The New Rules Podcast

Leadership is a weight that many carry, but few truly understand. In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges, tensions, and motivations that shape leaders. From balancing vision with reality to finding purpose beyond the paycheck, we explore what it means to lead authentically in 2024. Bri and Adrian unpack lessons learned about carrying the responsibility of leadership, defining authenticity, and why motivation matters more than ever. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode will inspire you to embrace the challenges and find clarity in your purpose. Key Takeaways:

• Carrying the Weight of Leadership: Leadership isn't about avoiding pressure—it's about learning how to carry it well. We discuss how to stay grounded when the demands of leadership feel heavy and why it's crucial to align your actions with your values.
• Purpose Over Paycheck: Motivation matters. Leaders who are driven by a deeper purpose—not just financial or external rewards—create lasting impact. We explore how to uncover your "why" and use it as a guiding force in your leadership.
• Stewarding Well: Leadership requires stewardship—of your time, your team, and your vision. We unpack what it means to manage resources wisely while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
• The Visionary-Integrator Balance: Visionaries dream big, while integrators bring ideas to life. We dive into the tension between dreaming and doing, and how leaders can thrive in both roles or collaborate effectively with others who complement their strengths.
• Defining Authenticity in Leadership: Authentic leadership requires resilience and clarity. We challenge the idea of perfection and discuss how being real with your team builds trust and long-term success.
• The Power of Reflection and Reset: As the new year approaches, we share practical ways to reflect on your leadership journey and reset your priorities to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Reflection Questions:

1. What drives your leadership—purpose, a paycheck, or something else?
2. How do you navigate the tension between vision and execution?
3. What's one area of leadership you can improve on in 2024?

🎙️ Tune in to Episode 71: and discover what it takes to lead authentically and with purpose. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. 📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

What happens when your confidence shines in one area, but deep down, you struggle to believe in your worth? In this episode, Bri and Adrian explore the powerful differences between self-worth and self-confidence—and why understanding these differences is critical for growth. Through personal stories and practical insights, they discuss how self-worth influences relationships, careers, and how we show up in the world. From overcoming imposter syndrome to navigating spaces where you feel like you don't belong, this episode is a relatable and thought-provoking guide to embracing your value. Key Takeaways:

• Self-Worth vs. Self-Confidence: Self-worth is the belief that you are inherently valuable, while self-confidence is belief in your abilities in specific areas.
• Motivation Matters: Healthy self-worth fuels a desire to add value to others rather than seeking approval or survival through achievements.
• The Role of Community: Having the right people around you helps you stay grounded and avoid arrogance or delusion.
• Reframing Failure: Failure is an opportunity to learn, not a reflection of your worth.
• Practical Tips to Grow Self-Worth:
1. Capture your thoughts and evaluate your motives.
2. Seek feedback from a select, trusted few rather than everyone.
3. Walk into rooms with curiosity rather than a need to prove yourself.

Reflection Questions:

• What happens when your confidence feels strong, but your self-worth doesn't match it?
• What's one step you can take this week to separate your worth from external validation?

Recommended Resources:

• Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima, a powerful book on reframing failure and understanding your value. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=worthy+by+jamie+kern&hvadid=703780796383&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9011573&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10109663932167348718&hvtargid=kwd-2318911362460&hydadcr=21900_13324139&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_34g0y4rq2f_e

📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

This episode is a candid, freestyle conversation where we dig deep into the complexities of life, leadership, and everything in between. From the unique challenges of parenting sons and daughters to navigating big emotions and staying resilient in a world that demands so much, we explore what it really takes to show up authentically. We reflect on the importance of balancing who we are with who we're becoming, diving into how resilience and adaptability shape not just our lives, but the people we lead. And yes, because it's Thanksgiving season, we couldn't help but share a few of our favorite holiday food traditions—because growth doesn't happen without a little fun along the way. Key Takeaways:

• Parenting isn't one-size-fits-all: learning to adapt to the unique needs of each child.
• Big emotions aren't weaknesses—they're opportunities for growth when handled with care.
• Resilience is more than a skill—it's a necessity in navigating today's world.
• How to stay authentic while balancing the demands of leadership and life.

🎙️ Join us for a raw and insightful conversation about what it means to thrive in life, lead with purpose, and find joy along the way. Perfect for the holiday season and beyond.

📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Is your attachment to the process holding you back? In this episode, we dive into Process Attachment Disorder—the unhealthy dependence on established systems and methods that can keep us stuck. It's easy to get so focused on the how that we lose sight of the why. But real progress comes when we're willing to adapt and stay loyal to the mission, not the method. Adrian and Bri explore the Control Paradox, why we cling to comfort and predictability, and how letting go of rigid processes creates room for transformation and innovation. From leadership strategies to personal growth, this conversation is packed with insights on embracing change while staying mission-driven. Key Takeaways:

• What is Process Attachment Disorder, and how does it hold you back?
• The Control Paradox: Why the need for control limits progress.
• How to stay loyal to the mission while being flexible with methods.
• Why purpose and values must always guide the process.
• The power of adaptable allegiance: letting go of personal preferences for collective gain.

