Disruptive Influence with Jeff Abracen

Rob Lawless set out to meet 10,000 strangers for one hour each. 7,000+ conversations in, the project has become more than a social experiment - it's a masterclass in empathy, presence, and the untold power of human connection.In this conversation, we go deep into what drives Rob, how he turned a bold idea into a global movement, and what he's learned from spending thousands of hours truly listening. From growing up in a big family, coffee shop chat and international stages, we unpack not just Rob’s journey, but our shared humanity.And in a twist, Rob flips the mic and interviews me for part of the episode, bringing out personal stories I rarely get to share on air. It's a conversation full of curiosity, surprises, and reminders of what really matters.In this episode:Why Rob started meeting strangers for one hour at a timeThe “Friend” framework for finding what connects usWhat 10,000 hours of presence can teach you about being humanRob’s storytelling superpowers — and how he discovered themThe discipline, empathy, and mindset behind long-term visionMy pie chart of identity — and what’s shifted since becoming a dadWhat’s next for Rob after 10,000 peopleWhy being present is the ultimate superpowerConnect with Rob:Instagram: @robs10kfriends LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rob-lawless-robs10kfriends/Connect with Jeff:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/Like what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and share Disruptive Influence!Chapters00:00 – Intro01:30 – How the 10,000 People Project Started04:54 – From Coffee Shops to Cruise Ships09:56 – The “Friend” Framework15:07 – The Art of Conversation20:03 – Post-10,000 Vision26:47 – Jeff’s Creative Roots29:48 – Life as a Timeline: Curiosity, Memory, and Storytelling32:55 – Natural Gifts and Learned Superpowers37:23 – The COVID Pivot That Changed Everything42:48 – The Real Influences: Family, Friends, and Gratitude44:21 – Books, TV Shows, and Staying Relevant (or Not)46:43 – Presence Over Performance48:00 – If We’re Popping Champagne Next Year...50:00 – A Masterclass in Presence51:57 – Mutual Gratitude and the Power of Saying YesConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Sales and communication expert & founder of the Art of Sell, Richard Moore, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why most people are selling the wrong way, how to stop chasing vanity metrics, and what really drives business growth in 2025.They discuss why content and engagement won’t pay the bills, how to ditch the spray-and-pray approach to sales, the power of deep, meaningful conversations over mass outreach, why client acquisition is the only metric that matters, the art of handling objections like a professional, and how self-worth plays a bigger role in closing deals than you might think.If you’re stuck in the loop of posting, scrolling, and hoping for inbound leads—this episode is a wake-up call. Learn how to sell with elegance, build a business that lasts, and turn connections into clients.Chapters00:00 Intro04:46 Follower Count vs. Follower Quality09:57 Competency Over Volume in Sales15:02 Finding Your Niche and Testing Ideas20:06 The Role of Feel in Business25:10 Intentionality in Engagement30:13 The Reality of Selling on Social Media34:33 The Art of Selling Elegantly40:27 Overcoming Sales Inertia47:01 Embracing Your Superpowers54:07 The Intersection of Sales and Psychology01:01:24 The Importance of Individual InteractionsConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Presentation Coach, Creative Director, and Author, Ben Levy joins Jeff Abracen to break down the art of creative agency presentations, why the best idea doesn’t always win, and how to structure a story that sells.Dig into the biggest mistakes people make in presentations (and how to fix them), why reading slides out loud is killing your pitch, how confidence in public speaking is built through preparation—not personality, the power of pacing meetings to avoid information overload, why agencies need to ditch templates and start answering the right questions, how to create conversations instead of monologues, and how Ben overcame social anxiety and became a presentation coach…and so much more!Find Ben Levy Here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellitgreat/https://www.sellitgreat.com/https://www.sellitgreat.com/shophttps://schoolofastonishingpursuits.com/Chapters00:00 Intro05:42 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety12:52 