From Inaction to Action: Aaron Trahan on Overcoming Fear, Doubt, and Complacency to Achieve Your Dreams.

Mission Driven You

26:28

Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…

2 years ago 43:24

MP3•Episode home

In this episode of Mission Driven You!, entrepreneur and leadership expert Aaron Trahan shares his insights on the key to unlocking personal growth and success: the performance mindset. Discover how embracing imperfection, prioritizing discipline over motivation, and outworking the competition can propel you towards your true potential. Don't miss this empowering conversation that will inspire you to take action and achieve new levels of success!

Aaron Trahan is a highly sought-after leadership performance coach, speaker, and entrepreneur. With a strong focus on mindset and growth, Aaron helps individuals and leadership teams unlock their full potential by shifting from a performance mindset to a growth mindset. Through his unique approach, Aaron challenges the status quo and encourages his clients to take imperfect action, embrace challenges, and continuously learn and recalibrate. With a passion for helping others achieve their goals, Aaron's insights and strategies are sure to inspire listeners on their personal development journey.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

Embrace the performance mindset: It's not enough to have a growth mindset; taking action and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is essential for growth and success.
Imperfection is a crucial step towards success: Embrace imperfection, view it as a necessary part of the journey, and learn from the experience to continuously improve.
Discipline and commitment supersede motivation: Relying on motivation can lead to inconsistency, so prioritize discipline and commitment to stay on track and achieve your goals.
Understand your true motivations: Use the "5 whys" approach to uncover the root cause of your goals and ensure alignment with your values and desires.
Avoid inaction at all costs: Inaction is the biggest obstacle to achieving your dreams, so take action immediately, even in the face of discomfort or self-doubt. Inaction has killed more dreams than anything else.

The Power of Finding Your Why: "Because when you're why strong enough, you'll always figure out the how." — Aaron Trahan

Connect with Will:

Connect with Aaron:

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Will Samson - Leadership & growth coach #Growth coach #Will Samson - Leadership #Mission Driven

113 episodes

From Inaction to Action: Aaron Trahan on Overcoming Fear, Doubt, and Complacency to Achieve Your Dreams.

Mission Driven You

published 2 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

Embrace the performance mindset: It's not enough to have a growth mindset; taking action and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is essential for growth and success.
Imperfection is a crucial step towards success: Embrace imperfection, view it as a necessary part of the journey, and learn from the experience to continuously improve.
Discipline and commitment supersede motivation: Relying on motivation can lead to inconsistency, so prioritize discipline and commitment to stay on track and achieve your goals.
Understand your true motivations: Use the "5 whys" approach to uncover the root cause of your goals and ensure alignment with your values and desires.
Avoid inaction at all costs: Inaction is the biggest obstacle to achieving your dreams, so take action immediately, even in the face of discomfort or self-doubt. Inaction has killed more dreams than anything else.

The Power of Finding Your Why: "Because when you're why strong enough, you'll always figure out the how." — Aaron Trahan

Connect with Will:

Connect with Aaron:

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Will Samson - Leadership & growth coach #Growth coach #Will Samson - Leadership #Mission Driven

113 episodes

All episodes

Mission Driven You

1
The Empathy Dilemma: Why Empathy Is Your Leadership Edge with Maria Ross 50:02

6 days ago50:02

50:02

Empathy isn’t weakness. It’s strategy. In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will Samson sits down with Maria Ross , brand strategist, speaker, and author of The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma , to reframe the role of empathy in leadership. As workplaces struggle with burnout, disconnection, and turnover, Maria makes the case that empathy is more than a “nice to have”—it’s a core competency for modern leaders. Maria shares insights from her research and coaching, including the five traits of empathetic leaders, why empathy doesn’t mean “being soft,” and how it can actually sharpen your decision-making and elevate performance. You’ll learn how to balance compassion with accountability, how to build a culture that attracts and retains top talent, and how empathetic leadership drives ROI—not just emotional well-being. If you’ve ever felt torn between being kind and being effective, this conversation offers a powerful new framework for doing both—and doing them better. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why empathy is a strategic advantage—not a soft skill The five essential traits of empathetic leaders How empathy improves retention, performance, and innovation The difference between being nice and being truly empathetic How to lead with compassion without lowering the bar How to build a culture of trust without sacrificing high expectations 💬 Memorable Quotes: “Empathy is not about letting people off the hook—it’s about meeting them where they are so they can rise.” “You can be empathetic and hold the bar high. In fact, empathy helps you get people there.” “The best leaders are truth-tellers with heart.” “Empathy isn’t a buzzword. It’s a leadership imperative.” 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Maria Ross’s Website 🎧 The Empathy Edge Podcast 💼 Connect with Maria on LinkedIn 🧭 Reflection Prompts: Where in your leadership do you confuse empathy with passivity? How could leading with more empathy actually improve outcomes for your team or organization? What does it look like to be a truth-teller with heart in your workplace? 📣 Subscribe + Share: Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Share it with a leader in your life who’s ready to lead from the inside out. Leave a review—it really helps others discover the show! 💡 Final Takeaway: Empathy isn’t the enemy of performance—it’s the engine behind it. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Breath, Business, and the Meaning Economy with Leo Marrs 45:47