What's one process or system you're holding onto that no longer serves the mission?

📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

youtube.com/WriteNewRules

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

Are you chasing goals that feel just out of reach? In our first-ever live episode, Adrian and Bri tackle the concept of Chasing Smoke—the relentless pursuit of dreams and expectations that often leave us feeling empty. Too often, we measure success by society's scoreboard, only to find ourselves disillusioned. But what if the real victory comes from defining success on your own terms? Broadcasted in front of a live audience, Adrian shares his journey of redefining his personal scoreboard, breaking away from comparison and societal pressures. He reflects on the challenge of balancing ambition with authenticity, explaining how true fulfillment comes not from achieving external markers but from living in alignment with one's calling and purpose. Bri adds insight on sacrifice and faith, emphasizing the importance of trusting that the time invested now will pay dividends in the future. Key Takeaways:

• The dangers of "Chasing Smoke"—pursuing success based on external expectations.
• How to redefine success by setting your own scoreboard in life. 🎯
• The importance of sacrifice and resilience, and why sometimes saying "no" is essential for growth.
• Practical tips for discovering your purpose and remaining authentic in a world full of comparisons.
• How to build a legacy beyond the workplace by focusing on values that truly matter. 🌱

Join us on this journey as we dive deep in our first live episode, bringing real-time insights and raw reflections. Ready to stop chasing and start living with purpose? Reflect this week on what matters most, and consider redefining your scoreboard for a more fulfilling journey. Let us know how you're shifting your focus, and check out the full episode for more insights!

📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

Are you a leader who simply manages tasks, or are you someone who transforms lives? In this episode, Bri and Adrian dive into the critical difference between transformational leadership and transactional leadership. Too often, leaders fall into the trap of operating in a give-and-take dynamic, where interactions are merely transactions. But transformational leaders aim to create deep, lasting impact across every sphere they touch—whether in the workplace, their community, or personal relationships. Bri and Adrian unpack what it means to lead with purpose, focusing on long-term growth and developing people, rather than just achieving short-term results. They highlight how a transformational approach encourages trust, loyalty, and true engagement from those being led, and why these leaders leave a legacy far beyond the transactional. Key Takeaways:

• The difference between transactional leadership and transformational leadership.
• How transformational leaders impact lives deeply by creating meaningful connections and inspiring growth.
• The importance of purpose in leadership and how to move beyond simply managing tasks.
• Why transformational leadership drives higher loyalty and engagement from teams, fostering stronger relationships.
• Practical steps to shift from being a transactional leader to one that truly transforms.

Are you leading just for results, or are you looking to transform lives? Evaluate your leadership approach this week. Think about where you might be operating transactionally, and identify one area where you can make a transformational shift. Leave us a comment or share your thoughts on social media about your leadership journey—what's working, and where you're looking to grow! 📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

To check out the Dan Hurley interview mentions, click here! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAjqC85tS5o&list=PLox03BctkPtW8U7bfRq9uFIkXywrm-2fc

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

Have you ever been paralyzed by a piece of criticism, feeling like it cut deeper than just your work—like it was an attack on who you are? What if you could learn to see feedback as fuel for growth instead of a personal blow? In this episode, we dive deep into the power of resilience when it comes to handling criticism and feedback. For leaders, creators, and individuals alike, the ability to separate feedback from personal identity is a crucial skill—one that requires practice and self-awareness. Key Takeaways:

• Building the Feedback Muscle: How learning to receive and respond to feedback without internalizing it is like training a muscle—you get stronger the more you do it. We explore strategies to embrace constructive criticism while maintaining your self-worth and confidence.
• Parts of the Whole: Your actions, decisions, and work are only parts of who you are. Understanding that feedback often targets those parts, not your whole identity, can help you process it without feeling attacked.
• Self-Awareness and Resilience: Growing in self-awareness is key to building resilience. We discuss why developing an accurate sense of self and separating it from external opinions is essential to thriving in leadership roles and personal growth.
• The Spectrum of Sensitivity: Why some people take things too personally and others build walls too thick to let in feedback. How leaders can help balance these tendencies in themselves and their teams.
• Fulfilling Roles While Keeping a Sense of Self: Leadership requires fulfilling roles that may be subject to criticism. We talk about how to stay true to yourself while performing duties that might receive pushback or scrutiny.
• Leading Through Criticism: Practical tips for leaders on navigating and giving constructive feedback to their teams while fostering an environment that encourages growth and open communication.

