When life or leadership turns up the heat, the real test isn't the event—it's your response.

In this episode, John Robertson shares one of his most practical leadership lessons: the "hot water teabag" principle. Whatever is inside you always leaks out when the water gets hot. The same is true for every leader and organization.

John explains why values aren't posters or slogans but everyday behaviors under pressure. He unpacks how to define what matters most before the next crisis arrives, how to identify your non-negotiables, and why your time and money always tell the truth about your real priorities.

You'll also hear:

• The difference between Crisis U and Crisis L organizations

• How to align your behavior with your values when tested

• Why feedback from others is vital for closing the gap between what you say and what you live

• How to finish well by surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to stay true

Values aren't proven in comfort. They're proven in crisis. The question is, when you're in hot water—what leaks out?

In this episode, John Robertson reflects on a simple lesson from his grandkids that reshaped how he views growth and leadership. Watching a four-year-old endlessly ask "why" reminded him that curiosity isn't just a child's habit—it's a crucial tool for adults who want to thrive.

John explores how our frustration with "why" often reveals more about us than the question itself. From the way we rush through our mornings to the empty promises of "we should grab coffee sometime," he challenges listeners to pause and ask what's really driving their actions.

Using his signature storytelling and practical insight, John explains how asking "why" helps uncover core values, exposes misplaced priorities, and realigns relationships that have drifted into routine. He shares personal experiences about losing his job, redefining what mattered, and discovering how values—not busyness—anchor true growth.

Listeners will walk away with three actions:

1. Pause and ask why. Notice when you're rushing or reacting.

2. Speak the truth gently. Be honest about what's urgent versus what's important.

3. Reframe conversations around values. Whether at work or home, make "why" your guide.

As John says, growth is rarely comfortable—but when we change and look back, that discomfort is what we call growth.

In this episode of Run Toward the Roar, it is John Robertson's desire to encourage and empower you to honor your passion and values. He emphasizes the importance of thriving, not just surviving.

He also shares insights on the significance of budgeting, not just financially, but also in terms of time, emotions, physical activities, spirituality, and more.

He highlights the key benefits of budgeting, such as financial stability, independence, and peace of mind, and reflects on a unique approach to budgeting time and emotions shared with him by a listener.

John reiterates his desire for you to thrive, finish well, and run toward the roar.

What to expect in this episode:

00:00 Desire to help and encourage others' potential.

03:30 New approach to budgeting and finance.

08:06 Spiritual budgeting involves art, nature, positivity.

10:57 Helping others navigate and overcome obstacles together.

13:58 Pickleball: smaller court, kitchen rule confusion.

18:32 Receiving unwanted attention, frustration leads to confrontation.

20:30 Seek help, find courage, be faithful, finish.

24:05 Discovery of love through Alzheimer's and dementia.

26:58 Grateful for our conversation. Thank you.

About John Robertson

John Robertson is one of the leading Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers that Leaders in the workplace look to "when things start to feel like they're falling apart" due to issues with their staff, support systems, and company "ethos" (character and habit driven behaviors that either make or break an organization during times of crisis). Find out more about his THRIVE-based Books, Training, and Resources here.

Driven by a "recognition of others' strengths" and a deep-seated faith in their ability to find their way through even the most challenging of times— John creates an intensely inspiring environment for recovery, optimization, and triumph.

With over 30 years of experience leading large groups through his involvement in the church alongside shepherding public-service organizations (such as Townships, Firefighters, Police, and First Responders) through their own points of crisis and transition, John is counted on time and time again as "the steady voice of reason during even the most challenging of storms".

Websites:
https://runtowardtheroar.online/resources-download
https://fortlog.co/

Email: Hello@fortlog.co

If you would like to follow along in an easy format please go to Amazon and purchase a copy of the book Run Toward The Roar: Transforming Crisis and Change into the Opportunity to Thrive, as that is the theme that we will be building on.

If you're willing to please send me an e-mail, hello@fortlog.co I would like to send you chapter one of the discovery guide so that I can encourage you in the thinking of this journey.