Episodes

  • Why Most Founders Flame Out with Dr. Mohamed F. Ahmed

    Why Most Founders Flame Out with Dr. Mohamed F. Ahmed
    Jul 14 2025
    In this compelling episode, Jeff Bloomfield sits down with tech executive, entrepreneur, and resilience coach Mohamed F. Ahmed. From the moment a curious mistake with a floppy disk nearly wrecked his dad’s $10,000 PC—and unexpectedly ignited a lifelong passion for computers—to launching and selling a successful startup, Mo shares the deeper, human story behind innovation and leadership. You’ll hear how emotional intelligence, mindset, and adaptability outweigh strategy in both startups and big corporations, and why conditioning your inner world may be the most important skill for the future of work and AI. This isn’t your typical tech talk. Mo opens up about the moments that nearly broke him—and how emotional conditioning, not strategy, got him through. Whether you're launching a startup, innovating inside a big company, or just trying to stay sane in the chaos, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and the real inner game of success. Entrepreneurship starts inside: Your mindset and emotional conditioning matter more than your business model. Corporate vs. startup = Pool vs. ocean: Corporate feels like a swim lane; startups are like the Atlantic Ocean at night—no map, no guardrails. Emotional regulation is a learned skill: Mo went from 4 weeks of emotional paralysis to 2 hours of recovery by learning to process feelings fast. Identity ≠ job title: Don’t let your business define your worth. Purpose fuels resilience: Your “why” is your survival kit when things go wrong. AI is a collaborator, not a competitor: The winners will be those who use AI to think, plan, and act faster—not those who fear it. Use AI to reflect: Mo journals daily and uses Claude or ChatGPT to analyze his week and optimize decisions. Sales is psychology, not just pitching: Reframe rejection as feedback and stay emotionally neutral. Curiosity trumps control: Mo’s career began when his dad turned a moment of anger into a shared learning journey. The next wave is “AI-native entrepreneurs”: Founders using AI as a creative partner are building faster, smarter companies. 00:00 – Intro and Seattle weather joke 02:45 – Jeff explains show format and target audience 05:00 – Corporate innovation vs. entrepreneurship 08:00 – Mo’s origin story: From floppy disks to a PhD 13:00 – Lessons from Mo’s dad: 10X thinking and 20,000 books 17:00 – First emotional crash in startup life 20:45 – Resilience in action: From panic to pitch in 2 hours 23:30 – The Entrepreneurial Conditioning Framework 26:00 – Identity, mindset, and daily mental practices 30:50 – Making time for thinking in the chaos of leadership 34:00 – Sales psychology and rejection reframing 35:15 – Startups vs. big corporations: Speed and chaos 41:00 – The future of AI: From compression to companion 46:00 – Mo’s son + AI = 2-month project done in 1 week 49:00 – Will AI steal jobs or create new ones? 52:00 – Boundless Founder and The Inside Out Entrepreneur Boundless Founder Community: https://boundlessfounder.co Why You Should ListenTop 10 TakeawaysChapter MarkingsLinks MentionedBook – The Inside Out Entrepreneur: Available now on Amazon
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    50 mins
  • Emotional Resilience with Dr. Robin Hills

