Leaders Of Transformation Podcast

What if lasting success isnt about what you achievebut who you become?

In this powerful episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Rusty Rueffrenowned tech executive, startup advisor, philanthropist, and co-author of Faith Codeto explore how inner purpose and spiritual identity provide the only truly unshakable foundation for life and leadership.

Drawing from two decades of reflection, Rusty shares a compelling metaphor: Are you building your life on a solid platform (faith, values, purpose), or just stacking up flashy but fragile apps (titles, possessions, roles)? In this conversation, Nicole and Rusty unpack why true freedom, resilience, and fulfillment only come when you lead from your source codea deep connection to something greater than yourself.

From navigating profound personal loss and professional upheaval, to cultivating spiritual habits and daily disciplines, this episode offers practical insights and soul-level encouragement for leaders ready to build from the inside out.

What Youll Learn:

• Why Faith Code was written and why these principles are more relevant than ever
• The Platform vs. App metaphorand how it redefines success
• How to respond when your apps crash: job loss, health struggles, identity shifts
• How loss and disruption can become gateways to inner freedom
• Why loveGods love, self-love, and love for othersis the cornerstone of resilience
• The difference between loving as a feeling vs. loving as a verb
• How to realign your life through energy, time, and priority audits
• The daily disciplines that strengthen your platform
• What grows stronger as everything else fadesand why thats your true legacy

Podcast Highlights

0:00 Anchoring in a World of Change: Meet Rusty Rueff

2:01 The Birth of Faith Code: Why Platform vs. App Matters

6:47 Building on the Wrong Things: The Hidden Limits of Apps

8:19 Your Source Code: Identity Anchored in Faith

11:18 When the Apps Crash: Finding Freedom Through Loss

13:46 Gods Love: The Ultimate Platform

16:34 Love as a Verb: Daily Choices That Build Resilience

19:38 Rebuilding Priorities: Applying the Faith Code

23:34 The Art of Time: Energy, Rhythm, and Alignment

27:28 The Spirit That Grows Stronger with Time

Memorable Quotes

Are you building your life as a platform or just stacking up apps? Your apps can crash. Your platform must endure.

Whats the one thing God gives that cant be taken away? His love. More reliable than the sunrise.

Love isnt love unless its acted on. Its not a nounits a verb.

Everything fades except your spirit. It can become the strongest part of your lifeespecially in the end.

Episode Show Notes and Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/534-anchored-leadership-in-a-shifting-world-with-rusty-rueff/

Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com

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What if unlocking a child’s full potential began with something as simple as a clean, well-fitting set of clothes?

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lynn Margherio, the visionary founder of Cradles to Crayons. Each year, Lynn’s organization provides over a million packages of essentials—clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies—to children living in poverty or crisis, completely free of charge. But this isn’t just about meeting material needs; it’s about addressing the often-ignored crisis of clothing insecurity, which impacts over 20 million children across the U.S.

Join us as Lynn shares her compelling journey from the world of business consulting and public policy to launching a nonprofit that’s become a national movement. She reveals how clothing insecurity affects a child’s ability to learn, grow, and feel confident—and why she chose to step down as CEO after 23 years to ensure the organization thrives beyond her leadership.

Whether you’re passionate about social entrepreneurship, building sustainable impact, or simply want to make a difference, this episode is packed with insights and practical ways to get involved.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• What inspired Lynn to pivot from consulting and the White House to social impact
• The true definition of clothing insecurity—and why it matters
• How Cradles to Crayons serves over a million kids each year with remarkable efficiency
• The vital role of volunteers and community partners in scaling the mission
• What it takes to transition leadership and build an enduring legacy
• How you can support children in need—locally or virtually
• The educational and emotional toll of lacking basic clothing
• Why awareness is just as critical as giving
• How Giving Factory Direct empowers anyone to make an impact from anywhere
• How to discern if your idea is meant for your neighborhood—or the nation

