The Power of No – with Professor Alexander Puutio

Rejection. Resistance. Roadblocks.

We all face them—but how we respond to them can define the course of our lives and careers.

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz is joined by Professor Alexander Puutio, an author, leadership expert, and veteran of the United Nations and Boston Consulting Group, to explore the power of hearing “no.”

Whether in diplomacy, business, or academia, Professor Puutio has spent over a decade navigating high-stakes environments where setbacks are inevitable—and where learning to pivot, persist, and grow is the mark of true leadership.

Together, they discuss:

Why rejection is not personal

How to extract value from “no” and turn it into direction

The mindset that distinguishes confident leaders from emotional reactors

The practical tools for building resilience in the face of failure

If you’ve ever felt deflated by rejection or paralyzed by pushback, this conversation will reframe how you think about obstacles—and offer insight into the deeper psychology of progress.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

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