What does it mean to bear witness in a world where silence often feels safer?

In this episode of Mission Driven You, I sit down with Ross Halperin, author of Bear Witness, to explore the extraordinary story of Kurt Ver Beek and Carlos Hernández—two men who risked everything to confront gang violence and systemic corruption in Honduras. Together, they built a model of justice rooted in presence, bravery, and faith, showing that true change often begins when we refuse to look away.

But this story isn’t just about Honduras. As Ross explains, the problem of impunity—the failure to hold perpetrators accountable—exists right here in the United States, where most shootings go unsolved. What lessons can we learn from Kurt and Carlos’s journey, and how can their example shape our own pursuit of justice, community, and legacy?

Show Notes

In this episode, we discuss:

• The unlikely friendship between Kurt Ver Beek and Carlos Hernández—and why they chose to live in one of Honduras’ most dangerous neighborhoods.
• How their faith led them to embrace a theology of justice and bravery rather than comfort and safety.
• Why they moved beyond charity work to confront gangs and a broken justice system head-on.
• The moral gray areas they faced working with corrupt police and the personal cost of bearing witness.
• How their model helped reduce homicide rates—and eventually led them into national police reform.
• The striking parallels between impunity in Honduras and unsolved violence in U.S. cities like Chicago.
• What Ross learned through years of reporting, and how we might apply these lessons to our own leadership and communities.

Resources & Links

• Ross Halperin’s book: Bear Witness
• Connect with Ross: rossahalperin.com

Episode Description

What if the biggest challenge of our lifetime isn’t external at all — but whether we’ll bring out what’s already inside of us?

In this episode of Mission Driven You, I sit down with Steven Puri — technologist, entrepreneur, and creative visionary — to explore how we can live and lead from a place of authentic creativity in a culture designed to steal our attention.

Steven shares insights from a career that spans Academy Award–winning films, startups at the edge of innovation, and his own experiments with flow and human potential. We talk about how to reclaim our focus, why small daily steps matter more than grand gestures, and how building a life that truly matters means aligning with the creativity and greatness that already lives within us.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or uncertain whether your contribution matters, this conversation is a reminder: what’s inside you is enough — but it’s on you to get it out.

Show Notes

In This Episode with Steven Puri:

• Why the central question of our lives is whether we’ll bring out what’s inside of us.
• Lessons from Steven’s journey at the intersection of technology, creativity, and human potential.
• The danger of living in a culture built to capture and monetize our attention.
• How flow states help us unlock our best work — and how anyone can access them.
• Why creativity isn’t optional; it’s essential to building a meaningful life.
• The power of small steps: why opening the front door and taking action matters more than waiting for the perfect plan.

Why This Conversation Matters:

Mission Driven You is about living from the capital “S” Self — creating from a place of authenticity rather than chasing shallow wins or algorithmic approval. Steven embodies that mission, showing how creativity, discipline, and flow can help us live lives that are both personally fulfilling and publicly impactful.

Follow & Connect:

• Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
• Watch full episodes and video essays on YouTube.
• Join me on Substack at drwillsamson.substack.com
• Connect with me on LinkedIn for ongoing leadership insights.

Episode Description

Too often, conversations about leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship get reduced to surface-level soundbites — quick wins, growth hacks, and feel-good inspiration. But what happens when we step back and ask harder questions about the systems we’re building, the stories we’re living, and the future we’re shaping together?

In this episode of Mission Driven You, I sit down with Hussein Hallak — entrepreneur, community builder, and sharp critic of shallow narratives. Hussein challenges us to look past the algorithm, to reject the traps of short-term thinking, and to pursue innovation that aligns with integrity and humanity.

We talk about what it means to build with courage, how to recognize when our definitions of success are keeping us stuck, and why authentic connection is the real foundation for meaningful change.

If you’re ready to think differently about leadership and the future we’re shaping, this conversation is for you.

Show Notes

In This Episode with Hussein Hallak:

• Why innovation without integrity is a hollow game.
• How entrepreneurs and leaders can avoid being trapped by algorithmic thinking.
• The systemic narratives that keep us chasing growth at the expense of meaning.
• Why community and authentic connection are the most important currencies we have.
• Practical ways to measure success beyond money, status, or metrics.
• What it means to build ventures, organizations, and movements that endure.

Why This Conversation Matters:

Mission Driven You exists to move beyond “feel-good” wellness and business hacks into the deeper public implications of how we live and lead. Hussein embodies that mission — asking hard questions, challenging cultural scripts, and pointing us toward a future that’s human-centered and worth building.

Follow & Connect:

• Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
• Watch full episodes and video essays on YouTube.
• Join me on Substack at drwillsamson.substack.com
• Connect with me on LinkedIn for ongoing leadership insights.

