finances, and family life, sparked by a 30-day abstinence challenge and a book explaining alcohol’s effects.

He explains his passion for middle managers from personal experience in both corporate and church settings, describing middle management as a “valley” with tricky terrain and unpredictable “VUCA” weather. Tarno emphasizes “control your controllables” using an “I don’t control…, but I do control…, so I will…” framework, warns against blame and “awkward-phobia,” and advocates for respectful self-advocacy, view-voice-vote development, and seeing managers as leaders who take initiative for others.