This episode explores leadership, resilience, and self-belief through the wisdom and lived experience of Joslyn Thompson Rule—a Peloton Tread and Strength instructor whose approach to movement goes far beyond fitness.
Based in London, Joslyn brings more than 21 years ofexperience as a personal trainer, sports therapist, and Nike Global Master Trainer, and she’s known for coaching that invites people to meet themselves where they are, not where they think they should be.
Her work emphasizes patience, self-talk, vulnerability, and long-term growth—principles that translate powerfully into leadership and life. In this episode, I reflect on several of Joslyn’s sayings and unpack what they teach us about empowerment, discomfort, and showing up fully.
In this episode, I explain her six JTR-isms (note, I createdthat term) and how they apply to leadership and emotional intelligence theories and practices: --The Words You Speak to Yourself --Calm During Chaos
--Building Strength Slowly
--The 1/3 Theory --12-Week Change--Trying Something New
Link to her book, How to Move It, can be found here
Link to her podcast, Listen Loudly, can be found here
Wynton Marsalis: Leading from the Back
In this episode of Questions Are Greater Than Answers, we explore the leadership philosophy of Wynton Marsalis, the visionary Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and one of the most influential cultural leaders of our time. Marsalis is often seen at the front of the stage, horn in hand — but his true leadership power comes from how he leads from the back: through listening, collaboration, and a deep respect for the individuality of every musician in the orchestra.
Drawing from interviews, essays, and critiques of his work, we examine how Marsalis uses jazz itself as a blueprint for leadership. Jazz becomes a living metaphor for shared responsibility, conversation, and democratic expression. At the same time, we look at the tensions and criticisms surrounding his more traditionalist approach — raising questions about innovation, gatekeeping, and the fine balance between protecting cultural heritage and allowing an art form to evolve.
This episode invites you to reflect on powerful questions:
What does leadership sound like when the leader isn’t the loudest voice?
How do we preserve what matters while making space for what’s emerging?
And what can jazz teach all of us — educators, executives, and community builders — about listening, trust, and shared purpose?
Wynton Marsalis shows us that leadership isn’t always about taking center stage. Sometimes, it’s about shaping the space where others can shine.
Links Mentioned in this Podcast:
Wynton Marsalis, Live at the House of Tribes
How Music and Leadership Connect with Reggie Quinerly (Ep. 08)
In this episode, Dr. Russ explores the powerful connection between flow state—the psychological experience of total absorption and peak performance—and one of the most legendary live music moments of the modern era: D’Angelo’s 2000 Voodoo Tour with The Soultronics.
Drawing from the work of psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, this episode breaks down how D’Angelo and his 12-piece supergroup achieved an extraordinary level of collective flow on stage: deep focus, perfect synchrony, trust, improvisation, and creative fearlessness. Their performances became more than concerts—they became rituals, examples of musical excellence operating at its highest frequency.
But behind the brilliance lies an important lesson. The same intensity that fuels flow can also take a toll. After months of high-pressure touring, D’Angelo struggled with burnout, identity collapse, addiction, and reclusion. This episode explores what leaders, creators, and teams can learn from both the power and the cost of pursuing flow.
Whether you are a musician, athlete, leader, or simply someone seeking meaningful performance and well-being, this episode offers insight into how flow can elevate your craft—and why recovery and psychological safety matter just as much.
Theme: Leadership Through Non-Traditional Lenses
Welcome to Season Seven of Questions Are Greater Than Answers, the podcast where we explore leadership not through titles or hierarchy, but through curiosity, purpose, and the stories that shape who we become.
This season, we’re stepping outside the boardroom—and even outside traditional leadership theory—to examine how leadership reveals itself in unexpected places. From music and movement to food, sports, and art, we’ll look at how creativity, culture, and lived experience can teach us more about leading others—and ourselves—than any textbook ever could.
We’ll explore Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow State through the electrifying 2000 D’Angelo and The Soultronics tour, and what happens when a group of artists tap into collective mastery.
We’ll study Wynton Marsalis, who leads the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra from the back of the ensemble—modeling a style of leadership grounded in trust, humility, and shared excellence.
We’ll examine Dawn Staley, an introvert who never wanted to coach, yet built a powerhouse at the University of South Carolina by leading with authenticity, values, and fierce belief in her players.
We’ll look at Carlo Ancelotti, and how something as simple as food—yes, food—has become his signature tool for building belonging and culture at Real Madrid.
We’ll dive into Joslyn Thompson Rule’s philosophy of movement, and how physical well-being connects to resilience, change management, and empowerment.
And finally, we’ll explore how Netflix’s Chef’s Table reveals the power of employee voice—showing how creativity flourishes when leaders give people room to experiment, fail, and grow.
Through each episode, we’ll ask the same core question:
What can leaders learn when we look in unexpected places?
If you’re ready to rethink leadership—
to stretch your imagination—
and to learn from artists, athletes, chefs, and innovators—
then this season is for you.
Let’s get started.
Because in leadership, just like in life…
the questions will always be greater than the answers.
