534: Anchored Leadership in a Shifting World with Rusty Rueff

What if lasting success isn’t about what you achieve—but who you become? In this powerful episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Rusty Rueff—renowned tech executive, startup advisor, philanthropist, and co-author of Faith Code—to explore how inner purpose and spiritual identity provide the only truly unshakable foundation for life and leadership. Drawing from two decades of reflection, Rusty shares a compelling metaphor: Are you building your life on a solid platform (faith, values, purpose), or just stacking up flashy but fragile apps (titles, possessions, roles)? In this conversation, Nicole and Rusty unpack why true freedom, resilience, and fulfillment only come when you lead from your source code—a deep connection to something greater than yourself. From navigating profound personal loss and professional upheaval, to cultivating spiritual habits and daily disciplines, this episode offers practical insights and soul-level encouragement for leaders ready to build from the inside out. What You’ll Learn: Why Faith Code was written and why these principles are more relevant than ever The “Platform vs. App” metaphor—and how it redefines success How to respond when your “apps” crash: job loss, health struggles, identity shifts How loss and disruption can become gateways to inner freedom Why love—God’s love, self-love, and love for others—is the cornerstone of resilience The difference between loving as a feeling vs. loving as a verb How to realign your life through energy, time, and priority audits The daily disciplines that strengthen your platform What grows stronger as everything else fades—and why that’s your true legacy Podcast Highlights 0:00 – Anchoring in a World of Change: Meet Rusty Rueff 2:01 – The Birth of Faith Code: Why Platform vs. App Matters 6:47 – Building on the Wrong Things: The Hidden Limits of “Apps” 8:19 – Your Source Code: Identity Anchored in Faith 11:18 – When the Apps Crash: Finding Freedom Through Loss 13:46 – God’s Love: The Ultimate Platform 16:34 – Love as a Verb: Daily Choices That Build Resilience 19:38 – Rebuilding Priorities: Applying the Faith Code 23:34 – The Art of Time: Energy, Rhythm, and Alignment 27:28 – The Spirit That Grows Stronger with Time Memorable Quotes “Are you building your life as a platform or just stacking up apps? Your apps can crash. Your platform must endure.” “What’s the one thing God gives that can’t be taken away? His love. More reliable than the sunrise.” “Love isn’t love unless it’s acted on. It’s not a noun—it’s a verb.” “Everything fades… except your spirit. It can become the strongest part of your life—especially in the end.” Episode Show Notes and Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/534-anchored-leadership-in-a-shifting-world-with-rusty-rueff/ Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________ 📣 SUBSCRIBE to the Leaders of Transformation Podcast  👇 CONNECT with Nicole Jansen on Social Media  ▶︎ YOUTUBE ▶︎ INSTAGRAM ▶︎ FACEBOOK  ▶︎ LINKEDIN ▶︎ X