New Rules Podcast

This week’s episode takes a deeply personal turn. Adrian sits down with his daughters for a raw and reflective conversation about what it’s really like to grow up watching a parent live on mission. From the moments that shaped them to the things they never said out loud until now, we explore the unseen cost of leadership at home—and what it takes to lead and love well in both public and private. Together with Bri, they explore honest questions, emotional moments, and meaningful reflection. This is a conversation for anyone navigating purpose, leadership, and parenthood.  

In an era where performance is currency and platforms reward polished personas, how do we return to what’s real? In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian and Bri get brutally honest about… well, honesty. From pop culture moments like Love Island and social media virality to systemic mistrust in government and leadership, we trace the cultural shift that’s made authenticity feel more like a performance than a practice. We ask: Why do we praise vulnerability online but punish it in real life? What happens when we lose ourselves in the name of influence? Can we lead authentically in a world built on curated identity? This episode is a raw, challenging unpacking of why honesty is now a radical act  and why the leaders who choose truth over performance will shape the future.

In this powerful episode of The New Rules Podcast, recorded live at the Black Leadership Summit, Adrian and Bri are joined by two respected voices in leadership, Tyler Burns and Du’Bois A’Keen, for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation. They don’t offer platitudes or recycled leadership clichés. Instead, they get honest about the weight of responsibility, the danger of being platformed too early, and the tension between authenticity and expectation. Together, they reflect on their personal leadership journeys, the pressure of leading while being watched, and the internal work it takes to lead with integrity, not image. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing leadership “right” or felt like the weight of it was too much, this conversation is for you. Check out Du'Bois Here: https://www.duboisakeen.com/ Check out Tyler Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pass-the-mic/id1435500798

In a world where creativity is reserved for artists and leadership is reserved for extroverts, this episode challenges both assumptions. Adrian and Bri pull back the curtain on a deeper, more integrated view of creativity, one rooted not in flair, but in function. From basketball courts to boardrooms, from faith to finance, they explore how real creativity emerges, sometimes out of desperation. It’s about solving problems, building what’s missing, and refusing to wait for permission. Together, they tackle why most people underestimate their creative potential, how fear and anxiety suppress imagination, and why black-and-white thinking keeps us from designing real solutions. They also reflect on how leadership without creativity is obsolete and why the future belongs to those who can build what hasn’t existed yet. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just trying to believe in yourself again, this conversation will ignite your sense of ownership and remind you: you're more creative than you th

We're confronting the reality of modern leadership in a politically divided, hyper-visible world. From the ICE raids in California to increasing polarization, the episode explores what it means to lead when every move is public, every opinion is politicized, and trust in leadership is eroding. We discuss “Terrarium Leadership,”  a new era where leaders are fully visible, constantly observed, and expected to act with both authenticity and transparency. They unpack: Why real leadership is more scarce than ever. What happens when influence outpaces character. The tension of leading when everyone is watching. The power (and cost) of quiet leadership in loud times. If you’ve ever wrestled with the weight of responsibility or wondered how to lead when everything feels politicized — this episode is for you. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules

In a culture that equates influence with volume and leadership with visibility, this episode flips the script. Adrian Crawford unpacks a different kind of leadership—one that isn’t loud, flashy, or ego-driven. It's the leadership of presence, conviction, and consistency. The kind of leadership that doesn’t need to shout to be heard — because it holds the standard in silence. This conversation explores the cost of real leadership — not the external pressure, but the internal tension of leading with integrity when it would be easier to bend. It’s about the leaders who don’t need the spotlight because they’re committed to shaping things that last — from culture to character. If you’ve ever felt like your quiet leadership doesn’t count… or wondered whether your steady influence still has a place in this fast, loud world — this one’s for you. Real leadership isn’t always seen. But it’s always felt.

What happens when artificial intelligence changes the rules—and you don’t? In this episode, we explore how AI is redefining work, leadership, and purpose. It's not just about learning the tools. It’s about the mindset shift from fear to faith, from scarcity to abundance. From chasing a job to owning a calling. If you know your purpose, you can bring it to any platform. Any job. Any era. Whether you're a leader, creator, business owner, or builder — this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and move forward boldly. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences. We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.

Today we’re joined by our first-ever guest, the legendary Marty Linsky, co-author of Leadership on the Line, one of the most important leadership books we’ve ever read. In this candid conversation, Marty joins Adrian and Bri to unpack the raw, costly, and often misunderstood reality of leading in today’s world. Drawing from decades of experience in politics, academia, and coaching, he shares insights into: Why authority ≠ leadership How to lead without being liked Why real leadership always comes with pushback What Gen Z needs to know before they step up The #1 reason leaders fail: doing it alone This is not a feel-good episode. It’s a necessary one.

