Mastering Mental Excellence in Leadership
DisrupTV Episode 351 — Featuring Crawford Del Prete, Carmen Vetere, Eric Potterat & Alan Eagle
In today’s high-stakes world of business, strategy alone isn’t enough. Leaders must combine vision, execution, and mental resilience to succeed. In DisrupTV Episode 351, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar bring together four experts who offer a masterclass in leadership, focus, and performance:
- Crawford Del Prete, President & CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council, shares a macro perspective on leadership and the trends shaping global organizations.
- Carmen Vetere, Marketing and brand strategy expert, explores how communication and brand narratives influence organizational culture.
- Eric Potterat, former Navy SEAL and performance strategist, provides insights on mental toughness and elite-level discipline.
- Alan Eagle, leadership and communication coach from Google, discusses the power of storytelling in inspiring teams and aligning vision.
This episode bridges leadership theory and practical execution, giving viewers a toolkit for thriving in complex, fast-moving environments.
Why This Episode Matters
Leadership today demands more than operational expertise—it requires mental clarity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt under pressure. In this episode:
- Eric Potterat demonstrates how elite performers, from Navy SEALs to CEOs, use mental conditioning to maintain focus and make high-stakes decisions.
- Alan Eagle highlights storytelling as a leadership tool, showing how well-crafted narratives can align teams and inspire action.
- Carmen Vetere emphasizes the role of brand and marketing principles in shaping organizational culture and internal engagement.
- Crawford Del Prete provides context on global trends, helping leaders understand how external forces impact decision-making and strategy.
These combined perspectives give leaders a multi-dimensional view of performance—covering mental, cultural, and strategic aspects.
Key Takeaways
- Mental Resilience is Critical: Mental toughness, discipline, and focus allow leaders to navigate uncertainty and perform under pressure.
- Storytelling Drives Alignment: Clear, authentic storytelling aligns teams and communicates purpose in ways data and directives cannot.
- Culture Shapes Performance: Organizational culture, influenced by internal narratives and brand perception, determines how effectively teams collaborate and innovate.
- Global Trends Inform Strategy: Understanding macroeconomic and technological trends enables leaders to anticipate change and make proactive decisions.
Applying These Lessons
Leaders watching this episode can take away actionable strategies:
- Implement daily mental routines to enhance focus and decision-making.
- Use storytelling in presentations, team meetings, and company communications to build trust and alignment.
- Evaluate your organizational culture regularly to ensure it supports innovation and collaboration.
- Monitor global trends in your industry to anticipate opportunities and risks.
Related Episodes
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
- DisrupTV Episode 406: Agents of Change – How AI and Nature Will Reshape the Future
- DisrupTV Episode 355: Innovation & Leadership in the Future of Work
- DisrupTV Episode 353: Leadership & Growth Strategy in Volatile Times
- DisrupTV Episode 352: Venture Capital, Deep Tech & Product Innovation
Final Thoughts
DisrupTV Episode 351 is more than a conversation about leadership—it’s a blueprint for mastering mental excellence and leading with purpose. By combining resilience, communication, culture awareness, and strategic thinking, leaders can thrive even in volatile, high-pressure environments.

