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. 4d ago

    David McNally | Don't Retire, REFIRE! Unlock Your Purpose After 60 #activeaging

    Are you feeling stuck in your career or questioning what's next? Discover how to find a new sense of purpose and stay relevant at any age.ABOUT THIS VIDEOIn this insightful episode of 'Leadership Disrupted,' host Dan Rust sits down with best-selling author and leadership expert David McNally to challenge the traditional concept of retirement. At 80 years young, McNally shares his powerful philosophy on 'refiring' instead of retiring, arguing that your mission on earth isn't finished just because your corporate career has shifted. This conversation dives deep into the psychology of active aging, the importance of maintaining mental and physical vitality, and how to navigate transitions with intention rather than fear. Whether you are a mid-career professional feeling flat or an empty-nester looking to design your final chapters, this interview provides actionable, practical inspiration. Learn how to leverage your hard-earned wisdom, shift your narrative to contribute in new ways, and design a life that is compelling and fulfilling. David McNally’s timeless advice is a masterclass in personal transformation and growth for anyone ready to embrace their next adventure.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Retirement is a myth: Instead of retiring, focus on 'refiring' by finding new ways to contribute your unique skills and wisdom.• The importance of transitions: Understand that endings lead to new beginnings, and give yourself grace during the transitional periods of life.• Vision requires action: Success isn't just about visualization; it’s about making a commitment, dealing with your current reality, and taking intentional steps forward.• Staying relevant: Combat the urge to 'flatline' by consciously designing your life to be growth-oriented rather than stagnant.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Shifting the Narrative for New Purpose1:30 - Meet David McNally: Expert in Vital Aging3:13 - David's Story: From London to Minneapolis7:12 - Why Retirement is a Myth12:30 - The Mind-Body Connection and Aging25:25 - The Creation Process and Overcoming Obstacles46:00 - Coping with Adversity and Personal Loss56:13 - Final Advice on Being Patient and GrowingNOTABLE QUOTESIf you're alive, your mission on earth isn't finished. Retirement is a myth. What we need to do is refire ourselves into a whole new chapter of our lives. - David McNallyVision without action is delusion. - David McNally#PersonalGrowth #ActiveAging #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLife #CareerTransition

    David McNally | Don't Retire, REFIRE! Unlock Your Purpose After 60 #activeaging
  2. Sep 17

    Lindsay Stepp | Leading Tomorrow's Leaders #genz

    Struggling to engage a remote or young workforce? Discover how modern leadership strategies are shifting to bridge the gap between operational rigor and human connection.ABOUT THIS VIDEOIn this insightful episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with entrepreneur Lindsay Stepp to explore the evolving landscape of effective team management. Having spent 15 years building and scaling a multi-unit franchise, Lindsay offers a masterclass in leading entry-level employees—particularly those in remote or decentralized environments. We dive deep into the 'Traction' operating model, discussing how to balance structural accountability with genuine, authentic leadership. Whether you are a small business owner looking to tighten your operations or a manager navigating the complexities of a new generation of workers, this conversation provides actionable insights. We analyze why traditional, top-down leadership is becoming obsolete and how leaders can foster loyalty and performance by treating employees as partners rather than resources. Learn how to refine your management philosophy, build a culture of transparency, and lead with both energy and empathy in today's rapidly changing business climate.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Shift from seeing employee training as a burden to viewing it as a powerful leadership opportunity to mold better citizens and workers.• Implement the 'Traction' operating system to provide the role clarity and structure necessary for scaling multi-unit operations successfully.• Cultivate authentic leadership by admitting mistakes, fostering transparency, and using your own journey to create a relatable path for your team.• Bridge the 'success gap' between leadership and entry-level staff by focusing on shared humanity rather than just authority or financial outcomes.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The Challenges of Modern Employee Engagement1:11 - Introducing Lindsay Stepp and Her Journey6:17 - Leading Entry-Level and Remote Teams8:31 - Three Core Tenants of Successful Engagement10:07 - Reframing Management: From Burden to Opportunity16:21 - Redefining Authenticity in Leadership27:00 - Operational Rigor: The Importance of Systems36:17 - Lessons for Business Transformation43:51 - Navigating Generational Resentment and Human Connection62:00 - Final Thoughts on Future-Proofing Your LeadershipNOTABLE QUOTESInstead of saying "why can't they...", we have an opportunity to make these new workers better citizens and better people if we just teach them those skills. - Lindsay SteppThe traditional leadership model was feeling a little wobbly. It felt like something was changing on both the employee side and the leadership side. - Host#LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #SmallBusinessTips #TractionEOS #ModernLeadership