    Emotional Resilience with Dr. Robin Hills
    Jun 30 2025
    In this episode, Jeff Bloomfield sits down with Dr. Robin Hills, founder of EI4Change and a global thought leader in emotional intelligence. From his early career in pharmaceuticals to building a digital platform with over 500,000 students across 200+ countries, Robin shares how emotional intelligence—once a mystery to him—became his life’s work. The conversation covers everything from emotional regulation and workplace behavior to the neuroscience behind EQ and practical ways to build it. If you’ve ever wondered why intelligent people struggle with relationships or leadership—or how to better manage your own emotions under stress—this episode offers clear, science-backed answers. Robin’s insights are not just theoretical; they’re rooted in real-world application and made accessible to anyone. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or just someone who wants to stop reacting and start responding, this conversation is for you. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is Trainable – Unlike IQ, EQ can grow with effort, even into your 70s. Anger is Often a Signal of Violated Values – Recognizing this can turn outbursts into constructive conversations. Mobile Devices Are Killing Situational Awareness – EQ begins with being present. Motivation Is the Missing Middle in the EQ Model – Without it, self-awareness and social skills fall flat. Smart People Can Lack EQ – And often unknowingly sabotage their influence. High EQ Leaders Inspire Loyalty – People follow emotionally intelligent leaders, not just intelligent ones. Use “I Feel” Statements – Emotions can’t be argued with; judgments can. Self-Awareness Starts with Daily Habits – Like avoiding your phone until after breakfast. The Best Leaders Coach, Not Command – Questions build connection; instructions don’t. EQ in the Age of AI Is More Important Than Ever – Human skills like empathy and emotional regulation will differentiate us. 00:00–07:00 | Intro & Robin’s Background 07:00–13:00 | Early Career & Discovery of Emotional Intelligence 13:00–17:00 | Starting EI4Change & The Power of Niche Focus 17:00–21:00 | IQ vs. EQ—Why One is Fixed and the Other is Fluid 21:00–26:00 | Can Low-EQ Leaders Still Succeed? 26:00–31:00 | Smart People & the Phone Addiction Problem 31:00–37:00 | Technology, Dopamine, and Relationship Erosion 37:00–42:00 | The Emotion That Causes the Most Trouble at Work 42:00–47:00 | How to Regulate Anger and Build Healthier Relationships 47:00–52:00 | The EQ Spectrum & Unconscious Competence 52:00–54:00 | Practical EQ Habits & Where to Learn More EI4Change Website Robin’s Courses Free Course: Insights into Emotional Intelligence (via link above) Monthly Coaching Bundle (mentioned: June 2025 focus is on coaching) 🔍 Why You Should Listen:🧠 Top 10 Takeaways:⏱️ Chapter Markings:🔗 Links Mentioned:
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    51 mins
  • Anxious? Angry? Your Brain’s Just Trying to Tell You This… with Angus Fletcher

    Anxious? Angry? Your Brain’s Just Trying to Tell You This… with Angus Fletcher
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode of Driving Change, neuroscientist and storytelling expert Dr. Angus Fletcher returns to share insights from his latest book, Primal Intelligence. Drawing from his research with the U.S. Army Special Operations, Fortune 50 companies, and education systems, Fletcher unpacks how the brain’s ancient systems—emotion, imagination, intuition, and common sense—shape the way we think, lead, and connect. This isn’t just theory; it’s actionable neuroscience that rewires how we respond to stress, how we plan, and how we grow. Jeff and Angus explore everything from battlefield psychology to parenting to sales conversations, all through the lens of primal brain power. This episode will change how you view intelligence. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, leadership under pressure, communication breakdowns, or helping others grow, this conversation delivers practical tools rooted in science—not self-help fluff. Learn how elite military units build confidence, how to tap into your brain’s imagination for clearer decision-making, and why the stories you tell yourself matter more than any strategy. Whether you're a parent, leader, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode offers real techniques to become more grounded, resilient, and effective in how you show up. Emotion is the First Intelligence – Fear and anger aren’t enemies—they’re signals telling us how many plans we have. Four Primal Brain Powers – Imagination (planning), Intuition (opportunity spotting), Emotion (threat signaling), and Common Sense (choosing the best plan). Plan-Making Beats Panic – People freeze not from danger, but from having no plan. Teaching people how to plan reduces fear and anger. Storytelling is Neural – The brain organizes information through action-based narratives. It’s not once-upon-a-time—it’s how we think. Teach Planning, Not Just Plans – The goal of leadership is to develop planners, not just manage plans. Practice Under Low Stress – Communication habits formed in calm moments will show up under pressure. Authenticity Over Evasion – People can’t always detect truth, but they immediately sense evasiveness. Share what you fear. Counterfactual Thinking Builds Vision – Asking "what if" about small changes with big outcomes activates the brain’s default mode network. Kids (and Adults) Need Imperfect Practice – Tolerating messy planning helps grow initiative, resilience, and brain power. Sales = Story Anticipation – Great salespeople help others discover their own story faster and with more clarity than they could alone. 00:00 – Welcome + Book Launch Tease 01:45 – Ohio's Hidden Intelligence + Emotional Evolution 10:00 – Primal Intelligence Framework 13:00 – Special Ops and the Power of Plans 19:00 – Childhood Programming and Brain Plasticity 24:30 – Imagination as Thinking Tool 29:30 – Youth, Screens & Neural Pathways 33:00 – Leadership, Weird Ideas & Innovation 38:45 – Storytelling as Internal Narrative 43:00 – Relationships & Communication Needs 46:00 – Communicating Under Pressure 50:00 – Neurocentric Questions & Sales 54:30 – Authenticity, Fear, and Trust 58:00 – What Led to Primal Intelligence 1:00:00 – How to Learn More (Book, Quiz, Site) Primal Intelligence book page (Penguin Random House) – Available August 19 Free Quiz & Diagnostic: OperationHuman.com Why You Should ListenTop 10 Takeaways⏱️ Chapter Markings (by topic)How to find more from Dr. FletcherDr. Angus Fletcher on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
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    57 mins
  • How to Be the Leader Everyone Remembers with Dr. Adam Galinsky