13 days ago45:47

45:47

What do you get when you cross a nightclub owner, a somatic breathwork facilitator, and a student of integral theory? You get today’s guest— Leo Marrs —a mission-driven creator who walks the line between consciousness and commerce. In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will sits down with Leo to explore his evolution from restaurant entrepreneur to breathwork practitioner and systems thinker. The conversation weaves through Leo’s experience running a four-star restaurant, the moment he walked away from the success he thought he wanted, and how a powerful practice of self-awareness changed everything. Leo brings deep wisdom around the “meaning economy,” somatic intelligence, and what it really takes to live—and lead—from the inside out. He shares his journey through Ken Wilber’s integral framework, what it means to build community in an age of disconnection, and how mission-driven work must begin with embodiment and awareness. Whether you’re a founder, facilitator, or fellow traveler looking to lead from a place of clarity and purpose, this episode will speak to your soul. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why Leo walked away from his restaurant/nightclub at its peak How somatic practices help you lead with integrity and insight What “meaning economy” really means—and why it’s the future The role of breathwork in unlocking creativity and healing Insights from Ken Wilber’s integral theory applied to real life How to create from presence instead of performance 💬 Memorable Quotes: “I had built the dream—and then I realized it wasn’t mine anymore.” “Embodiment isn’t a luxury for leaders—it’s the foundation.” “The old economy trades in attention. The new one? Meaning.” “Breath is the most direct path to presence. And presence changes everything.” 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Leo Marrs on LinkedIn 🧠 Learn more about Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory 💡 Recommended: Strozzi Institute – Somatic Coaching 📺 [Past Episode: The Meaning Economy with Cory Hixson (if applicable)] 🧭 Reflection Prompts: Where in your life are you achieving—but not aligned? What would shift if you led with embodiment instead of intellect? How can you create meaning—rather than seek it? 📣 Subscribe + Share: If this episode resonated, hit subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Share it with a friend, coach, or creative who’s hungry for purpose beyond the hustle. 💡 Final Takeaway: To lead a mission-driven life, don’t start with productivity. Start with presence. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Rebuilding the Workplace from the Meeting Outward with Shane Parreco 48:45

20 days ago48:45

48:45

Episode Description: What if your next meeting didn’t drain your energy—but actually moved your mission forward? In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will talks with Shane Parreco , systems thinker, product studio founder, and co-creator of AgendaKeeper , a tool designed to fix the fundamental dysfunction of modern meetings. But this isn’t a conversation about productivity hacks—it’s about rethinking the systems that govern how we work, communicate, and make decisions. Shane shares the story behind AgendaKeeper —how it was born out of necessity inside his own team—and what it taught him about agency, culture, and the myth of "best practices." From invoking Deming’s philosophies to examining what makes someone a "willing worker," this episode invites leaders and builders to reimagine the meeting as a place of clarity, alignment, and real momentum. If you're tired of performative collaboration and craving deeper trust and structure in your team, this conversation offers a refreshing, systems-level rethink of how we gather and grow. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why most meetings fail—and how to turn them into alignment engines The origin story of AgendaKeeper as a culture-saving tool How time, scope, and money became the default operating system—and why that’s a problem Why Deming’s concept of the “willing worker” still matters What it means to build teams where joy is a metric, not a side effect How to design systems that amplify, not suppress, human potential 🔧 Key Topics Discussed: The hidden costs of disorganized meetings How to shift from “accountability theater” to real trust The role of emotional safety in operational excellence Why founders should rethink systems—not just scale How AgendaKeeper serves as both a meeting tool and a values declaration 💬 Quotes to Remember: “A meeting is where you should align, not perform.” “Every team already has a system. The question is: is it designed, or inherited?” “The willing worker still exists—they’re just buried under broken processes.” “Clarity isn’t the enemy of creativity. It’s the condition for it.” 🔗 Connect with Shane Parreco & AgendaKeeper: AgendaKeeper Shane Parreco on LinkedIn Aktiga Product Studio 🌱 Subscribe + Get the Mission in Your Inbox: Subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts Join the Mission Driven You newsletter for weekly insights at drwillsamson.substack.com 💡 Final Takeaway: You don’t need another meeting template—you need a system that respects people’s time, trusts their wisdom, and helps the mission move. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Radical Self-Ownership — Reclaiming Your Leadership from the Inside Out (Re-release) 31:42

