Leadership Insights: Achieving Your Goals and Overcoming Adversity

By: Ryan DuBois

Committed to Excellence Leaders!

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Ryan Cass, an inspiring leader whose journey in running and personal development left me incredibly motivated and fired up. Not only did I come away from this interview with a deeper understanding of the principles that drive success, but I also gained a new accountability partner and friend. Our connection is made even more special by our proximity—just a couple of hours away up the coast in Charleston, SC.

I hope you enjoy this recap of my interview with Ryan and gain as much insight and inspiration as I did.

The Running Journey

Ryan Cass’s journey into running has been a transformative experience, deeply influencing his leadership style and personal development. Inspired by the desire to challenge himself both physically and mentally, Ryan has embraced running as a powerful tool for growth. This journey has not been without its challenges. Ryan shared,

“I've been hit by a car running, hospitalized several times, and faced near-death experiences. The only person that can stop you is you.”

His resilience and determination are a testament to his belief that obstacles are meant to be overcome.

Ryan emphasized the importance of setting goals and being accountable:

“If you write it down and then make someone else aware of what you're going to do, you are that much more likely to actually take action on it.”

This approach has been pivotal in his running endeavors and serves as a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. This idea resonates with the wisdom of Tony Robbins:

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”

Ryan is particularly excited about his upcoming goal to run 150 miles this year on the bridge to raise funds for families affected by cancer. This initiative reflects his broader mission to use his passions to make a positive impact on others, reminiscent of how Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope inspired millions.

Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete who, after losing a leg to cancer, embarked on an ambitious cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to take action and make a difference. You can read more about Terry Fox's incredible journey here: https://www.terryfox.org/terrys-story/

Leadership Values and Experiences

As a leader, Ryan prioritizes core values such as accountability, resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset. He believes in leading by example and consistently strives to embody these values in his daily life. One memorable experience that stands out to him was committing to run 140 miles after being called out.

“Having accountability partners keeps you on track, pushing you to meet and exceed your goals.”

This challenge not only tested his physical limits but also reinforced the power of accountability and the importance of setting ambitious goals.

This is aligned with the teachings in Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," which emphasizes proactive behavior and accountability. As Covey writes,

“Accountability breeds response-ability.”

Ryan advises aspiring leaders to embrace challenges and set clear goals.

“Do something challenging to grow physically and mentally. Helping one person can create a ripple effect of positive change,”

he stated. He emphasizes that leadership is about making a positive impact, no matter how small the effort may seem.

This mirrors the thoughts of John Quincy Adams:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Podcasting and Community Engagement

Ryan’s podcast aims to inspire others through powerful stories and conversations. He looks for guests who are inspiring and have compelling stories to share, believing in the importance of not being afraid to reach out.

“Not being afraid to reach out to guests, no matter what, has brought amazing people onto my podcast,”

Ryan explained. This approach has led to impactful episodes that resonate with listeners and provide valuable insights.

His initiative echoes the spirit of Oprah Winfrey's quote:

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”

One particularly memorable episode featured guests who had appeared on renowned shows like Joe Rogan and Rich Roll. This highlighted the importance of pursuing opportunities and connecting with a wide range of individuals to bring unique perspectives to his audience.

This mirrors the approach highlighted in "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie:

“Talk to someone about themselves and they'll listen for hours.”

Personal Motivations and Impact

Ryan is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on others. He measures his success by the lives he touches and the difference he makes through his actions and initiatives.

“Visualizing your goals daily and being consistent are key to achieving long-term success,”

he shared. This belief in the power of visualization and consistency is a fundamental aspect of his approach to both personal and professional goals.

As Napoleon Hill stated,

“What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

Ryan’s commitment to running and personal excellence has inspired others to take up running and improve their lives. He emphasizes the ripple effect of positive actions, where even small efforts can lead to significant impacts on others.

“Do hard things that are relative to you. It’s going to make you a better leader, better for your family, your relationships, your loved ones,”

he advised.

This concept is echoed in David Goggins' book, "Can't Hurt Me," where he advocates pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve greatness. Goggins writes,

“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”

Long-Term Goals and Support

Looking ahead, Ryan’s long-term goals include expanding his scholarship fund to provide full-ride scholarships and increasing the impact of his cancer support initiative.

“Running and scholarships are tools to create lasting impacts, helping those facing cancer and supporting students ending generational curses.”

He continues to seek ways to enhance his impact and reach more individuals in need.

The community can support Ryan by engaging with his podcast, participating in his running initiatives, and contributing to his scholarship fund. Spreading the word and sharing his mission can also help amplify his impact.

“Your subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between what's real and what's imagined. It's all about programming your mind for success,”

he highlighted, emphasizing the power of mindset in achieving goals.

This aligns with the teachings of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale in "The Power of Positive Thinking." Peale writes,

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

Advice for the Community

Ryan’s advice for the community is to embrace challenges, set clear goals, and seek accountability partners. He also emphasizes the importance of helping at least one person and recognizing the broader impact of their positive actions.

“It's never a matter of if, simply a matter of when,”

he noted, underscoring the inevitability of success with the right mindset and actions.

For those looking for impactful resources, Ryan highly recommends "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. This book has profoundly influenced his approach to personal development and goal setting, providing a masterclass in building effective systems for long-term success. Clear writes,

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Key Takeaways from Ryan Cass's Interview

Achieving Your Goals "If you write it down and then make someone else aware of what you're going to do, you are that much more likely to actually take action on it."

Overcoming Adversity "I've been hit by a car running, hospitalized several times, and faced near-death experiences. The only person that can stop you is you."

Don't Be Afraid to Reach Out "Not being afraid to reach out to guests, no matter what, has brought amazing people onto my podcast."

Mindset Matters "Writing down what you want in life and looking at it daily programs your mind to achieve it. It's never a matter of if, simply a matter of when."

The Power of Accountability "Accountability partners keep you on track, pushing you to meet and exceed your goals."

Power of Visualization and Consistency "Visualizing your goals daily and being consistent are key to achieving long-term success."

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Accountability in Action "Having accountability partners means being ready for unexpected check-ins, which keeps you prepared and committed."

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Do Hard Things "Do something challenging to grow physically and mentally. Helping one person can create a ripple effect of positive change."

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Matter of When, Not If "Your subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between what's real and what's imagined. It's all about programming your mind for success."

Making a Larger Impact "Running and scholarships are tools to create lasting impacts, helping those facing cancer and supporting students ending generational curses."

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Embrace Challenges and Inspire Change

Interviewing Ryan Cass has been a truly motivating experience. His journey through running and personal development highlights the power of resilience, accountability, and a positive mindset. Ryan’s commitment to setting clear goals, embracing challenges, and making a positive impact on others serves as a powerful example for us all.

Ryan’s insights on writing down goals, seeking accountability, and the power of visualization are invaluable lessons. As he wisely states,

"Do something challenging to grow physically and mentally. Helping one person can create a ripple effect of positive change."

This reminder that our actions can inspire and uplift those around us is both empowering and encouraging.

Reflecting on Ryan's journey, I am more committed than ever to my goals and the impact I can make in my community. His story reminds us that perseverance and a supportive network are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Thank you for joining me in exploring Ryan Cass’s inspiring story. I hope you feel as empowered as I do to take on your own challenges with renewed determination. For more inspiration, follow Ryan Cass on LinkedIn .

Let’s continue to inspire and uplift each other as we strive for greatness!

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence,

Coach DuBois