In this enlightening episode of The Disruptive Leader, Ranya sits down with Rich Habets, founder of the Corporate Coaching Academy and a seasoned transformation leader. Rich shares his fascinating journey from software architect to corporate consciousness expert, revealing how his obsession with understanding "how things work" led him from debugging computers to debugging human behavior in business.
Key Highlights
- Rich's transition from computer science to corporate transformation
- The crucial difference between successful and unsuccessful individuals: clarity
- How the "onboard consultant" (ego) affects decision-making in business
- The importance of being your authority in both life and leadership
- Why some leaders resist personal transformation and growth
- The concept of "slow down to speed up" in leadership
Notable Quotes
- "Life has no meaning. Life is empty and meaningless... But you can create your meaning. Isn't that the best news ever?"
- "The unexamined life is not worth living."
- "It's impossible for your job to give you satisfaction. Why don't you bring satisfaction to the job?"
- "The limit you set as a leader is that you cannot expect your people to go above that."
Key Insights
The Journey to Self-Discovery
Rich shares his early experiences, starting with a personality test in Amsterdam at age 17, which sparked his lifelong interest in psychology and human behavior. His journey from software architecture to transformation leadership demonstrates the importance of following one's curiosity and passion.
Leadership and Cultural Change
- The critical role of leadership in organizational transformation
- Why cultural change must start from the top
- The importance of walking the talk and setting the right example
- How leadership behavior directly impacts client relationships and trust
The Balance of Left and Right Brain Thinking
- Discussion on the dominance of left-brain thinking in Western business
- The need for both analytical and intuitive approaches in modern leadership
- How incorporating "mom thinking" can transform organizational culture
- The prediction for a significant shift in business leadership approach by 2027
Personal Growth and Corporate Success
- The relationship between personal clarity and professional success
- Why some people resist change despite having access to information
- The importance of distinguishing between ego-driven decisions and authentic choices
- How meditation and self-reflection can enhance leadership capabilities
Actionable Takeaways
- Practice distinguishing between your ego's voice and your authentic self
- Consider attending a Vipassana retreat for deeper self-awareness
- Before implementing significant changes, examine your leadership behaviors
- Take time to slow down and reflect before making important decisions
- Focus on bringing value to situations rather than seeking value from them
About Rich Habets
Rich Habets founded the Corporate Coaching Academy and has spent decades helping leaders and organizations transform through enhanced self-awareness and conscious leadership. With a software architecture and management consulting background, Rich brings a unique perspective to corporate transformation, combining technical expertise with profound psychological insights.
Resources Mentioned
- Corporate Coaching Academy
- Vipassana meditation retreats
- Rich's upcoming book on Being Your Authority
- Website: richhabetz.com
Connect With Rich
