E82: Pressure, Panic & Precision: Why Great Leaders Are Fast & Clear
Release Date: 04/16/2025
The New Rules Podcast
We often hear, “Don’t doubt yourself. Be confident.” But what if self-doubt isn’t always the enemy? What if it’s a tool that, when used wisely, can actually make you sharper, more grounded, and more effective? In this raw and honest conversation, Adrian and Bri explore the pros and cons of self-doubt… when it can hold you back, and when it can actually push you forward. You’ll hear: Why too much confidence can be just as dangerous as too little How to recognize healthy vs. unhealthy doubt Stories of leaders and creators who leveraged self-doubt for growth Practical tools...
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In a world overflowing with hot takes, trending reels, and endless scrolling, are you actually thinking for yourself or just reacting to what the algorithm feeds you? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by constant noise, frustrated by polarized thinking, or stuck in a loop of reacting instead of reflecting, this episode is for you. Adrian Crawford and Breezy dive deep into the discipline of critical thinking and why it’s becoming a rare but essential skill for leaders, creators, and anyone navigating modern life. We explore: Why groupthink is more dangerous than ever How anxiety and...
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This week’s episode takes a deeply personal turn. Adrian sits down with his daughters for a raw and reflective conversation about what it’s really like to grow up watching a parent live on mission. From the moments that shaped them to the things they never said out loud until now, we explore the unseen cost of leadership at home—and what it takes to lead and love well in both public and private. Together with Bri, they explore honest questions, emotional moments, and meaningful reflection. This is a conversation for anyone navigating purpose, leadership, and parenthood. 📲...
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In an era where performance is currency and platforms reward polished personas, how do we return to what’s real? In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian and Bri get brutally honest about… well, honesty. From pop culture moments like Love Island and social media virality to systemic mistrust in government and leadership, we trace the cultural shift that’s made authenticity feel more like a performance than a practice. We ask: Why do we praise vulnerability online but punish it in real life? What happens when we lose ourselves in the name of influence? Can we lead...
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In this powerful episode of The New Rules Podcast, recorded live at the Black Leadership Summit, Adrian and Bri are joined by two respected voices in leadership, Tyler Burns and Du’Bois A’Keen, for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation. They don’t offer platitudes or recycled leadership clichés. Instead, they get honest about the weight of responsibility, the danger of being platformed too early, and the tension between authenticity and expectation. Together, they reflect on their personal leadership journeys, the pressure of leading while being watched, and the internal work it...
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In a world where creativity is reserved for artists and leadership is reserved for extroverts, this episode challenges both assumptions. Adrian and Bri pull back the curtain on a deeper, more integrated view of creativity, one rooted not in flair, but in function. From basketball courts to boardrooms, from faith to finance, they explore how real creativity emerges, sometimes out of desperation. It’s about solving problems, building what’s missing, and refusing to wait for permission. Together, they tackle why most people underestimate their creative potential, how fear and anxiety suppress...
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We're confronting the reality of modern leadership in a politically divided, hyper-visible world. From the ICE raids in California to increasing polarization, the episode explores what it means to lead when every move is public, every opinion is politicized, and trust in leadership is eroding. We discuss “Terrarium Leadership,” a new era where leaders are fully visible, constantly observed, and expected to act with both authenticity and transparency. They unpack: Why real leadership is more scarce than ever. What happens when influence outpaces character. The tension of leading...
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In a culture that equates influence with volume and leadership with visibility, this episode flips the script. Adrian Crawford unpacks a different kind of leadership—one that isn’t loud, flashy, or ego-driven. It's the leadership of presence, conviction, and consistency. The kind of leadership that doesn’t need to shout to be heard — because it holds the standard in silence. This conversation explores the cost of real leadership — not the external pressure, but the internal tension of leading with integrity when it would be easier to bend. It’s about the leaders who don’t need...
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What happens when artificial intelligence changes the rules—and you don’t? In this episode, we explore how AI is redefining work, leadership, and purpose. It's not just about learning the tools. It’s about the mindset shift from fear to faith, from scarcity to abundance. From chasing a job to owning a calling. If you know your purpose, you can bring it to any platform. Any job. Any era. Whether you're a leader, creator, business owner, or builder — this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and move forward boldly. More of a visual person? You can WATCH today’s...
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Today we’re joined by our first-ever guest, the legendary Marty Linsky, co-author of Leadership on the Line, one of the most important leadership books we’ve ever read. In this candid conversation, Marty joins Adrian and Bri to unpack the raw, costly, and often misunderstood reality of leading in today’s world. Drawing from decades of experience in politics, academia, and coaching, he shares insights into: Why authority ≠ leadership How to lead without being liked Why real leadership always comes with pushback What Gen Z needs to know before they step up The #1 reason leaders...
info_outlineLeadership is changing—and the leaders who thrive in today's fast-paced world are the ones who can make quick, confident decisions under pressure.
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian breaks down a simple but powerful 3-step framework that every leader needs for sharp, effective decision-making.
Learn how to:
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Use self-awareness to guide your thinking in high-stakes moments
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Perform decision “autopsies” that help you grow from mistakes and wins
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Apply first-principle thinking to cut through the noise and focus on what matters
This isn’t about moving fast just to keep up. It’s about moving with clarity, confidence, and intention—even when the pressure is on.
🧠 Reflection Questions:
• How does anxiety impact your decision-making speed?
• Are you reacting to pressure or responding with clarity?
• What’s one recent decision you wish you had slowed down for?
📲 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