23 days ago31:42

31:42

Episode Description: Success on paper doesn’t mean clarity in practice. In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will Samson continues the journey through the Resilience Stack by introducing Layer Two: Radical Self-Ownership —a mindset and practice that shifts you from reactivity to authorship, from control to clarity. If you’ve ever felt like you were “in charge” but still living in constant reaction—this episode is for you. Will breaks down why so many high performers, executives, and entrepreneurs are silently outsourcing their agency, and how to reclaim a deeper sense of internal authorship without adding pressure or burnout. This episode is about more than personal growth. It’s about learning to lead from the only place that’s truly yours—your inner state. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: What it means to suffer from “outsourced agency” How to shift from blame language (“They need to level up”) to ownership language Why emotional fatigue and constant waiting are symptoms of reactive leadership How to lead from clarity and calm—even in chaos Why reactivity often shows up as over-functioning, hyper-control, or shame The difference between control and authorship—and how to choose the latter How to practice radical self-ownership without adding more pressure 🔧 Practices & Frameworks Introduced: The Ownership Pause: A simple way to pause, notice the story you’re reacting to, and choose what’s truly yours to own Left/Right Column Exercise: Left = what’s in your control Right = what isn’t Ownership = focus on the left Three Reflective Questions: What part of this problem is mine? What would leadership look like if I trusted myself here? How can I respond from clarity, not control? 💬 Quotes to Remember: “Agency isn’t about your org chart. It’s about your internal authorship.” “You don’t need different circumstances. You need a different sense of ownership.” “Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about clarity.” “Radical self-ownership isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating space to breathe.” ✨ Reflection Questions for Listeners: Where am I waiting for something outside of me to change before I can move? What would shift if I trusted myself in this situation? What am I carrying that isn’t mine? 🔗 Next Steps & Resources: Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Join the newsletter for deeper dives: drwillsamson.substack.com Follow Will on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willsamson 💡 Final Takeaway: You can’t lead others well if you haven’t taken back leadership of yourself. Radical self-ownership isn’t a personality trait—it’s a practiced way of being. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Mirror Moments and the Messy Middle with Chris Eversley 48:20

27 days ago48:20

48:20

Episode Description: What happens when the identity you've built your life around… no longer fits? In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will sits down with Chris Eversley —former professional basketball player, tech consultant, coach, and founder of Next Play , a platform dedicated to helping others navigate transformation. Chris’s journey is anything but linear, and his story offers a powerful framework for what to do when life throws you a curveball—and your next step isn't clear. From the moment a rare spinal condition ended his athletic career to launching his own solo business, Chris talks candidly about grief, growth, and what he calls “mirror moments”—those raw, unfiltered check-ins where we get honest about where we are and where we want to go. He also breaks down his 3T’s framework— Translate, Transition, and Triumph —as a practical map for moving forward with purpose. If you're in the middle of a pivot, feeling unmoored by change, or simply wondering what’s next, this episode will speak to you. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why we often avoid honest self-reflection—and what happens when we stop How Chris's 3T’s framework (Translate, Transition, Triumph) supports sustainable change What it means to grieve a past version of yourself without shame The dangers of toxic positivity—and how to replace it with real emotional resilience How to shift from identity-driven achievement to purpose-driven living The role of solitude and structure in navigating reinvention 💬 Memorable Quotes: “Your mirror doesn’t lie—whether you look into it is up to you.” “I had to learn how to be successful off the court in a way that didn’t depend on applause.” “Toxic positivity is like spraying Febreze on a dumpster fire. It might smell better—but it’s still burning.” “The triumph comes when we stop running from the transition.” 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Chris Eversley: https://chriseversley.com 📱 Follow Chris on Instagram: @chriseversley 💡 Explore Chris’s Framework: Next Play Coaching 🎧 Chris's Spotify Playlist for Transitions 🧭 Reflection Prompts: What’s a “mirror moment” you’ve been avoiding? Where are you clinging to a past identity that no longer fits? How might you “translate” your current experiences into something new? 📣 Subscribe & Share: Love this conversation? Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. And share it with someone who’s navigating the messy middle of change—they’ll thank you for it. 💡 Final Takeaway: Change isn’t clean. But if you face your reflection and follow the thread, you’ll find the next version of you—waiting to be lived. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Rewrite the Code — How to Upgrade the Stories Running Your Life 33:06

