From Drift to Drive: The Silent Struggles of Men in Leadership

#LeadandLift | Episode 141 | Chris Robinson

True leadership isn’t about titles, achievements, or the bottom line. It’s about confronting the quiet battles within.

In this episode of the Lead and Lift Podcast, host Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership and author of From Drift to Drive, to explore the hidden pressures leaders face and how to move from silent struggle to purposeful growth.

The Hidden Battle Behind Success

Many leaders reach a point where the goals they once chased no longer fulfill them. Chris calls this the “destination disease.” 

“Once you get the title, the stuff, and the recognition, you begin to lose vision. Fulfillment doesn’t come from success alone, it comes from significance.” – Chris Robinson 

He explains that high performers often hit a wall after achieving their goals because they’ve focused on what they wanted instead of who they wanted to become.
The real shift happens when we move from success to significance from “it’s about me” to “it’s about others.”

Why Vulnerability Makes You a Stronger Leader

Many male leaders feel pressured to always have the answers and never show weakness. But Chris shares that true influence in leadership has evolved.

“Times have shifted. Today, leadership is about transparency not having all the answers, but knowing who to ask.” – Chris Robinson 

Vulnerability builds trust, and ego often prevents growth. Chris likens leadership to being a conductor of an orchestra your job isn’t to play every instrument but to bring out the best in each player.

“If you always hold on to what you have, you’ll never have room to receive more.” – Chris Robinson

Recognizing When You’re Drifting

Drift doesn’t happen loudly.  It’s subtle, disguised as busyness and comfort.
Chris outlines four signs that you might be drifting in leadership or life:

1. Comfort is your baseline. Growth begins where comfort ends.
2. You say “later” more than “now.” Delay is a quiet form of drift.
3. You consume more than you create. You read, listen, and learn but rarely take action.
4. You’ve lost energy for what once inspired you. 

“Complacency looks like busyness, feels like comfort, and sounds like excuses.” – Chris Robinson 

Drift seeps into every area of life work, relationships, and even health because complacency spreads quietly when you stop being intentional.

The Ripple Effect: How Drift Impacts Life and Leadership

Drift doesn’t just affect your work. It impacts your marriage, parenting, and overall fulfillment.
Chabidaye shares how many leaders unintentionally bring workplace stress home using their partners as sounding boards rather than investing in mentors or coaches.

Chris agrees, noting that complacency is one of the top causes of divorce not conflict.

“Drift is like a raft in the ocean. You go wherever the waves take you. But with direction and power, you can navigate intentionally.” – Chris Robinson 

The Power of Mentorship and the Right Circle

Chris emphasizes that no one can grow alone.

“You cannot become what you cannot see.” – Chris Robinson 

He encourages leaders to intentionally find mentors and communities that reflect the person they want to become. Whether through books, coaches, or mastermind groups, surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth and accountability.

“Get around people who are going in the same direction as you. It changes your energy, your results, and your life.” – Chris Robinson

When Leadership Feels Heavy: What to Do Next

For leaders navigating toxic workplaces or outdated management styles, Chris offers a mindset shift:

“Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. You don’t need a title to lead.” – Chris Robinson 

He shares that the only things within your control are your attitude, your development, and your response. Focusing on personal growth transforms your perspective and sometimes, your environment.

Three Daily Questions to Move from Drift to Drive

When life feels heavy, Chris recommends ending each day with reflection. Ask yourself:

1. What went right today? 
2. What went wrong today? 
3. What can I do differently? 

“Intentionality breeds clarity. Clarity brings action. Action brings results.” – Chris Robinson 

Try this for seven days and watch how your energy, focus, and purpose shift.

Take the Drift to Drive Quiz

Chris created a Complacency Assessment Profile to help leaders identify where drift has crept into their life and how to take action.
👉 Take the quiz at DriftToDriveQuiz.com 

“This isn’t just for men, it’s for anyone who’s been busy but not intentional.” – Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath 

Final Words of Wisdom

Chris reminds us that leadership is not a fixed trait. It’s a skill anyone can learn and grow.

“You don’t have to settle where you are. Leadership is a learnable skill, and your best days are ahead.” – Chris Robinson 

And as Chabidaye closes the conversation, she leaves us with this reflection:

“True strength isn’t about having all the answers. It's about the courage to keep growing, even when no one’s watching.” – Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath 

Key Takeaways

• Success without significance leads to emptiness.
• Drift is subtle — it looks like busyness but lacks purpose.
• Vulnerability builds trust and empowers teams.
• Mentorship and community accelerate growth.
• Leadership starts with reflection and self-awareness.

Links mentioned in this episode: 

•  Chris Robinson's Facebook
• Chris Robinson's ESpeakers
• Chris Robinson's LinkedIn
• Chris Robinson's Website
• Complacency Assessment Profile

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Chabidaye Facebook
• Chabidaye Instagram
• Chabidaye LinkedIn
• Chabidaye Website