Episode Description:

What if I told you that the chaos in your life isn’t just happening to you—it’s happening through you? In this episode of Mission Driven You, I dive into the uncomfortable truth that you are the chaos—and the only way to regain control is through radical self-ownership.

We explore:

• Why control is an illusion—and how trying to “fix” chaos often makes it worse
• How your external world is a direct reflection of your internal state
• Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy and why self-mastery is the key to transformation
• The "Chaos Mirror" exercise to help you recognize how you're contributing to your own struggles
• Why no one is coming to save you—and why that’s the best news you’ll ever hear

If you’ve ever felt like life is happening to you instead of for you, this episode will challenge your assumptions and help you reclaim your power.

Show Notes:

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Illusion of Control

• We’ve been conditioned to believe that control equals success.
• The hidden cost of chasing control—burnout, frustration, and self-doubt.
• A personal story from leading a multi-billion dollar merger—and why external success couldn’t fix internal chaos.

2. Chaos Isn’t Happening to You—It’s Happening Through You

• The running man problem: Why working harder won’t eliminate the chaos.
• How your inner narrative shapes your external reality—and how to rewrite that script.
• The moment I realized that mastering my external world required mastering my inner world first.

3. Powerlessness vs. Helplessness

• Powerlessness ≠ helplessness—it’s a strategy for clarity.
• The paradox of control—why trying to grip tighter actually makes you feel weaker.
• The Chaos Mirror Exercise—a tool to help you recognize your role in the volatility around you.

4. The Science of Self-Efficacy & Self-Mastery

• Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy—why belief in your own ability is the foundation of true power.
• The four ways to build self-efficacy:

1. Mastery experiences—small wins that build confidence.
2. Vicarious experiences—learning by seeing others succeed.
3. Verbal persuasion—how self-talk rewires your brain.
4. Managing physiological states—why stress and exhaustion kill self-agency.

5. No One Is Coming to Save You—And That’s Good News

• The hard truth: Waiting for external change is helplessness.
• You either own your life, or someone else will.
• The Ownership Audit Exercise—how to stop blaming and start acting.

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

• What’s one area of your life where you’ve been trying to control the uncontrollable?
• How have your thoughts and emotions been shaping your external circumstances?
• What’s one action you can take today to reclaim ownership of...

Episode Description

In January, I rebooted Mission Driven You — not to chase downloads or please algorithms, but to create from my capital “S” self. In this special episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s guided me since then: eight themes that have shaped over 60 episodes this year.

We’ll explore how to lead and live with depth in a culture obsessed with quick fixes, why inner work is the foundation for outer leadership, and how to practice radical self-ownership without sliding into blame. We’ll talk about building interdependence into your life, rewriting the “legacy code” of old stories, and designing resilience loops to navigate complexity. You’ll hear how disruption can be a tool for growth — and why success should be measured in alignment, humanity, and long-term impact, not just numbers.

Each theme comes with a practical action step you can start today. This is the perfect primer if you’re new here, and a powerful reset if you’ve been with me since the reboot.

Show Notes

In This Episode:

• Why Mission Driven You exists — and why I refuse to play the algorithm game.
• How my capital “S” self guides every episode I create.
• Eight themes that have defined this year’s conversations and solo episodes:

1. Slow, Sustainable Transformation vs. Quick Fixes — The paradox of urgency without rushing, and the four-part slow change framework.
2. Inner Work as the Foundation for Outer Leadership — How inner stability prevents burnout, strategy whiplash, and mistrust.
3. Radical Self-Ownership — Moving from reaction to authorship with the Ownership Pause, Left/Right Column, and ownership language.
4. Interdependence & the Power of Relationships — Why resilient leaders don’t climb alone, and how to build your Life Team.
5. Identity, Storytelling & Meaning — Rewriting the “legacy code” running your life and leading from your new narrative.
6. Navigating Complexity & Change Resilience — Why loops outlast breakthroughs, and the three-tier Continuous Growth Loop.
7. The Role of Disruption & Creativity — Creating the right kind of problems to fuel innovation.
8. Human-Centered Metrics for Success — Measuring alignment, humanity, and impact instead of vanity metrics.