4 weeks ago33:06

33:06

Episode Description: You can’t lead well if you’re still running on outdated mental code. In this powerful solo episode of Mission Driven You , Will introduces the first layer of the Resilience Stack: the Mindset Reboot, or what he calls the code rewrite. Most high-performing leaders are relying on internal scripts written during times of survival—scripts they’ve never questioned, but that are quietly sabotaging their clarity, capacity, and self-trust. This episode walks through how to identify those legacy beliefs, where they came from, and how to consciously replace them with a new, empowering internal operating system. If your strategy looks great on paper but your soul is exhausted, this episode is your invitation to look beneath the surface—and begin again. Key Topics Covered: Why outdated beliefs are like Y2K code—functional but fragile How unconscious stories create chronic burnout, control issues, and reactivity Common examples of “legacy code” running in high achievers The surprising cost of over-functioning, perfectionism, and people-pleasing Four coaching questions to surface hidden stories and rewire your mindset How to consciously write new internal scripts that support clarity and calm Why presence—not productivity—is your most valuable leadership asset 🔧 Code Rewrite Process (Step-by-Step): Spot the Script Track when you’re over-functioning, reactive, or exhausted Ask: What belief is running this behavior? Trace the Origin Whose voice are you hearing? Is it yours, or someone else’s? Recognize how family systems, past jobs, and cultural narratives shaped your inner code Challenge the Logic Is this story still true? Is it helpful? What if the opposite were true? Write New Code Examples: “I lead best when I am grounded.” “My presence is more valuable than my productivity.” “I don’t have to earn my right to rest.” Reinforce the Rewrite Say it. Write it. Post it. Repeat it. Your nervous system needs repetition to trust the new story. Quotes to Remember: “What helped you survive at 25 will sabotage you at 45.” “Your leadership isn’t failing because of bad strategy—it’s stuck because of bad code.” “You cannot lead well if you are constantly trying to outrun your origin story.” “Every new chapter starts with a rewritten line of code.” Reflection Prompts: What do I believe about my worth when I’m not producing? Where did that belief come from? Who benefits when I keep believing it? What would shift if I didn’t? 🔗 Resources & Next Steps: Read the full series: drwillsamson.substack.com Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willsamson Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 💡 Final Takeaway: “Real leadership transformation begins where most people never look: inside the story running within them.” Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Discomfort as a Compass — Leading with Clarity, Curiosity, and Culture with Arielle Lechner 44:00