Episode Description:

What if I told you that the chaos in your life isn’t just happening to you—it’s happening through you? In this episode of Mission Driven You, I dive into the uncomfortable truth that you are the chaos—and the only way to regain control is through radical self-ownership.

We explore:

• Why control is an illusion—and how trying to “fix” chaos often makes it worse
• How your external world is a direct reflection of your internal state
• Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy and why self-mastery is the key to transformation
• The "Chaos Mirror" exercise to help you recognize how you're contributing to your own struggles
• Why no one is coming to save you—and why that’s the best news you’ll ever hear

If you’ve ever felt like life is happening to you instead of for you, this episode will challenge your assumptions and help you reclaim your power.

Show Notes:

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Illusion of Control

• We’ve been conditioned to believe that control equals success.
• The hidden cost of chasing control—burnout, frustration, and self-doubt.
• A personal story from leading a multi-billion dollar merger—and why external success couldn’t fix internal chaos.

2. Chaos Isn’t Happening to You—It’s Happening Through You

• The running man problem: Why working harder won’t eliminate the chaos.
• How your inner narrative shapes your external reality—and how to rewrite that script.
• The moment I realized that mastering my external world required mastering my inner world first.

3. Powerlessness vs. Helplessness

• Powerlessness ≠ helplessness—it’s a strategy for clarity.
• The paradox of control—why trying to grip tighter actually makes you feel weaker.
• The Chaos Mirror Exercise—a tool to help you recognize your role in the volatility around you.

4. The Science of Self-Efficacy & Self-Mastery

• Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy—why belief in your own ability is the foundation of true power.
• The four ways to build self-efficacy:

1. Mastery experiences—small wins that build confidence.
2. Vicarious experiences—learning by seeing others succeed.
3. Verbal persuasion—how self-talk rewires your brain.
4. Managing physiological states—why stress and exhaustion kill self-agency.

5. No One Is Coming to Save You—And That’s Good News

• The hard truth: Waiting for external change is helplessness.
• You either own your life, or someone else will.
• The Ownership Audit Exercise—how to stop blaming and start acting.

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

• What’s one area of your life where you’ve been trying to control the uncontrollable?
• How have your thoughts and emotions been shaping your external circumstances?
• What’s one action you can take today to reclaim ownership of...

Episode Description

In January, I rebooted Mission Driven You — not to chase downloads or please algorithms, but to create from my capital “S” self. In this special episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s guided me since then: eight themes that have shaped over 60 episodes this year.

We’ll explore how to lead and live with depth in a culture obsessed with quick fixes, why inner work is the foundation for outer leadership, and how to practice radical self-ownership without sliding into blame. We’ll talk about building interdependence into your life, rewriting the “legacy code” of old stories, and designing resilience loops to navigate complexity. You’ll hear how disruption can be a tool for growth — and why success should be measured in alignment, humanity, and long-term impact, not just numbers.

Each theme comes with a practical action step you can start today. This is the perfect primer if you’re new here, and a powerful reset if you’ve been with me since the reboot.

Show Notes

In This Episode:

• Why Mission Driven You exists — and why I refuse to play the algorithm game.
• How my capital “S” self guides every episode I create.
• Eight themes that have defined this year’s conversations and solo episodes:

1. Slow, Sustainable Transformation vs. Quick Fixes — The paradox of urgency without rushing, and the four-part slow change framework.
2. Inner Work as the Foundation for Outer Leadership — How inner stability prevents burnout, strategy whiplash, and mistrust.
3. Radical Self-Ownership — Moving from reaction to authorship with the Ownership Pause, Left/Right Column, and ownership language.
4. Interdependence & the Power of Relationships — Why resilient leaders don’t climb alone, and how to build your Life Team.
5. Identity, Storytelling & Meaning — Rewriting the “legacy code” running your life and leading from your new narrative.
6. Navigating Complexity & Change Resilience — Why loops outlast breakthroughs, and the three-tier Continuous Growth Loop.
7. The Role of Disruption & Creativity — Creating the right kind of problems to fuel innovation.
8. Human-Centered Metrics for Success — Measuring alignment, humanity, and impact instead of vanity metrics.

Practical Action Steps You’ll Learn:

• The 10-Year Gratitude Projection
• The Stability Audit
• The Ownership Pause Practice
• Building Your Life Team
• Keeping a Code Rewrite Journal
• Designing Your Weekly Loop
• The Purposeful Disruption Challenge
• The Alignment Scorecard

Referenced Episodes:

• Feb 3: The Transformative Power of Slow Change
• June 2: You Can’t Lead What You Haven’t Faced
• May 1: Radical Self-Ownership
• May 12: Interdependence — Why Resilient Leaders Don’t Climb Alone
• Mar 27: Rewrite the Code — How to Upgrade the Stories Running Your Life
• May 19: The Continuous Growth Loop
• May 8: Ted Santos — Mastering Disruption
• Apr 28: Sophie Lechner — Unlocking Your Impact

Follow & Connect:

• Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
• Watch full episodes and video essays on YouTube.
• Join me on Substack at drwillsamson.substack.com
• Connect on LinkedIn for ongoing leadership...

