Acta Non Verba

Rhett Power on Headamentals, How Leaders Can Defeat Negative Self-Talk, The 3 C Maverick Method, and The Impact of Dr. Mark Goulston's Work

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Rhett Power, CEO and co-founder of Accountability, Inc., to discuss his groundbreaking new book "Head of Metals: How Leaders Silence Negative Self-Talk and Transform How They Lead." In this raw and powerful conversation, Rhett reveals why self-talk is the most ignored driver of leadership performance and shares practical strategies for managing the mental noise that kills focus, concentration, and culture. From the 3 C's of the Maverick Method to the "plutonium problem" of toxic narratives, this episode delivers actionable insights for leaders ready to reclaim control over their inner voice and build championship teams. Episode Highlights: [2:10] The Seven-Year Journey to Head of Metals - Rhett shares the intensive process of writing Head of Metals with co-authors Ryan Gottfredson and Dr. Susie Burkin, including seven rewrites over seven years. He reveals how the book unexpectedly helped a surgeon's teenage sons prepare for exams, proving that self-talk mastery transcends age and profession. [14:57] The Three C's: Catch, Challenge, Change - Rhett breaks down the simple but powerful framework for managing self-talk: Catch it (notice harmful narratives), Challenge it (question if it's true, useful, or even yours), and Change it (replace destructive narratives with grounded thinking). He provides a practical exercise: write down your negative narratives and track them with check marks to identify patterns. [16:38] The Plutonium Problem: When Leader Self-Talk Infects Teams - Discover why negative self-talk is like plutonium—toxic, powerful, and invisible. Rhett explains how leaders' mental narratives leak into their teams, creating radioactive thinking that destroys engagement, retention, and performance. He shares a powerful story of a CEO who discovered his assistant triggered unresolved childhood issues with his mother. [26:15] AI as a Leadership Mirror - Rhett discusses his involvement in developing an AI coaching platform that provides real-time data to help coaches and leaders identify blind spots. He compares it to film study in sports—giving leaders instant replay of their performance to make fewer unforced errors and exploit opportunities for growth. Rhett Power is the CEO and co-founder of Accountability, Inc., where he helps leaders break limits, make bold decisions, and drive growth. Recognized as a global guru of top management thinkers and a Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coach, Rhett is the bestselling author of "The Entrepreneur's Book of Actions" and the newly released "Head of Metals." He co-hosts "Bestseller Live" on Apple TV and is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc., and CNBC. With decades of experience coaching executives and entrepreneurs worldwide, Rhett brings practical, science-backed strategies to help leaders silence negative self-talk and transform organizational culture. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WARRIOR WISDOM: 4 Transformational questions that are better than a bullshit New Year's Resolution (Replay)

This week on Acta Non Verba, I’m discussing the common practice of making New Year's resolutions, citing that 80% of people fail within two weeks. Rather than repeating the cycle, I have four transformational questions to help leaders align their goals with their vision and purpose. This episode provides an insight into the philosophies, tactics, and strategies used by successful leaders to overcome adversity and lead extraordinary lives. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Sypniewskie on The Power of Taking Radical Ownership, Building a 60 Million Dollar Company in 50 months, Being Faith Led, and The Skill of Reframing

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Scott Sypniewskie, co-owner of SSLC Plumbing, to discuss leadership, redemption, and the journey from adversity to success. Scott shares his deeply personal story of overcoming challenges, building a thriving business with his wife, and the importance of leading by example. Listeners will gain insights into the philosophies and practices that have shaped Scott’s life and company, emphasizing the ethos of actions over words. Episode Highlights: The 80/80 Rule and Company Culture (4:30)Scott explains the evolution of SSLC’s mission, focusing on building relationships and making decisions that prioritize both customers and employees. Personal Redemption and Family Support (10:50)Scott recounts his struggles with addiction, the turning point in his life, and the unwavering support of his wife, Kathleen, which became the foundation for his transformation. Extreme Ownership and Leadership Development (13:50)The impact of attending leadership events, embracing the principles of extreme ownership, and fostering a culture of continuous growth within SSLC. The Power of Reframing and Giving Space (48:30)Scott and Marcus discuss the importance of reframing adversity, creating space for others to grow, and the ripple effect of authentic leadership on teams and families. Scott Sypniewskie is the co-owner of SSLC Plumbing in Colorado. After overcoming personal struggles, he has dedicated himself to building a business rooted in strong relationships, leadership, and the success of others. Scott is known for his humility, commitment to personal growth, and his ability to inspire those around him to lead by example. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rod Yancy on Building Companies That Serve People, Living With Intention, and Innovating in the Music Industry

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Rod Yancy — entrepreneur, writer, attorney, and founder of Oath and Bootleg. Rod shares how he’s found success across multiple industries, from law and financial planning to software and now music. The conversation explores what it means to build companies that serve people, live with intention, and innovate within the modern music industry. Rod offers timeless lessons on creativity, courage, and taking action to turn vision into reality. Episode Highlights: 5:04 - The Power of Mortality in EntrepreneurshipRod discusses how contemplating mortality (memento mori) shaped his philosophy and inspired the founding of Oath, emphasizing the importance of living intentionally and making meaningful decisions. 9:39 - Overcoming the Success TrapRod and Marcus explore the “success trap” many entrepreneurs fall into—chasing money or status at the expense of fulfillment, health, and relationships, and how true success requires self-awareness and balance. 40:07 - Delegation and Leadership Lessons from Richard BransonRod shares advice from Richard Branson about the importance of delegation, empowering others, and stepping back as a leader to allow the team to thrive, even if it means feeling less “needed.” 56:00 - Empowering Artists with New Revenue StreamsRod introduces his new venture, Bootleg, which helps artists monetize live concert recordings, providing fans with unique experiences and artists with ongoing revenue, illustrating innovation and creative entrepreneurship. Rod Yancy is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and founder of Oath, a company dedicated to helping people live intentionally by contemplating their mortality and planning their legacy. With a background in philosophy and law, Rod has built and scaled multiple businesses, including Oath Planning and Bootleg, a platform empowering artists to monetize live performances. Known for his creative approach, resilience, and commitment to meaningful work, Rod draws inspiration from both ancient philosophy and modern mentors like Richard Branson. He is passionate about fostering innovation, supporting artists, and helping others find purpose beyond financial success. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Spears On Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy, Philosophical Razors and Personal Identity, Stoicism in Modern Mental Health and Critical Thinking

In this episode Marcus sits down with Commander William C. Spears, a US Navy submarine warfare officer and author of "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." Together, they explore the practical application of stoic philosophy in leadership, adversity, and modern life, offering insights for anyone seeking to live by actions, not words. Episode Highlights: 1:10 — Introduction to Commander William C. Spears and his background in the US Navy 11:30 — The deeper meaning of stoicism and the "dichotomy of control" as a philosophical razor 19:00 — Stoicism’s role in leadership, duty, and making ethical decisions as a professional and a human 42:00 — Applying stoic practices to overcome hardship and grow through adversity Commander William C. Spears is a submarine warfare officer in the US Navy, having served as a weapons officer on a fast attack submarine and as an executive officer of a Trident missile submarine. He is the author of "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy," a deeply researched exploration of stoic thought from a warfighter’s perspective. Spears is also a prolific writer on leadership and ethics, sharing his insights on his website and LinkedIn. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.