The Leadership Growth Stack
The Best Leaders Never Stop Learning
The leaders I admire most all have one thing in common: they’re learners.
They don’t coast on what they picked up ten years ago. They don’t settle for status quo. They’re always seeking wisdom, refining their thinking, and building habits that stretch them.
That’s been my journey too.
My mom was a lifelong educator, and her love for learning shaped how I see the world. But I didn’t fully appreciate the power of personal development until I became a leader, and started investing in it on purpose.
Truthfully, I’ve spent more on growth after college than I did in it. And it’s paid off in ways I never expected.
That’s why I created The Leadership Growth Stack™, a simple framework with four key layers to help you grow with clarity, consistency, and intention.
Layer 1: Books & Podcasts
The Foundation of Growth
If you’re just getting started, start here.
Books and podcasts are the most affordable, accessible way to learn from the best. For a few dollars and a few hours, you can absorb decades of insight, without making the same mistakes.
I’ve never forgotten Zig Ziglar’s idea of “Automobile University.” Since high school, my commute has been a classroom.
How to apply this layer:
- Subscribe to a leadership or business podcast
- Set a goal to read (or listen to) one book per month
- Capture one key takeaway, and apply it
Layer 2: Coaches & Mentors
Learn From People Ahead of You
Books are helpful, but they don’t know your blind spots.
That’s where coaches and mentors come in. They challenge your thinking, correct your course, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
One coach shifted my leadership from transactional to transformational. It changed how I lead, and changed our company.
How to apply this layer:
- Find a mentor who’s 5–10 years ahead of you
- Invest in coaching to accelerate growth
- Surround yourself with people who sharpen you
Layer 3: Masterminds
The Power of Collective Wisdom
Books and coaching give you one voice. Masterminds give you many.
Some of the biggest breakthroughs in my career, including the launch of Text In Church, came from mastermind groups. They bring perspective, accountability, and momentum.
How to apply this layer:
- Join a mastermind in your niche or industry
- Show up consistently, give as much as you take
- Use the group to get feedback and next steps
Layer 4: Courses & Targeted Training
Go Deep Where You Need It Most
Sometimes, you don’t need more theory, you need a skill.
Courses and training programs help you zoom in. When Caleb stepped into a new leadership role, we hired a coach to meet with him monthly. It wasn’t random, it was specific support for a specific challenge.
How to apply this layer:
- Identify one area you feel stuck or under-equipped
- Find a course or workshop focused on that skill
- Implement what you learn, and share it with your team
Final Thoughts: Build Your Leadership Stack
John Maxwell said,
“The only thing that is constant is change. To handle change, we must continue learning.”
Leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about staying teachable.
Here’s the full stack:
✅ Books & Podcasts — Learn from experience
✅ Coaches & Mentors — Get personalized feedback
✅ Masterminds — Grow with a community
✅ Courses & Training — Sharpen specific skills
You don’t have to master all four overnight. Just start. One layer. One habit. One step at a time.
Ready to Take the First Step?
I put together a free tool to help you build your rhythm: The 30-Day Leadership Plan
Inside, you’ll get:
✅ Four daily habits I use to grow
✅ The one-on-one meeting framework we follow
✅ Goal-setting prompts
✅ Tools to lead with clarity
Download you FREE 30 Day Leadership Plan
📥 https://go.textinchurch.com/tyler_leadership_plan
Let's grow, together, on purpose, one layer at a time.
Tyler on Building Your Leadership Growth Stack™
In this short, conversational video, Tyler shares why the best leaders never stop learning, and how The Leadership Growth Stack™ can help you grow with clarity and consistency.
▶ Watch: Building Your Leadership Growth Stack™
You’ll hear Tyler’s personal approach to lifelong learning and how you can start layering books, mentors, masterminds, and targeted training into your own leadership journey, one step at a time.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
