Presence Over Presents: Why Leadership Is a Contact Sport - RTTR032
Run Toward The Roar
In this episode, John Robertson challenges leaders to rethink what it means to show up—especially when life and work feel full. He shares how presence, not performance, defines effective leadership and why the best leaders lead from who they are, not what they have. Listen in for practical ways to connect, show up, and lead well during the busiest season of the year.
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Values in Hot Water to Finish Well - RTTR031
Run Toward The Roar
When life or leadership turns up the heat, the real test isn’t the event—it’s your response. In this episode, John Robertson shares one of his most practical leadership lessons: the “hot water teabag” principle. Whatever is inside you always leaks out when the water gets hot. The same is true for every leader and organization. John explains why values aren’t posters or slogans but everyday behaviors under pressure. He unpacks how to define what matters most before the next crisis arrives, how to identify your non-negotiables, and why your time and money always tell the truth about...
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Why Slowing Down Starts with Asking Why - RTTR030
Run Toward The Roar
In this episode, John Robertson reflects on a simple lesson from his grandkids that reshaped how he views growth and leadership. Watching a four-year-old endlessly ask “why” reminded him that curiosity isn’t just a child’s habit—it’s a crucial tool for adults who want to thrive. John explores how our frustration with “why” often reveals more about us than the question itself. From the way we rush through our mornings to the empty promises of “we should grab coffee sometime,” he challenges listeners to pause and ask what’s really driving their actions. Using his signature...
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Why Your Team Isn’t Taking Action
Run Toward The Roar
In this episode, I walk through a pattern I see everywhere. Leaders build plans. They set priorities. They outline steps. And still nothing moves. I call it the failure to launch. Most organizations rely on performance, productivity, and protocols to drive action. That creates an accountability culture, not a values anchored one. People don’t take initiative when they fear being judged. They would rather look lazy than incompetent. So they hesitate, and leaders end up repeating the same programs every two to five years. I break down why this keeps happening and how leaders can finally break...
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Desire for You to Honor Your Passio Fidelis - RTTR029
Run Toward The Roar
In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, it is John Robertson's desire to encourage and empower you to honor your passion and values. He emphasizes the importance of thriving, not just surviving. He also shares insights on the significance of budgeting, not just financially, but also in terms of time, emotions, physical activities, spirituality, and more. He highlights the key benefits of budgeting, such as financial stability, independence, and peace of mind, and reflects on a unique approach to budgeting time and emotions shared with him by a listener. John reiterates his desire for you to...
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The Lousy Part of Adulting - RTTR028
Run Toward The Roar
In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, host John Robertson dives into the lousy part of adulting and the importance of thriving even when faced with challenges. He discusses the concept of "adulting stinks" and how it requires individuals to do things they don't feel like doing. John also delves into the old English word for patience, "long suffering," and shares a story about how a shift in perspective helped reduce complaints about long wait times at an airport. Through the episode, John expands on the theme of drifting and the significance of not losing sight of one's reference points,...
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The Subtlety of Drift - RTTR027
Run Toward The Roar
In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, John Robertson explores the silent but pervasive issue of drifting in both personal life and leadership roles. John begins the conversation by emphasizing how recognizing and addressing our own personal needs is not just a matter of self-care but a critical step towards growth and development. He underlines the creation of a new norm, guiding listeners towards establishing long-term values that stand strong against life's pressing urgencies. This segment is a clarion call to mindful living and definitive action that undercuts aimless drift. The peril of...
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Lobster Lessons and Life Examined - RTTR026
Run Toward The Roar
In this transformative edition of Run Toward The Roar Podcast, join host John Robertson as he dives deep into the complexities of maintaining a balance between work, personal well-being, and staying true to one's values. Tap into Robertson's insights on why the healthcare system's tendency to reactively treat illness rather than proactively prevent it might be misaligned with our long-term well-being. Listen closely as we dissect the common misconception that staying busy equates to being important, and consider the imperative to align our activities with our deepest values. During the...
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Connection Challenges - Investing Wisely – RTTR025
Run Toward The Roar
We explore the challenges and triumphs of building meaningful connections In this episode of "Run Toward The Roar," we dive into the pervasive issue of loneliness, emphasizing the profound value of intimacy and connection in our lives. We discuss the challenges of sharing transparently and vulnerably, underlining the pivotal role of effective communication in fostering positive connections. Boundaries are crucial, as eroding boundaries can lead to fatigue and hinder communication. It is important to have diverse individuals in our lives, ranging from therapists and consultants to...
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The Simplest Way To Learn And Keep On Your Bearing - It's Not What Many Think – RTTR024
Run Toward The Roar
In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, host John Robertson dives deep into the power of learning and living true to one's values. He emphasizes the importance of faith in living purposefully and thriving, drawing parallels between true North and magnetic North as a metaphor for staying on course in life. By connecting to social support and core values, John stresses the significance of not drawing a line in the sand, but in wet concrete to truly thrive. John shares a personal anecdote about a career counseling event, revealing the value of teaching and practicing one's values through an...
info_outlineIn this episode, I walk through a pattern I see everywhere. Leaders build plans. They set priorities. They outline steps. And still nothing moves. I call it the failure to launch.
Most organizations rely on performance, productivity, and protocols to drive action. That creates an accountability culture, not a values anchored one. People don’t take initiative when they fear being judged. They would rather look lazy than incompetent. So they hesitate, and leaders end up repeating the same programs every two to five years.
I break down why this keeps happening and how leaders can finally break the cycle. The turning point is moving from a decision to a commitment. Commitment depends on values. Values are what create the motivation for action, especially in critical moments.
I also explain how the Four A’s help any team shift from planning to progress
Aim… define success
Anchor… tie it to your real values
Act… take the step
Align… adjust once you’re actually moving
If you’re tired of stalled plans and constant resets, this episode gives you the next step in building a culture where people step forward instead of sitting back.