What if leadership isn’t about adding more “apps”… but upgrading your operating system?

In this episode of Experience Over Expectation, host Mary McCorvey sits down with executive & leadership coach Luann Horobin (MCC) to unpack vertical development—the shift from piling on skills to changing how you see and respond to the world.

We explore:

Why fear, certainty, and “I’m right” thinking lock us in old patterns

The Stretch: choosing the uncomfortable opposite to unlock new results

Moving from cortisol (defense) to curiosity (creativity & connection)

Building a map for change: awareness → stretch → new habits → new presence

Pivoting a business when the data says “stay” but reality says “change”

About Luann: Executive & Leadership Coach, transformationalist, and long-time guide to high performers navigating the “Is this all there is?” inflection point. Mantra: Changing minds, changing lives.

👉 Order Mary’s book Experience Over Expectation — out now.

👉 Connect with Luann https://luannhorobin.com

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, presence, and nonlinear living.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:30 What is vertical development?

05:40 Protective strategies & fear loops

10:50 The Stretch: doing the uncomfortable opposite

17:20 Pivot story: advertising → education

23:30 Building the map & new habits

26:30 How to reach Luann + closing

Hashtags: #Leadership #Mindset #VerticalDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #ChangeManagement #PersonalGrowth #PresenceOverPerfection #ExperienceOverExpectation