Life & Leadership Connected Podcast
This is a podcast about Life, Leadership and finding the Balance between these two, and finding and staying with your Purpose in your life. Each time, a leader - new or more experienced - is interviewed, for us listeners to learn from and grow from. The host of this podcast is life coach David Dahlén D’Cruz. For more information go to https://lifeleadershipconnected.com/Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Visit https://podmatch.com/
What If You're More Capable Than You Think? | Alex Wreford (Podcast Preview)
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Have you ever felt you could do more, but the people around you couldn't see what you saw?
For Alex Wreford, that experience became part of his journey of discovering who he was and what he was capable of.
But he's also discovered something powerful: sometimes we don't find out who we are or what we're capable of until we step beyond what's familiar.
In this special preview of...
What If You're Living a Story You Never Chose? | Jon Symes (Part 1)
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if the life you've worked so hard to build is being shaped by a story you never consciously chose?
A story about success. About responsibility. About what it means to be strong. About who you are supposed to become.
We all carry stories like these. Some inspire us and help us grow. Others quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and sense of identity without us even realizing it.
But what happens...
When the Story That Brought You Here No Longer Fits | Jon Symes (Part 2)
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What happens when the story that helped you build your life is no longer the story you want to keep living?
You've worked hard. You've carried responsibilities. You've made choices that once seemed right.
And yet, somewhere along the way, you may begin to wonder:
Is this still who I am — and is this still the direction I want to go?
In Part 2 of my conversation with ...
What if the life you’re building is based on a story you never consciously chose?
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
We all carry stories about success, strength, leadership, responsibility, and who we are supposed to be.
But what happens when those stories begin shaping our lives without us even realizing it — or when the story that brought us this far no longer fits where we’re going next?
In this preview of my upcoming conversation with Jon Symes - speaker, writer, mentor, organizational consultant, and creator of Narrative Leadership - we...
Feeling Stuck, Busy, or Unfulfilled? How to Discover Your Calling | Scott Maderer
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Many people today are working hard...
but quietly wondering if they're building the right life.
They achieve goals.
They stay busy.
They keep moving forward.
Yet underneath the surface, there is often a lingering question:
"Is this really what I was made for?"
In this episode, I sit down with Scott Maderer, founder of Inspired Stewardship, author of Inspired Living, coach, speaker, and host of...
You’re Not Stuck - You’re Being Rebuilt | Scott Maderer
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Many people today are exhausted from trying to “fix” their whole life overnight.
But what if real transformation happens differently?
In this upcoming episode, Scott Maderer shares how burnout, debt, leadership struggles, faith, and personal reinvention became part of discovering his deeper calling.
This is a conversation about alignment, stewardship, sustainable growth, and learning to take one small step at a time.
🎧 Full episode drops in 3 days.
In this...
Ambitious… But Overlooked? Why Being Loud Isn’t the Answer
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
You’re working hard.
You’re delivering.
You’re doing everything “right.”
But somehow… you’re still not moving forward the way you expected.
In this episode, we explore why - and what actually creates real growth without forcing you to become someone you’re not.
What if the problem isn’t your ambition…
but the way you’ve been taught to use it?
Many professionals today feel stuck in a...
Quiet Ambition: How to Grow Without Losing Yourself
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
You want to grow.
You want to be seen.
But not at the cost of becoming someone you don’t respect.
In this short preview, Patrick Kamba shares a turning point from his own career -when he realized that pushing harder and speaking louder wasn’t the path forward.
Most people believe ambition has to be loud.
You have to speak more, push hard...
Busy But Unfulfilled? Break the Default Loop and Design Your Life With Clarity
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
You can be successful on paper… and still feel empty inside.
In this powerful conversation, David Prosper - known as The Clarity Guy - shares how he broke free from the “Default Loop” of achievement without fulfillment and began living a life by design instead of by default.
If you’re driven but quietly questioning your direction, this episode will challenge and encourage you.
What if the real problem...
Trapped in the “Default Loop”? How to Start Living by Design | David Prosper
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Are you busy… but not fulfilled?
In this short preview from my conversation with David Prosper — known as The Clarity Guy — we explore what he calls the “Default Loop”: the cycle of achievement without alignment.
David grew up in the projects of Fort Lauderdale, rose through college football and corporate success, collected awards and recognition… yet still felt empty inside.
In this powerful clip, he explains:
Why high achievers of...Speak with Power: Mohamed Hijazi on Owning the Room, Leading with Presence, and Finding Your Voice
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if your voice isn’t something to hide, but the very path to your purpose?
In this soul-stirring conversation, Mohamed Hijazi shares how speaking up can change everything.
