Champion Mindset Collective

If your organisation still treats AI as a collection of tools, it may already be falling behind.
Anthony Dahya speaks with Steve Brown, AI futurist, former Google DeepMind and Intel executive, and bestselling author of The AI Ultimatum.
Steve explains why AI transformation requires more than adding a chatbot or chasing the latest tool. Leaders must rethink how their organisation operates, makes decisions and creates value.
They explore predictive, generative, reasoning, agentic and physical AI, including why AI agents are becoming digital employees that can plan, learn, use tools and complete complex tasks.
You’ll discover:
• How to move from AI experiments to an AI-first strategy
• Steve’s framework: Enable, Re-engineer and Reimagine
• Why using AI only to cut costs limits its business value
• How AI can amplify people rather than simply replace them
• How leaders can prepare their workforce for AI transformation
• The first steps towards an enterprise AI strategy
Will you lead the AI transformation or be left behind?
CHAPTERS
00:00 Why every leader needs an AI strategy
01:35 Steve Brown’s technology and AI journey
02:44 Working at Intel and Google DeepMind
03:50 Steve’s first experience with AI
05:42 Predictive, generative, reasoning and agentic AI
09:40 How physical AI and robotics will change work
13:22 Will AI replace human jobs?
16:31 The Wisdom Network and future workforce
18:31 Where business leaders should start
20:11 Three stages of AI transformation
24:01 From AI tools to business strategy
25:41 Building your AI intelligence portfolio
28:51 How small businesses can start with AI
29:49 The biggest AI strategy mistake
31:15 Measuring success beyond productivity
32:23 The AI-first leadership mindset
34:03 How SHEIN built an AI-first business
36:45 Why employees will manage AI machines
38:35 Preparing people for AI transformation
42:40 Identity, purpose and a post-labour future
44:18 How leaders should manage AI agents
47:36 Learning to lead digital employees
50:46 Inside The AI Ultimatum
53:47 Innovate or be left behind
54:59 One practical step leaders can take today
55:55 Why becoming AI-first is a business race
58:06 Building a human-first future with AI
58:51 Connect with Steve Brown
1:00:50 Quick-fire questions
1:02:27 What it means to have a champion mindset
RESOURCES
Steve Brown
Website: https://www.stevebrown.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/futuresteve/
The AI Ultimatum: https://a.co/d/1YoFV5C
AI Innovation Workshops: https://www.stevebrown.ai/workshop
Anthony Dahya
Champion Mindset Collective: https://championmindsetcollective.com
AI Workflows Agency: https://aiworkflows.agency
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydahya/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AnthonyDahya
Email: podcast@anthonydahya.com
READY TO WORK SMARTER WITH AI?
Book an AI Clarity Assessment to find opportunities to reduce repetitive work, improve efficiency and create more time for what matters:
https://aiworkflows.agency/sme-ai-clarity-session
BE A GUEST
Apply to share your story on the Champion Mindset Collective:
https://championmindsetcollective.com/be-a-guest
#AIStrategy #AITransformation #AIAgents #AgenticAI #AIAutomation #AILeadership #AIForBusiness #FutureOfWork #TheAIUltimatum #SteveBrown #AnthonyDahya #ChampionMindsetCollective

You're in rooms not built for you, trying to fit in, to shrink yourself, right? But what if the very parts you're hiding are your greatest assets?

Join Anthony Dahya and Lori Crooks, founder of Cadra, as she shares her powerful journey. From cybersecurity compliance in a 'navy blue' world to rebuilding her business from scratch after a devastating loss, Lori reveals how she transformed a season of struggle into a declaration of self-worth. Discover the true meaning behind her 'I Am Enough' tattoo and why standing authentically in your power is your ultimate business advantage. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the pressure to conform, struggling with identity shifts, or navigating the tough road of entrepreneurial setbacks.

Key Takeaways

- Your unique identity, even in conservative industries, can be your biggest business asset, not a weakness.
- A major business setback can be a catalyst for deep personal growth and a stronger, more authentic foundation.
- The phrase 'I Am Enough' isn't just a slogan; it's a powerful daily reminder to counteract self-doubt and internal criticism.
- Prioritise diversification in business (clients, revenue streams) to prevent catastrophic single-point failures.
- Childhood experiences, like striving for perfection, can impact adult self-worth and require conscious reframing.

