In this episode, John Robertson reflects on a simple lesson from his grandkids that reshaped how he views growth and leadership. Watching a four-year-old endlessly ask “why” reminded him that curiosity isn’t just a child’s habit—it’s a crucial tool for adults who want to thrive.

John explores how our frustration with “why” often reveals more about us than the question itself. From the way we rush through our mornings to the empty promises of “we should grab coffee sometime,” he challenges listeners to pause and ask what’s really driving their actions.

Using his signature storytelling and practical insight, John explains how asking “why” helps uncover core values, exposes misplaced priorities, and realigns relationships that have drifted into routine. He shares personal experiences about losing his job, redefining what mattered, and discovering how values—not busyness—anchor true growth.

Listeners will walk away with three actions:

1. Pause and ask why. Notice when you’re rushing or reacting.

2. Speak the truth gently. Be honest about what’s urgent versus what’s important.

3. Reframe conversations around values. Whether at work or home, make “why” your guide.

As John says, growth is rarely comfortable—but when we change and look back, that discomfort is what we call growth.

In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, it is John Robertson's desire to encourage and empower you to honor your passion and values. He emphasizes the importance of thriving, not just surviving.

He also shares insights on the significance of budgeting, not just financially, but also in terms of time, emotions, physical activities, spirituality, and more.

He highlights the key benefits of budgeting, such as financial stability, independence, and peace of mind, and reflects on a unique approach to budgeting time and emotions shared with him by a listener.

John reiterates his desire for you to thrive, finish well, and run toward the roar.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Desire to help and encourage others' potential.

03:30 New approach to budgeting and finance.

08:06 Spiritual budgeting involves art, nature, positivity.

10:57 Helping others navigate and overcome obstacles together.

13:58 Pickleball: smaller court, kitchen rule confusion.

18:32 Receiving unwanted attention, frustration leads to confrontation.

20:30 Seek help, find courage, be faithful, finish.

24:05 Discovery of love through Alzheimer's and dementia.

26:58 Grateful for our conversation. Thank you.

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to “when things start to feel like they’re falling apart” due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company “ethos” (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a “recognition of others’ strengths” and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as “the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms”.

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-download
https://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you’re willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.

In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, host John Robertson dives into the lousy part of adulting and the importance of thriving even when faced with challenges.

He discusses the concept of "adulting stinks" and how it requires individuals to do things they don't feel like doing.

John also delves into the old English word for patience, "long suffering," and shares a story about how a shift in perspective helped reduce complaints about long wait times at an airport.

Through the episode, John expands on the theme of drifting and the significance of not losing sight of one's reference points, which can lead to being a danger not only to oneself but also to others.

You are reminded to savor and honor their accomplishments and surroundings, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey and making meaningful connections along the way.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Houston airport reduced baggage claim wait time.

06:35 Americans spend 37 billion hours waiting annually. Emotional cost of waiting is significant.

07:57 Connection lost as phones become priority. Slow down.

11:19 Challenges of dropping off the elderly summarized.

17:43 Global elite seek treatment at Mayo Clinic.

19:58 Memorable moments, unexpected challenges, and perseverance.

23:25 Reflect on past, cherish memories, value connections.

25:55 Embrace the journey to stand out.

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to “when things start to feel like they’re falling apart” due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company “ethos” (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a “recognition of others’ strengths” and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as “the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms”.

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-download
https://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you’re willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.

In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, John Robertson explores the silent but pervasive issue of drifting in both personal life and leadership roles.

John begins the conversation by emphasizing how recognizing and addressing our own personal needs is not just a matter of self-care but a critical step towards growth and development.

He underlines the creation of a new norm, guiding listeners towards establishing long-term values that stand strong against life's pressing urgencies. This segment is a clarion call to mindful living and definitive action that undercuts aimless drift.

The peril of drifting is likened to sailing unanchored, where neglect leads to a lack of effort, energy, and guidance in life’s vast waters.

An insightful point brought into focus is the concept of Continuous Partial Attention (CPA), a modern-day predicament where we find ourselves in a never-ending state of crisis management, consequentially sidestepping essential tasks and values.

