In this compelling episode, Jeff Bloomfield sits down with tech executive, entrepreneur, and resilience coach Mohamed F. Ahmed. From the moment a curious mistake with a floppy disk nearly wrecked his dad’s $10,000 PC—and unexpectedly ignited a lifelong passion for computers—to launching and selling a successful startup, Mo shares the deeper, human story behind innovation and leadership. You’ll hear how emotional intelligence, mindset, and adaptability outweigh strategy in both startups and big corporations, and why conditioning your inner world may be the most important skill for the future of work and AI.

This isn’t your typical tech talk. Mo opens up about the moments that nearly broke him—and how emotional conditioning, not strategy, got him through. Whether you're launching a startup, innovating inside a big company, or just trying to stay sane in the chaos, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and the real inner game of success.

Entrepreneurship starts inside: Your mindset and emotional conditioning matter more than your business model.

Corporate vs. startup = Pool vs. ocean: Corporate feels like a swim lane; startups are like the Atlantic Ocean at night—no map, no guardrails.

Emotional regulation is a learned skill: Mo went from 4 weeks of emotional paralysis to 2 hours of recovery by learning to process feelings fast.

Identity ≠ job title: Don’t let your business define your worth.

Purpose fuels resilience: Your “why” is your survival kit when things go wrong.

AI is a collaborator, not a competitor: The winners will be those who use AI to think, plan, and act faster—not those who fear it.

Use AI to reflect: Mo journals daily and uses Claude or ChatGPT to analyze his week and optimize decisions.

Sales is psychology, not just pitching: Reframe rejection as feedback and stay emotionally neutral.

Curiosity trumps control: Mo’s career began when his dad turned a moment of anger into a shared learning journey.

The next wave is “AI-native entrepreneurs”: Founders using AI as a creative partner are building faster, smarter companies.

00:00 – Intro and Seattle weather joke

02:45 – Jeff explains show format and target audience

05:00 – Corporate innovation vs. entrepreneurship

08:00 – Mo’s origin story: From floppy disks to a PhD

13:00 – Lessons from Mo’s dad: 10X thinking and 20,000 books

17:00 – First emotional crash in startup life

20:45 – Resilience in action: From panic to pitch in 2 hours

23:30 – The Entrepreneurial Conditioning Framework

26:00 – Identity, mindset, and daily mental practices

30:50 – Making time for thinking in the chaos of leadership

34:00 – Sales psychology and rejection reframing

35:15 – Startups vs. big corporations: Speed and chaos

41:00 – The future of AI: From compression to companion

46:00 – Mo’s son + AI = 2-month project done in 1 week

49:00 – Will AI steal jobs or create new ones?

52:00 – Boundless Founder and The Inside Out Entrepreneur

Boundless Founder Community: https://boundlessfounder.co

Why You Should ListenTop 10 TakeawaysChapter MarkingsLinks MentionedBook – The Inside Out Entrepreneur: Available now on Amazon

In this episode, Jeff Bloomfield sits down with Dr. Robin Hills, founder of EI4Change and a global thought leader in emotional intelligence. From his early career in pharmaceuticals to building a digital platform with over 500,000 students across 200+ countries, Robin shares how emotional intelligence—once a mystery to him—became his life’s work. The conversation covers everything from emotional regulation and workplace behavior to the neuroscience behind EQ and practical ways to build it.

If you’ve ever wondered why intelligent people struggle with relationships or leadership—or how to better manage your own emotions under stress—this episode offers clear, science-backed answers. Robin’s insights are not just theoretical; they’re rooted in real-world application and made accessible to anyone. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or just someone who wants to stop reacting and start responding, this conversation is for you.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is Trainable – Unlike IQ, EQ can grow with effort, even into your 70s.

Anger is Often a Signal of Violated Values – Recognizing this can turn outbursts into constructive conversations.

Mobile Devices Are Killing Situational Awareness – EQ begins with being present.

Motivation Is the Missing Middle in the EQ Model – Without it, self-awareness and social skills fall flat.

Smart People Can Lack EQ – And often unknowingly sabotage their influence.

High EQ Leaders Inspire Loyalty – People follow emotionally intelligent leaders, not just intelligent ones.