In this last episode of Season 6, Arielle Lapiano, a communication strategist, shares how she developed her early leadership philosophy by watching her father. In addition, she reflects on betting on herself from a career perspective, and it not working out the way she expected.
Arielle Lapiano is a brand and communication strategist, and a media and presentation trainer who helps companies and professionals become visible leaders
More on Arielle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellelapiano/
More on Dr. Russ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-robinson-edd-4428b157/
Website: www.amplifiedresearch.com
In this episode, Love Rutledge, host of the FedUpward podcast shares her experiences navigating when there is a misalignment in core values. She also talks about the power of saying, “No”, to strengthen her work/life harmony.
Love Rutledge hosts the FedUpward Podcast, a show for federal employees providing advice, resources and community for public servants. Love has spent more than 22 years working for the Department of Defense in the Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, the Joint Staff and the Office of Secretary of Defense.
Love holds a master's degree in public administration from The George Washington University, a master's of science in resource strategy from the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University, and is an associate certified coach through the International Coaching Federation. She's a wife, and mother of two, and grew up in rural Alabama.
More on Love
FedUpward Podcast: https://fedupward.libsyn.com/
More on Dr. Russ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-robinson-edd-4428b157/
Website: www.amplifiedresearch.com
In this episode, I speak with Kevin Oakes, the founder of the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp). In addition, Kevin is a keynote speaker and authored the book Culture Renovation: 18 Leadership Actions to Build an Unshakable Company. In this conversation, Kevin shares his experience and I4CP research on how to create and sustain healthy organizational culture. In addition, he provides his thoughts on the five traits that create a learning culture.
Kevin Oakes is CEO and co-founder of the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), the world’s leading human capital research firm focusing on people practices that drive high performance. i4cp conducts more research in the field of HR than any other organization on the planet, highlighting next practices that organizations and HR executives should consider adopting.
Kevin is also the author of Culture Renovation®, an Amazon bestseller which debuted as the #1 new release in a dozen Amazon book categories. Drawing on data from one of the largest studies ever conducted on corporate culture, Culture Renovation™ details how high- performance organizations such as Microsoft, T-Mobile, 3M, AbbVie, Mastercard and many more have successfully changed organizational culture.
More on Kevin
I4CP Bio: https://www.i4cp.com/people/kevin-oakes
Culture Renovation: https://culturerenovation.com/
More on Dr. Russ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-robinson-edd-4428b157/
Website: www.amplifiedresearch.com
In this episode, Marcia Williams Blakely, a former elementary school principal and currently an education consultant, shares what she learned on her journey. Starting as a teacher and rising to a principal, she talks about how you navigate life when you get a leadership role sooner than expected. And she talks about the toll the COVID crisis had on educators.
Marcia Williams Blakely is an esteemed leader who currently serves as an education consultant after serving as an educat in the Southfield (Michigan) School System. With over 30 years of experience in the field of education, Marcia has dedicated her career to fostering academic excellence and nurturing the growth of students and staff alike.
More on Marcia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-blakely-3295b3143/
More on Dr. Russ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-robinson-edd-4428b157/ Website: www.amplifiedresearch.com
In this episode, Peter Farnsworth, founder of FoxRock Partners, shares what he has learned on his journey in the sports industry. He talks about viewing his career in 10-year increments, entrepreneurship, and how he uses his SALA Series events to bring diverse people together to create meaningful impacts.
Peter Farnsworth is the founder and managing partner of FoxRock Partners, a boutique advisory firm specializing in strategic consulting and investment advisory services. With over 20 years of experience in the finance and investment sectors, Peter has established himself as a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors.
More on Peter:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farnsworthpeter/
SALA Series Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sala-series-podcast/id1615509817
More on Dr. Russ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-robinson-edd-4428b157/
Website: www.amplifiedresearch.com
In this episode, Galen Bingham, founder of Kiln Coaching and Consulting shares his knowledge and experience working in corporate settings, and how he navigated his life to consulting work where he can be his authentic self. Also, Galen shares his thoughts on leadership and organizational culture.
Galen is a certified Executive Coach who offers insight from 30 years of operating experience with Fortune 500 companies and 6 years’ experience as a brick-and-mortar retail franchise owner. He has led in industry-leading corporations like Kraft Foods, Imperial Sugar, and Coca-Cola North America. He is consistently sought to advise or serve on premiere non-profit boards where he provides oversight in governance, board development, CEO selection and organizational leadership. He is host of The Whiskey, Jazz & Leadership podcast – which streams on all podcast platforms in 20 countries.
More on Galen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galenbingham/
Website: https://galenbingham.com/
More on Dr. Russ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-robinson-edd-4428b157/
Website: www.amplifiedresearch.com
Dr. Russ is back with his podcast series, which is now call the Questions are Greater than Answers (Q>A) podcast instead of the Amplified Research Speakerbox podcast. While the goal is to bring thought provoking experiences and stories from thought leaders, the method will be by exploring the concept of what are the questions that leaders should be asking.
