Leadership, Disrupted

Dan Rust

This podcast hosted by Dan Rust explores the art and science of high-impact leadership in a disrupted world where the future – of business, of capitalism, of our society, and yes, of leadership – is changing and evolving. None of us can be certain what the future holds, but we are sure it will be fundamentally different. All of this is discussed from the perspective of real leaders in the real world who are changing the way business works. Dan is the bestselling author of “Workplace Poker: Are You Playing the Game or Just Getting Played?” published by HarperCollins.

  1. Leadership Intelligence Powered by AI | Ben Perreau #leadership #AI Dan Rust

    1D AGO

    Leadership Intelligence Powered by AI | Ben Perreau #leadership #AI Dan Rust

    In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Ben Perreau, founder of Parafoil, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership development in an age of AI and shifting workplace dynamics. As organizations face increasing pressure to extract value while navigating a "crisis of leadership," Ben shares how a combination of cognitive science and purpose-built technology can help managers move beyond simple "check-ins" to foster deep, authentic connections with their teams.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perreau/Parafoil website: https://parafoil.co/Drawing from his unique background as a music journalist and his work with early Apple veterans, Ben discusses the challenges of the "lost cohort" of frontline leaders who are often promoted without sufficient support or training. We dive into the practical ways leaders can leverage "leadership intelligence" to gain real-time insights into their own performance, moving away from extractive, productivity-focused models toward more intentional and human-centered leadership.Throughout the conversation, we explore how to maintain a "seriousness of purpose" without taking oneself too seriously—a balance that allows for joy, levity, and a culture of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.Key Topics Covered:The "Lost Cohort" of Leaders: Addressing the massive gap between when managers are appointed and when they receive their first real leadership training.The Productivity Trap: Why focusing exclusively on "extractive" productivity can lead to employee cynicism and a organizational death spiral.Leadership Intelligence: How purpose-built AI—grounded in psycholinguistics and cognitive science—can provide objective feedback on real leadership behaviors.The Power of Intentionality: Moving beyond generic chatbot hacks to use technology as a "scalpel" for precise leadership growth.Navigating the "Employer's Market": Understanding the hidden inner life of a workforce that may be masking dissatisfaction to maintain job security.Mentorship Over Heroes: Why early-career managers should look "one click above" for practical mentorship rather than idolizing billionaire CEO archetypes.This episode is essential for executives, HR professionals, and frontline managers who want to build a more resilient, innovative, and high-performing culture through data-driven insight and authentic human connection.Hope this episode added a little sparkle to your day! If it did, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone who could use a smile, and let me know your favorite part in the comments!Don't forget to subscribe: / @danrustWatch our other videos:How Brave Leaders Speak Up When It’s Risky | Kimberly Davis: https://youtu.be/OBGAdY7meVU?si=3thvqBPT5sEPkIFxYour Leadership Origin Story | David Hutchens: https://youtu.be/bwdtDAeYcJo?si=ulZstaIGYt5dImz2Human-Centered Leadership | Karen Zeigler: https://youtu.be/RJ65usSrd2E?si=YCIpsXHm5yIi6-rLLeadership Beyond the Ice | Leela Bassi: https://youtu.be/KFm1coeGsJs?si=zLwVeKZeEsXtowiqConnect with us: ▶️ YouTube 🔴: / @danrustHashtags:#LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipIntelligence #BenPerreau #Parafoil #ModernLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #AILeadership #FrontlineLeadership #HumanCenteredLeadership #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureOfWork #MindfulLeadership #LeadershipDisrupted #DanRustRelevant Keywords:Ben Perreau leadership intelligence, Parafoil leadership development, frontline manager support, accidental managers, psycholinguistics in leadership, moving from extractive to contributive leadership, AI leadership tools, leadership coaching for managers, overcoming leadership crises, organizational health and performance, leadership mentorship, navigating hybrid and remote work.

