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What it really takes to grow into the leader you're meant to be—on your terms, over time, and from the inside out.

As we head into the July 4th holiday, a time when we reflect on freedom, progress, and reinvention, it feels fitting to bring you this powerful new episode with Dr. Bryan Deptula, leadership expert and author of Leaders Are Born to Be Made.

Bryan is one of the most grounded, engaging, and purpose-driven voices I’ve come across. His philosophy? That leadership isn’t reserved for the chosen few. It’s a skill, one we can all build, train, and strengthen over time.

In our conversation, Bryan opens up about his own unlikely path from corporate sales leader to PhD, professor, and consultant. He shares how pivotal moments in his life—like a tough-love lesson from his godmother “Mama Sis” and a tent-bound self-reflection under the Indian River Inlet Bridge—helped him shed old versions of himself to grow into who he’s meant to become.

We dive deep into his MUSCLE framework:

• M: Me – Start with self-leadership
  
  
• U: Understanding – Grow your leadership intelligence
  
  
• S: Strategy – Align with vision, mission, and values
  
  
• C: Conflict – Use it productively
  
  
• L: Learning – Commit to growth
  
  
• E: Entrepreneurship – Own your path, whether you run a business or lead from within

This isn’t just theory, Bryan brings real-world experience, relatable stories, and an unfiltered look at what leadership looks like when it’s done with heart, humility, and a willingness to get uncomfortable.

He also reminds us that the best leaders are the ones who keep learning, keep failing forward, and keep living. As Bryan puts it: “Start leading by treating yourself as the most important individual you can work on first.”

This is a conversation for anyone at a crossroads, whether you’re a seasoned executive, a rising manager, or someone wondering what it takes to lead your own life a little better.

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Leaders Are Born to Be Made – Bryan Deptula
  
  
• Essentialism – Greg McKeown
  
  
• Team of Rivals – Doris Kearns Goodwin
  
  
• Unique Ability – Dan Sullivan
  
  
• Plus shoutouts to Adam Grant and the value of failing forward

Whether you're tuning in from the car, the beach, or your morning walk, I hope this one leaves you thinking a little differently about what it means to be a leader—starting with you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
And let us know: What’s one part of your own leadership “muscle” you want to grow next?

Until next time, friends,
Chris

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This week’s episode of Outside Insights is a special one.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Peter Samuelson, film producer, philanthropist, and now, the author of Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life with Lessons from Mine. Before our conversation, I had a chance to read an early copy of the book (officially released June 10), and I couldn’t put it down. It’s heartfelt, funny, profound, and filled with stories that encourage you to think a little deeper about your own life, and consider how you might use it to help someone else.

Peter’s journey is truly remarkable. From studying medieval literature to producing blockbuster films to founding seven nonprofits, he’s lived a life driven by curiosity, service, and an unwavering belief that everyone has the power to make a difference. His book, along with our conversation, offers a guide for anyone looking to live with more meaning and impact, no matter your age or background.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What a film producer really does (hint: it’s a lot like being a general)
• The story behind his nonprofit work with foster kids—and the powerful ripple effect of giving them agency
• His unlikely mentorship with General Norman Schwarzkopf
• Why short-term happiness might be chocolate ice cream… but long-term happiness requires service
• How we can heal our divided world with a simple but powerful concept: empathy

Peter expresses it best: “You are the only author of the rest of your life.” His life’s work is a testament to that, and I think you will walk away from this episode as driven—and motivated—as I was.

👉 Listen to the episode now

🌐 Visit Peter's website

Whether you’re a young adult, a parent, a mentor, or simply someone seeking happiness, this episode is for you.

Until next time, friends,
Chris

If this conversation resonates, forward it to a friend or colleague. Insight is meant to be shared.

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Are You a Farmer or a Fisherman? A New Take on Purpose at Work

What if the secret to long-term success wasn’t the hustle, but the harvest?

This week on Outside Insights, I’m joined by Jonathan Stanley—purpose strategist, author of Purposeful Performance, and surprise TikTok star with a viral story that proves empathy still wins in business (and in bookstores).

We talk about what it really means to lead with purpose—from redefining success to building values-aligned teams and turning culture into a competitive advantage. Plus, Jonathan breaks down his MEAN framework for goal-setting and explains why it’s time to ditch outdated models like SMART goals.

And yes… his dog Charlie makes an appearance—because who better to remind us of loyalty, presence, and purpose?

In this episode:

• Why the best leaders think like farmers, not fishermen
• How the MEAN goal-setting framework unlocks deeper performance
• The role of purpose in building better teams, stronger brands, and meaningful lives
• The viral moment that put empathy (and Jonathan) on the map

🎧 Listen to the episode now
▶️ Streaming everywhere you get your podcasts.

Know someone trying to build a better team or lead with more intention?
Share this episode with a friend or leader who’s ready to move from hustle to harvest.

Until next time, friends,
Chris Burkhard

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What Happens When You Stop Chasing and Start Serving?

In Episode 58 of Outside Insights, I sit down with one of the most influential voices in business and leadership—Bob Burg, bestselling co-author of The Go-Giver.

We dive deep into what makes success sustainable, meaningful, and surprisingly simple: giving value first. Bob shares the origin story of the book, how 24 rejections led to a global bestseller, and why “money is simply an echo of value.”