5 weeks ago44:00

44:00

Episode Description: Great leaders don’t avoid discomfort—they learn to follow it. In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will sits down with Arielle Lechner , an executive coach and startup strategist who works with high-growth founders and senior leaders to turn complexity into clarity. Arielle brings a rare blend of operational insight, emotional intelligence, and no-nonsense coaching to the art of building strong leadership and culture inside fast-moving companies. Together, they unpack what it means to treat leadership like an experiment, why most leaders aren’t as clear as they think they are, and how to use discomfort as a directional signal instead of something to escape. Arielle also shares her "Lift and Thrust" model for understanding team dynamics, and what makes a founder not just successful—but coachable. If you’re leading something big—or thinking about what’s next—this episode offers practical tools and deeper insight for becoming the kind of leader people trust, follow, and remember. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why leadership and culture-building are better approached as experiments, not formulas What the “Lift and Thrust” model can reveal about your team’s dynamics How to stop outsourcing culture to perks and start diagnosing the real forces at play Why discomfort is often a compass pointing to your next area of growth The difference between clarity and overexplanation—and why repetition is leadership What makes a founder coachable, and why it matters for long-term impact How to lead through high-stakes decisions (like fundraising or scaling) without losing your center 💬 Quotes to Remember: “If you’re not repeating yourself like a broken record, you’re probably not being clear enough.” “What’s being avoided is often what most needs attention.” “Everything is an experiment. Leadership. Culture. Team building. You don’t need to get it right—you need to stay curious.” “Discomfort is not danger. It’s data.” ✨ Reflection Questions: Where in your leadership are you performing clarity—but not actually being clear? What conversations are you avoiding that might unlock growth for you or your team? How could you reframe your next challenge as an experiment instead of a test? 🔗 Resources & Links: Arielle Lechner Website: www.newpo.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellethecoach/ Connect with Will: Substack: drwillsamson.substack.com LinkedIn: Will Samson 💡 Final Takeaway: “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for the right questions—and staying present long enough to listen.” Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Upgrade Your Inner OS (Previously Released): How to Lead with Clarity in a World That Won’t Slow Down 28:15

5 weeks ago28:15

28:15

Episode Description: If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly behind—no matter how organized, capable, or strategic you are—it may not be a time management problem. It may be your internal operating system. In this solo episode of Mission Driven You , Will explores the real reason high-performing professionals feel overwhelmed and burned out—and it’s not what you think. He unpacks how outdated mental and emotional “code” written during past seasons of survival can silently run our lives, even at the top of our game. This episode introduces a powerful, five-step framework to help you upgrade your internal OS so you can lead with clarity, confidence, and calm—even in the middle of chaos. 🧠 Key Topics Covered: Why time management and productivity hacks aren’t solving the root problem The hidden cost of outdated internal stories Why many leaders are operating with scripts written during survival seasons How to stop bouncing between control and collapse A five-step resilience framework to lead with clarity in a high-stakes world 🧩 The 5-Step Resilience Stack: 1.Rewrite Your Internal Code – Identify the outdated stories driving your behavior – Shift from “I’m falling behind” to “I’m building capacity” – Replace survival scripts with conscious, strategic narratives 2.Activate Self-Ownership – Shift from control to clarity – Own your response to challenges instead of blaming circumstances – Reclaim agency through intentional mindset choices 3.Enable Interdependence – Build trust loops and mutual support systems – Move from high-functioning isolation to relational leadership – Understand that real strength includes asking for help 4.Install a Growth Loop – Create regular rhythms of reflection, learning, and recalibration – Treat your development like product design: iterate, test, adapt – Build growth into your system—not just your intentions 5.Expand Strategic Influence – Lead with clarity, calm, and internal alignment – Model composure under pressure – Shape culture by mastering your own nervous system first 🔍 Reflection Questions for Listeners: What internal stories are shaping how I show up right now? Where am I chasing control instead of creating clarity? Who helps me stay grounded when things get overwhelming? What growth loop do I need to install in my life right now? 🛠️ Resources Mentioned: Viktor Frankl’s quote: “The last of the human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude…” The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (on interdependence) Will’s past solo episode: You Are the Chaos 🔗 Connect + Subscribe: Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform Join Will’s Substack for deeper reflections: drwillsamson.substack.com Connect with Will on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willsamson 💡 Final Takeaway: The world isn’t getting simpler. But you don’t have to live in reaction. With the right internal architecture, you can lead with clarity—even when everything around you feels chaotic. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

