The five positive disruptor roles explained

When disruption hits your team, confidence often drops, communication gets messy, and progress slows. But disruption isn’t the problem; how we respond to it is.

Fortunately, this week’s guest offers a clear, practical framework for leading with steadiness even when everything around you is shifting. And just as importantly, he explains how we can become positive disruptors in order to facilitate a brighter future.

Patrick Leddin is a global speaker, former Army Ranger, Vanderbilt professor, and bestselling author of Disrupt Everything and Win. He shares how managers can help their teams stay focused, take smart risks, communicate clearly, and build healthier relationships during periods of uncertainty.

If you want to lead with more clarity and confidence when change hits, this conversation gives you the tools to do it.

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Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Rethinking disruption as opportunity rather than threat
• (02:17) Why mindset shapes everything
• (03:30) How disruptions show up at work and in life
• (09:59) The danger of avoidance, “waiting it out,” and living in survival mode
• (11:11) What it means to be a positive disruptor
• (14:27) The 5 Positive Disruptor Roles 
• (24:10) The 4-step disruptive leadership cycle
• (26:30) The 16 disruptive strengths 
• (31:03) Keep up with Patrick
• (38:20) [Extended] Creating conditions for positive disruption inside your team’s culture
• (39:08) [Extended] Clarifying decision authority so your team knows when they can act
• (40:35) [Extended] Disrupting unhealthy workplace relationships

📚 Additional Resources:

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✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gn-X2Pv1G3algfHWZDD0Vf9hDscJxW6gIKfivGVUY9Y/edit?usp=sharing

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Keep up with Patrick Leddin

- Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickleddin/

- Visit his website: www.patrickleddin.com

Guest Bonus: 2 Book Giveaway!

Patrick is giving away two copies of his new book, Disrupt Everything and Win: Take Control of Your Future. Every day, we are confronted with sudden pivots at our workplace and in the job market, with changing technology such as artificial intelligence, unexpected crises, and a culture of chaos, and with that sinking feeling that we are losing control of our lives. This book is about taking back control. It's easy to follow and easy to turn into lifelong habits. It has been thoroughly researched and examined. 

You must enter the drawing by January 9th, 2026. 

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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