🎙️ S4:E73AI RECAP – LIVE | From Purpose to Credibility

Coach BZ and Bob Fabien Zinga discuss what modern leaders need: a clear personal identity, credibility built through consistent action, and a customer-focused mission statement. Zinga argues credibility is the new currency of leadership, and shares how he chose serving over his parents' expectations that he become a doctor or lawyer.
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¡Hola!
Hi, I'm John Maxwell. When the top companies in the world are looking for trainers, speakers, and coaches, there's one name that stands above the rest, and that's Maxwell Leadership. Our certified team members have gotten proven results for companies all over the globe, and our reputation, I'm proud to say, is second to none. Some of our members have risen to the top of their profession, including the one you're going to meet today. I proudly introduce you to my friend, Bob Fabien Zinga.
Welcome to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach Beezy. If you need to develop into a better leader, this podcast is for you. If you want to achieve a greater level of success, this podcast is for you. His mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell, said it best: everything rises and falls on leadership. We hope to inspire you today and provide you with an insight that has the potential to positively impact the trajectory of your life. Welcome to the Leadership and Success Podcast.
Imagine gaining the leadership skills that could redefine your career. Join Coach BZ on the Leadership and Success Podcast, where each episode delivers practical insights from world-class speakers, military leaders, and industry experts. We dive deep into what matters most: building resilient teams, leading through uncertainty, and navigating complexity with clarity and confidence. Every conversation is crafted for aspiring leaders like you who are ready to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact. Don't miss our powerful live sessions and recent highlights. Michelle Hayward on building diverse high-performing technical teams. Anne Leslie on leading through global complexity and cybersecurity risk. Ron Carpenter AI exploring faith, resilience, and AI-powered leadership. Colonel Michelle G.I. Gardner-Intz on commanding influence from the battlefield to the boardroom. Chris Robinson on shifting from drift to drive in life and leadership. And Coach Enrique Acosta Gonzalez on mentorship, legacy, and heart-centered leadership. Ready to level up your leadership journey? Tune in on Spotify, Apple, Audible Podcasts, YouTube Live, and LinkedIn Live. Join the movement toward leadership excellence. Listen now and start transforming your success.
That purpose is— and that's what we try to do with our daughter, trying to figure out what, uh, that is, and then support them no matter what that is, whether they make a lot of money or not. Because I feel like the goal in life is not to make a whole bunch of money, but really to make a difference, to have an impact on people. That is really the goal, whether you have a million-dollar estate or not. Anyway, I felt like that was important.
So Bob Fabien Zinga, thank you so much for joining us today. It was amazing to— it's always amazing to exchange and interact with you. And You were as fabulous in this show as I could have possibly thought you would be. So thank you.
Appreciate that. Thank you.
You're welcome. Hey, listen, for you in the audience, you're still here. This is now your time to take action. This is your time to take the aha message that really resonated with you, to share it on social media, to share this with your friends, colleagues, family who really need to hear this. And thanks so much for joining us. Thanks for listening to what Bob Fabien Zinga had to say. And looking forward to seeing you at the next episode of Leaders Living Their Values. Take care, everyone.
Bye now.
Thank you for tuning in. We hope you found value in today's episode.
Podcast I recorded with the one and only Mitchell Levi, and it's available now, the full episode. It's episode 73. So this is going to be the 10 Minute AI recap.
So before we get started, let's do our moment of gratitude really quick.
It's going to take less than a minute, and basically we are going to think about one thing today that we are grateful for. So if you want to, you can close your eyes, put yourself in your happy place, take a deep breath, and think about one thing you are grateful for today. I think today I am grateful for knowledge, sharing knowledge, and also contributing to knowledge. I'm going to be speaking today at the CIO CISO Summit in Silicon Valley, and it's always a great time when I can add to and contribute to our body of knowledge in cybersecurity or technology, but also learn from my peers. So I am looking forward to that. And if you guys can join me, you can still register, and you will see the link on my LinkedIn page, the CIO/CISO San Francisco Summit. Today. I will be presenting a keynote presentation and also be part of an expert panel. All right, so now let's go to the 10-minute recap for today. I'm going to have my AI agent give that to you, and if you have a question for me, type it out in the chat. And also please let us know where you are coming from, what city, what state, and if outside of the US, what country. And, uh, also, uh, if you would, uh, tag somebody that you know who might benefit from this podcast and, uh, like the, uh, feed you are looking at, and, um, we post, uh, in your feed so we can reach, uh, more people. Uh, thanks again for being, uh, with me today. Okay, we go to the 10-minute Recap.
Welcome to our podcast. Today we're diving deep into leadership that grows from authenticity and purpose. You know, it's like, ah, that foundation of who you are really, right?
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, when you talk about leadership beyond titles as coaching from the heart, it really resonates. So what do you think is the core starting point here?
Well, it's all about identity. When asked, who is BZ? The answer came straight from the soul. I am a child of God, a husband, a father, and a servant. That's the root where real leadership sprouts.
Right. Because if you're not clear about who you are, how can you expect to lead in an environment that's so, you know, high stakes and pressure?
