Resilient Entrepreneurs

Equestrian Entrepreneur Zachary Hayden: Leadership and Horsemanship

Zachary Leyden · December 15, 2023

Entrepreneur · Leadership · Life Coachin

Interview with Zachary Leyden

Equestrian Entrepreneur Zachary Hayden: Leadership and Horsemanship — Zachary Leyden

Podcast: Resilient Entrepreneurs

December 15, 2023

Zachary Leyden is our special guest on Episode 67 - he gives credit to what horses taught him, for saving his life. Coming out of active military duty was really hard and it came with emotional turmoil. Horses healed that for Zach and he has made it possible for other returning…

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Key topicsFrom Crisis to Calm: Leading Steadily Through ChallengesDiscuss the invaluable skill of maintaining composure and providing steady guidance in times of crisis, drawing parallels between the poise under pressure in leadership and the calm demeanor of horses. Share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for leaders to navigate challenges confidently, fostering a sense of stability and assurance among team members. This talking point aims to equip listeners with actionable insights for leading effectively through turbulent times. The Continuous Journey: Evolutionary Leadership in ActionExplore the concept of leadership as an ongoing journey of learning, adapting, and growing with the team. Discuss how effective leaders, much like the herd dynamics of horses, are observant, reflective, and proactive in addressing the evolving needs of the team. Share actionable tips for continuous learning, self-reflection, and adaptation to inspire listeners to embrace a forward-thinking vision and sustained development in their leadership roles. Fail Forward: Lessons from Entrepreneurial ResilienceExplore Zachary's remarkable journey from military service to thriving equestrian entrepreneurship. Discuss the challenges he faced, including mental health struggles, and how these experiences fueled his determination to succeed. Highlight key moments where setbacks turned into stepping stones, embodying the "fail forward" mentality. Share insights into how listeners can navigate challenges in their entrepreneurial endeavors, embracing failures as opportunities for growth and innovation. View all topics →

About Zachary Leyden

Zachary Leyden, podcast guest

Veteran Leadership Expert and Entrepreneurial Triumph

U.S. Army Infantry veteran; Afghanistan4 facilities Horse businesses developedFree rides For all military veterans2014 Turned competitive riding into a business venture

Zachary Leyden's journey embodies resilience, innovation, and a profound connection with horses that has transformed lives. A distinguished military veteran, Zachary found solace and rejuvenation in horsemanship after grappling with post-service mental health challenges. His unwavering spirit led him to establish a thriving horse recreation business, but what truly sets Zachary apart is his mission to "help veterans one ride at a time."

As the visionary behind the "Leadership Through Horsemanship" program, Zachary offers a unique approach to leadership development by engaging with horses. Designed for corporations, military organizations, veterans, and at-risk youth, this program integrates experiential learning activities that foster collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. Zachary's entrepreneurial journey, rooted in a passion for horses and a commitment to veterans' well-being, unfolds as a powerful narrative of resilience and transformative leadership.

Zachary brings a unique perspective to your podcast, skillfully intertwining technology, equestrian artistry, and business acumen. His military service post-2009 endowed him with invaluable leadership insights that continue to steer his entrepreneurial ventures. While pursuing higher education, Zachary balanced college life with his passion for competitive horse riding. By 2014, this passion had morphed into a thriving business venture. In the following years, he secured a contract for a major horse facility in Sacramento, demonstrating his relentless determination and strategic acumen.

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About this episode

Zachary Leydenis our special guest on Episode 67 - he gives credit to what horses taught him, for saving his life. Coming out of active military duty was really hard and it came with emotional turmoil. Horses healed that for Zach and he has made it possible for other returning servicemen to have that too.

Zach shares with us his passion, his ideas, his story of growing from a ‘cowboy’ to a millionaire businessman.

He shares the value of Leadership Through Horsemanship - and would he be an entrepreneur if he didn’t have a story about how he faked it 'til he made it!

Zach’s personality is contagious, you’ll want to listen in to him and we’re certain you’ll leave a little richer for it!

Guest: Zachary Leyden

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