    1h 10m
  2. Leading Growth | Tamara Laine #leadership #growth Dan Rust

    FEB 17

    Leading Growth | Tamara Laine #leadership #growth Dan Rust

    In this episode of Leadership Disrupted, host Dan Rust welcomes Tamara Laine—Emmy award-winning journalist, business strategy leader, co-host of What the Frac?, and founder of EMPOWER—for a no-fluff conversation about what leadership must protect as AI becomes the default operating system at work. Learn more about EMPOWER: empowerai.com Tamara’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaralaine/What the Frac? Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-frac-your-fractional-executives/id1748688194Tamara makes the case that leaders need to deliberately harness critical thinking and creativity, because AI-native employees can easily accept outputs without developing the instinct to question, verify, and think hard—especially when the tool feels “good enough.” Dan brings it home with a real-world story about using ChatGPT to solve a practical problem he once figured out by hand—then realizing how easy it is to get the answer without earning the understanding. That gap isn’t just a productivity issue; it’s a leadership risk. We also dig into resilience, feedback, and the looming “productivity porn” trap: if AI saves time, do leaders give people space to think and experiment—or just cram the calendar with more work until the burnout bill shows up? Key Topics Covered:• Critical thinking in an AI-native workforce (and what gets lost) • Creativity, originality, and why “AI-beige” content is already getting ignored • Building resilience through feedback and creating space to fail • Remote work realities: what younger employees miss—and how leaders must get intentional • EMPOWER’s mission: redefining “creditworthy” for the gig economy and modern earners If this episode sparked something for you, share it with a leader who’s leaning too hard on the tools—and not enough on the thinking.Don’t forget to subscribe: /@danrustWatch our other videos: How Brave Leaders Speak Up When It’s Risky | Kimberly Davis: https://youtu.be/OBGAdY7meVU?si=3thvqBPT5sEPkIFxYour Leadership Origin Story | David Hutchens: https://youtu.be/bwdtDAeYcJo?si=ulZstaIGYt5dImz2Human-Centered Leadership | Karen Zeigler: https://youtu.be/RJ65usSrd2E?si=YCIpsXHm5yIi6-rLLeadership Beyond the Ice | Leela Bassi: https://youtu.be/KFm1coeGsJs?si=zLwVeKZeEsXtowiqHashtags:#LeadershipDisrupted #TamaraLaine #AILeadership #CriticalThinking #Creativity #Resilience #FutureOfWork #RemoteLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutivePresence #Fintech #FinancialInclusion #GigEconomyRelevant Keywords:Tamara Laine Leadership Disrupted critical thinking AI workforce creativity in the age of AIleadership resilience and feedback "productivity porn" leadership remote work leadership development EMPOWER fintech gig economy lending financial inclusion AIDisclaimer:The information shared in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guest and host are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer, or affiliated entity.

    1h 9m
  3. Leadership Beyond the Ice | Leela Bassi #leadership #resilience Dan Rust