Exactly. In an era where labels and speed rule, Anchoring yourself in your true identity gives you stability. It's like— it's like having a compass that points in the right direction, no matter how chaotic it gets.
Yeah, exactly. And speaking of directions, the conversation also gets into credibility as the new currency of leadership. I mean, being known, liked, and trusted— those are the real coins, aren't they?
Absolutely. Credibility isn't about flashy avatars or just your resume. It's built day by day through consistent actions, being genuine with your values and treating people right.
Right. So it's a reminder that if you're in the military or in tech, people will follow you not just because you're competent, but because you're trustworthy. Isn't that true?
Yeah, exactly. And here's an interesting point. They introduced this concept called CPOP, or Customer Point of Possibility. Basically, it's a way to capture your mission in a succinct phrase. For example, Tech companies securely adding value to their community.
I love that. It forces leaders to think in 10 words or less about how they serve their community. But, um, don't you think sometimes that can oversimplify complexity?
That's a good question. I mean, it's like distilling a fine wine into a single note. Sure, you lose some depth, but it gives you clear focus, and clarity is vital.
Yeah, true. Exactly. Clarity in leadership is essential. Like when you write out your vision so everyone knows exactly where you're headed.
Right. It's reminiscent of that leadership insight from Habakkuk 2:2, "Write the vision, make it plain." Without that clarity, teams drift and results suffer.
Mm-hmm. Absolutely. And then there's the servant leadership aspect. The idea is that true leaders use their results to serve people rather than using people just to achieve numbers. That really sets the bar high.
Yeah, it's all about responsibility. Whether you're a Navy commander with 150 personnel or a parent caring for your children, leadership is about service. So you always ask yourself, who are you really serving?
And that ties back to values. I mean, when, um, you lead by your values, It doesn't matter if you're in a boardroom or on the field. What matters is that you act with integrity. Like Proverbs reminds us, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely." Exactly.
It's like the whole conversation encourages us to define success on internal alignment, not just external applause.
Mm-hmm, absolutely. Speaking of internal alignment, the discussion also touched on how digital distractions like AI and fast-paced media challenge our ability to maintain credibility. How do you see that playing out?
Well, in a digital world full of deepfakes and noise, being authentic is more critical than ever. It's like technology's neutral. It can help if used well or destroy the trust if misused.
And that's where integrity really comes in. Showing up consistently both online and offline. You know, not just reacting to digital trends, but aligning your actions with your core values.
Exactly. This is where, um, credibility comes in as that ultimate currency. It's not just about being smart, it's about being reliable, even when no one's watching.
Mm-hmm. I think that's a powerful message, especially when we face burnout. The idea of executive abundance versus executive burnout was another bright spot, right?
Yes, absolutely. Instead of letting burnout creep in, leaders are encouraged to manage all stakeholders. Self, family, employees, customers, investors, and community. It's a holistic view that reminds leaders to care for themselves too.
Yeah, which is so important because, um, if you're exhausted, how can you effectively lead others? It truly is a balanced act.
Right. Maybe I should challenge here a bit. While the concept is inspiring, sometimes focusing on all stakeholders equally might dilute the intensity needed for quick decisions in times of crisis. But overall—
I see what you mean.
It's a guiding framework.
Yeah, that makes sense. It's all about finding that balance between abundance and the necessary focus to make rapid critical decisions.
Exactly. And then we move to Lessons from Failure and Legacy from Family. It's really about the resilience that comes from learning through personal hardships.
Right, absolutely. When leaders share their failures, they're really, um, sowing the seeds for growth and understanding. And those legacy lessons really hit home when you consider what you'll leave behind.
Definitely. As the conversation points out, legacy isn't just what you leave behind; it's what you leave in the people you lead. It's like, you know, the echo of your values in their actions.
Exactly.
And that leads into the wrap-up. Leading with values and defining success on your own terms. It's a reminder that no external measure can replace the inner respect of your family and community.
Right on! The part where it says, "You can win the world, but if your spouse and kids don't respect you, you've failed"— that really encapsulates how success is defined by alignment, not just metrics.
Yeah, so true. And it reinforces the idea that what truly matters is how you live your life, both in public and in private. So, how do you suggest leaders integrate this into their everyday work?
Well, it starts with daily intentionality, having those coaching prompts in your mind. Ask yourself, who are you when the uniform comes off? How does every decision align with your values?
Mhm.
It's a constant check-in that keeps you grounded.
That makes a lot of sense. It's like every morning you should be asking yourself, Is my action today building trust, showing service, and reinforcing my identity?
Absolutely. These principles—identity, credibility, clarity, servant leadership, and balancing abundance with self-care—are not just leadership theories. They're, um, lived experiences that define how we make a difference in the boardroom or in our homes.
Yeah, exactly. And it's inspiring to see how these ideas merge practical steps with A real heart for service and legacy. It gives listeners a lot to think about each day, right?
For sure. At the end of the day, it's about leading with intention, staying true to who you are, and serving those around you. Just imagine a world where every leader does that. What a profound, lasting impact that would have.
Absolutely. Well, this conversation has definitely sparked some food for thought. Here's to leading with clarity, courage, and a commitment to service, both at work and at home.