    How to Be the Leader Everyone Remembers with Dr. Adam Galinsky
    Jun 3 2025
    In this episode of Driving Change, Jeff Bloomfield welcomes renowned behavioral expert and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Adam Galinsky. From his surprising birth as a twin to his evolution from clinical researcher to bestselling author, Galinsky unpacks the experiences that shaped his work on leadership, influence, and emotional intelligence. Together, Adam and Jeff explore the balance between competition and cooperation, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the power of inspiring versus infuriating behaviors. Galinsky shares powerful, research-backed frameworks from his books Friend and Foe and Inspire, along with practical tips leaders can implement right away. If you've ever struggled to communicate more effectively, motivate others without micromanaging, or turn self-awareness into impactful leadership behavior, this episode delivers. Adam Galinsky blends deep academic insight with compelling real-world stories—giving listeners practical strategies to elevate their personal and professional influence. Why You Should Listen🔟 Top 10 Takeaways Origin of Curiosity – Galinsky’s early life as a surprise twin and son of two academics set the stage for his lifelong fascination with human behavior. From Research to Practice – Practical application of research is what distinguishes meaningful work; Galinsky excels at this. Friend vs. Foe – Human dynamics constantly balance cooperation and competition; recognizing this helps leaders avoid toxic extremes. Inspiring vs. Infuriating Leaders – Traits that make a leader inspiring (visionary, exemplar, mentor) are universal across cultures. Leader Amplification Effect – Everything a leader says or does is amplified, intentionally or not—making self-awareness vital. Structural Interventions Beat Willpower – Setting up triggers, systems, and habits helps leaders manage emotional reactions better than willpower alone. Feedback vs. Feedforward – Asking for advice rather than feedback leads to more constructive, forward-looking insights. Preparation Wins – Like Andy Reid scripting plays, leaders who plan and script their communication perform better under pressure. Guilt Enables Growth, Shame Hinders – Leaders should embrace guilt as a mechanism for course correction, while avoiding the paralysis of shame. Elevating Others Elevates You – Regularly recognizing and praising others—through birthday notes or quick messages—builds trust, morale, and status. Chapter Markings 00:00 – Origin Story & Family Influence 06:00 – Harvard, Getting Fired, & Pivoting to Social Psychology 09:30 – Cockpit Crews & Self-Correcting Units 12:00 – Cooperation vs. Competition Explained 17:45 – Marriage, Weddings & Competitive Spouses 20:00 – Leader Amplification Effect 24:30 – Self-Awareness & Emotional Regulation 29:00 – How to Give Better Feedback 36:00 – Preparation, Negotiation & Andy Reid’s Strategy 42:00 – Ethical Behavior, Motivation, & Rivalry 47:00 – What Inspired 'Inspire' 50:00 – Visionary, Exemplar, Mentor Model 54:00 – Three Takeaways for Leaders 57:00 – Sabbatical in Singapore & What’s Next
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    58 mins
  • Breaking All The Rules with Anne Montgomery