    FEB 10

    Leadership Beyond the Ice | Leela Bassi #leadership #resilience Dan Rust

    In this inspiring episode of Leadership Disrupted, host Dan Rust welcomes Leela Bassi, a leadership development speaker, trainer, and author of Beyond the Ice, to explore the profound shift from hierarchical authority to human-centered impact.Modern leadership is no longer just about titles—it requires vulnerability, presence, and the courage to see others' potential. Leela shares her personal journey from being an orphan in India to navigating cultural identity in France and the UK, explaining how these experiences shaped her belief that true leadership is rooted in how we make others feel.Drawing from extreme formative experiences—including dragging a 50kg sledge across the Arctic Circle and trekking to Everest Base Camp—Leela reveals how high-pressure environments strip away titles to reveal the essentials of human connection and collective survival. We dive into why the old "command and control" playbook is burning away and how leaders must evolve to meet the needs of a workforce that values being seen and heard.Throughout the conversation, we discuss the damaging effects of bullying leadership and why the most successful future leaders will be those who lead with empathy, clarity, and a genuine commitment to their people.Key Topics Covered:• The Power of Being Seen: Why leadership is about seeing the potential in others before they see it in themselves. • Lessons from the Ice: How a minus 40-degree Arctic expedition redefined leadership as showing up when things are hard. • Inclusive Leadership: Overcoming the "invisible" employee experience and moving beyond KPIs to see the human being. • The Death of Hierarchy: Why the old playbook of "I'm the boss" is rapidly fading in the modern world. • Poking the Bully: Analyzing the impact of workplace bullies and why "tough guy" management often masks deep insecurity. • The Gift of Vulnerability: Admitting mistakes and leading from a place of authenticity rather than a "mask" of performance.This episode is essential for executives, managers, and aspiring leaders who want to move from "showing off" to showing up for their teams. Leadership isn’t a status—it is an intentional act of helping others reconnect to their own sense of value.Hope this video added a little sparkle to your day! If it did, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone who could use a smile, and let me know your favorite part in the comments!Don't forget to subscribe : /@danrustWatch our other videos:How Brave Leaders Speak Up When It’s Risky | Kimberly Davis: https://youtu.be/OBGAdY7meVU?si=wJaIah4a5HSik1HZBrand Leadership: How Leaders Build Trust at Scale | Cat Holt: https://youtu.be/TWoCReA3V0U?si=tPmBsmBoIi7ykWF8Laughter as a Service | Kevin Hubschmann: https://youtu.be/sxTLMAHGXDU?si=HpXoBQBMm6zpR0eSNeurodiverse Leadership | Adam Kleckner: https://youtu.be/KGtu_TxBcHk?si=-WIeP2tRtSQdJPRrConnect with us:▶️YouTube🔴: /@danrustHashtags:#LeadershipDisrupted #LeelaBassi #BeyondTheIce #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanCenteredLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #InclusiveLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #VulnerabilityInLeadership #ArcticExpedition #EverestBaseCamp #ProfessionalDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #ModernLeadership #TeamBuildingRelevant Keywords:Leela Bassi leadershipBeyond the Ice bookhuman-centered leadership strategiesleading through extreme conditionsovercoming workplace bullyinginclusive leadership coachingmodern leadership transitionsvulnerability in executive leadershipArctic circle leadership lessonsbuilding trust and psychological safetyhow to be a seen leaderimpact-driven leadershipshifting from hierarchy to influenceleadership presence and eleganceeffective communication for leadersDisclaimer:The information shared in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guest and host are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer, or affiliated entity.

    1h 6m
  4. Legacy Leadership | Dr. Geneva Williams #leadership #legacy Dan Rust

    FEB 3

    Legacy Leadership | Dr. Geneva Williams #leadership #legacy Dan Rust

    In this inspiring and high-impact episode of the Leadership Disrupted podcast, we are joined by Dr. Geneva Williams, a Master Leadership Strategist, Vibrant Life Architect, and trailblazing executive who has spent decades redefining what it means to lead and leave a lasting mark.LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgenevaspeaks/Dr. Geneva shares her powerful journey from serving as the first Black woman executive leader at the United Way of Metropolitan Detroit to reinventing herself as a viral "Vibrant Life Coach" and author. At the heart of our conversation is the concept of Legacy Leadership—the idea that true leadership isn't just about what you achieve during your tenure, but the impact that continues to be felt long after you've moved on.We dive into the significance of "The Dash"—that space on a headstone between the dates of birth and death—and how leaders can intentionally fill that space with purpose, passion, and service. Whether you are navigating a major career transition or looking to deepen your organizational influence, Dr. Geneva provides a masterclass on how to shift from "human doing" to "human being" while maintaining executive excellence.Key Topics Covered:✔️ Defining Legacy Leadership: Why impactful leadership is measured by what you leave behind in people and communities.✔️ Mastering "The Dash": How to be intentional about the legacy you are building every single day.✔️ The Power of Reinvention: Practical advice for leaders facing seasons of transition or seeking their "second act."✔️ Human-Centered Strategy: Why values like honesty, consistency, and kindness are the bedrock of modern leadership.✔️ Executive Presence & Vibrancy: How looking good, feeling good, and doing good can amplify your leadership influence.✔️ Leading Through Transitions: Strategies for maintaining resilience and clarity during periods of personal or professional change.This episode is a must-watch for executives, non-profit leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to ensure their leadership journey is defined by extraordinary impact and a vibrant life.Legacy isn't something you leave for people; it's something you leave in them.Hope this video added a little sparkle to your day! If it did, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone who is ready to lead with more purpose, and let me know your favorite takeaway in the comments!👍 Don't forget to subscribe 🛎️: / @danrustWatch our other videos:🎥How Brave Leaders Speak Up When It’s Risky | Kimberly Davis: https://youtu.be/OBGAdY7meVU🎥Your Leadership Origin Story | David Hutchens: https://youtu.be/bwdtDAeYcJo🎥Brand Leadership: How Leaders Build Trust at Scale | Cat Holt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWoCReA3V0U🎥Emotion-Optimized Leadership | Ryan Heinl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeXA6MeeV4AConnect with us:YouTube🔴: / @danrustHashtags:#LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #DrGenevaWilliams #ModernLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipSkills #AuthenticLeadership #HumanCenteredLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #VibrantLiving #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDisrupted #DanRust #WomenInLeadershipRelevant Keywords:legacy leadership strategiesDr. Geneva Williams leadership coachhow to build a leadership legacyleading with purpose and impactcareer reinvention for executivesexecutive presence and vibrancyvibrant life coaching for leadershuman-centered leadership approachmodern leadership vs traditional managementbuilding community impact through leadershipleadership transition strategiesthe power of the dash in leadershipauthentic leadership developmentnon-profit leadership excellencestrategic planning for personal growthmentorship and legacy buildingThank you for watching our videos, Don’t forget to subscribe: / @danrust