1
Rhythms of Change — Building Cities With, Not For, Communities with Mitchell Cohen 41:51

6 weeks ago41:51

41:51

Episode Description: What if the key to revitalizing neighborhoods wasn’t just bricks and budgets—but songs, stories, and shared ownership? In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will sits down with Mitchell Cohen , CEO of The Daniels Corporation and author of Rhythms of Change , to unpack one of the most inspiring urban redevelopment stories in North America: the Regent Park Revitalization Project. Mitchell shares how Regent Park, once a neighborhood marked by stigma and isolation, was transformed through radical partnership with residents, creative placemaking, and a commitment to equity that went far beyond policy. Drawing from decades of experience in both housing and the arts, Mitchell offers a compelling vision of what it means to be a developer with a conscience—and how the best cities are composed like symphonies, not spreadsheets. If you're interested in urban renewal, systems change, or how to lead with integrity at scale, this episode is a masterclass in mission-driven transformation. 🏙️ What You’ll Learn: The true story behind the Regent Park Revitalization and what made it succeed where others failed How Mitchell blended social psychology, songwriting, and development to lead systemic change Why building trust with residents—early and often—was the foundation for long-term impact What it means to embed equity and dignity into every phase of a project How Daniels Corporation’s “buy social” strategy reshaped its supply chain and ripple effects The importance of cultural programming, from sewing circles to sports arenas, in community revitalization How developers and policymakers can shift from extraction to co-creation 💬 Quotes to Remember: “You can't fix a neighborhood from the outside in. You build it from the inside out—with the people who live there.” “The real power is not in the blueprint. It’s in the relationships.” “If the only voices at the table are planners and architects, you’re going to miss the song of the community.” “Legacy isn’t what we leave behind. It’s what we build together.” 🔗 Resources & Links: Mitchell Cohen Book: Rhythms of Change Daniels Corporation: danielshomes.ca Regent Park Revitalization: Wikipedia Overview Will Samson Substack: drwillsamson.substack.com LinkedIn: Will Samson ✨ Reflection Questions: What does it look like to truly partner with a community—rather than build for it? Where in your work could you move from control to co-creation? How are you embedding dignity, creativity, and equity into your leadership? 💡 Final Takeaway: Mission-driven development isn’t about fixing broken systems from above—it’s about building shared futures from within. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

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You Can’t Lead What You Haven’t Faced: Building Inner Stability as a Leadership Imperative 31:22

6 weeks ago31:22

31:22

🔥 Episode Description: In today’s episode, Will Samson tackles a hard but necessary truth: you can’t lead what you haven’t faced. As the world navigates seismic uncertainty—political, economic, and cultural—leaders are being exposed. Not for lack of skill, but for lack of inner stability . We’ve spent years being trained to manage people, projects, and performance, but almost no time learning to lead ourselves. In this raw and insightful solo episode, Will unpacks the myth of “outer-driven leadership” and outlines a new model for leading from within. He shares personal stories, leadership frameworks, and practical tools for anchoring yourself when the world around you is anything but stable. Whether you're an executive facing burnout, a founder managing emotional turbulence, or someone seeking a more grounded presence, this episode offers a map for doing the inner work that makes mission-driven leadership possible. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why inner stability is not a luxury, but a leadership baseline The real cost of leading without self-awareness Four symptoms of inner instability—and how to spot them How unresolved trauma and unprocessed emotion become embedded in team culture Simple, practical rituals to strengthen your internal operating system What it means to “schedule a Sabbath for your soul” 💬 Memorable Quotes: “When the noise outside is louder than the voice inside, reaction takes over.” “You don’t need to be healed to lead. You just need to be honest.” “What you haven’t faced, your team will feel.” “Your presence—not your position—is what your team will follow.” “Inner stability is not perfection. It’s presence.” 🔗 Resources Mentioned: 🧘‍♂️ Wim Hof Method – Breathwork and Grounding 📩 Will’s Substack Newsletter 🌐 1:1 Coaching & Retreat Info at WillSamson.com 🧭 Reflection Prompts from the Episode: Where are you currently outsourcing your inner stability? What truth about yourself are you avoiding that’s quietly shaping your leadership? What would happen if you stopped avoiding and started facing it—gently, honestly, and consistently? 📣 Subscribe + Share: Love this episode? Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Share it with a leader in your life who’s ready to grow from within. And don’t forget to leave a review—it really helps! Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

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Build a Brand That’s Truly Unforgettable — with Gair Maxwell 55:29