Use “I Feel” Statements – Emotions can’t be argued with; judgments can.

Self-Awareness Starts with Daily Habits – Like avoiding your phone until after breakfast.

The Best Leaders Coach, Not Command – Questions build connection; instructions don’t.

EQ in the Age of AI Is More Important Than Ever – Human skills like empathy and emotional regulation will differentiate us.

00:00–07:00 | Intro & Robin’s Background

07:00–13:00 | Early Career & Discovery of Emotional Intelligence

13:00–17:00 | Starting EI4Change & The Power of Niche Focus

17:00–21:00 | IQ vs. EQ—Why One is Fixed and the Other is Fluid

21:00–26:00 | Can Low-EQ Leaders Still Succeed?

26:00–31:00 | Smart People & the Phone Addiction Problem

31:00–37:00 | Technology, Dopamine, and Relationship Erosion

37:00–42:00 | The Emotion That Causes the Most Trouble at Work

42:00–47:00 | How to Regulate Anger and Build Healthier Relationships

47:00–52:00 | The EQ Spectrum & Unconscious Competence

52:00–54:00 | Practical EQ Habits & Where to Learn More

EI4Change Website

Robin’s Courses

Free Course: Insights into Emotional Intelligence (via link above)

Monthly Coaching Bundle (mentioned: June 2025 focus is on coaching)

🔍 Why You Should Listen:🧠 Top 10 Takeaways:⏱️ Chapter Markings:🔗 Links Mentioned:

In this episode of Driving Change, neuroscientist and storytelling expert Dr. Angus Fletcher returns to share insights from his latest book, Primal Intelligence. Drawing from his research with the U.S. Army Special Operations, Fortune 50 companies, and education systems, Fletcher unpacks how the brain’s ancient systems—emotion, imagination, intuition, and common sense—shape the way we think, lead, and connect. This isn’t just theory; it’s actionable neuroscience that rewires how we respond to stress, how we plan, and how we grow. Jeff and Angus explore everything from battlefield psychology to parenting to sales conversations, all through the lens of primal brain power.

This episode will change how you view intelligence. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, leadership under pressure, communication breakdowns, or helping others grow, this conversation delivers practical tools rooted in science—not self-help fluff. Learn how elite military units build confidence, how to tap into your brain’s imagination for clearer decision-making, and why the stories you tell yourself matter more than any strategy. Whether you're a parent, leader, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode offers real techniques to become more grounded, resilient, and effective in how you show up.

Emotion is the First Intelligence – Fear and anger aren’t enemies—they’re signals telling us how many plans we have.

Four Primal Brain Powers – Imagination (planning), Intuition (opportunity spotting), Emotion (threat signaling), and Common Sense (choosing the best plan).

Plan-Making Beats Panic – People freeze not from danger, but from having no plan. Teaching people how to plan reduces fear and anger.

Storytelling is Neural – The brain organizes information through action-based narratives. It’s not once-upon-a-time—it’s how we think.

Teach Planning, Not Just Plans – The goal of leadership is to develop planners, not just manage plans.

Practice Under Low Stress – Communication habits formed in calm moments will show up under pressure.

Authenticity Over Evasion – People can’t always detect truth, but they immediately sense evasiveness. Share what you fear.

Counterfactual Thinking Builds Vision – Asking "what if" about small changes with big outcomes activates the brain’s default mode network.

Kids (and Adults) Need Imperfect Practice – Tolerating messy planning helps grow initiative, resilience, and brain power.

Sales = Story Anticipation – Great salespeople help others discover their own story faster and with more clarity than they could alone.

