In this episode, John Robertson challenges leaders to rethink what it means to show up—especially when life and work feel full. He shares how presence, not performance, defines effective leadership and why the best leaders lead from who they are, not what they have. Listen in for practical ways to connect, show up, and lead well during the busiest season of the year.

In this episode, I walk through a pattern I see everywhere. Leaders build plans. They set priorities. They outline steps. And still nothing moves. I call it the failure to launch.

Most organizations rely on performance, productivity, and protocols to drive action. That creates an accountability culture, not a values anchored one. People don't take initiative when they fear being judged. They would rather look lazy than incompetent. So they hesitate, and leaders end up repeating the same programs every two to five years.

I break down why this keeps happening and how leaders can finally break the cycle. The turning point is moving from a decision to a commitment. Commitment depends on values. Values are what create the motivation for action, especially in critical moments.

I also explain how the Four A's help any team shift from planning to progress
Aim… define success
Anchor… tie it to your real values
Act… take the step
Align… adjust once you're actually moving

If you're tired of stalled plans and constant resets, this episode gives you the next step in building a culture where people step forward instead of sitting back.

When life or leadership turns up the heat, the real test isn't the event—it's your response.

In this episode, John Robertson shares one of his most practical leadership lessons: the "hot water teabag" principle. Whatever is inside you always leaks out when the water gets hot. The same is true for every leader and organization.

John explains why values aren't posters or slogans but everyday behaviors under pressure. He unpacks how to define what matters most before the next crisis arrives, how to identify your non-negotiables, and why your time and money always tell the truth about your real priorities.

You'll also hear:

• The difference between Crisis U and Crisis L organizations

• How to align your behavior with your values when tested

• Why feedback from others is vital for closing the gap between what you say and what you live

• How to finish well by surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to stay true

Values aren't proven in comfort. They're proven in crisis. The question is, when you're in hot water—what leaks out?

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.