    Lindsay Stepp | Leading Tomorrow's Leaders #genz
  3. Sep 9

    Brian Trzaskos | Somatic Self-Leadership #SomaticCoaching

    Stop trying to lead from the neck up! Discover why somatic coaching and emotional regulation are the missing keys to breaking free from chronic stress.ABOUT THIS VIDEOIn this episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Brian Tzrakos, expert in neurophysiology and somatic psychology, to uncover why traditional leadership strategies often fail. We explore the essential connection between the mind and body, specifically how suppressed emotions and 'micro-traumas' create chronic muscle tension that sabotages professional success. Brian shares his journey from physical therapy to co-authoring 'Manifestation for Dummies,' offering a practical, science-based approach to manifestation that moves beyond the hype of 'The Secret.' Learn how to decode your body’s physical signals, regulate your nervous system under high pressure, and utilize somatic practices to improve decision-making. Whether you are a leader managing a remote team or someone struggling with burnout, this conversation provides actionable tools to align your physical state with your leadership goals. We discuss why 'conscious suppression' leads to subconscious patterns, how to identify your body's 'somatic tags,' and why true change requires a bottom-up approach that integrates the body into your professional and personal life.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Understand how suppressed emotions manifest as chronic muscle contraction and physical disease.• Learn the difference between conscious suppression and subconscious repression in the workplace.• Discover the 'sensory in, motor out' engineering of the nervous system and how to change your state.• Implement the 'cross mapping' technique to turn negative stress responses into productive behaviors.• Master nervous system regulation as the mandatory first step for effective leadership and manifestation.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The Hidden Physical Cost of Repressed Emotions1:51 - The Evolving Thesis of Leadership Disrupted4:01 - Meet Brian Trascos: From Physical Therapy to Somatics8:41 - Brian's Personal Breakthrough: The Cost of Stress18:00 - Why Leaders Break Down at Midlife26:26 - Defining Somatic Coaching and Nervous System Regulation35:54 - How to Erase Negative Patterns via Physical Practice46:19 - Manifestation for Dummies: Debunking the Myth53:40 - How the Universe Presents Opportunities to Become You62:31 - Overcoming Adversity Through Aligned PurposeNOTABLE QUOTESYou actually suppress an emotion by contracting muscles to do it. You're literally using muscle contraction to repress an expression. - Brian TrascosThe universe's role is to present you with an opportunity to become the person who can have and hold what you're intending to. - Brian Trascos#SomaticCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #NervousSystemRegulation #BurnoutPrevention

    Brian Trzaskos | Somatic Self-Leadership  #SomaticCoaching
  4. Sep 1

    Chris Hallberg | The Business Sargent #EOS #traction

    Stop wasting money on A-player salaries for C-player results. Learn how to implement a military-style business mindset that drives elite performance.ABOUT THIS VIDEOIn this deep dive into business leadership, the 'Business Sergeant' Chris Hallberg joins the Leadership Disrupted podcast to discuss why standard management tactics are failing and how to build a high-performance team using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Whether your business is stuck in a plateau or facing the 'winter is coming' economic challenges, Chris shares actionable strategies to create extreme clarity, accountability, and profitability. You will learn the importance of having a 'who, not what' focus when hiring, why you should be slow to hire and quick to fire, and how to treat your company like an elite military unit. Chris explains how to move past the 'nice' leadership trap to become truly kind—by providing the clarity that your employees need to succeed. Discover how to stop negotiating with underperformers, maximize your profit margins by investing in top talent, and implement a proven operating system that allows you to scale your business with confidence, regardless of market volatility.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Why you should be 'slow to hire and quick to fire' to maintain an elite organizational culture.• How to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to solve vision, people, data, issues, process, and traction challenges.• The 'who, not what' philosophy: High-performing individuals are more profitable even at a higher cost due to increased efficiency.• Why clarity is kindness: Setting firm, measurable expectations prevents resentment and drives results.• The importance of leadership accountability and why your team mimics the mindset of the business founder.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The mindset of elite business execution1:57 - Meet the Business Sergeant: Chris Hallberg5:50 - Why elite units hire slow and fire fast14:31 - The 6 key components of the EOS model27:56 - The danger of drifting away from proven systems32:31 - How to stop negotiating with poor performers44:03 - Clarity is kindness: Setting standards50:20 - Accountability charts vs. organizational chartsNOTABLE QUOTESYou are already spending money on these people. They just don't work at your company. You're blowing it on the wrong people and you're not fixing it. - Chris HallbergClarity is kindness. If you help someone come to clarity regarding just about anything, that is the kindest thing you can do for them. - Chris Hallberg#EOS #BusinessLeadership #CompanyCulture #EntrepreneurialOperatingSystem #HighPerformanceTeams