Practical Action Steps You’ll Learn:

• The 10-Year Gratitude Projection
• The Stability Audit
• The Ownership Pause Practice
• Building Your Life Team
• Keeping a Code Rewrite Journal
• Designing Your Weekly Loop
• The Purposeful Disruption Challenge
• The Alignment Scorecard

Referenced Episodes:

• Feb 3: The Transformative Power of Slow Change
• June 2: You Can’t Lead What You Haven’t Faced
• May 1: Radical Self-Ownership
• May 12: Interdependence — Why Resilient Leaders Don’t Climb Alone
• Mar 27: Rewrite the Code — How to Upgrade the Stories Running Your Life
• May 19: The Continuous Growth Loop
• May 8: Ted Santos — Mastering Disruption
• Apr 28: Sophie Lechner — Unlocking Your Impact

Follow & Connect:

• Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
• Watch full episodes and video essays on YouTube.
• Join me on Substack at drwillsamson.substack.com
• Connect on LinkedIn for ongoing leadership...

Episode Description:

In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Dr. Peggy Kendall, a seasoned communication scholar, Fulbright recipient, and professor at Bethel University. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kendall delves into the evolving dynamics of trust and leadership in our increasingly remote and hybrid work environments.

Drawing insights from her forthcoming book, Trust at a Distance: 6 Strategies for Managing in the Remote Workplace, co-authored with David Horsager, Dr. Kendall shares practical strategies to foster genuine connections, redefine accountability, and build resilient teams—even when miles apart.(Penguin Random House)

Whether you're a leader navigating the challenges of remote management or someone seeking deeper connections in a digital workspace, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• The six foundational strategies from Trust at a Distance to enhance remote team management.
• How to cultivate psychological safety and trust without physical proximity.
• The pitfalls of "winging it" in virtual leadership and the importance of intentional communication.
• Techniques to measure productivity and engagement beyond traditional metrics.
• The role of empathy and understanding in building cohesive remote teams.(Amazon)

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Trust isn't about proximity; it's about presence.”

“In the absence of hallway conversations, intentional check-ins become our new watercoolers.”

“Remote work challenges us to lead with clarity, consistency, and compassion.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Explore Dr. Peggy Kendall’s work: peggykendall.com
• Pre-order Trust at a Distance: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Connect with Dr. Kendall on LinkedIn: Peggy Kendall
• Read about her research on virtual workplaces: Bethel University News(Berrett-Koehler Publishers, LinkedIn, Bethel University)

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• In what ways can I enhance trust within my remote or hybrid team?
• How do I currently measure team engagement, and what new metrics could provide deeper insights?
• What intentional practices can I adopt to replace spontaneous in-person interactions?

📣 Subscribe & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing to Mission Driven You on your preferred podcast platform. Share this episode with colleagues or friends navigating the remote work landscape—they'll appreciate the insights.

Remember, trust...

In this episode, Will Samson sits down with Alicia Parr, author of "People Energy Principles," to explore the transformative power of reframing leadership and organizational culture. Discover how Alicia's unique approach to harnessing people energy can propel growth and foster a more engaged, innovative workplace. From the art of reframing to the importance of aligning work with personal energy, this conversation offers valuable insights for leaders and entrepreneurs looking to create a more dynamic and fulfilling work environment.

Connect with Alicia:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaparr/

https://performentor.com/

Most leaders are taught to solve problems. But what if your greatest breakthroughs come from creating them?

In this mind-stretching episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Ted Santos, the leadership disruptor behind the Disruptive Leadership Model. Ted works with CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs to rewire how they think about chaos, trust, and transformation — challenging them to step into the unknown and engineer miracles on purpose.

Ted unpacks why the greatest leaders throughout history were master disruptors, why our “radio stations” — the default scripts playing in our heads — limit what we believe is possible, and how to build cultures where people thrive on tension instead of running from it.

He also shares powerful insights from his book, Here’s Why You Can’t Find Love, revealing how unresolved personal struggles quietly sabotage business results — and what it takes to break that cycle.

If you’re ready to think bigger, act bolder, and lead from a place of clarity and courage, this conversation is for you.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• Why chaos, tension, and “creating problems” are the raw materials of real transformation
• How your brain develops new pathways when you choose disruption over comfort
• Why trust isn’t always what you need — and what you should replace it with instead
• How to confront the invisible “radio station” in your head and rewrite it
• What affectionate listening really means and how it can transform relationships — personal and professional
• The hidden cost of unresolved personal conflicts for leaders and their teams

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Breakthroughs don’t happen by accident. They happen when you create problems on purpose.”

“When you keep solving the same problems over and over, you’re just repeating history.”