But first, Q>A will share six episodes taped in late 2022 and early 2023 with the following thought leaders:
· Galen Bingham, Kiln Global Coaching and Consulting
· Marcia Williams, Marica Williams Consulting
· Kevin Oakes, Institute for Corporate Productivity (I4CP)
· Love Rutledge, The FedUpward Podcast
· Peter Farnsworth, FoxRock Partners
· Arielle Lapiano, Communications Executive
In these six episodes, you will hear this group share their thoughts on self-reflection, the power of resiliency, and why organizations should build a culture where leaders are always learning, curious, and asking questions.
Enjoy!
A couple of times a week, I hear from leaders, supervisors, and employees about how to adjust to the new normal of the Return to Work. Organizational decisions regarding bringing everyone into the office, moving to a 100% remote environment, or some form of hybrid work has impacts on performance, culture, and morale.
The cool thing is that I have a dope squad of thought leaders in the human capital space. In part 2 of my conversation with Fatimah Moody, CEO of LinkVisum, we talk about data and best practices for leaders and supervisors to thrive in whichever Return to Work model their organizations and agencies choose.
Additionally, you can hear me drop more knowledge at The New Out of Office: Creating an Effective Hybrid Work Environment, which is part of LinkVisum’s Human Capital Insights and Speaker Series. You can register here: https://linkvisum.com/human-capital-insights/
On this episode, Dr. Russ talks about the new hybrid work environment with Fatimah Moody, CEO of LinkVisum Consulting Group (LinkVisum). In part 1 of their conversation, they discuss the how the work environment has changed over the past 27+ months and how leaders and followers can succeed in the new hybrid work environment.
Dr. Russ will be the keynote speaker at The New Out of Office: Creating an Effective Hybrid Work Environment, which is part of LinkVisum’s Human Capital Insights and Speaker Series. This free virtual event will be on Wednesday, June 29th from 10-11.30AM ET.
This speaker series, hosted by LinkVisum, will provide a forum for public and private sector thought leaders to connect and share ideas for addressing crucial human capital topics and the future of work.
To learn more and register for this event, visit www.linkvisum.com/human-capital-insights/.
On this episode, Tiersa Hall shares her thoughts on how the past two years have impacted the travel and hospitality industry. She is an HR Consultant with the Hartling Group, which includes resorts in her native Turks & Caicos. Additionally, as the Owner of Impactful Imprints, she will describe how HR leadership has had to change with the times. Last, she will discuss how becoming an autism advocate changed her purpose and work/life balance.
Tiersa is a member of the Forbes Human Resource Council.
The UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development released a report regarding employee wellness in the workplace. Often times, we focus on wellness based on physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Rarely do we focus on the impact financial wellness on how employees present themselves in the workplace.
This conversation focuses on financial wellness with Saundra and Sid Curry from BC Holding of Tennessee. The Curry’s share thoughts on how people at any level can build generational wealth based on their experiences collaborating with government agencies, church parishioners, and NFL and NHL athletes. And, they share how financial wellness impacts employee engagement. BC Holdings was selected as a part of Forbes Next 1000 for impact of their innovative financial education platform.
Check it out
Corey Greendale sits down and talks with Dr. Russ regarding Software-as-a-Service Tools. Corey is the Managing Director with First Analysis, which provides research and financial expertise to emerging growth companies through venture capital investments. In his role, Corey’s expertise is tailored toward the future of work, learning & education, and human capitals arenas.
On this conversation, Corey explains how he navigated his career to land at First Analysis. He also shares his thoughts on the past, current and future state of SaaS tools, and how he has come to embrace his company’s hybrid working model.
Jessica Broome, PhD shares her thoughts on both qualitative and quantitative research. As the Founder of Southpaw Insights, Jessica leads a team of researchers to help organizational leaders solve problems through the thoughts and concerns of stakeholders. She talks about some of Southpaw’s recent research and navigating the past two years as a small business owner.
Additionally, Jessica shares a report on Parenting During the Pandemic, which addresses the challenges with life, work, finances and health during the past two years.
Click here to view report summary
On this episode, Valerie Jackson, the Chief Diversity Officer at Zuora, shares her views on Diversity & Inclusion. Valarie describes her thoughts on D&I through the prisms of strategy and change management; and the roles belonging and equity have in her D&I framework.
After a career of practicing corporate finance law and serving as the international policy advisor and negotiator for the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Valerie channeled her efforts towards the D&I field.
Check out all of this awesomeness!
On this episode, Bob Lavigna, the Director of the Institute for Public Sector Engagement with CPS HR Consulting, talks about the state of employee engagement in the public sector. As an employee engagement researcher, author, Bob offers solutions to have impact in federal, state, and local government leaders.
You click on the following link to out more about his book, Engaging Government Employees: Motivate and Inspire Your People to Achieve Superior Performance.
Dr. Rochelle Haynes, PhD, the founder of Crowd Potential Consulting shares her thoughts on how to create a flexible and agile HR enterprise based on remote work and the Great Resignation. She also shares her experiences using resilience to navigate the craziness of 2021.
You can find more information on Dr. Haynes and Crowd Potential on their website (https://www.crowdpotential.co.uk).