Chapters

00:00 You Are Enough
00:13 Building a Business Without Shrinking Yourself
02:06 Meet Lori Crooks
02:15 From Accounting to Cybersecurity
04:01 When Lori’s Biggest Contract Disappeared
05:09 The Personal Cost of Losing the Contract
06:21 Rebuilding the Business Differently
07:55 Why Lori Tattooed “I Am Enough”
10:28 What “I Am Enough” Really Means
12:37 Getting Through the Difficult Days
13:49 Ten Years of Building CADRA
15:50 Choosing Authenticity and Hot-Pink Branding
17:13 What If People Don’t Like the Real Me?
19:41 Stop Shrinking Yourself
21:51 Discovering Who You Really Are
23:58 The Loneliness of Running a Business
24:32 One Step Towards Greater Authenticity
25:20 Learning to Ask for Help
27:25 Lori’s Self-Care Checklist
29:35 A Final Reminder That You Are Enough
31:07 Quick-Fire Questions
32:23 What It Means to Have a Champion Mindset
32:43 Final Thoughts and Closing Message

Links

🔗 **Connect with Lori Crooks & Cadra:**
CADRA Website: https://www.cadra.com/
About CADRA and Lori Crooks: https://www.cadra.com/about/
Lori Crooks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-crooks/
CADRA LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadra-compliance/
CADRA Services: https://www.cadra.com/services/
CADRA Cybersecurity and Compliance Blog: https://www.cadra.com/blog/
The Cadra Compliance Monthly Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-cadra-compliance-monthly-7318689843104919554
Contact CADRA: https://www.cadra.com/contact-us/

✨ **Special Offers from Lori Crooks:**
Free Compliance Discovery Call: https://www.cadra.com/schedule-a-call/
Free FedRAMP Resource: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/klY9Mrt4Ejj3YuYpZqXt
Book Lori for Podcasts & Speaking Engagements & Workshops: https://www.cadra.com/media/
Media Enquiry Form: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/hrpHy8XEMHBz8WHKCMPa
Lori Crooks Official Media Kit and One Sheet: https://www.cadra.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lori-Crooks-Cadra-One-Sheet.pdf

Connect with Anthony Dahya
Champion Mindset Collective: https://championmindsetcollective.com
AI Workflows Agency: https://aiworkflows.agency
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydahya/
Contact: podcast@anthonydahya.com

Book an AI Clarity Assessment to identify where AI & automation could make the greatest difference in your business. Discover opportunities to reduce repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and free up more time for the work that matters most.

Book your AI Clarity Assessment now: https://aiworkflows.agency/sme-ai-clarity-session

Be a Guest: https://championmindsetcollective.com/be-a-guest

What if dyslexia is not simply a reading problem, but a different way of thinking that can become a powerful advantage?
In this episode of the Champion Mindset Collective Podcast, Anthony Dahya speaks with dyslexia educator and researcher Russell Van Brocklen about understanding dyslexia, supporting children who learn differently, and helping dyslexic thinkers organise and communicate their ideas.
Russell shares his experience of living with what he describes as an extreme case of dyslexia. He explains how a New York State-funded study of his brain revealed a remarkable “light switch” effect, where his reading and writing ability could change dramatically depending on how he activated and organised his thinking.
Russell challenges the belief that dyslexia is simply a reading problem. He believes reading difficulties are often a symptom of a deeper challenge involving the organisation and communication of fast-moving ideas.
During the conversation, Russell explains his approach of using word analysis followed by articulation. He also shares how writing can help dyslexic learners organise their thoughts, improve communication and develop greater confidence.
Anthony even steps into the learner’s seat as Russell uses a challenging language exercise to demonstrate what reading can feel like for a dyslexic child.
In this episode, you will discover:
• Why Russell describes dyslexia as a superpower
• What his “brain switch” experience revealed
• Why dyslexia may be more than a reading problem
• How dyslexic thinking can support analysis and problem-solving
• Why writing and articulation are central to Russell’s approach
• The biggest dyslexia myths affecting parents and educators
• Why early intervention can change a child’s learning journey
• How parents can support dyslexic children at home
• The value of building learning around a child’s interests
• How AI can support communication, education and productivity
• How Russell turned a personal struggle into a meaningful mission
About Russell Van Brocklen
Russell Van Brocklen is a dyslexia educator, researcher and founder of Dyslexia Classes. His work helps parents understand how dyslexic children think and provides practical methods for improving reading, writing, communication and confidence.
Russell’s mission is to make effective dyslexia education more accessible, helping children recognise their strengths, organise their ideas and prepare for success in education and the real world.
Additional Resources and Links
Connect with Russell Van Brocklen:
Official Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/
Free Guide, The 3 Reasons Your Child’s Dyslexia Education Isn’t Working: https://mailchi.mp/dcacd9a6f9ae/3-reasons-ebook
Dyslexia Classes for Parents Membership: https://www.skool.com/dyslexia-classes-2483/about
PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/guestdetail/1746760245746122c4ceee23d
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-van-brocklen-2007ab87
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyslexiaclasses/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiaclassesus/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cqwfxn9FqFx1Idl0YbeHg
Connect with Anthony Dahya:
Champion Mindset Collective: https://championmindsetcollective.com
AI Workflows Agency: https://aiworkflows.agency
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydahya/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AnthonyDahya
Contact: podcast@anthonydahya.com
Be a Guest on the Show:
https://championmindsetcollective.com/be-a-guest
If this conversation helped you see dyslexia differently, follow the Champion Mindset Collective Podcast and share this episode with a parent, educator or dyslexic thinker who may benefit from Russell’s message.