The episode drives home how drifting can leave us failing to honor our truths, and void of common sense, taking listeners through the warning signs and outcomes of letting life's current pull us without resistance.

John is doing market research to determine how he can best support this community. If you would be willing to have a 20-minute conversation to help in that market research, please email hello@fortlog.co. He is only seeking input without asking for sign-ups or commitments.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Grateful for ongoing conversation, focusing on challenges.

04:12 Man offers to return check, later regrets.

06:26 Key takeaway: Embrace change and take decisive action.

10:56 Business success through pruning, altruism in crisis.

15:36 Drifting away from long term values and relationships.

19:10 Continuous partial attention hinders focus and truth.

22:26 Neglecting basic truths leads to negative consequences.

25:31 Practice and reinforcement lead to growth.

27:44 Financial challenges, neglected books, overburdened with responsibilities.

32:31 Empowerment, action, community, and podcast growth.

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to “when things start to feel like they’re falling apart” due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company “ethos” (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a “recognition of others’ strengths” and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as “the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms”.

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-download
https://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you’re willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.

In this transformative edition of Run Toward The Roar Podcast, join host John Robertson as he dives deep into the complexities of maintaining a balance between work, personal well-being, and staying true to one's values.

Tap into Robertson's insights on why the healthcare system's tendency to reactively treat illness rather than proactively prevent it might be misaligned with our long-term well-being.

Listen closely as we dissect the common misconception that staying busy equates to being important, and consider the imperative to align our activities with our deepest values.

During the episode, Robertson challenges listeners to reflect on the cultural fixation with busyness. He provocatively questions the meaning of a full schedule, urging us to consider whether our to-do lists truly reflect what is most important to us.

The episode encourages a radical rethinking of what it means to be productive and pushes for resilience as the cornerstone for thriving in a chaotic world. The discussion sheds light on the perils of confusing action with accomplishment and the importance of saying no to things that don't serve our deeper goals.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Lessons learned from eating lobster

05:07 Stay protected and grow through challenges

09:09 "Hungers draw, recognizing needs, celebrating accomplishments"

11:05 Stay focused, reflect, and stay faithful

13:45 Encouraging self-exploration and growth for success

19:38 Grow forward, reinforce core for successful rebound

21:18 Visual representation of ABCs: attitudes, beliefs, connections

24:46 Struggling with medical and workplace systems, values

28:26 Busy is a choice, impacts resilience, survival

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to “when things start to feel like they’re falling apart” due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company “ethos” (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a “recognition of others’ strengths” and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as “the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms”.

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-download
https://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you’re willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.

We explore the challenges and triumphs of building meaningful connections

In this episode of "Run Toward The Roar," we dive into the pervasive issue of loneliness, emphasizing the profound value of intimacy and connection in our lives. We discuss the challenges of sharing transparently and vulnerably, underlining the pivotal role of effective communication in fostering positive connections.

Boundaries are crucial, as eroding boundaries can lead to fatigue and hinder communication. It is important to have diverse individuals in our lives, ranging from therapists and consultants to mentors, trainers, coaches, and peer supporters, all of whom contribute to our overall well-being and resilience.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Discussing connection challenges and moral injuries in relationships.

03:44 Seeking conversations for guidance and community building.

06:52 Clash with CEO leads to unexpected relationship.

12:40 Mother Teresa said North America suffers from loneliness.

16:39 Communication breakdown in relationships and workplace stress.

17:47 Maintain boundaries to prevent fatigue and burnout.

22:39 Therapy acts like insurance for resolving difficulties.

27:11 Stand for what is right, not popular.

31:15 Encouragement to thrive and build relationships. Reach out.

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to “when things start to feel like they’re falling apart” due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company “ethos” (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a “recognition of others’ strengths” and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as “the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms”.

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-download

https://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you’re willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.

In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, host John Robertson dives deep into the power of learning and living true to one's values. He emphasizes the importance of faith in living purposefully and thriving, drawing parallels between true North and magnetic North as a metaphor for staying on course in life. By connecting to social support and core values, John stresses the significance of not drawing a line in the sand, but in wet concrete to truly thrive.