7 weeks ago55:29

55:29

Episode Description: In a world flooded with noise, what does it take to stand out? In this unforgettable episode of Mission Driven You , Will sits down with Gair Maxwell , international speaker and author of Big Little Legends , to unpack what makes a brand legendary. Gair shares why the most iconic brands in history aren’t built—they’re remembered—and how you can create a magnetic identity that resonates far beyond your product or service. From Nike to the Mona Lisa, from West Shore Home to the Savannah Bananas, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and signature moments that challenge the way we think about identity, storytelling, and leadership. If you’re a founder, creator, or leader trying to craft something that matters—not just something that sells—this is the masterclass in myth-making you didn’t know you needed. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why a legendary brand starts with a legendary identity The “Mona Lisa Effect” and how unexpected moments create lasting impact How West Shore Home became a billion-dollar company by embracing its true culture Why most companies get storytelling wrong (and what to do instead) The four qualities shared by all great mission-driven leaders 💬 Memorable Quotes: “Legend is the strategy. Story is the tactic.” “Without identity, you’re spending millions to be invisible.” “The Mona Lisa wasn’t always famous. It became famous because it was stolen —that’s the power of story.” “Marketing is noise. Story is signal.” “Curiosity, courage, vision, and initiative—those are the traits of leaders who build legends.” 🔗 Resources & Links: 📘 Big Little Legends – Gair Maxwell 🌐 Gair Maxwell’s Website 🔗 Connect with Gair on LinkedIn 📺 Watch the Mona Lisa Effect Video 🛠️ West Shore for Warriors YouTube Channel 🎯 Final Takeaway: You don’t need a bigger ad budget. You need a clearer story. Because when you know who you are, the world can finally remember you for it. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

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The Influence Amplifier — How Embodied Leaders Create Quiet Power That Lasts 34:54

7 weeks ago34:54

34:54

Episode Description: Charisma fades. Titles get forgotten. But presence—the kind that regulates a room and transmits trust—leaves a legacy. In this final installment of the Resilience Stack series, Will explores Layer Five: The Influence Amplifier , where leadership shifts from performance to embodiment. If Layers 1–4 were about inner construction, this layer is about how that internal transformation radiates outward—shaping teams, relationships, and culture without burning you out. You’ll learn how real influence isn’t something you perform. It’s something you transmit. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why true influence is the last thing you build—and why it only works if the layers beneath it are aligned The difference between performing leadership and embodying leadership How to develop a steady presence that calms rooms instead of controlling them Why nervous system regulation is a leadership tool—and how people borrow yours How to build your influence through congruence, not charisma 🔍 Key Concepts Explored: Most leadership development starts at the surface: speaking skills, confidence, optics Without internal alignment, performance-based leadership eventually cracks Influence built on adrenaline leads to burnout; influence built on clarity sustains Legacy isn’t what you say—it’s the atmosphere you create You don’t need to be impressive—you need to be integrated 💬 Quotes to Remember: “Presence can’t be faked. It must be built.” “Real influence isn’t about the message—it’s about the messenger’s coherence.” “People will forget your title, but they’ll remember how they felt in your presence.” “You don’t need more charisma. You need congruence.” “Your nervous system is shaping the room—whether you realize it or not.” ✨ Reflection Questions: Where am I performing leadership instead of embodying it? What does it feel like to be in my presence right now—and would I want to follow that? Do people bring me hard news without fear? Am I building my leadership on adrenaline, or integration? 🛠️ Three Practices to Build Embodied Influence: Pre-Meeting Grounding Ask: “What’s happening in me right now?” Decide what emotional frequency you want to transmit Use Silence as a Leadership Tool Resist the urge to fill every space Let calm invite clarity End-of-Day Nervous System Check-In Ask: “Did I bring more clarity or chaos into the rooms I entered today?” 🔗 Next Steps & Resources: Revisit the full Resilience Stack Series: Code Rewrite Radical Self-Ownership Interdependence The Continuous Growth Loop Influence Amplifier Subscribe to Will’s newsletter: drwillsamson.substack.com Connect on LinkedIn: Will Samson 💡 Final Takeaway: “You don’t rise to the level of your message—you settle at the level of your embodiment.” Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

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From Exit to Impact — Reinvention, Legacy & Leading With Purpose with Howard Pearl 44:07