Feeling the constant pressure to prove yourself? Like you're never quite enough, no matter how much you achieve? This episode is for anyone carrying that heavy load.

Matthew Hodgson, an ex-pro basketballer who played for Australia and reached a Dallas Mavericks minicamp, knows that feeling intimately. He shares his profound journey from linking self-worth to achievement, to discovering who he was beyond the accolades, especially after injuries ended his career.

Additional Resources and Next Steps

- Rebuild confidence and direction with Champion Reset.
https://championmindsetcollective.com/champion-reset

Key Takeaways

- The hidden cost of building your identity solely around external achievement and performance.
- Why the belief 'There's nothing wrong with you' is a powerful first step to inner peace and self-acceptance.
- How accepting and allowing pain to pass, rather than running from it, leads to true self-discovery.
- Separating your identity from your accomplishments is crucial for sustained well-being and growth.
- Defining success on your own terms, independent of external validation, transforms your life.

Chapters

0:00 The Heavy Load of Proving Yourself
1:00 Matthew's Journey: From Basketball Dream to Identity Crisis
4:08 Basketball as Identity: The Early Years
7:10 The Moment He Chose to Go Pro (For Recognition)
9:34 When Basketball Started to Fall Apart: Mental Fraying
11:00 Why 'There's Nothing Wrong With You' Changes Everything

Links

Matthew Hodgson
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/matthew-hodgson-09b9bb360
People Performance Advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-performance-advisors/

Matthew also teaches a simple reset called Recognise, Breathe and Act, which he has discussed in his work with young athletes. His PlayBook interview covers this approach.

Connect with Anthony Dahya
Champion Mindset Collective: https://championmindsetcollective.com
AI Workflows Agency: https://aiworkflows.agency
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydahya/
Contact: podcast@anthonydahya.com

Be a Guest: https://championmindsetcollective.com/be-a-guest

Your business looks solid on the outside, but what if it's built on sand? Most founders focus on growth, overlooking the structural foundations that protect everything they've built.

In this powerful episode, Anthony Dahya sits down with Scherrie L. Prince, who reveals the hidden fragilities in seemingly successful businesses. Discover the four corner foundation (Ownership, Control, Continuity, Exit) that can make or break your venture. Scherrie shares her journey of losing everything and rebuilding, offering a raw perspective on why proactive planning isn't just smart business, it's essential for your peace of mind and legacy. Learn the cost of inaction and how to fortify your business before life's inevitable pressure tests your structure. This isn't just about business strategy; it's about building an unbreakable future.

If you are navigating redundancy, career change, rejection, or a major life transition, Champion Reset is designed to help you rebuild confidence, clarity, and direction. Learn more about Champion Reset here: https://championmindsetcollective.com/champion-reset

Additional Resources and Next Steps

- Rebuild confidence and direction with Champion Reset.
https://championmindsetcollective.com/champion-reset

Key Takeaways

- Most businesses are structurally fragile, even if they appear successful.
- The 'cost of inaction' (COI) can be devastating, potentially leading to total loss.
- Implement the 'Four Corner Foundation': Ownership, Control, Continuity, and Exit.
- Proactive planning is crucial for protecting your business, employees, and personal peace of mind.
- Your 'exit' could be an intentional sale, retirement, or unexpected events like death or disability.
- Regularly review your business structure and personal estate plan to ensure alignment.

Chapters

0:00 The Fragile Business Foundation
2:39 From Farm to Law School: Scherrie's Journey
3:44 Overcoming the 'Do It Later' Mindset
5:50 The Devastating Cost of Inaction (COI)
7:17 Protecting Your Solopreneur Business
8:47 Business Protection for Personal Peace of Mind
9:47 Lessons from the 2008 Financial Crisis

Links

Connect with Scherrie L. Prince:
Website: https://www.scherrieprince.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scherriespeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scherriespeaks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scherriespeaks/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayBigFasterPodcast

Promotional Links:
Asset Protection Blueprint Webinar Waitlist: https://www.scherrieprince.com/
Play Big Faster Podcast Website: https://scherrieprince.com/podcast/
Play Big Faster on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-big-faster-podcast/id1635345946
Play Big Faster on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2dPnHHiXImPVU0Dcl4QXJg
Play Big Faster on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayBigFasterPodcast

Connect with Anthony Dahya
Champion Mindset Collective: https://championmindsetcollective.com
AI Workflows Agency: https://aiworkflows.agency
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydahya/
Contact: podcast@anthonydahya.com

Be a Guest: https://championmindsetcollective.com/be-a-guest