You weren’t meant to stay silent. You were meant to speak with purpose.
In this powerful episode of Life & Leadership Connected, I sit down with Mohamed Hijazi, founder of Speak With Power and public speaking coach to executives, lead...
What If Fear Isn’t the Problem? Mohamed Hijazi on Confidence, Presence & Public Speaking
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if your fear of speaking isn’t the real problem - what if it’s the untapped confidence beneath it?
In this 4-minute clip from my upcoming podcast, Mohamed Hijazi (founder of Speak With Power) shares his personal journey: from anxious teen to hip-hop performer to TEDx host.
Today, he trains executives and young professionals to communicate with calm, clarity, and confidence—even under pressure.
If you’ve ever hes...
Become the CEO of Your Life: Michael Dillard on Vision, Leadership & Lasting Impact
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if leadership wasn’t about striving but about aligning?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Michael Dillard - U.S. diplomat-turned-leadership coach - for a deep conversation on what it really means to lead with purpose, overcome setbacks, and take ownership of your life.
Michael’s story takes us from growing up in poverty to coaching global teams and empowering thousands through his Lead With Impact framework. But t...
"Vision + Action = Success" - Michael Dillard on Becoming the CEO of Your Life
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
In this 5-minute clip, former U.S. diplomat and leadership coach Michael Dillard shares a simple but powerful mindset shift: Success isn’t just about the hustle - it’s about clarity, direction, and the courage to pivot.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your path or unsure how to move forward, this one's for you.
How do you move from stuck… to strategic?
Here Michael Dillard shares part of...
How Leah Coss Rebuilt Her Identity After Teenage Self-Destruction
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
This is one of the most personal moments from my full podcast conversation with Leah Coss, co-founder of Build a Biz Kids.
In this shorter clip, Leah opens up about her childhood, growing up in toxic environments, and how that shaped an identity built for survival - not for fulfillment. She shares how her teenage rebellion wasn’t about being “bad,” but about trying to feel in control in a world where she had no...
From Survival Mode to Identity on Purpose - Leah Coss on Rebuilding Who You Are to Live Fulfilled
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if the life you're chasing is being blocked by the identity you've unconsciously built just to survive?
In this powerful conversation, Leah Coss - speaker, author, and co-founder of Build a Biz Kids - shares her personal transformation from self-doubt and burnout to building a life rooted in purpose, clarity, and impact.
Leah’s story is as relatable as it is inspiring. She grew up entrepreneurial and independent, but behind the scenes, wa...
Living a Big Life — With an Identity Built for Survival? | Leah Coss (Teaser)
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
“If something in your life feels off - it’s not because you’re broken or unmotivated. It’s likely because you’re trying to live a big life… with an identity built for survival, not fulfillment.”
- Leah Coss
In this short teaser from my upcoming episode, Leah shares a powerful insight that challenges how we think about growth, purpose, and who we believe we are.
Leah Coss is the CEO and co-founder...
Becoming a Better Leader Starts Within – Ryan Gottfredson on Mindset, Vertical Growth & Purpose
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
In this eye-opening episode, leadership consultant, author, and mindset researcher Ryan Gottfredson joins David Dahlén D'Cruz to explore what it really takes to grow into the kind of leader today’s world needs.
Forget quick hacks or surface-level strategies - Ryan shares how true transformation begins by elevating our internal operating system through what he calls vertical development.
We dive into:
Why most leadership programs fai...Why Most Leadership Training Fails (And What Actually Works)
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if your biggest leadership block isn’t your skills - but your mindset?
In this short teaser, Ryan Gottfredson explains the #1 reason most leadership programs fall short - and what you can do instead to grow vertically, not just horizontally.
Catch the full episode of Life & Leadership Connected in 3 days
Set a reminder & subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Here are some links to the upcoming guest, Ryan Gottfredson:
http...
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Ray Martin on True Success, Self-Leadership & Finding Your Path
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if the life you’ve worked so hard to build... isn’t really the life you’re meant to live?
In this deeply personal and transformative episode of Life & Leadership Connected, I sit down with Ray Martin, award-winning former CEO, mindfulness teacher, and author of "Life Without a Tie", to explore what happens when a high-performing leader walks away from the world’s definition of success to rediscover himself.
After a crisis that dismantled everythi...
What if the life you worked so hard to build… wasn’t really yours?
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
In this preview from the upcoming episode of the Life & Leadership Connected Podcast, I sit down with Ray Martin— award-winning former CEO, leadership coach, mindfulness teacher, and author of Life Without a Tie.