    1h 13m
  5. Human Centered Leadership Karen Zeigler #leadershipdevelopment #aistrategy Dan Rust

    JAN 27

    Human Centered Leadership Karen Zeigler #leadershipdevelopment #aistrategy Dan Rust

    In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Karen Zeigler, CEO of The Human Score, to discuss the critical shift from "human doing" to "human being" in the modern workplace.As AI continues to transform the business landscape, leadership is being tested like never before. Karen argues that the future of work isn't just about artificial intelligence—it's about human insight, purpose-driven leadership, and intentional connection. [02:00] She shares how the most successful organizations of the future will be those that prioritize the unique potential of their people over mere productivity metrics.Karen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-zeigler/The Human Score: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-human-score/Drawing from her background in design thinking and executive leadership, Karen introduces The Human Score, a revolutionary diagnostic tool that measures five key categories: work design, structure, culture, decision-making, and fairness. We explore how these metrics provide a roadmap for leaders to co-create environments where innovation thrives and people feel truly valued.Throughout the conversation, we discuss the "Leadership Math" (LX = EX + CX) and how leaders can navigate the "Workplace Renaissance" by leading with empathy, curiosity, and emotional intelligence.🔹 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ The Human Score: Understanding the five categories that define a human-centered organization [21:11] ✔️ Human Doing vs. Human Being: Why the era of "spreadsheet management" is failing and what needs to change [07:44] ✔️ AI as a Mirror: How technological implementations are highlighting existing gaps in organizational culture and data [12:26] ✔️ The Leadership Math: Why the Leader Experience is a magnification of the Employee and Customer Experience [13:45] ✔️ Workplace Renaissance: Tapping into the "hidden gifts" of employees that job descriptions often miss [39:45] ✔️ Practical Leadership Tools: The power of "Management by Walking Around" (even on Zoom) and asking: "How am I showing up for you?" [55:53] ✔️ Emotional Intelligence: Moving beyond the surface to understand the beliefs that drive our professional behaviors [01:05:50]This episode is ideal for executives, HR professionals, and leaders who want to build a resilient, high-performance culture that puts people first.Leadership isn’t just about the results you achieve—it's about the human experience you create for those you lead.Hope this video added a little sparkle to your day! If it did, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone who could use a smile, and let me know your favorite part in the comments!Connect with us: ▶️YouTube🔴: / @danrustHashtags: #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanCenteredLeadership #TheHumanScore #KarenZeigler #FutureOfWork #AIInLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #ExecutiveCoaching #EmployeeEngagement #DesignThinking #LeadershipDisrupted #ModernLeadership #WorkplaceRenaissance #DanRustRelevant Keywords: human-centered leadership strategies The Human Score assessment Karen Zeigler leadership coach AI impact on workplace culture moving from human doing to human being leadership math LX EX CX building psychological safety in the age of AI improving employee experience (EX) design thinking for leaders emotional intelligence for executives workplace renaissance and innovation recruiting and retaining talent with purpose management by walking around for remote teams leadership transparency and trust high performance human systemsThank you for watching our videos, Don’t forget to subscribe: / @danrustDisclaimer: The information shared in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guest and host are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer, or affiliated entity.