“Trust always travels with mistrust — that’s why your word matters more.”

“If you want a miracle, you have to step into chaos willingly.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 📘 Here’s Why You Can’t Find Love by Ted Santos — Available here (insert actual link if you have it)
• 🌐 Ted Santos on LinkedIn
• 💼 Learn more about Ted’s Disruptive Leadership work: Ted’s Website (insert website if you have one)

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• Where in your life or business are you solving old problems instead of creating new ones?
• What “radio station” are you listening to in your head — and how is it limiting you?
• What breakthrough could emerge if you invited just a little more chaos on purpose?

📣 Subscribe + Share:

Loved this episode? Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Share this conversation with a fellow leader ready to disrupt themselves — and leave a review to help others discover the show.

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...

In this solo episode of Mission Driven You, Will Samson shares surprising insights from a new survey of 200 C-level executives—and issues a bold challenge to modern leadership culture: it’s time to call BS on leadership hacks. If you've ever felt tempted by quick fixes and productivity “cheat codes,” this episode will push you to rethink what real leadership looks like.

Will unpacks why shortcuts don’t work when it comes to human growth, why control is an illusion, and how outdated internal beliefs—not external obstacles—are the biggest barriers to leading well. He walks listeners through the first three layers of his Resilience Stack: rewriting internal narratives, practicing radical self-ownership, and embracing interdependence.

This isn’t self-help fluff. It’s a direct, field-tested framework to help you lead from a deeper place—especially when chaos hits.

In This Episode:

• Why hacks are for machines, not human systems
• The silent cost of “control addiction” in leadership
• How rewriting outdated internal scripts changes everything
• What it really means to practice radical self-ownership
• Why interdependence is strategic, not soft
• Three powerful questions every CEO should be asking right now

Key Quotes:

“Hacks are for code. Human systems don’t bend to shortcuts without consequences.”

“If you’re seeking certainty, you’re not ready for chaos.”

“Isolation is a hidden saboteur for high performers.”

Links & Resources:

• 🧠 Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: drwillsamson.substack.com
• 🔗 Connect with Will on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwillsamson
• 🎙️ Catch past episodes of Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Journal Prompts from the Episode:

• Where am I overreaching right now? Where am I avoiding responsibility?
• What story am I running? Where did it come from? Why do I still believe it?
• Who could I invite in to hold this tension with me?

Join the Movement:

Remember—you don’t have to build something significant alone. You don’t have to lead from the surface. And you don’t have to settle for a quick fix when transformation is what’s truly required. Tune in and stay mission driven.

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

What happens when your life completely unravels—and you decide to rebuild it from the inside out?

In this powerful and deeply human episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Ken Miller, a speaker, social impact entrepreneur, and author of Becoming Ken. Ken’s story defies easy narratives. From growing up in a fractured identity to experiencing homelessness and addiction, to a jail cell that became the unlikely beginning of his freedom—Ken takes us through the hard-earned lessons of recovery, resilience, and reinvention.

This episode explores what it means to become your truest self—not by escaping your past, but by integrating it. Ken shares how surrender became his greatest strength, how service saved his life, and why the greatest transformation doesn’t start with systems or strategies—but with telling the truth.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• Why rock bottom was the beginning of Ken’s true identity
• The difference between sobriety and transformation
• How shame, secrets, and silence block authentic leadership
• The power of service as a path to healing
• How to lead from your scars, not your titles
• What it means to “become” the version of you that’s been waiting all along

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“I didn’t get arrested—I got rescued.”

“Addiction wasn’t the problem. It was the escape hatch.”

“When I stopped trying to manage the performance of my identity, I finally started healing.”

“Your mess is not the end of your story. It’s the place where the truth starts.”

“You can’t lead anyone until you’ve faced yourself.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 📘 Becoming Ken – The Book (Coming Soon)
• 💼 Ken on LinkedIn

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• What truth are you avoiding that might actually set you free?
• Where in your life are you performing instead of being?
• What would it mean to lead from your story—not in spite of it, but because of it?

📣 Subscribe + Share:

Loved this episode? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Share it with someone who needs to know that transformation is possible—no matter where they’re starting from.

💡 Final Takeaway:

Becoming the leader you were meant to be isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, truth, and the courage to start again.

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:

1. Where in your leadership do you confuse empathy with passivity?
2. How could leading with more empathy actually improve outcomes for your team or organization?
3. 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