Ray shares how his life fell apart — losing his marriage, company, and father in the same season — and how that crisis opened the door to a 14-year journey across Asia in search of purpose and alignment.
In thi...
Burnout to Balance: Michael Levitt on Boundaries, Resilience, and Redesigning Your Life
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
When burnout nearly cost Michael Levitt everything, it became the turning point for a new kind of leadership, one built on clarity, boundaries, and a redefined version of success.
In this powerful episode of Life & Leadership Connected, I’m joined by Michael Levitt, founder of the Breakfast Leadership Network and a global authority on burnout prevention.
Michael opens up about the season that brought him to the edge: a career collapse, he...
Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor — It’s a Warning Sign
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if burnout wasn’t a failure… but a divine invitation to realign?
In this short preview, Michael Levitt, founder of the Breakfast Leadership Network, shares how his own collapse became a wake-up call that reshaped everything.
From chasing success at all costs to building a life grounded in purpose, boundaries, and clarity… Michael’s voice speaks straight to the high-achiever who’s exhausted, but still hungry for meaning.
If you’re a young l...
Breakdown to Breakthrough: Emer O’Donnell on Resilience, Identity, and the Next Generation
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if the missing piece in education wasn't more facts, but emotional tools for resilience, clarity, and self-leadership?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Emer O’Donnell, a behavioral change coach, author, and founder of TeenReconnect, whose passion is to equip the next generation with the tools most of us wish we had growing up.
After two decades of success in international business, Emer asked a life-defining question:
“Why didn’t I learn...
You’re Not Broken — You Were Just Never Taught This. A Preview from the upcoming podcast.
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if the anxiety, confusion, or self-doubt you’re feeling isn’t a flaw — but a gap in what you were never taught to handle?
In this short but powerful preview, Emer O’Donnell, founder of TeenReconnect, shares a moment of clarity that changed her life — and how it sparked her mission to equip the next generation with tools she wishes she had as a teen.
If you’ve ever wondered why so many young people...
You Are Enough – Part 1: Becoming the Author of Your Own Story
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
🎙️ A 3-part podcast series with Lawrence Harris – all parts available now.
In this powerful first conversation, Lawrence Harris shares about growing up in silence, carrying shame, and the pivotal moment he chose to become the author of his own story, and how you can too.
You’ll hear about:
The roots of self-worth and identityHow childhood wounds show up in adulthoodReframing shame and beginning againEncouragement for young adults stuck in compariso...You Are Enough – Part 2: From Shame to Self-Worth
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Part 2 of the 3-part podcast series with Lawrence Harris – all episodes are now live.
In this deeply moving episode, Lawrence Harris opens up about the hidden impact of shame — and how it distorts the way we see ourselves. Through stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom, he brings hope to anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t enough.
This episode will help you:
Recognize the roots of shame in your own lifeUnderstand why self...You Are Enough – Part 3: Healing, Identity & Purpose in Action
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
The final part of the 3-part podcast series with Lawrence Harris — all episodes are now live.
In this powerful conclusion, we explore what happens after the healing begins, how to live with purpose, lead from a whole heart, and help others rise as we grow.
Lawrence Harris speaks with clarity and compassion about what it really takes to live from your healed identity. He shares daily practices, leadership insights, and how his own tra...
You Are Enough – A 4-Minute Preview with Lawrence Harris (Teaser for the Upcoming 3-Part Series)
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if the thing holding you back…
isn’t a lack of potential —
but a belief that you’re not enough?
In this short preview, you’ll meet Lawrence Harris — a powerful voice for healing, identity, and the courage to live from your true self.
We’re releasing a full 3-part series with Lawrence in just a few days — and trust me, it’s one of the most honest and empowering con...
Bridging the Generational Gap: Nikhil Raval on Leading with Emotional Intelligence & Purpose
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Welcome to Life & Leadership Connected – where purpose meets growth.
In this episode, I sit down with transformation expert and author Nikhil Raval to explore one of the most important leadership challenges of our time: bridging the generational gap in the workplace.
From Gen Z’s desire for feedback and purpose, to senior leaders adjusting post-COVID mindsets, Nikhil brings clarity, research, and heart to the conversation. We discuss emotional intelligence, cultural context, and how leaders can...
Bridging the Generational Gap: Nikhil Raval on Leading with Emotional Intelligence & Purpose
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What happens when five generations share one workplace — but don’t speak the same language?
In this sneak peek from my full interview with Nikhil Raval, we explore how emotional intelligence, empathy, and curiosity can bridge the gap between Gen Z and seasoned leaders. Whether you're just entering the workforce or leading a multi-generational team, this is a must-listen.