00:00 – Welcome + Book Launch Tease

01:45 – Ohio's Hidden Intelligence + Emotional Evolution

10:00 – Primal Intelligence Framework

13:00 – Special Ops and the Power of Plans

19:00 – Childhood Programming and Brain Plasticity

24:30 – Imagination as Thinking Tool

29:30 – Youth, Screens & Neural Pathways

33:00 – Leadership, Weird Ideas & Innovation

38:45 – Storytelling as Internal Narrative

43:00 – Relationships & Communication Needs

46:00 – Communicating Under Pressure

50:00 – Neurocentric Questions & Sales

54:30 – Authenticity, Fear, and Trust

58:00 – What Led to Primal Intelligence

1:00:00 – How to Learn More (Book, Quiz, Site)

Primal Intelligence book page (Penguin Random House) – Available August 19

Free Quiz & Diagnostic: OperationHuman.com

Why You Should ListenTop 10 Takeaways⏱️ Chapter Markings (by topic)How to find more from Dr. FletcherDr. Angus Fletcher on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

In this episode of Driving Change, Jeff Bloomfield welcomes renowned behavioral expert and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Adam Galinsky. From his surprising birth as a twin to his evolution from clinical researcher to bestselling author, Galinsky unpacks the experiences that shaped his work on leadership, influence, and emotional intelligence. Together, Adam and Jeff explore the balance between competition and cooperation, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the power of inspiring versus infuriating behaviors. Galinsky shares powerful, research-backed frameworks from his books Friend and Foe and Inspire, along with practical tips leaders can implement right away.

If you've ever struggled to communicate more effectively, motivate others without micromanaging, or turn self-awareness into impactful leadership behavior, this episode delivers. Adam Galinsky blends deep academic insight with compelling real-world stories—giving listeners practical strategies to elevate their personal and professional influence.

Why You Should Listen🔟 Top 10 Takeaways

Origin of Curiosity – Galinsky’s early life as a surprise twin and son of two academics set the stage for his lifelong fascination with human behavior.

From Research to Practice – Practical application of research is what distinguishes meaningful work; Galinsky excels at this.

Friend vs. Foe – Human dynamics constantly balance cooperation and competition; recognizing this helps leaders avoid toxic extremes.

Inspiring vs. Infuriating Leaders – Traits that make a leader inspiring (visionary, exemplar, mentor) are universal across cultures.

Leader Amplification Effect – Everything a leader says or does is amplified, intentionally or not—making self-awareness vital.

Structural Interventions Beat Willpower – Setting up triggers, systems, and habits helps leaders manage emotional reactions better than willpower alone.

Feedback vs. Feedforward – Asking for advice rather than feedback leads to more constructive, forward-looking insights.

Preparation Wins – Like Andy Reid scripting plays, leaders who plan and script their communication perform better under pressure.

Guilt Enables Growth, Shame Hinders – Leaders should embrace guilt as a mechanism for course correction, while avoiding the paralysis of shame.

Elevating Others Elevates You – Regularly recognizing and praising others—through birthday notes or quick messages—builds trust, morale, and status.

Chapter Markings

00:00 – Origin Story & Family Influence

06:00 – Harvard, Getting Fired, & Pivoting to Social Psychology

09:30 – Cockpit Crews & Self-Correcting Units

12:00 – Cooperation vs. Competition Explained

17:45 – Marriage, Weddings & Competitive Spouses

20:00 – Leader Amplification Effect

24:30 – Self-Awareness & Emotional Regulation

29:00 – How to Give Better Feedback

36:00 – Preparation, Negotiation & Andy Reid’s Strategy

42:00 – Ethical Behavior, Motivation, & Rivalry

47:00 – What Inspired 'Inspire'

50:00 – Visionary, Exemplar, Mentor Model

54:00 – Three Takeaways for Leaders

57:00 – Sabbatical in Singapore & What’s Next

Anne Montgomery shares her extraordinary journey from overcoming childhood adversity and dyslexia to becoming a trailblazing sportscaster, referee, author, teacher, and foster mother. Her compelling story is filled with resilience, breaking barriers, and embracing life's unexpected turns.

Anne Montgomery’s incredible life is a masterclass in resilience, persistence, and reinvention. Her experiences offer powerful lessons for C-suite executives and those involved in developing people and cultures, highlighting the importance of resilience in overcoming barriers, the value of embracing change and uncertainty, and how empathy and authenticity can significantly impact team performance and organizational culture. Anne’s story demonstrates practical strategies for fostering environments that encourage innovation, risk-taking, and continuous personal and professional growth.

Resilience comes from facing adversity head-on, not avoiding it.

Defying expectations can lead to groundbreaking achievements.

You can't control others' opinions; focus instead on your own values.

