1102. The Leadership Evolution Every CEO Must Make For 2026 with John Wang

In this powerful conversation, Kelly sits down with leadership teacher and author John Wang, author of Big Asian Energy, to unpack why so many successful leaders feel exhausted, disconnected, and stuck despite "doing everything right."

John shares his deeply personal journey from achievement-driven success to near-collapse, and the inner leadership shift that changed how he builds businesses, leads people, and teaches others to do the same.

This episode is for CEOs, founders, and business owners who know they've outgrown an old identity but feel uncertain about what's next.

Together, Kelly and John explore how authentic leadership, embodied presence, and aligned decision-making are becoming the defining advantages for leaders in 2026 and beyond.

TIMESTAMPS:

02:11 – 04:45 What Big Asian Energy is really about (and why this message actually applies to EVERY leader)

04:46 – 07:30 Achievement culture, "shoulds," and the hidden cost of self-abandonment

07:31 – 10:05 The moment everything broke: burnout, internal bleeding, and the body's warning signs

10:06 – 12:40 The real cause of burnout

12:41 – 14:55 Comparison, people-pleasing, and the "Frankenstein identity" many leaders build

14:56 – 17:10 The turning point: discovering purpose and leading from a single guiding word

17:11 – 19:30 Why leadership doesn't have to look loud, aggressive, or performative

19:31 – 21:35 The seven self-sabotage patterns leaders don't realize they're operating from

21:36 – 23:40 "There are no business relationships. Only relationships" (and why this matters)

23:41 – 25:20 Sitting in the puddle: how presence builds trust faster than problem-solving

25:21 – 27:10 How embodied leadership creates calmer teams, stronger cultures, and better results

RESOURCES:

• Get the Book Big Asian Energy: The UnapolageticGuide for Breaking Barriers to Leadership and Success by John Wang: https://a.co/d/fMNpdPE
• Connect with John Wang on Instagram: @johnwangofficial
• Website: https://bigasianenergy.com

• Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/

• Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/
• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyroachint/