The Automotive Leaders Podcast Meet John Anderson, C-founder of the CEO Advantage and Author of Replace Retirement
During the pandemic, as routines are turned upside down and corporate playbooks tossed aside, John Anderson—entrepreneur and author of Replace Retirement—brings a fresh perspective on leadership, vision, and the concept of Retirement with his rallying call: “Don’t retire, refire.”
John’s story starts at IBM, where he began his career before building a successful office furniture business. Along the way, he found mentorship in Verne Harnish and worked with thought leaders like Jim Collins and Patrick Lencioni to develop transformative coaching practices for executives.
A key part of his approach is the 10-year vision—a tool he uses to help leaders set clear goals, handle challenges, and align personal and professional priorities. Inspired by Ari Weinzweig’s visioning methods and Stephen Covey’s focus on “what matters,” John explains how leaders can use a long-term vision to guide their teams, even in uncertain times.
Instead of chasing the traditional “work-life balance,” John suggests focusing on energy management. For him, a fulfilling life is about identifying what energizes you and intentionally designing your career and personal life to maximize those pursuits.
Throughout the episode, you’ll hear advice, including tips on developing vision statements, communicating transparently during crises, and building routines that support personal and professional growth.
By the end, John inspires listeners to rethink their legacy and embrace self-transformation, regardless of age. For leaders facing uncertainty or figuring out their next steps, his insights provide a roadmap to navigating change with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Featured guest: John Anderson
What he does: John Anderson is a business advisor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The CEO Advantage, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve exceptional results. With extensive experience guiding companies across public and private sectors, John specializes in helping executives and entrepreneurs develop clear visions, build strong management teams, and drive meaningful outcomes. He is also the founder of Replace Retirement, where he inspires leaders of all ages to rethink their future, adopt an exponential mindset, and craft a purposeful, rewarding, and fulfilling life plan.
Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights:
[00:04:16] John’s story
[00:09:54] Developing a vision for your business
[00:22:21] Crisis leadership style
[00:26:16] A daily routine to set you up for success
[00:41:45] Time to rethink retirement
[01:03:55] The tapestry of your life
[01:12:05] Your legacy map
[01:14:38] This is the time