In a world obsessed with instant success and digital applause, Episode 84 of The New Rules Podcast goes deeper. Adrian Crawford and Brianna Clark return to explore what it means to lead in obscurity, why today’s noisy platforms aren’t built for real leadership, and how substance is formed not in spotlight, but in silence. This episode unpacks: The quiet power of Jerry Lorenzo & Fear of God Why the future belongs to leaders with scars, not just followers How Gen Z is positioned to lead with wisdom, not virality Why adversity isn’t optional—it’s essential If you're trying to lead when no one’s clapping, this episode will remind you why it's worth it. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules

In an age obsessed with visibility, applause, and platform, this episode of The New Rules Podcast confronts a hard but necessary truth: real leadership is not built on reputation — it’s forged through weight, substance, and unseen seasons. Adrian Crawford and Brianna Clark unpack why chasing approval leads to fragile influence, why the next generation of leaders won’t have the luxury of skipping hard formation, and what it actually takes to build something that endures when the applause fades.  This conversation isn’t about branding yourself better. It’s about becoming someone worthy of lasting impact. Most leaders chase reputation. Few build substance. If you’re tired of shallow leadership advice and ready to build something that carries real weight, this episode is for you.

Leadership is changing—and the leaders who thrive in today's fast-paced world are the ones who can make quick, confident decisions under pressure. In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian breaks down a simple but powerful 3-step framework that every leader needs for sharp, effective decision-making. Learn how to:  Use self-awareness to guide your thinking in high-stakes moments Perform decision “autopsies” that help you grow from mistakes and wins Apply first-principle thinking to cut through the noise and focus on what matters This isn’t about moving fast just to keep up. It’s about moving with clarity, confidence, and intention—even when the pressure is on.

In a world filled with uncertainty, leadership isn't about waiting for clarity—it's about finding the next “yes” in the midst of chaos. In this episode, Adrian and Bri dive into the challenge of building something meaningful when the rules keep changing. From NIL and the transfer portal in college athletics to launching new ventures in economic downturns, they explore what it means to lead, risk, and stay grounded in purpose—even when nothing feels stable. You’ll hear:  - How to lead authentically when systems feel unfair or inconsistent - Why fear and apathy are the biggest threats in uncertain times - What “finding the yes” looks like in real-life decision-making - Lessons from launching businesses in economic downturns - How to develop the resilience to keep going when you're exhausted Reflection Questions: What’s one area of your life where you’re waiting for clarity before moving forward? Where are you blaming external systems instead of asking “What can I do?” What’s one risk you've been avoiding

What if the reason you’re stuck isn’t because of your vision—but because of your systems? In this episode we break down the hidden wiring of your life—the internal frameworks that either sustain your growth or sabotage it. This isn’t about grinding harder. It’s about building smarter.  Adrian and Bri unpack: The reason vision alone will burn you out The daily decisions that quietly shape your future Why outdated internal systems are holding people back How to rebuild your rhythms to actually support your calling They walk through 4 core systems every leader needs:  ✅ Behavioral Systems – The habits that support your direction ✅ Self-Awareness Mechanisms – Internal sensors that keep you grounded ✅ Adaptability & Flexibility – Structures that bend with transition, not break ✅ Purpose Alignment – A compass that ensures your systems lead somewhere meaningful If you’ve ever felt like your life is outpacing your infrastructure, this one’s for you. Reflection Questions What part of your daily routine

What if the delay isn’t a denial—but part of your preparation? We all hit moments where it feels like nothing is happening—where all the work, effort, and faithfulness seem invisible. But what if what you’re building is bigger than your timeline?

What if the past isn’t behind you—it’s within you?

What if the past isn’t behind you—it’s within you?" In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, Adrian and Bri explore how time isn’t linear; it’s dense, layered, and often hidden in the way we think, feel, and lead. The conversations we have today, the choices we make, and even the insecurities we carry are often echoes from the past—shaping us without us even realizing it. Through personal reflections and raw honesty, they unpack how family history, childhood experiences, and seemingly small moments have ripple effects in our lives. But this isn’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding the present and recognizing how presence is a skill that can transform relationships, leadership, and self-awareness. Key Takeaways: The Layered Nature of Time: How the past, present, and external influences overlap more than we realize. Hidden Time Capsules: Unprocessed moments from childhood that shape how we view ourselves and the world. The Legacy of Family Patterns: How inherited beliefs impact our ident

Authenticity is a word we hear all the time, but what does it actually mean to live it out? In this episode, Adrian and Bri dive deep into the reality of authenticity—why it’s hard, why most people avoid it, and what’s waiting on the other side when you choose to embrace it. We explore the pressure to conform, the fear of being truly seen, and the cost of showing up as your real self. If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and who you think you should be, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: The Fear of Authenticity Why stepping into your real self can feel terrifying—and why so many people avoid it. The False Self vs. The True Self Understanding the internal battle between who you present to the world and who you truly are. The Cost of Being Authentic Authenticity isn’t free—it comes with challenges, but the reward is a life of true impact and fulfillment. Why Most People Stay in Their False Self The subconscious reasons we cling to an inauthentic life and how to start b