Why People Take It Personally: We examine why people often feel personally attacked by feedback—whether it's insecurity, lack of self-awareness, or past experiences. Understanding the root of these reactions can help leaders provide feedback more effectively and guide their teams with empathy. When Feedback Doesn't Stick: On the flip side, we discuss the danger of becoming too hardened to feedback. When the armor is too thick, nothing gets through, leading to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth. Criticism, when received well, is a powerful tool for growth. But it's up to us to build the resilience to let feedback refine us without defining us. Have you ever struggled with receiving feedback? How do you lead yourself and others through critical moments? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more leadership insights and tools! 📲 Connect with Us:

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/cadriancrawford

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

How do you handle feedback that hits you hard? In this episode, Adrian and Bri dive into the art of receiving feedback—even when it's not given in the most loving way. They unpack the uncomfortable but necessary role of feedback in leadership growth, sharing personal stories of the hardest feedback they've received (and had to give). Through these experiences, they highlight how enduring painful feedback is often the key to unlocking growth and becoming a better leader. Join us as we explore how to turn criticism into strength and why true progress often requires embracing discomfort. Key Takeaways:

• Feedback Fuels Growth: The toughest feedback often leads to the most significant breakthroughs.
• Receiving with Grace: Learn to hear the message without becoming defensive, even when feedback is harsh.
• Growth Requires Discomfort: Personal development comes with challenges, but pain is a crucial part of progress.
• Giving Tough Feedback: Leaders must learn to deliver feedback effectively, balancing honesty with empathy.

Actionable Steps:

• Reflect on Tough Feedback: Think about a time you received harsh feedback and what it taught you.
• Seek Feedback Regularly: Don't wait for others to give it—ask for it.
• Process Before Responding: Take a moment to reflect before reacting to feedback, especially if it's critical.

What's the toughest feedback you've ever received? Share your experience and let us know how it shaped your leadership journey. Ready to embrace the growth that comes with discomfort? Start by reflecting on your most recent feedback and see how it can push you forward. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on leadership and personal development!

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/cadriancrawford

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

What happens when a team full of potential crashes under the weight of expectations? Florida State Football was supposed to dominate this season, but instead, they've become a case study in how even the most talented teams can struggle without the right direction. Adrian, a seasoned expert on team dynamics and cultures, walks us through his approach to identifying and addressing the core issues holding the team back. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected struggles of Florida State Football. Once a team predicted to be a top contender, they've fallen short of expectations, leaving fans and experts alike questioning what went wrong. But this isn't just about football. Adrian highlights the broader leadership lessons we can all take from the challenges FSU is facing. Whether you're leading in the boardroom, a community, or even in your own home, there's something to learn from how teams fall apart—and more importantly, how they can be rebuilt.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• How to assess team dysfunction from a leadership perspective
• Why talent alone isn't enough to create a winning culture
• The critical importance of addressing underlying issues instead of quick fixes
• How leaders can apply these strategies to turn around their own struggling teams
• The role of self-awareness and humility in leadership when things aren't going as planned

Tune in to hear Adrian's thoughtful breakdown of where FSU went wrong and how those same strategies can translate into real-world leadership growth. Have you ever led a team that wasn't meeting expectations? Share your experience in the comments or tag us in your leadership stories on social media!

📲 Connect with Us:

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/cadriancrawford

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules

What happens when you take a hard look at reality? How do we truly assess where we are, what we're capable of, and where we should be going? In this episode, Adrian and Bri explore the often uncomfortable but necessary process of interrogating reality. From understanding your current skill set to mapping out a realistic path forward, they discuss the discipline required to grow without getting stuck in self-doubt or unrealistic expectations.

Adrian shares personal stories from his days playing basketball alongside legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, reflecting on how those experiences forced him to confront the reality of his own skills. Meanwhile, Bri dives into her journey of less thinking and more doing—learning how to stop overanalyzing and start taking action.

Together, they offer strategies to accurately assess where you are, tools to help you embrace that reality without spiraling, and practical advice for cultivating the discipline needed to move forward, regardless of your current skill set.

Highlights:

Interrogating Reality:

• Self-Assessment: How to honestly evaluate your current skills and what you're capable of achieving.

• Adrian's Journey: Lessons learned from playing with basketball legends and how they shaped his understanding of his own abilities.

• Bri's Challenge: The balance between overthinking and taking action, and how she's learning to lean into doing more.

The Reality Check:

• Tools for Growth: Practical methods to assess yourself accurately and move forward with clarity.

• Avoiding the Spiral: How to embrace your current abilities—whether positive or negative—without letting them derail your progress.

Discipline and Action:

• Taking the Next Step: How to cultivate the discipline to take action, even when reality is daunting.

• The Power of Doing: Bri's insights on breaking free from paralysis by analysis and embracing a mindset of action.

Join us as we explore how to confront reality head-on, embrace where you're at, and build the discipline to take action toward real growth—no matter your starting point.

Whether you are a corporate leader, parent, or any individual who finds themselves in a position of leadership - we hope this podcast brings you one step closer on the journey to becoming authentically yourself.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

More of a visual person?

You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:

Youtube: youtube.com/cadriancrawford?sub_confirmation=1

To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!

LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford

Instagram: @writenewrules

TikTok: @writenewrules