Personal struggles often forge inner strength and compassion.

Life's unexpected paths often lead to the most meaningful experiences.

Overcoming rejection and criticism is integral to lasting success.

Real strength involves acknowledging mistakes and improving.

Sports can teach invaluable lessons on teamwork and leadership.

Empathy and kindness transform lives, especially in education.

Every stage of life can bring new purpose and opportunities.

(00:00–05:29) Intro & Background

(05:30–10:12) Early Life & Values Formation

(10:13–17:05) Breaking Barriers in Broadcasting

(17:06–27:05) Challenges and Triumphs in Officiating

(27:06–41:35) Career in Television: ESPN and Beyond

(41:36–46:41) Pivot to Writing & Teaching

(46:42–49:49) Becoming a Foster Mom

(49:50–54:41) Reflections on Purpose & Legacy

Anne Montgomery’s website: annemontgomerywriter.com

Books available on Amazon

Why You Should Listen:Top 10 Takeaways:Chapter Markings:Links Mentioned:

In this captivating episode of the Driving Change Podcast, host Jeff Bloomfield speaks with Dov Baron, a globally recognized leadership expert who explores his powerful personal journey from overcoming extreme adversity to becoming a sought-after coach for world leaders. Dov shares deeply insightful lessons about understanding the emotional source code that shapes our identities, beliefs, and behaviors, emphasizing curiosity, belonging, and genuine connection as foundations for meaningful change.

Why You Should Listen: If you're interested in personal transformation, leadership growth, or simply understanding the psychological underpinnings of human behavior and identity, this episode is essential. Dov Baron’s candid storytelling and profound insights offer practical approaches to fostering curiosity, challenging deeply-held beliefs, and creating genuine belonging in both personal and professional settings.

Top 10 Takeaways:

Your emotional source code deeply influences your identity and behavior.

Identity isn't chosen; it's built on the meaning we assign for survival.

Real change requires examining and challenging your identity.

Curiosity is the key antidote to fear and judgment.

Most beliefs are unconscious programming from our environment and upbringing.

Real belonging happens when we are accepted authentically, not forced to fit in.

Major life events don't inherently change us; our response and reflection afterward do.

Tribalism and "othering" are rooted deeply in our survival instincts.

Oxytocin can foster both deep connection and intense division.

Change is a muscle that must be exercised consistently to overcome fear and resistance.

Chapter Markings:

00:00 – Introduction and Episode Setup

03:00 – Dov Baron’s Powerful Introduction

05:00 – Dov’s Early Life and Influences

09:15 – Early Entrepreneurship and Life Challenges

13:02 – Discovering the Emotional Source Code

16:39 – Identity, Beliefs, and Behavior

22:52 – Why Identity Matters and How It's Formed

27:42 – The Challenge of Deep Self-Reflection

32:02 – Surviving a Life-Altering Fall

35:33 – Responding to Life’s Wake-Up Calls

37:31 – Cognitive Overload and Resistance to Change

44:47 – Tribalism, Survival, and "Othering"

50:03 – Neurochemistry of Connection and Division

55:49 – Practical Steps for Fostering Curiosity

58:43 – Closing Thoughts, Resources, and Final Advice

Guest Links Mentioned:

DovBaron.com

The Dov Baron Show Podcast

Dov’s LinkedIn Articles

YouTube Channel

Joe Knopp’s journey is one of raw resilience and redemptive purpose. From growing up homeless and in a Philadelphia orphanage, to serving in the military, to becoming a successful Hollywood film producer (I Can Only Imagine, Unplanned, Woodlawn, The Trump I Know), Joe’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling, faith, and perseverance. In this intimate, in-studio conversation with Jeff Bloomfield, Joe opens up about how his past shaped his mission to bring hope through film.

This episode isn't just about filmmaking—it's about overcoming deep adversity, finding your identity, and using your story to lift others up. Whether you're a creator, leader, or someone walking through a tough chapter, Joe's vulnerability, humor, and faith-filled insight will leave you inspired to live with more intention.