8 weeks ago44:07

44:07

Episode Description: What happens when you build a business, sell it for millions, and still feel like something's missing? In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will talks with Howard Pearl , CEO of CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), about the winding path from private sector success to mission-driven leadership—and why our biggest life shifts often begin after the exit. Howard shares how he moved from building and exiting high-growth companies to leading a nonprofit that helps fund over 11,000 charitable organizations. Along the way, he opens up about navigating grief, learning to listen more deeply, and reinventing himself multiple times without losing his center. This is a story about reinvention, yes—but also about the difference between achievement and meaning, and why sometimes, the best thing we can do is trade ego for impact. 🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why a successful exit often brings more grief than glory How Howard went from startup founder to CEO of a nonprofit vehicle donation platform What it takes to lead a purpose-driven organization at scale The power of asking better questions—and actually listening to the answers How ego and attachment to identity block meaningful transformation The importance of legacy—and the question Howard asks himself every day: “What kind of ancestor am I being?” How to move from a transactional life to a transformational one 💬 Quotes to Remember: “I didn’t need another company. I needed something that mattered.” “A founder exiting a company is like a death—and no one warns you about the grief.” “Listening isn’t about patience. It’s about humility.” “You can’t outsource your legacy.” “It’s not about what you drive. It’s about what drives you.” 🔗 Resources + Links: Howard Pearl – CEO, CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) Website: careasy.org LinkedIn: Howard Pearl Host: Will Samson Substack: drwillsamson.substack.com LinkedIn: Will Samson ✨ Reflection Questions: Where in your life are you chasing success instead of meaning? What would reinvention look like if it started with legacy, not ego? Are you building something the world needs—or something your resume wants? 💡 Final Takeaway: True reinvention doesn’t come from a pivot. It comes from letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be—and choosing to serve from who you are. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

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The Continuous Growth Loop — How Steady Systems Replace Burnout and Breakthrough Addiction 28:48

8 weeks ago28:48

28:48

Episode Description: Breakthroughs are great—but they don’t build resilience. In this episode of Mission Driven You , Will introduces Layer Four of the Resilience Stack: The Continuous Growth Loop . This is the layer where personal transformation shifts from heroic effort to intentional rhythm—where growth stops being a sprint and starts becoming sustainable by design . Whether you’re leading a team, building a company, or walking through a personal pivot, this episode offers a three-tiered system for staying in motion without burning out. You’ll learn how to install internal feedback loops that make clarity cumulative and self-trust repeatable. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why high performers burn out without a feedback loop How growth without rhythm becomes a recipe for over-functioning What a personal operating system is—and how to know when yours is outdated How to replace sporadic clarity with a structured growth rhythm The difference between breakthroughs and loops—and why you need both 🔄 The 3-Tier Continuous Growth Loop System: 1. Weekly Reflection Get quiet before you get strategic Track patterns, not performance Questions: Where was I reactive vs. clear? What gave me energy vs. drained it? What story did I unconsciously live out this week? 2. Monthly Reset Identify the stories that shaped your month What wants to emerge next? What’s one 10% shift that would move everything else? 3. Quarterly Upgrade Deep integration: emotion, spirit, relationship, creative risk Set a “seasonal sprint” intention Share it with your life team for accountability 💬 Quotes to Remember: “What you do once is a breakthrough. What you repeat is a loop.” “Growth without rhythm is a recipe for over-functioning.” “You don’t need more effort. You need more rhythm.” “Every business has a feedback loop. Why shouldn’t your soul?” ✨ Reflection Questions: Where in your life are you still waiting for a breakthrough instead of designing a rhythm? What would it look like to install a growth loop instead of constantly resetting your system? Are you tracking your growth—or only measuring your output? 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode: The full Resilience Stack series Layer 1: Code Rewrite Layer 2: Radical Self-Ownership Layer 3: Interdependence Upcoming retreat: willsamson.com/retreats Subscribe: drwillsamson.substack.com Next Step: Try one of the reflection practices for the next 21 days. Share your experience with your life team—or DM Will on LinkedIn for accountability. 💡 Final Takeaway: Sustainable transformation doesn’t happen in sprints. It happens in loops. And what you repeat becomes who you are. Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Thrive Remotely In this short but powerful advertisement, Thrive Remotely calls out to driven individuals who are tired of climbing ladders that lead nowhere and living lives that don't feel like their own. This ad sets the tone for a bold, values-aligned lifestyle shift and speaks directly to the heart of anyone craving purpose and autonomy. Key Themes - Purpose-Driven Living: Break away from corporate paths that don’t align with your deeper mission. - Remote Work with Meaning: Thrive Remotely offers a chance to do more than just work from anywhere — it’s about working on something that matters. - A Call to the Ambitious: It's an invitation to high-performers to redirect their ambition toward freedom, impact, and intentionality. Subscribe to Thrive Remotely: https://news.thriveremotely.io/subscribe?ref=dybzfKvBjp Thrive Remotely…

Mission Driven You

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Unlocking Your Impact — Marketing with Integrity and Mission with Sophie Lechner 44:17

9 weeks ago44:17