Indeed. Thanks for joining in this conversation. Let's continue to inspire and be inspired by the true principles of leadership that go far beyond just titles.
Right on.
All right. Thank you so much, Andrew and Liz AI. So that was it for today. So I believe one of my biggest takeaways from the interview I had with Mitchell is, uh, you really have to be true to your core values. You have to know who you are and live with integrity as much as you can. So I don't see any questions, uh, in the comment on YouTube or LinkedIn. So, uh, before I leave you today, I want to remind you I will be back in about 12 hours to do the same AI Recap, this time in French. And then tomorrow I'm gonna be doing What's in Your Life Blueprint, that wonderful speech that Martin Luther King wrote. We're gonna be talking about that tomorrow. And later this week I'm gonna be talking to Daniela McCoy, Global Resilience Exchange founder and international speaker, and she just won an award yesterday, by the way, about diversity, equity, and inclusion for business continuity. So she's going to be here, and then the following week I'm going to have Sharon Lecter. She's going to be here on the Leadership and Success Podcast. She needs absolutely no introduction. She's the co-founder of Rich Dad Poor Dad. I think she co-wrote more than 15 books with Robert Kiyosaki, which is pretty amazing. And on the same day in the afternoon, I will be talking to my buddy, my shipmate, Captain Select, Desmond Walker. So you don't want to miss this. And then at the end of the month, I also have someone special scheduled that is going to be Octavia Gardena. She is a prolific author and she's going to be talking to us on September 30th. And also today, like I mentioned, I will be at the CIO/CSO San Francisco Summit.
If you can, you can still register for the event.
I will give a keynote presentation and I will also be part of the expert panel, the opening keynote panel. So I need to be leaving now with the traffic in the Bay Area, but if you can join me, that would be great. So I'm going to play a couple more teasers from the leadership conversation I had with Mitchell. And I will see you again in 12 hours for the 10-minute AI recap en français.
Welcome to our podcast.
Got it. All right. Thank you for that. So I have two last questions. Stick around. If you're still here, stick around because the second one is always the fun one. Not you, I'm talking about everyone else. But Of course, you're going to be here. First, if people were really interested and want to learn more, what's the best way for them to reach out?
That would be my LinkedIn profile. So Bob Fabien Zinga, LinkedIn in Bob Fabien Zinga. Perfect. Thank you for that.
All right. So the last question would be if based on this conversation and how it went, is there a question that you wanted to be asked or is there a question you'd like to ask yourself?
Uh, I know I've read your book about, uh, CPOP. I think it's definitely a game changer, and I think it's kind of important to be able to successfully get to, you know, uh, watch, I guess, to be the essence of your customers, right? Um, customer point of possibility. I think that is a very good way of thinking about business and who your customers are. But I guess for me, for the majority of my, um, of my experience, my background, yeah, I've, I've had my own, uh, small business at times, but for the most part, the way I made money, I was an employee, right? Either for the US Navy or a Silicon Valley company or a corporation. I, I guess I am saying all of this to say maybe one question, some, something I, I would like to make clear is, uh, even if you do not own a business, I believe you still have customers because your customer could be your internal customer, like your colleagues, the people who work for you in your organization, or the other function within your organization. So those would be your customer as well. And I think it's Yeah.
And credibility is the quality which you're trusted, known, and liked. And you didn't have to talk about any of them specifically, and you talked about and demonstrated all 10 of them. So I'm just going to say congratulations. Um, specifically on your last comment, one way to think about it is the way you talked about your daughters. Um, they are the customers of you and your wife producing a conscious human that's going to add value to society. Yes. And I just thought I'd share that.
One more thing, you just reminded me of something. So I am originally from Africa, and for some reason, a lot of African parents, including mine, they want all of their kids to be doctors or lawyers. I don't know why. Actually, I know why. It's because they like money. Once you're a doctor, you're a lawyer, you are respected in society and you make a whole bunch of money. I think that That is the drive. Now, I didn't want to be a doctor because my parents wanted me to, but they definitely very much encouraged it. I remember when I was maybe 7 or 8, 9 years old, I actually wanted to become a minister. That was my desire. My dad said, "Absolutely not." He says, "One, if you become a priest, you won't give me any grandchildren. And then two, you will be poor. You're going to have to do a vow of poverty and all that. So no, not in my family, not." in my lineage for those. And then when I eventually said doctor, oh yeah, absolutely, we want you to be doctor, we're going to do everything we can to support you. And then my sister, she was supposed to become a lawyer and all of that. Again, I understand that. I do not judge my parents. When you know better, you will do better. But that's definitely not the kind of father I wanted to become to my children. I think every child really needs to do what God has called them to, right? Uh, what they were born to do, really follow their purpose, not, not just passion but purpose.
Thank you for listening to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach BZ. If you like what you heard, please subscribe to our channels and come back for more wisdom nuggets on how you may develop into a better leader and achieve greater levels of success. Leadership is the most critical skill. The world will always need leaders to lead others, deploy the next disruptive technology, or execute a business strategy. You may as well decide on counting yourself among the 21st century leaders. See you right here next time on the Leadership and Success Podcast with Coach BZ.
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