The Myth of the Bad Guy: Why Great Leaders Must Make Tough, Unpopular Choices

The Jeremy Hanson Podcast / Optimized Entrepreneur

In this episode of The Jeremy Hanson Podcast, Jeremy dives into #leadershiptoughdecisions and the reality that sometimes the best leaders get labeled the “bad guy.” From firing long-time employees to raising prices when costs skyrocket, Jeremy shows how #businessownershipchallenges often force you into #unpopularleadershipchoices. What looks like ruthlessness to some is actually the decision that saves jobs, protects clients, and keeps the company alive.

Through raw stories of painful conversations and misunderstood calls, Jeremy explains why #misunderstoodleadership is part of the game. He reveals how #leadershipvsLikability is often a trap, and why real #leadershipreputation is built not on short-term approval but long-term results. Using his #businessdecisionmakingframework—the “Context, Choice, Consequence” method—and the #ThreeCircleTest, he teaches how to communicate tough calls clearly, avoid becoming a truly #badleader, and embrace the burden of #ownerresponsibilityinbusiness.

Whether it’s #firingemployeesleadership, handling #raisingpricesinbusiness, or enforcing standards, you’ll learn why strong leaders don’t chase popularity. Instead, they focus on #longtermsuccess and protecting their people from hidden costs. Jeremy explores the #lonelinessofleadership, the weight of #toughcallsinleadership, and why being temporarily disliked is often proof that you’re doing the right thing.

This episode is a masterclass in #howtobeastrongleader, a candid look at #toughconversationswithemployees, and a reminder that #thebadguymyth is often what separates managers from true leaders. If you’ve ever wrestled with #beingthebosspodcast moments that left you feeling like the villain, this episode will help you reframe them as essential steps toward #leadershipandlongtermsuccess.