Disruption is often viewed as something to avoid or manage. But what if it could become one of the most effective catalysts for meaningful change? In this episode of Finding Brave, I sit down with Dr. Patrick Leddin to unpack why disruption is not the enemy many of us believe it to be, and how learning to work with it can truly transform our lives and careers.

Dr. Patrick Leddin is a former Airborne Ranger infantry officer, entrepreneur, global keynote speaker, and longtime Vanderbilt University faculty member whose research focuses on how leaders and organizations can thrive through disruption. He is also the host of The Disruption Lab with Patrick Leddin, PhD, and the co-author, with James Patterson, of the New York Times bestselling book Disrupt Everything―and Win. Drawing on years of research and conversations with leaders across industries, Patrick shares what he's learned about embracing change and using disruption as a force for good.

In our conversation, Patrick shares what he's hearing from leaders as AI reshapes organizations and creates new opportunities and uncertainties. Through research, business case studies, and his own experiences in the military and the business world, he explores what it means to thrive in ambiguity when the rules are being rewritten in real time. He explains why the most disruptive thing you can do sometimes is say "no" to change and why taking time to discern the right response can make all the difference when facing uncertainty.

He also shares insights on navigating career disruption in the era of AI-driven change, developing the strengths of a Positive Disrupter, and building teams that can adapt when the future feels uncertain. Listen in for a refreshing and uplifting perspective on embracing disruption and what happens when you view it as an invitation to rethink what's possible.

Key Points From This Episode:

Introduction to Dr. Patrick Leddin and the growing impact of disruption and AI. [00:51]
How leaders are approaching AI and navigating uncertainty. [04:17]
The Vanderbilt class that led to Disrupt Everything―and Win. [08:44]
James Patterson's career journey and the power of positive disruption. [10:04]
How Tractor Supply Company leveraged disruption to drive innovation and growth. [14:22]
Lessons from Patrick's military experience and thriving in ambiguity. [16:35]
Why emotions and discernment matter when responding to disruption. [20:18]
Understanding the different roles people can play during disruption, and why the most disruptive thing you can do sometimes is say "no" to change. [28:21]
How to navigate career disruption and AI-driven change. [36:54]
Positive Disrupter strengths and building teams that embrace change. [43:54]

For More Information:

Dr. Patrick Leddin

Dr. Patrick Leddin on LinkedIn

Dr. Patrick Leddin on Instagram

Dr. Patrick Leddin on YouTube

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Dr. Patrick Leddin's podcast, The Disruption Lab with Patrick Leddin, PhD

Dr. Patrick Leddin and James Patterson's book, Disrupt Everything―and Win

Dr. Patrick Leddin's book The 5 Week Leadership Challenge

Kathy's appearance on Patrick's Podcast, The Disruption Lab, Disrupt Career Reinvention with Forbes Contributor Kathy Caprino

Kathy's Forbes article featuring Dr. Leddin and James Patterson - World Business Forum Experts Offer Strategies For Navigating Change

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Quotes:

"One thing that has been helpful to me personally, whether it was starting a business and running a business or being in the military, was the ability to thrive in ambiguity." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:16:49]

"The disruptions that a lot of people are running into in their lives right now, there isn't necessarily a playbook for it, there aren't standard procedures, and the rules are being rewritten almost in real time." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:20:34]

"Disruption sometimes blows things up and breaks stuff, and I don't like that. Nobody really does. But maybe it's fertile ground for something new and different." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:21:02]

"Sometimes the most disruptive thing you can do is go after change. Sometimes the most disruptive thing you can do is chase stability. When everybody else is chasing change, you say no." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:30:18]

"We have the ability, unlike any other animal in the animal kingdom, to dream up this amazing future, and then begin to manifest." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:46:44]

"Disruption is going to come at you, but you're wired to handle it." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:47:34]

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