    Chris Hallberg | The Business Sargent #EOS #traction
  5. Aug 25

    Barbarian Leadership | Ed Hinman #thebarbarianinyou

    Are you living with true purpose? Discover how to integrate vigor, wonder, and fellowship into your life and leadership to stop merely surviving and start thriving.ABOUT THIS VIDEOIn this episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Ed Henman, a former Marine infantry officer and author of 'The Barbarian in You.' Henman challenges the modern malaise of superficial leadership by advocating for a return to our primal human inclinations. Throughout this conversation, we explore how leaders can foster genuine human connection in the workplace, the importance of moving beyond corporate metrics, and how to define a life of meaning. Henman shares his unique journey from military service to executive protection, offering insights on how to balance masculine vigor with empathy and curiosity. oRDER THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-You-Living-Wonder-Fellowship/dp/B0H6D345FR/Whether you are a business leader, a veteran, or someone seeking deeper personal growth, this discussion provides actionable frameworks for reclaiming your humanity in an artificial world. Learn how to stop being a cog in the machine and start embracing a lifestyle that values authenticity, tough love, and the pursuit of wonder. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to disrupt their status quo and cultivate a more intentional, vibrant, and connected life.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Understand the three pillars of the barbarian philosophy: Vigor, Wonder, and Fellowship as tools for personal flourishing.• Learn how to shift your leadership style from purely transactional to building meaningful human connections.• Discover the art of balancing 'tough love' with genuine empathy to improve employee retention and performance.• Explore why creative outlets and 'wonder' are essential for mental clarity and overcoming the shallowness of modern life.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Defining the Barbarian Philosophy1:10 - Ed Henman's Journey: From Marines to Philosophy7:20 - The Three Pillars: Vigor, Wonder, and Fellowship14:46 - Revisiting Viking Leadership Archetypes18:20 - Why Modern Leadership is Feeling Shallow26:02 - Leadership in the Military vs. Corporate World34:29 - Cultivating Wonder and Combating Joy Envy54:43 - Prioritizing Human Value Over Corporate MetricsNOTABLE QUOTESI define barbarian as living with vigor, wonder, and fellowship. It's about reconnecting with the most primal, truest part of ourselves. - Ed HenmanThe quality of my life determines the service that I provide. - Anonymous#LeadershipDisrupted #BarbarianPhilosophy #PersonalGrowth #IntentionalLeadership #VigorWonderFellowship

    Barbarian Leadership | Ed Hinman #thebarbarianinyou
  6. Aug 23

    Strong & Caring Leadership for a Cynical World | TJ Jones #strongleadership #caring

    Discover how to balance strength with empathy to become a more effective, human-centered leader in today's complex world. Master the art of the 'Caring Warrior' and unlock your true potential. ABOUT THIS VIDEO In this episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with TJ Jones, author of 'The Caring Warrior' and his highly anticipated new book, 'Awaken the Power.' Together, we explore the crisis of modern leadership and why the most successful, high-impact leaders are those who can hold the tension between aggressive, results-driven 'warrior' energy and a genuine, loving heart. We dive deep into the challenges of maintaining employee engagement, the impact of AI on human connection in the workplace, and the importance of self-leadership. TJ provides actionable insights on how to avoid the 'hollow' leadership trap by being more intentional with your emotional and spiritual energy. Whether you are a seasoned executive or navigating your first leadership role, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for leading with conviction, integrity, and deep care for your team. Learn why true strength isn't about dominance, but about lifting others up to achieve a common mission, even when facing personal and professional trials. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Understand the 'Caring Warrior' philosophy and how to balance professional results with a human-centered approach. • Learn strategies to combat the decline in employee engagement by fostering genuine connection and psychological safety. • Discover the art of leadership presence: knowing when to lead from the front, from the back, or from within the team. • Explore the impact of AI in the workplace and how to use it as an augmentation tool without sacrificing your team's humanity. • Gain perspective on personal leadership and the importance of self-care for sustaining long-term high performance. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction: Introducing TJ Jones and the Caring Warrior5:05 - The Crisis of Modern Leadership and Role Models 12:32 - Intent Behind Awaken the Power 16:40 - Employee Engagement Trends and Why It Is Declining 26:41 - The Impact of AI on Workplace Culture and Humanity 36:43 - Leading as an Art Form: The Guide and the Path 43:35 - Guidance for Exhausted Leaders: Self-Care and Intentionality 51:21 - The Power of Vulnerability and Overcoming Despair66:06 - Final Thoughts: Strength Comes from Love NOTABLE QUOTES I think we've all bought into a lie, and the lie is that strength is power and dominance; really, strength comes from love. It comes from your heart and your intentions. - TJ Jones True leadership is an art form—leading from the front to inspire, from the back to watch, and from within to coach. - TJ Jones #LeadershipDevelopment #CaringWarrior #ExecutiveCoaching #WorkplaceCulture #AwakenThePower

