In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff interviews Bobby Allen, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major and seasoned maintenance and reliability leader.

Bobby shares his leadership journey, starting from his early days in the Marine Corps to his extensive career in the corporate world. He discusses key leadership principles such as seeking responsibility, knowing your people, and leading through influence rather than authority.

Bobby also provides practical advice for young leaders, emphasizing the importance of trust, humility, and emotional intelligence. The episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable steps to help leaders improve their skills and drive organizational success.

Don't miss the expert tips on how to handle culture change and the impact of AI on maintenance and reliability.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges

01:46 Welcome to the Learning to Lead Show

03:24 Bobby Allen's Leadership Journey

04:46 Key Leadership Lessons from the Marines

06:15 Transitioning to the Corporate World

08:06 The Importance of Seeking Responsibility

11:00 Leading with Influence and Informal Leadership

19:50 Challenges in Maintenance and Reliability

20:48 The Role of Culture Change in Leadership

31:32 Building Trust and Credibility

36:54 Recommended Leadership Resources

41:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Bobby Allen:

LinkedIn

Free Learning To Lead Resources

• Free Book: The Trust Gap
• The Learning To Lead Newsletter
• LeaderNotes

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.

Contact Mark at: mark@markjcundiff.com