The Importance of Storytelling in Presentations21:09 Building Trust Through Effective Communication25:05 Teaching and Learning in the Creative Industry33:25 The Power of Storytelling in Presentations35:20 Influence of Family on Communication Skills37:54 Overcoming Presentation Challenges40:09 Learning from Industry Leaders42:40 The Importance of Authenticity in Presentations46:30 Lessons from Presentation Failures50:27 Understanding Client Expectations52:59 Competing for Attention in a Noisy World54:13 Disruptive Presentation Techniques57:18 Building Strong Client Relationships59:05 The Role of Mentorship in GrowthConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Albany-based Alana Sparrow, Brand Strategist, Visual Storyteller, Founder of The VIB, and Chief Brand Officer & Co-Founder of The Foundry for Art, Design + Culture, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why storytelling is the ultimate tool for branding success, the rapid rise of personal brands in corporate spaces, how confidence is built through action, scaling a business without sacrificing freedom, the impact of authenticity on trust and growth, embracing Ikigai to align work and life, why entrepreneurs need to stop sprinting and start sustaining, shining a light on your strengths to unlock your full potential, how personal brands will shape the future of business in 2025…and so much more!Chapters00:00 – Intro00:32 – Alana's Path to Brand Strategy03:15 – Leaving Higher Ed for Entrepreneurship05:21 – COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot07:23 – Personal Branding for High Earners09:21 – Authenticity in Branding and Marketing11:15 – Early Influences on Entrepreneurial Mindset15:26 – From Fine Art to Brand Strategy17:21 – Time Freedom vs. Hustle Culture18:30 – Slazy™ – A Smarter Work Approach22:31 – Finding Purpose and Profit with Ikigai28:23 – How Personal Branding Drives Growth32:26 – Confidence, Mindset, and Taking Up Space36:59 – Client Breakthroughs and Business Shifts38:45 – The Future of Personal Branding in 202543:09 – LinkedIn vs. Instagram for Brand Growth45:00 – Quality vs. Quantity in Social Media46:56 – Connect with Alana SparrowConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

In this extended episode, Darren Lee, Founder & CEO of Voics, and Podcast Host of Kickoff Sessions, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into how he built a 7-figure podcasting business from scratch, the importance of creating your own universe, how focus fuels success, learning through failure, why you should sell before you build, the importance of trust, the power of metrics, niching down and mastering simplicity, monetizing small audiences, leaning into your superpowers and overcoming the odds, why Bali is a haven for creators, personalized tips for my own business…and so much more!Chapters00:00 Intro04:56 The Journey of Focus and Discipline10:10 From Sports to Startups: A Reflective Shift14:55 Building Connections and Trust19:45 The Circle of Safety in Leadership25:04 Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic29:53 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship33:09 Learning Through Experience36:01 Mastering the Process38:55 Building Skills for Success42:13 The Importance of Measurement46:01 Simplicity in Business51:45 Selling Before Building56:10 Finding Your Niche01:00:01 Staying in the Market01:02:57 Disrupting the Podcasting Industry01:06:49 The Rise of Video Content on LinkedIn01:11:59 Short-Form Video: A New Discovery Tool01:12:56 Influences and Inspirations in the Podcasting Journey01:16:15 Building Genuine Connections in Podcasting01:18:09 Why Bali is the New Hub for Creators01:22:03 Guidance for Emerging Podcasters01:28:50 The Importance of Clarity in Communication Offers01:31:13 The Impact of Helping Others Through Content CreationConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Kasey Jones, Growth Strategist, Personal Brand Coach, Founder & CEO at The Solo CEO, joins Jeff Abracen to talk about how self-compassion is a superpower, turning hardship into strength and opportunity, how finding your ‘One Thing’ brings clarity and magnetism to your brand and business, why your insecurities might be your biggest differentiator, how personal branding creates meaningful connections, why Kasey is a mix between Jocko Willink & Mr. Rogers, the ‘F*ck Yes’ principle…and so much more!00:00 Intro03:01 Evolving Solopreneurs into CEOs05:57 Finding Your One Thing08:54 Navigating Personal and