James Robbins — leadership strategist and bestselling author of The Call to Climb — explores the soul's summons and the transformative power of choosing authenticity over programming. From battling inner "dragons" of fear to recognizing patterns that hold us back, James reveals why leadership is an inside job, why "I'm enough as I am" is the golden ticket, and how the law of a thousand steps teaches us to take the next step without needing to see the summit.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why the soul's summons keeps returning until we listen
How authenticity becomes power in leadership
Why patterns repeat until we notice them
How facing our dragons shrinks them
Why leadership is an inside job
The law of a thousand steps
Breaking free from programming vs living authentically
LEARN MORE
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September 11, 2025
James Robbins
The Courage to Be You: Overcoming Fear and Living with Purpose
"I want people to not feel imprisoned by their fears because they have so much to offer. Take the risk of just being yourself."
TIMESTAMPS
00:08:45 – The summons of the soul
00:18:27 – Ego vs soul
00:28:30 – Recognizing patterns
00:34:00 – The three dragons
00:41:43 – Leadership from the inside out
00:52:26 – "I'm enough as I am"
00:56:27 – The law of a thousand steps
SHOW NOTES
Today, Dr. Dan explores what it means to answer the call to climb with James Robbins—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of The Call to Climb: A Story to Find Your Path, Conquer Your Fears, and Fulfill Your Destiny. On this must-listen-to episode, Dr. Dan and James explore the intersection of purpose, courage, authenticity, and resilience, offering listeners a roadmap to living a more aligned and meaningful life.
James shares personal stories with Dr. Dan of facing both real and metaphorical mountains, the struggles of ignoring the “summons of the soul,” and the transformative power of choosing authenticity over programming. From battling inner “dragons” of fear and self-doubt to recognizing patterns that hold us back, this episode is filled with wisdom for leaders and anyone on a journey of self-awareness and growth.
LINKS & RESOURCES
James Robbins
Website — jamesrobbins.com
Instagram — @james.r.robbins
Book: The Call to Climb: A Story to Find Your Path, Conquer Your Fears, and Fulfill Your Destiny
Book: Nine Minutes on Monday — Leadership framework
Podcast — Leadership and personal growth content available on website
Books & Concepts Referenced
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman — Comparison to spiritual transformation journey
Carl Jung — Jungian concepts woven throughout (shadow work, archeology of the self)
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho — Comparable parable-style storytelling
GUEST BIO
James Robbins is a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author dedicated to helping people and organizations reach new heights. Over the past two decades, James has trained more than 50,000 managers across the globe through his practical, people-centered leadership frameworks, including the renowned Nine Minutes on Monday. His latest book, The Call to Climb: A Story to Find Your Path, Conquer Your Fears, and Fulfill Your Destiny, explores the intersection of purpose, courage, and personal growth through a powerful narrative that challenges readers to live a more aligned and meaningful life. James is the proud father of three kids and currently calls Colorado home. When he's not speaking or coaching, you'll find him hiking a mountain trail, writing his next project, or encouraging others to answer their own call to climb.
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