It Matters Podcast

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez delves into the importance of reading for personal and professional growth. He revisits his stance from episode 43, 'Leaders are Readers,' emphasizing that the material one reads plays a crucial role in shaping one's leadership capabilities and holistic growth. Walter recommends five essential book genres—Leadership, Communication, Relationships, Personal Growth, and Health—and highlights impactful books from each category. Walter underscores the importance of continual learning, personal development, effective communication, maintaining healthy relationships, and prioritizing physical health for achieving leadership success and overall well-being.
 
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Reading
 
02:43 The Power of Leadership Books
 
05:45 Mastering Communication Skills
 
08:46 Building Healthy Relationships
 
12:04 Personal Growth and Development
 
16:26 Prioritizing Health for Better Leadership
 
20:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez delves into the complexities and significance of leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is inherently challenging due to the need to make difficult decisions, navigate hard seasons, and manage the complexities of human behavior and emotions. Walter provides practical advice on how to lead effectively despite these challenges, such as avoiding personalizing reactions, leading from clarity, and seeking support. He encourages leaders to embrace the discomfort and growth that come with their roles, reminding them that the difficulties they face are a testament to the importance and impact of their leadership. The episode encourages leaders to show up, make meaningful decisions, and remember the purpose behind their efforts.
 
00:00 Welcome to the It Matters Podcast
 
00:51 The Challenges of Leadership
 
02:46 Understanding the Complexity of Leadership
 
04:37 Navigating Hard Decisions
 
12:57 The Importance of Growth in Leadership
 
18:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez challenges listeners to reframe how they perceive failure and embrace their potential. He emphasizes viewing failure as feedback rather than a personal flaw and encourages a mindset shift from 'Why not?' to 'Why not me?'. Walter discusses the importance of self-talk, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and taking actionable steps towards personal and professional goals. Listeners are urged to acknowledge their strengths, practice gratitude, and take brave steps to break through barriers, ultimately fostering growth and leadership.
 
00:00 Introduction: Embracing Failure as Feedback
 
00:23 Welcome to the It Matters Podcast
 
00:47 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Negative Voices
 
02:41 The Power of 'Why Not Me?'
 
03:57 Reframing Failure and Embracing Potential
 
06:49 Practical Steps for Positive Self-Talk
 
09:53 Taking Action and Moving Forward
 
14:02 Creating a Supportive Environment
 
19:09 Conclusion: Believe in Yourself and Lead Well
 

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez kicks off the first episode of 2026 by encouraging listeners to embrace growth and change their habits to truly transform their lives. Reflecting on the past two years of podcasting, Walter emphasizes the importance of not slipping into 'default mode' but instead intentionally planning and creating new rhythms. He reminds listeners that they have the power to choose growth over decay. As the new year begins, Walter urges everyone to set meaningful goals, engage actively in their lives, and avoid complacency to achieve their dreams and maximize their potential.
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
 
00:29 Reflecting on the Past Year
 
01:14 The Importance of Growth and Change
 
03:10 Avoiding the Default Mode
 
05:57 Taking Action and Setting Goals
 
09:04 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
 
14:10 Conclusion and What's Next
 

On this episode of the It Matters podcast we are ending with a blast. I bring you a mix all into one episode. I want to highlight all my guests who made this years podcasts special. These conversations brought inspiration, wisdom, and life changing truths. Allow these reflections to help you spring forward into the New Year with confidence!

In this mash up episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez highlights some of the most impactful solo episodes of 2025! In this mix of episodes Walter explores the mindset required for effective leadership and personal growth. He discusses the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities, challenging negative self-talk, and prioritizing rest to avoid burnout. He emphasizes the power of small, consistent habits and the need for self-awareness and presence. Walter encourages listeners to reflect on their routines, adopt healthy habits, and strive for alignment between values and actions. The mix of conversation highlights that sustainable leadership begins with self-care, intentional choices, and a commitment to ongoing personal development. Check this episode out to not only end your year well, but to start your New Year winning!

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter encourages listeners to reflect on where they’re investing their best energy, time, and focus as the year ends. Emphasizing that busyness doesn’t equal meaningful productivity, he urges a personal audit of priorities and challenges listeners to realign their efforts with what truly matters. Practical steps are offered to help redirect energy from draining distractions to core values and important relationships, inspiring intentional living and purposeful change before the new year begins.

In this episode of The It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez explores the transformative power of sharing personal stories. Drawing from his own experiences as a father of two children with a rare liver disease, Walter emphasizes how authentic storytelling fosters empathy, connection, and hope. He encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and share both their struggles and victories, reminding them that every story has the potential to inspire and help others. The episode motivates listeners to lead with authenticity, break down barriers, and recognize the profound impact their stories can have on themselves and their communities.

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez explores intentional leadership and the importance of "living in tension." The episode highlights how effective leaders honor their values, embrace discomfort, and navigate tensions like discipline versus desire, boundaries versus people-pleasing, and focus versus distraction. Listeners are encouraged to set clear intentions, lean into discomfort, and reflect on their growth. The episode offers practical advice for developing a purposeful mindset, elevating leadership skills, and using tension as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

In episode 100 of The It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez reflects on his journey to this milestone and shares key lessons about leadership and personal well-being. He emphasizes that leading well starts with living well—being healthy in mind and body, living authentically in alignment with one’s values, and embracing humanity through relationships and self-compassion. Walter encourages listeners to assess their own well-being and make intentional changes, highlighting that flourishing as a leader begins with caring for oneself. The episode is a thoughtful pause to inspire growth and intentional leadership.