Professional Trauma12:02 The Journey of Self-Discovery14:46 The Role of Empathy in Coaching18:07 Post-Traumatic Growth and Healing20:59 Where Personal Growth and Business Success Meet23:55 Uncovering Your Unique Value27:05 The Balance of Tough Love and Kindness29:54 The Evolution of Personal Branding31:43 Embracing Personal Transformation34:33 Identifying and Owning Your Superpowers38:49 The Role of Hardship in Shaping Success41:39 Leveraging Unique Skills for Business Growth45:21 The 'F*ck Yes' Principle in Client Relationships49:38 Experimentation as a Path to Clarity55:21 The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship01:00:57 Self-Compassion and Personal Systems for NeurodivergenceConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Dhaval Bhatt, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Courage Inc., joins Jeff Abracen to share how he co-built Courage into one of Canada’s top and most awarded in under three years - crafting work for clients like KFC, CIBC, Kit-Kat, Taco Bell and Skip.They chat about treating clients as collaborators, how to present big ideas & moving at the speed of culture, why the human-to-human approach matters more than ever, the people who have inspired him, the lessons that keep him and his team pushing for better work every day - and the culture behind it all.And of course, working on big budget productions with celebrities like Jon Hamm (aka Don Draper).Chapters00:00 Intro03:02 Building Courageous Client Relationships05:53 Human-to-Human Communication in Marketing08:46 The Importance of Being Proactive12:08 Promises of Courage: A Unique Agency Approach15:01 Selling the Sizzle: The Art of Presentation17:52 The Pursuit of Perfection in Advertising21:11 Founding Courage24:03 Collaboration in High-Stakes Production28:27 Adapting to Client Needs30:22 The Role of Celebrity in Advertising34:10 Creative Connections with Calendar Events37:58 The Customer Experience41:47 Behind the Scenes of Agency Work44:07 The Pursuit of Perfection in Creativity48:45 Influences on Creative Growth52:36 The Human Element in Professional Relationships54:27 Guiding the Next Generation of CreativesConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Robb Gilbear, a coach and founder of Growth Habit, shares his journey from DJ to motivational author. He discusses how fear can lead to breakthroughs, the importance of accountability in achieving goals, and the role of storytelling in connecting with others. Robb emphasizes the necessity of digital detoxes for mental clarity and highlights the healing power of forgiveness and empathy. He also touches on adapting to change and using fear-setting to overcome limitations, offering listeners valuable insights on personal growth and resilience.

Robin Waite, Business Coach & Founder of Fearless Business, joins Jeff Abracen to share why a 'boring business' might be for you, the 7/11/4 concept for building trust, simplifying offers for better outcomes, how fewer clients can mean better service, why giving away books is a winning strategy, how guesting on podcasts is one of the best marketing moves you can make...and so much more!Chapters00:00 Intro02:37 The Strategy Behind Quick Reads05:54 Understanding 7/11/410:02 The Importance of Marketing Assets12:50 Building Trust Through Value17:06 The Power of Podcasting and Partnerships22:11 Pricing Strategies for Business Growth26:55 Harnessing Superpowers and Professional Passion29:15 Coaching from the Stage30:10 Passion vs. Profit in Business32:02 The Balance of Pricing and Philanthropy33:00 The Importance of Implementation35:19 Personal Transformation and Resilience39:21 Recognizing Unfulfillment and Taking Action41:46 The Power of Intuition in Coaching45:28 Screening Clients for Coaching Success49:14 Refining Offers and Simplifying Business52:36 Overcoming Overwhelm in Business55:00 Disruptive Coaching Techniques57:46 Influential Books and Final ThoughtsConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Ben Albert, founder of Real Business Connections and Balbert Marketing, shares his journey from accidental entrepreneur to podcasting expert. He highlights the importance of building authentic relationships and the role of gratitude in business. Ben dives into the art of engaging storytelling, the strategies for monetizing podcasts beyond sponsorships, and emphasizes consistency in creating valuable content. He also discusses how flexibility and vision can elevate a podcast's impact, turning local connections into a global reach.