Tune in and be inspired by how one woman’s simple idea, fueled by compassion and community, has transformed millions of young lives—and learn how you can be part of the solution.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 – The Hidden Crisis: Clothing Insecurity in America
1:31 – From Business Consulting to Purpose-Driven Impact: Lynn’s Backstory
4:45 – Turning an Idea into a Scalable Movement
7:01 – Unpacking the Real Need: What Families and Teachers Experience
9:24 – The Ripple Effect: Clothing, Confidence & Classroom Learning
12:40 – How Cradles to Crayons Works: Supply Chain & Distribution
15:39 – Mobilizing 50,000 Volunteers: Systems & Culture
18:02 – Vision for Expansion: From Local to National Impact
20:24 – Leadership Transition: Planning for a Mission Beyond the Founder
24:05 – Navigating the Emotional Journey of Letting Go
28:56 – The Relay Race of Leadership: Timing and Legacy
31:02 – How You Can Help: Local & Virtual Ways to Take Action
33:30 – Lessons in Leadership: Taking That First Step to Make a Difference

Dive into this powerful conversation with Lynn Margherio and discover how addressing even the most basic needs can transform individual lives—and an entire nation.

Favorite Quotes:

“Don’t assume that others have it covered. If you’ve got an idea, explore it and do something about it.”—Lynn Margherio

“Proper clothing is a very visible sign that a child’s basic needs are met. It’s about dignity as well as opportunity.” – Lynn Margherio

CEO Update since the Recording of this Episode

Founder Lynn Margherio announced in late February that Christine Morin, a strategic leader who has spent her career advocating for youth and under-resourced communities, was appointed as the next CEO of Cradles to Crayons®. Lynn says she is incredibly proud to pass the baton to her and couldn’t be more confident in Christine’s ability to lead Cradles to Crayons into its next chapter.  

Episode Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/533-distributing-hope-to-over-a-million-children-every-year-with-lynn-margherio 

Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com

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What does it take to break the cycle of social discrimination in India?

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen is joined by the visionary philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Abraham George. As the founder of the Shanti Bhavan School in India, Dr. George has dedicated his life to empowering children of the most marginalized communities by providing opportunities through education. Over the past 27 years, the school has changed the lives of over 15,000 children. 98% of its students are college graduates, with many making it to Ivy League institutes like Stanford, Dartmouth, and Princeton.

Discover how Dr. George’s life journey, from the Indian military to a successful business career in the U.S., led him to his true calling: breaking down the systemic barriers of the caste system in India through a holistic educational approach. This bottom-up strategy not only focuses on academics but also nurtures the mindset and self-worth of each student, propelling them to previously unimaginable heights.

Dr. Abraham has authored multiple books on social justice, including India Untouched, and is writing another one about Shanti Bhavan that is due for a release soon.   

What We Discuss in this Episode

• What inspired Dr. George to dedicate his life to breaking cycles of poverty?
• How does the caste system in India perpetuate economic inequality?
• The role of nurturing belief in students from marginalized communities.
• What are the greatest challenges faced when establishing a school like Shanti Bhavan?
• How can global citizens contribute to alleviating poverty around the world?
• The importance of economic justice as a path to social justice.
• Overcoming obstacles: Dr. George's journey from Wall Street to social impact.
• The significance of action and how it transforms compassion into tangible change.
• How can we motivate others to participate in acts of service and philanthropy?
• The long-lasting impact of transforming young lives and its ripple effect on society.

Podcast Highlights

0:21 - Breaking the generational cycle of poverty with education

2:17 - Dr. George's journey from the Indian military to U.S. entrepreneurship

5:51 - Understanding India's caste system and its impact

10:17 - Transforming mindsets: nurturing belief in marginalized kids

15:06 - Challenges faced in establishing Shanti Bhavan School

20:41 - Empowering global citizens to contribute positively

25:22 - The link between economic and social justice

31:03 - The joy of giving and making a lasting impact

34:54 - Action as a catalyst for true transformation.

Favorite Quotes

Economic Justice: “The path to social justice is through economic justice.”

Transformative Action: “Compassion without action is of no use. It doesn't benefit the other person; it only makes you feel good.”

Episode Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/education/532-from-invisible-to-unstoppable-shaping-the-next-generation-of-leaders-with-dr-abraham-george/

Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com

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How Can Leaders Prepare for the Next Era of Business Transformation?

In this high-powered episode, host Nicole Jansen dives into the dynamic forces shaping American business with distinguished guest John Rossman. As a former Amazon executive and author of the acclaimed "Amazon Way" series, John Rossman brings a wealth of knowledge on innovation, leadership, and digital transformation. With a focus on his latest book, Big Bet Leadership, John shares valuable insights, drawing on his extensive experience at Amazon to discuss the top three mega forces impacting businesses today.