    Breaking All The Rules with Anne Montgomery
    May 19 2025
    Anne Montgomery shares her extraordinary journey from overcoming childhood adversity and dyslexia to becoming a trailblazing sportscaster, referee, author, teacher, and foster mother. Her compelling story is filled with resilience, breaking barriers, and embracing life's unexpected turns. Anne Montgomery’s incredible life is a masterclass in resilience, persistence, and reinvention. Her experiences offer powerful lessons for C-suite executives and those involved in developing people and cultures, highlighting the importance of resilience in overcoming barriers, the value of embracing change and uncertainty, and how empathy and authenticity can significantly impact team performance and organizational culture. Anne’s story demonstrates practical strategies for fostering environments that encourage innovation, risk-taking, and continuous personal and professional growth. Resilience comes from facing adversity head-on, not avoiding it. Defying expectations can lead to groundbreaking achievements. You can't control others' opinions; focus instead on your own values. Personal struggles often forge inner strength and compassion. Life's unexpected paths often lead to the most meaningful experiences. Overcoming rejection and criticism is integral to lasting success. Real strength involves acknowledging mistakes and improving. Sports can teach invaluable lessons on teamwork and leadership. Empathy and kindness transform lives, especially in education. Every stage of life can bring new purpose and opportunities. (00:00–05:29) Intro & Background (05:30–10:12) Early Life & Values Formation (10:13–17:05) Breaking Barriers in Broadcasting (17:06–27:05) Challenges and Triumphs in Officiating (27:06–41:35) Career in Television: ESPN and Beyond (41:36–46:41) Pivot to Writing & Teaching (46:42–49:49) Becoming a Foster Mom (49:50–54:41) Reflections on Purpose & Legacy Anne Montgomery’s website: annemontgomerywriter.com Books available on Amazon Why You Should Listen:Top 10 Takeaways:Chapter Markings:Links Mentioned:
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    54 mins
  • Curiosity Killed the Conflict with Dov Baron

    Curiosity Killed the Conflict with Dov Baron
    May 6 2025
    In this captivating episode of the Driving Change Podcast, host Jeff Bloomfield speaks with Dov Baron, a globally recognized leadership expert who explores his powerful personal journey from overcoming extreme adversity to becoming a sought-after coach for world leaders. Dov shares deeply insightful lessons about understanding the emotional source code that shapes our identities, beliefs, and behaviors, emphasizing curiosity, belonging, and genuine connection as foundations for meaningful change. Why You Should Listen: If you're interested in personal transformation, leadership growth, or simply understanding the psychological underpinnings of human behavior and identity, this episode is essential. Dov Baron’s candid storytelling and profound insights offer practical approaches to fostering curiosity, challenging deeply-held beliefs, and creating genuine belonging in both personal and professional settings. Top 10 Takeaways: Your emotional source code deeply influences your identity and behavior. Identity isn't chosen; it's built on the meaning we assign for survival. Real change requires examining and challenging your identity. Curiosity is the key antidote to fear and judgment. Most beliefs are unconscious programming from our environment and upbringing. Real belonging happens when we are accepted authentically, not forced to fit in. Major life events don't inherently change us; our response and reflection afterward do. Tribalism and "othering" are rooted deeply in our survival instincts. Oxytocin can foster both deep connection and intense division. Change is a muscle that must be exercised consistently to overcome fear and resistance. Chapter Markings: 00:00 – Introduction and Episode Setup 03:00 – Dov Baron’s Powerful Introduction 05:00 – Dov’s Early Life and Influences 09:15 – Early Entrepreneurship and Life Challenges 13:02 – Discovering the Emotional Source Code 16:39 – Identity, Beliefs, and Behavior 22:52 – Why Identity Matters and How It's Formed 27:42 – The Challenge of Deep Self-Reflection 32:02 – Surviving a Life-Altering Fall 35:33 – Responding to Life’s Wake-Up Calls 37:31 – Cognitive Overload and Resistance to Change 44:47 – Tribalism, Survival, and "Othering" 50:03 – Neurochemistry of Connection and Division 55:49 – Practical Steps for Fostering Curiosity 58:43 – Closing Thoughts, Resources, and Final Advice Guest Links Mentioned: DovBaron.com The Dov Baron Show Podcast Dov’s LinkedIn Articles YouTube Channel
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • From Orphan to Hollywood: An Incredible Journey with Joe Knopp