Whether you're leading a business, building your career, or looking to grow with integrity—this episode delivers. The Go-Giver is one of my top 10 most influential books, and one I often give or recommend to others.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and how they apply in 2025
  
  
• Why the best salespeople don’t “sell”—they serve
  
  
• How one roofer applied Go-Giver principles during the 2008 crisis and thrived
  
  
• The difference between authenticity and technique in leadership
  
  
• Bob’s favorite personal development book—and the advice he’d give his 21-year-old self

Episode out now — be sure to follow, rate, and share with someone who needs to hear it.

Until next time, friends,
Chris Burkhard

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This week on Outside Insights, I sit down with Dr. Wes Bowman — a man whose path was anything but linear. Labeled in grade school. Flunked out of college — three times. Built a successful practice by learning to turn shame and failure into the fuel for a meaningful life.

Wes is a career psychologist, the Director of the Delaware Family Center, and someone who’s spent decades helping people reframe their reality — and find their way forward.

In this conversation, we get into:

• Why thoughts literally create your own reality
• How stress hijacks your brain — and how to get it back
• What happens when we stop running from anxiety and start learning from it
• The power of saying “no” without guilt
• Why embracing change may be the only path to peace

We talk about the “United States of Amygdala” — Wes’ term for the overactive, overstimulated mental state most of us live in without even realizing it. And we explore how to manage that reality with science, presence, and practical tools.

There are no quick fixes here. But if you’re willing to sit with it, this episode will give you something more valuable: perspective.

Listen to the full conversation HERE.

Until next time, friends,

Chris

P.S. One quote that Wes shared—and that I keep coming back to—is from Gary Emery’s book Rapid Relief from Emotional Distress:

“In your mind, via your thoughts, you create your own separate reality.”
It’s simple. It’s unsettling. And it’s also a roadmap.

If this conversation resonates, forward it to a friend or colleague. Insight is meant to be shared.

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What does it take to turn scientific expertise into a thriving business? In this episode of Outside Insights, host Chris Burkhard speaks with Andrew Cottone, a chemist-turned-entrepreneur whose journey from research to leadership offers invaluable lessons in business, resilience, and innovation.

Andrew built his career solving complex chemistry challenges, co-founding Adesis and later selling it to Universal Display Corporation. But his ambition didn’t stop there. Now, he’s leading Aternium, Inc. (formerly First State Hydrogen), an initiative set to make Delaware a key player in sustainable energy.

In this conversation, Andrew shares:

• The Chemistry of Success — how Adesis became a powerhouse in R&D and manufacturing, impacting industries from electronics to pharmaceuticals
• Leadership in Action — the transition from entrepreneur to CEO and the hard-earned lessons in building culture, empowering teams, and scaling a company
• The Green Hydrogen Revolution — why he sees Delaware as a future hub for sustainable energy and how First State Hydrogen is leading the charge
• The Role of Family and Purpose — the personal values that kept him grounded through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship

Andrew’s story is one of grit, vision, and the ability to see opportunity where others see obstacles. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply curious about the future of clean energy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Listen to the full episode HERE.

Until next time, friends,

Chris

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Have you ever wondered what IT services and barbecue have in common? There’s more overlap than you might expect! In this episode of Outside Insights, I talked with Jake Ruddy, the President of PCS, a leading IT services company. He is also the creative force behind Rum and Cook, a rapidly growing YouTube channel dedicated to barbecue.

Jakes’s journey focuses on building, scaling, and leading businesses while enjoying slow-smoked ribs. He discusses what it takes to grow a business, emphasizing that leadership and customer service are essential. Additionally, he shares how he transformed his passion for barbecue into a profitable side hustle.

What You’ll Learn

• Mastery, Tech & BBQ — Discover the surprising similarities between running an IT company and perfecting the ideal brisket.
• Scaling & Leadership — Understand the challenges of business growth, effective delegation, and developing the next generation of leaders.
• Mindset & Money — Explore how affirmations, goal-setting, and financial literacy contribute to achieving success.
• Content & Community — Learn how Rum and Cook evolved from a passion project into a thriving brand.
• Customer Service Wins — Find out why exceptional service is key to any successful business.

Jake’s Must-Read Book List

• Leadership and Self-Deception — The Arbinger Institute
• The Richest Man in Babylon — George S. Clason
• The Culture Code — Daniel Coyle

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In this episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with Raymond Lee, founder of Careerminds, to explore his inspiring journey from HR professional to building a global virtual outplacement company. Starting his business during the 2008 recession, Raymond shares how he pivoted, embraced innovation, and ultimately scaled and sold the company—all while continuing to lead it.

We discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, like the tough decisions he faced as a leader, including navigating his team through social movements like Black Lives Matter. Raymond opens up about what it takes to build a company culture rooted in action, empathy, and trust.

He also introduces his “Career Success Model,” a framework that’s guided him through change:

• Choice: Making intentional decisions about your path.
• Mindset: Embracing growth and learning from mistakes.
• Agility: Knowing when to pivot and adapt.
• Trust: Believing in the process, even in uncertain times.

On a personal level, Raymond shares how starting CrossFit at 52 has become a cornerstone of his daily routine, fueling his energy and focus. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, leading a team, or exploring entrepreneurship, his story is full of relatable insights and inspiration.

This is more than a story about business—it’s a conversation about resilience, growth, and making bold choices. I think you’ll find it as motivating as I did.

Listen to the episode here

Until next time, friends,

Chris