John shares a personal anecdote about a career counseling event, revealing the value of teaching and practicing one's values through an embarrassing moment. His conversation with a friend on defining and living personal and company values further highlights the importance of modeling and teaching values in fostering connections and relationships.

He delves into the concept that relationships start with understanding and connecting with others, not just empathy or sympathy. John emphasizes the significance of listening, asking for feedback, and self-disclosing to clarify values. Understanding and honoring individual wiring is crucial, as values reflect personality and nature, impacting our connections and relationships.

The episode delves into the impact of truth, rules, and discipline without relationships and the potential for moral injury when forced to violate deeply held beliefs. Drawing examples from the movie "Hacksaw Ridge" and experiences at Google, John sheds light on how unhealthy and demoralizing environments in workplaces can lead to moral injuries.

Finally, John explores the complexities of forgiveness and the necessity of including it in discussions about teaching, sharing, and values. He emphasizes that forgiveness is an act of will, consciously choosing to let go of wrongs done to us and rejecting the goals of payback or revenge – instead, practicing grace towards the offender.

John is doing market research to determine how he can best support this community. If you would be willing to have a 20-minute conversation to help in that market research, please email hello@fortlog.co. He is only seeking input without asking for sign-ups or commitments.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Connect to support, values, draw lines, teach.

03:47 Pep rally at work, seeking market feedback.

08:59 Developing friendship, values discussion, practicing them.

11:31 Starting a relationship: listening and self-disclosure.

14:35 Finish what we start, honor values, relationship.

19:19 Denial of actions, moral injury, impact on individuals.

22:41 Unhealthy work environments create moral injuries.

26:54 Choosing forgiveness is vital for meaningful relationships.

29:59 Commitments and deliverables build or erode trust.

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to “when things start to feel like they’re falling apart” due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company “ethos” (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a “recognition of others’ strengths” and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as “the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms”.

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-downloadhttps://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you’re willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.

In this episode of Run Toward The Roar, John Robertson takes on the challenge of charting a course in this chaotic world. He stresses the importance of introspection and resetting by questioning what truly matters and whether current issues will hold significance in the long run.

Through a discussion on the importance of social support and community, he delves into a study highlighting the impact of social ties on health and longevity. John also emphasizes the need to align one's actual values with aspirational values, shedding light on the significance of living by the values we project to others.

Drawing from personal anecdotes, John advocates for the crucial role of mentoring and coaching in providing guidance and support for maintaining personal clarity and direction. The episode also features a compelling interaction with "Craig," emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community and aligning actions with core values during challenging times.

Throughout this episode, John stresses the importance of not just surviving, but thriving in the face of crises. He discusses the concept of navigating towards one's true north, encouraging listeners to resist the sway of external pressures and opinions and instead orient their lives based on their core values. The episode delves into the fundamental nature of values as motivational preferences that guide decision-making and provide long-term benefits. John highlights the link between courageous leadership and aligning with one's values, showcasing how values compel individuals to make non-negotiable decisions when necessary.

The episode concludes with an invitation for further conversation on applying these principles, seeking input for market research and forming a pilot group to explore the practical applications of the discussed concepts. Overall, this thought-provoking episode provides valuable insights into self-reflection, the significance of social support, and the need to align values with actions in the midst of life's challenges.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Seeking support and connection for personal growth.

05:52 Losing oneself can occur quietly in life.

09:01 Defining north by compass, not opinions.

10:19 Life's challenges can shift your direction.

14:15 People hiding true selves, spinners, glory seekers.

17:21 Beware of shooting stars, fakers; seek authenticity.

22:27 Are you still taking that two-day approach?

26:38 Importance of community support and social ties.

29:17 Personal values must be consistently demonstrated.

31:26 Promoting leadership growth through inspirational speaking engagements.

34:49 Discussing importance of support network on call.

40:09 Financial crisis lead to creative accounting solution.

42:34 Family values, define them, seek help.

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to “when things start to feel like they’re falling apart” due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company “ethos” (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a “recognition of others’ strengths” and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as “the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms”.

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-download
https://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you’re willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.