    Strong & Caring Leadership for a Cynical World | TJ Jones #strongleadership #caring
  7. Aug 11

    Unhealthy Thought Habits: How They Destroy Your Leadership & Life | Amy Kemp #mindsetshift #habits

    In this episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Amy Kemp, an expert in guiding leaders through the complex intersection of psychology and performance. We dive deep into why traditional leadership playbooks are failing in an era of social and professional disruption. Amy shares her philosophy on why subconscious thought habits—often developed as survival mechanisms—can become significant barriers to your success. We discuss the trap of 'fantastical' thinking, the exhaustion of constant digital connection, and the critical importance of intentional 'guilt-free' play for brain health. Whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting your career, you will learn practical strategies to stop the cycle of burnout, improve your decision-making, and build stronger, more human-centric connections in a remote-first world. Learn how to trade the pressure of productivity for intentional, high-quality engagement and why the most successful leaders prioritize deep, conscious thought over automated, AI-driven shortcuts.Amy's Website: https://amykemp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykempinc/KEY TAKEAWAYS• Identify the 'fantastical' and 'catastrophic' thought loops that drain your energy and damage your self-esteem.• Shift your leadership approach from a rigid, tactical checklist to 'firm on purpose, light on process' to foster genuine connection.• Prioritize scheduled, guilt-free play to allow the brain to reset, leading to higher levels of creativity and clearer problem-solving.• Understand why human-led, intentional communication, like handwritten notes, creates stronger business relationships than automated digital tools.TIMESTAMPS0:01 - Welcome to Leadership Disrupted3:52 - Amy Kemp's Career Story and Transition6:08 - The Failure of Traditional Leadership Playbooks9:02 - Identifying Common Mental Habits and Risks15:33 - The Book Launch Story: Fantasies vs Reality23:43 - Creating Together: Fulfillment and Human Connection36:46 - Energy Management as a Leader44:19 - Firm on Purpose, Light on Process50:06 - The Power of Scheduled Guilt-Free Play53:48 - Maintaining Human Creativity in the Age of AINOTABLE QUOTES"Firm on purpose, light on process." - Amy Kemp"The most effective leaders prioritize high-quality engagement over checking boxes." - Dan#LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetMatters #ProfessionalGrowth #MentalHabits #LeadershipDisrupted

    Unhealthy Thought Habits: How They Destroy Your Leadership & Life | Amy Kemp #mindsetshift #habits
  8. Aug 4

    From 'A-hole' to Ally: My Leadership Transformation | Scott Armstrong #selfleadership #leader

    Are you accidentally sabotaging your leadership? Discover how to move from being an expert to a trusted ally and re-engage your team today.ABOUT THIS VIDEOIn this episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Scott Armstrong, CEO of BrainRider and author of '[Redacted] to Ally,' to discuss the critical crisis of engagement affecting managers and employees alike. As modern workplaces deal with cognitive overload and the rapid adoption of AI, leaders are finding that their old playbooks for success are no longer effective. Scott shares his journey from being a successful, self-oriented professional to learning the hard lessons of humility, active listening, and trust-based leadership. We explore why the most effective leaders today are shifting their focus from being the loudest voice in the room to being the best listeners. Whether you are a mid-career professional looking to scale your influence or an executive struggling to manage disengaged teams, this conversation offers a masterclass in building genuine human connections. Tune in to learn why human trust, not automation, is the true competitive advantage in an AI-driven economy, and discover the four fundamental skills you need to foster a culture of loyalty and high performance.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Learn why 'listening to reload' is killing your potential and how to replace it with authentic, active listening.• Understand the 'Trust Math': Why credentials alone won't make you a leader if your self-orientation is too high.• Discover the four essential habits, including 'trust framing,' that help turn professional relationships into long-term partnerships.• Learn how to leverage AI as a tool for augmentation rather than efficiency, ensuring you maintain the human touch that wins clients.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Welcome to Leadership Disrupted4:50 - Scott Armstrong's Journey and The 'A-hole' Turning Point13:40 - The Power of Self-Reflection and Executive Coaching17:35 - Why High Performers Hit an Artificial Ceiling25:40 - Four Simple Skills for Building Client Trust36:40 - The Shift from Advertising to Trust Consulting45:30 - Using AI Without Losing Your Human Edge60:40 - The Difference Between Performing Trust and Earning ItNOTABLE QUOTES"My mantra for our team is you're not leading unless you have followers." - Scott Armstrong"AI is now making human trust the competitive advantage. Smartness, speed, and effort are just table stakes." - Scott Armstrong#Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #TrustBuilding #ManagementTips #ExecutiveCoaching

    From 'A-hole' to Ally: My Leadership Transformation | Scott Armstrong #selfleadership #leader

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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.