Debugging Stress: Steps to Inner Clarity

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work! This week, Leanne is joined by returning guest Rob Kalwarowsky, Executive Coach, Author, and Speaker, to discuss his book, Capitalizing on Chaos. In this crucial conversation, Rob argues that the world is experiencing an unprecedented level of chaos—87% higher than the peak of the pandemic.

This episode explores why our brains struggle with uncertainty, how to overcome the status quo bias, and the single most critical skill every leader needs to not just survive, but revolutionize their business in 2026 and beyond.

🧠 What We Cover: Master Your Inner System

• Defining Chaos: For the brain, chaos is simply uncertainty. This triggers the stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), which shut down our executive functioning, making it impossible to be a good, innovative leader.

  
  

• The Internal Battle: Chaos is as much about our internal state as external events. Rob discusses the competing parts within leaders (e.g., start looking for a new job vs. stay motivated to innovate), and how to bring both parts to the table to find clarity.

  
  

• Overcoming the Status Quo Bias: We stick to the status quo because our brain can predict a certain outcome, even if it's a terrible one. Rob shares his "Find Your Reason" tool to leverage the goals and future feelings of success against the pain and suffering of staying stuck.

  
  

• The AI Disruption: AI is creating its own friction and non-sense within businesses (e.g., two people using AI to email each other back and forth). Leaders must create clear guidance on where AI adds value and where it poses risks, particularly around data privacy.

  
  

• The Non-Negotiable Skill: The single most crucial skill for capitalizing on chaos is the leader having their own "shit together". This rock-solid inner confidence prevents them from transmitting fear and disruption to their teams.

  
  

• The Power of Clarity: When leaders find inner clarity and confidence, they can double or triple their workforce without hiring a single person because they can finally care about, develop, and engage their team.

🎁 Exclusive Giveaway & Practical Resources

Rob is offering a generous giveaway to help you capitalize on chaos and set up your 2026 goals!

• Grand Prize (1 Winner): A copy of Capitalizing on Chaos + a six-week coaching engagement with Rob (a high-value prize!).

• Second Prize (10 Winners): A signed copy of Capitalizing on Chaos + one personal coaching session.

• Everyone Wins: You'll receive the Find Your Reason tool just for entering.

  
  

To enter (must be within two weeks of the episode release date: 11th December 2025):

• Go to: robkalwarowsky.com/reason

  
  

Connect with Rob Kalwarowsky (Guest):

• Book: Capitalizing on Chaos

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkalwarowsky/

• Website: https://robkalwarowsky.com/

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne (Truth, Lies & Work)

• LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork

• Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott

• Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne

• Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com

• Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

• Podcast Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/

💚 Mental Health Support Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out to one of the following confidential services:

• Samaritans (UK & Ireland) - Emotional support for anyone struggling to cope, available 24/7.

  • Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Mind (England & Wales) - Advice and support for mental health problems.

  • Phone: 0300 102 1234 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US-based) - Confidential, free, 24/7/365 support for those in crisis.

  • Call or Text: 988 (24/7)

• Find A Helpline (Global) - Connects users to over 1,600 free and confidential support resources worldwide.

  • Website: https://findahelpline.com/