Key takeaways include the critical nature of the “big bet framework” for solving major business challenges and the importance of cultivating a Day One mindset. The episode also explores the role of leadership in adapting to rapid technological advancements and demographic shifts, offering listeners a pragmatic approach to thriving in a hyper-digital era.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with John Rossman, where you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to anticipate and navigate transformative business changes adeptly.

What We Discuss in this Episode

• Unveiling the top three mega forces affecting American business.
• Understanding the pretext for why leaders must excel at transformation.
• Addressing challenges with the big bet framework and solving wicked problems.
• The importance of creating clarity and accelerating risk and value.
• How Amazon’s working backward process informed marketplace success.
• Day One versus Day Two mindset: Maintaining an innovation-driven culture.
• Integrating a dedicated leadership team for impactful transformation.
• Balancing short-term operation with long-term transformation efforts.
• The art of running successful high-stakes executive meetings.
• Combining insights from fractional leadership with a stable core team.

Podcast Highlights

0:00 - Introduction to John Rossman's expertise and achievements.

1:23 - Mega forces driving transformation and their implications.

3:22 - Dealing with labor shortages and demographic changes.

6:09 - The big bet framework and its significance.

11:53 - Amazon’s marketplace evolution and learning from failure.

18:34 - Day 1 vs. Day 2 mindset: Keeping innovation alive.

25:55 - Building the right transformation team.

29:43 - Thinking big, betting small: Avoiding the big leap fallacy.

32:52 - Effective high-stakes decision-making protocols.

34:39 - Encouragement for leaders to take transformative action.

Favorite Quotes

Innovative Leadership: “Become the shark at the table by gathering more information upfront, derisking big concepts with small experiments.”

Day 1 Mindset: “We are a day one company, reminding our teams and shareholders that it's all about constant reinvention.”

Building the Right Team: “A senior leader abandons everything for the mission, inventing the future—a different game of transformational betting.”

Episode Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/531-leveraging-the-3-mega-forces-in-business-today-with-john-rossman

Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com

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What if losing your job is the key to unlocking your next perfect role?

In this encouraging episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Stephanie Brown, the dynamic founder of Creative Career Level Up. As a former senior marketing executive at Nike and Apple, Stephanie’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. She provides invaluable insights on how getting fired became the catalyst for discovering her true calling and empowering others to secure their next perfect role with increased confidence, promotion, and salary.

Join us as Stephanie unfolds her personal story of going from a layoff to landing her ideal job, and how she transitioned to helping others in marketing, creative, and tech industries achieve the same success. We further explore the importance of self-awareness, aligning with changing seasons of one's career, and the practical strategies that can lead you from uncertainty to opportunity.

Learn how to harness your unique strengths, navigate career changes effectively, and rise above challenges to thrive in today’s competitive job market!

What We Discuss in this Episode

• Stephanie's career journey: How pivotal moments shaped her path.
• The shift from “dream job” to “next perfect role.”
• The importance of self-awareness in career transitions.
• Overcoming the challenges of losing a job.
• Effective strategies for finding your next perfect role.
• How changing life stages can influence career choices.
• Differentiating between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.
• The impact of building intentional relationships in professional networks.
• Utilizing LinkedIn and other platforms for job hunting.
• Importance of a strategic career plan and execution.

Podcast Highlights

0:00 - Overcoming a Layoff

3:27 - Finding the Right Job Fit

7:34 - Identifying Energizing Career Activities

12:10 - Starting a Business: Networking Essentials

13:59 - Finding Motivation

19:33 - Interview Readiness Through Self-Reflection

20:52 - Leaving Nike: A Shiny New Opportunity

28:20 – The Creative Career Level Up Program

31:12 - Recruitment Strategies Across Industries

35:31 - Risk, Referrals, and Feedback Dynamics

36:50 - Transformative Career Action Steps

Favorite Quotes

Self-Reflection: "You have to know when to keep moving forward because things might change in your life."

Intentional Networking: “Go into these conversations just thinking ‘I'm here to build a relationship with someone.’ Because people really do want to help others if they can.”

Episode Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/530-how-to-land-your-next-perfect-job-with-stephanie-brown/

Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com

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