    1h 15m
  6. Culture Leadership | Bernie Youngblood #leadership #leadershipdevelopment Dan Rust

    JAN 20

    Culture Leadership | Bernie Youngblood #leadership #leadershipdevelopment Dan Rust

    ✅✨Description: In this thought-provoking episode of the Leadership Disrupted podcast, we are joined by Bernie Youngblood, Director of Partnerships for Hot Logic and host of the Unboxing the Office podcast. Together, we tackle the growing disillusionment in the modern workplace and the radical shifts required to lead effectively in an era of "creative destruction."Modern leadership is at a crossroads. As AI, social media, and information overwhelm converge, the old "management by spreadsheet" model is failing. Bernie shares his unique perspective on why treating organizations as human systems—rather than machines—is the only way to survive the technological and cultural upheavals of the next decade.Bernie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieyoungblood/Hotlogic® Website: https://www.https://hotlogic.com/Drawing from his deep experience in corporate culture and health, Bernie explains how leaders must move beyond cogs and KPIs to focus on the unique "gifts" each employee brings to the table. We discuss why the era of the cutthroat CEO is sunsetting and why the most successful future leaders will be those who lead with radical transparency, kindness, and human connection.🔹 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ The Disruption of Work: Why the pace of business and social media are creating a "disintegration of society" and employee disengagement. ✔️ Human Systems vs. Machines: Challenging the "spreadsheet management" model and why one plus one should equal "amazing," not two. ✔️ Creative Destruction: A 10-year outlook on why companies and industries will disappear virtually overnight due to AI. ✔️ AI as an Amplifier: How to leverage AI to outtask the mundane and amplify your unique human innovation and creativity. ✔️ Recruiting & Retaining Talent: Why the best and brightest will no longer work for "a*****e CEOs" and how to build environments where gifts thrive. ✔️ Practical Leadership Advice: The power of asking "How am I doing for you?" and the survival mantra: “Get uncomfortable, stay uncomfortable.”This episode is essential for executives, HR professionals, and emerging leaders who want to understand the intersection of technology, faith, and humanity in the future of work.Leadership isn't about pulling levers—it's about the intentional creation of environments where human potential can be multiplied.Hope this video added a little sparkle to your day! If it did, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone who could use a smile, and let me know your favorite part in the comments!👍 Don't forget to subscribe 🛎️: / @danrust✅Watch our other videos: 🎥How Brave Leaders Speak Up When It’s Risky | Kimberly Davis: https://youtu.be/OBGAdY7meVU?si=v9QmuOMlPrgcrMeW🎥Your Leadership Origin Story | David Hutchens: https://youtu.be/bwdtDAeYcJo?si=YzhZQEJNfysFtpYy🎥Emotion-Optimized Leadership: Leading With Empathy | Ryan Hienl : https://youtu.be/VeXA6MeeV4A?si=3jADcoK-BfRaE-J7 🎥Digital Leadership: What Leaders Must Do Differently | Barbara Wittmann : https://youtu.be/3COkhIdR4-s?si=wOtycwoY7mPojAc2✅Connect with us: ▶️YouTube🔴: / @danrust✅Hashtags: #LeadershipDevelopment #ModernLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #FutureOfWork #BernieYoungblood #LeadershipDisrupted #CreativeDestruction #HumanCenteredLeadership #AIInBusiness #CorporateCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #EmployeeEngagement #ExecutiveCoaching #UnboxingTheOffice #WorkplacePoker📌Relevant Keywords: leading through corporate turmoil human systems in business management AI and the future of leadership overcoming employee disillusionment creative destruction in industry building psychological safety at work leadership transparency and trust impact of social media on workplace engagement workplace poker and office politics managing human gifts vs skills the end of the cutthroat CEO recruiting top talent in the AI age leadership coaching and empathy navigating organizational change future of work strategies.

    1h 16m

About

This podcast hosted by Dan Rust explores the art and science of high-impact leadership in a disrupted world where the future – of business, of capitalism, of our society, and yes, of leadership – is changing and evolving. None of us can be certain what the future holds, but we are sure it will be fundamentally different. All of this is discussed from the perspective of real leaders in the real world who are changing the way business works. Dan is the bestselling author of “Workplace Poker: Are You Playing the Game or Just Getting Played?” published by HarperCollins.