In this upcoming episode of the Life & Leadership Connected podcast, host David Dahlén D’Cru...
From Burnout to Clarity: Donna Tashjian on Identity, Peace & Purpose-Driven Leadership
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if the success you’re chasing is actually draining you?
In this powerful conversation, Destiny Activator and Life Mastery Coach Donna Tashjian joins David Dahlén D'Cruz to explore how leaders can stop performing, start aligning, and finally experience clarity, peace, and purpose from within.
This episode is for aspiring leaders and young professionals ready to break free from false identities and step into a life that’s led by spiritual intelligence, inner calm...
From Burnout to Clarity: Donna Tashjian on Leading with Purpose and Peace
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
In this powerful sneak peek from the upcoming episode of Life and Leadership Connected, Destiny Activator and Spiritual Intelligence Coach Donna Tashjian shares how leaders can shed false identities, avoid burnout, and step into the purpose they were uniquely created for.
Drawing from her personal story of pain and transformation, Donna speaks directly to young professionals and aspiring leaders who feel the pressure to perform, yet long for clarity and inner peace.
This...
Redefining Success: Faris Aranki on Emotional Intelligence, Focus & Leading with Impact
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What does real success look like in a world full of noise, pressure, and performance-driven expectations?
In this episode, I sit down with Faris Aranki, founder of Shiageto Consulting and creator of the success equation:
Success = IQ × EQ × FQ. Drawing from his journey from classroom teacher to global strategy consultant, Faris shares how emotional intelligence, focus, and self-awareness are the true dif...
Unlocking the Hidden Keys to Success: A Preview with Faris Aranki
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What if success wasn’t just about being smart — but about what you focus on and how well you connect with others?
This short audiogram preview features highlights from my full conversation with Faris Aranki, founder of Shiageto Consulting and the mind behind the formula:
Success = IQ × EQ × FQ.
🎧 In this teaser, you’ll hear:
Why most people misunderstand successHow emotional intelligence changes your leadershipWh...3 Signs You’re in a Transition Season (and What to Do About It) | Solo Episode / David Dahlén D'Cruz
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Are you in a life shift you can’t fully explain yet?
In this first-ever solo episode of the Life & Leadership Connected Podcast, I’m sharing from the heart — about those moments when something stirs deep inside, when the “old” doesn’t quite fit anymore, and you sense a transition coming... even if it’s still unclear.
This episode is for you if you’ve felt:
Restless or out of sync with your life
From Comfort Zone to Calling: Faith, Mindset & Courageous Leadership – with John Knowlton
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
In this episode of Life & Leadership Connected, host David Dahlén D’Cruz sits down with John Knowlton—a bi-vocational entrepreneur, minister, and soon-to-be author of Thinking for Success. Together, they explore what it really takes to move from comfort zone to calling in both life and leadership.
John shares his deeply personal journey across ministry, business, and family life—highlighting powerful lessons on faith-led transitions, mindset renewal, and redefin...
Success Is a Mindset Shift – A Glimpse into John Knowlton’s Journey
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
What does it really take to step out of your comfort zone and step into your calling?
In this short preview of my upcoming episode with John Knowlton, you’ll hear powerful insights on how thinking differently—and leading with faith—can transform your life, your leadership, and your purpose.
This is just a glimpse of what’s coming, but it’s filled with the kind of wisdom that will help you reframe failure, embrace co...
🎧 The Confident Leader: A Two-Part Conversation with Ana Larrea-Albert - Part 1
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Part 1: From Self-Doubt to Confident Leadership – with Ana Larrea-Albert
In this special two-part episode, I sit down with Ana Larrea-Albert—leadership expert, professor, and author of The Confident Leader—to explore what it truly means to lead with clarity, authenticity, and confidence.
👉 Part 1 takes us through Ana’s personal leadership journey, the roots of self-doubt, and how values, mindset, and coaching can unlock lasting confidence.
👉 Part 2 dives into transformational mindset shifts like Fly Mode...
🎧 The Confident Leader: A Two-Part Conversation with Ana Larrea-Albert - Part 2
I would love to hear what you think of this episode. Write your thoughts here. Thank you for your feedback!
Part 2: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything – with Ana Larrea-Albert
In this special two-part episode, I sit down with Ana Larrea-Albert—leadership expert, professor, and author of The Confident Leader—to explore what it truly means to lead with clarity, authenticity, and confidence.
👉 Part 1 takes us through Ana’s personal leadership journey, the roots of self-doubt, and how values, mindset, and coaching can unlock lasting confidence.
👉 Part 2 dives into transformational mindset shifts like Fl...