Episode Description:

In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Dr. Peggy Kendall, a seasoned communication scholar, Fulbright recipient, and professor at Bethel University. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kendall delves into the evolving dynamics of trust and leadership in our increasingly remote and hybrid work environments.

Drawing insights from her forthcoming book, Trust at a Distance: 6 Strategies for Managing in the Remote Workplace, co-authored with David Horsager, Dr. Kendall shares practical strategies to foster genuine connections, redefine accountability, and build resilient teams—even when miles apart.(Penguin Random House)

Whether you're a leader navigating the challenges of remote management or someone seeking deeper connections in a digital workspace, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• The six foundational strategies from Trust at a Distance to enhance remote team management.
• How to cultivate psychological safety and trust without physical proximity.
• The pitfalls of "winging it" in virtual leadership and the importance of intentional communication.
• Techniques to measure productivity and engagement beyond traditional metrics.
• The role of empathy and understanding in building cohesive remote teams.(Amazon)

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Trust isn't about proximity; it's about presence.”

“In the absence of hallway conversations, intentional check-ins become our new watercoolers.”

“Remote work challenges us to lead with clarity, consistency, and compassion.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Explore Dr. Peggy Kendall’s work: peggykendall.com
• Pre-order Trust at a Distance: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Connect with Dr. Kendall on LinkedIn: Peggy Kendall
• Read about her research on virtual workplaces: Bethel University News(Berrett-Koehler Publishers, LinkedIn, Bethel University)

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• In what ways can I enhance trust within my remote or hybrid team?
• How do I currently measure team engagement, and what new metrics could provide deeper insights?
• What intentional practices can I adopt to replace spontaneous in-person interactions?

📣 Subscribe & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing to Mission Driven You on your preferred podcast platform. Share this episode with colleagues or friends navigating the remote work landscape—they'll appreciate the insights.

Remember, trust...

In this episode, Will Samson sits down with Alicia Parr, author of "People Energy Principles," to explore the transformative power of reframing leadership and organizational culture. Discover how Alicia's unique approach to harnessing people energy can propel growth and foster a more engaged, innovative workplace. From the art of reframing to the importance of aligning work with personal energy, this conversation offers valuable insights for leaders and entrepreneurs looking to create a more dynamic and fulfilling work environment.

Connect with Alicia:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaparr/

https://performentor.com/

Most leaders are taught to solve problems. But what if your greatest breakthroughs come from creating them?

In this mind-stretching episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Ted Santos, the leadership disruptor behind the Disruptive Leadership Model. Ted works with CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs to rewire how they think about chaos, trust, and transformation — challenging them to step into the unknown and engineer miracles on purpose.

Ted unpacks why the greatest leaders throughout history were master disruptors, why our “radio stations” — the default scripts playing in our heads — limit what we believe is possible, and how to build cultures where people thrive on tension instead of running from it.

He also shares powerful insights from his book, Here’s Why You Can’t Find Love, revealing how unresolved personal struggles quietly sabotage business results — and what it takes to break that cycle.

If you’re ready to think bigger, act bolder, and lead from a place of clarity and courage, this conversation is for you.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• Why chaos, tension, and “creating problems” are the raw materials of real transformation
• How your brain develops new pathways when you choose disruption over comfort
• Why trust isn’t always what you need — and what you should replace it with instead
• How to confront the invisible “radio station” in your head and rewrite it
• What affectionate listening really means and how it can transform relationships — personal and professional
• The hidden cost of unresolved personal conflicts for leaders and their teams

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Breakthroughs don’t happen by accident. They happen when you create problems on purpose.”

“When you keep solving the same problems over and over, you’re just repeating history.”

“Trust always travels with mistrust — that’s why your word matters more.”

“If you want a miracle, you have to step into chaos willingly.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 📘 Here’s Why You Can’t Find Love by Ted Santos — Available here (insert actual link if you have it)
• 🌐 Ted Santos on LinkedIn
• 💼 Learn more about Ted’s Disruptive Leadership work: Ted’s Website (insert website if you have one)

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• Where in your life or business are you solving old problems instead of creating new ones?
• What “radio station” are you listening to in your head — and how is it limiting you?
• What breakthrough could emerge if you invited just a little more chaos on purpose?

📣 Subscribe + Share:

Loved this episode? Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Share this conversation with a fellow leader ready to disrupt themselves — and leave a review to help others discover the show.

Mentioned in this episode:

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