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

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Nicole Jansen Leadership Coach

As a transformational leadership coach, strategic business advisor, and podcast host, my passion is developing aspiring leaders and helping good leaders become great. This world needs more great leaders, who live and lead themselves well, and who uplift and empower others to do the same. Leaders who make this world a better place for everyone.

It begins with you and me - living on purpose, expanding our vision and beliefs, and inspiring positive change in our circles of influence. If you enjoy intelligent conversations, I invite you to check out my Leaders of Transformation Podcast where I interview extraordinary difference makers and world changers every week. Currently we have over 475 episodes and are honored to be in the top 1.5% podcast globally reaching listeners in over 140 countries. Hope to see you there!