Adversity Can Be a Setup, Not a Setback

Storytelling Is a Superpower

Faith Was the Turning Point

Belonging Matters

Orphan Mentality Is More Common Than We Think

Hollywood Is a Mission Field

The Backstory Gives Power to the Glory

You Can’t Argue with a True Story

God Uses Our Whole Journey

There’s Always a Next Chapter 

00:00–03:00: Studio setup & intro banter

03:00–05:00: Jeff introduces Joe’s bio

05:00–10:00: Joe’s origin story—homelessness, orphanage, faith discovery

10:00–15:00: Loneliness, early identity struggles, and spiritual awakening

15:00–20:00: Joining the military & the power of belonging

20:00–27:00: Transition to finance & the longing for self-sufficiency

27:00–35:00: Entry into film and producing Woodlawn

35:00–40:00: The breakthrough and impact of I Can Only Imagine

40:00–45:00: Producing Unplanned—controversy, courage, and calling

45:00–51:00: The origin of The Trump I Know & White House access

51:00–58:00: Behind-the-scenes stories from the Trump documentary

58:00–01:03:00: Reflections on purpose, calling, and media impact

01:03:00–End: What’s next for Joe & how storytelling brings hope

I Can Only Imagine Movie

Woodlawn Movie

Unplanned Movie

The Trump I Know Documentary

Why You Should ListenTop 10 TakeawaysChapter MarkingsLinks Mentioned

In this powerful episode of the Driving Change Podcast, host Jeff Bloomfield sits down with NFL legend and championship coach Bill Curry, a man whose humility rivals his accolades. From snapping the ball to Hall of Famers like Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas to learning life-shaping lessons from coaching giants like Vince Lombardi and Don Shula, Curry opens up about the moments that molded him—on and off the field.

Curry reflects on his transformation from a reluctant football player to a Super Bowl champion, the locker room conversations that taught him the true meaning of unity, and the quiet forgiveness that changed his life forever. What happened when a young Bill Curry faced off against the legendary Ray Nitschke—and lost? And what did Vince Lombardi say to him on his deathbed that still echoes in his leadership today? You’ll have to listen to find out.

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Driving Change, Jeff Bloomfield welcomes back Kevin Williams, a renowned musician, comedian, and storyteller, for an inspiring conversation about purpose, resilience, and giving back. Kevin shares his journey from humble beginnings in Kentucky to becoming a celebrated musician, bandleader, and communicator with the Gaither Vocal Band. Beyond his music career, Kevin’s deep-rooted passion for service shines through his work with Kevin’s Kids, a non-profit organization he founded, supporting underprivileged children in his hometown. This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and a reminder that true success is about using our gifts to serve others.

If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration, humor, and heart, this episode delivers. Kevin’s journey illustrates how passion, preparation, and perseverance can lead to incredible opportunities but also how success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about making a difference. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a leader, or someone seeking to use your gifts for good, Kevin’s story offers valuable life lessons on faith, purpose, and giving back. Plus, his insights on storytelling and humor as powerful tools for communication will leave you both laughing and reflecting.

Kevin’s Kids Benefit Concert with special guest Mark Lowry

April 12th (2025)

First Baptist Church - Russell Springs, KY

Free to the public - for more information, visit:

https://kevinwilliamsmusic.com/

Or call (270) 866-6495

You may also donate to Kevin’s Kids using the link above.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1KevinWilliams

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KevinWilliamsTV

X: https://x.com/1kevinwilliams

In this engaging episode of the Driving Change Podcast, Jeff Bloomfield interviews Dr. Iona Naismith, a clinical psychologist, adventurer, and expert in the neuroscience of compassion. Dr. Naismith shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the Scottish Highlands to leading expeditions in the Italian Dolomites and pursuing a career in psychology. The conversation explores the neuroscience behind compassion, the importance of self-awareness, and practical strategies to rewire negative thought patterns for personal and professional growth. The episode offers actionable insights into achieving balance through mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional intelligence.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking personal growth or looking to improve their leadership and relationships. Dr. Naismith's unique blend of adventure and psychology provides inspiring lessons on resilience, self-awareness, and the power of compassion. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges or seeking to optimize your mental well-being, her insights will leave you equipped with practical tools to transform your mindset and achieve balance.

Key Takeaways