    From Orphan to Hollywood: An Incredible Journey with Joe Knopp
    Apr 28 2025
    Joe Knopp’s journey is one of raw resilience and redemptive purpose. From growing up homeless and in a Philadelphia orphanage, to serving in the military, to becoming a successful Hollywood film producer (I Can Only Imagine, Unplanned, Woodlawn, The Trump I Know), Joe’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling, faith, and perseverance. In this intimate, in-studio conversation with Jeff Bloomfield, Joe opens up about how his past shaped his mission to bring hope through film. This episode isn't just about filmmaking—it's about overcoming deep adversity, finding your identity, and using your story to lift others up. Whether you're a creator, leader, or someone walking through a tough chapter, Joe's vulnerability, humor, and faith-filled insight will leave you inspired to live with more intention. Adversity Can Be a Setup, Not a Setback Storytelling Is a Superpower Faith Was the Turning Point Belonging Matters Orphan Mentality Is More Common Than We Think Hollywood Is a Mission Field The Backstory Gives Power to the Glory You Can’t Argue with a True Story God Uses Our Whole Journey There’s Always a Next Chapter 00:00–03:00: Studio setup & intro banter 03:00–05:00: Jeff introduces Joe’s bio 05:00–10:00: Joe’s origin story—homelessness, orphanage, faith discovery 10:00–15:00: Loneliness, early identity struggles, and spiritual awakening 15:00–20:00: Joining the military & the power of belonging 20:00–27:00: Transition to finance & the longing for self-sufficiency 27:00–35:00: Entry into film and producing Woodlawn 35:00–40:00: The breakthrough and impact of I Can Only Imagine 40:00–45:00: Producing Unplanned—controversy, courage, and calling 45:00–51:00: The origin of The Trump I Know & White House access 51:00–58:00: Behind-the-scenes stories from the Trump documentary 58:00–01:03:00: Reflections on purpose, calling, and media impact 01:03:00–End: What’s next for Joe & how storytelling brings hope I Can Only Imagine Movie Woodlawn Movie Unplanned Movie The Trump I Know Documentary Why You Should ListenTop 10 TakeawaysChapter MarkingsLinks Mentioned
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Coach Curry's Lessons in Life and Leadership

    Coach Curry's Lessons in Life and Leadership
    Apr 8 2025
    In this powerful episode of the Driving Change Podcast, host Jeff Bloomfield sits down with NFL legend and championship coach Bill Curry, a man whose humility rivals his accolades. From snapping the ball to Hall of Famers like Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas to learning life-shaping lessons from coaching giants like Vince Lombardi and Don Shula, Curry opens up about the moments that molded him—on and off the field. Curry reflects on his transformation from a reluctant football player to a Super Bowl champion, the locker room conversations that taught him the true meaning of unity, and the quiet forgiveness that changed his life forever. What happened when a young Bill Curry faced off against the legendary Ray Nitschke—and lost? And what did Vince Lombardi say to him on his deathbed that still echoes in his leadership today? You’ll have to listen to find out.
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    59 mins