The Ghosts That Hold Us Back: How Leaders Can Get Out of Their Own Way | DisrupTV Ep. 416

In this episode of DisrupTV, co-hosts R “Ray” Wang, CEO of Constellation Research and best-selling author of Disrupting Digital Business, and Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce, sit down with two powerful voices reshaping the conversation around leadership and innovation:

  • Scott D. Anthony, author of Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World, and
  • Muriel Maignan Wilkins, author of Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs that Limit Your Potential.

Together, they explore how innovation and leadership intersect—and why the key to unlocking the future often lies in looking inward.

From Florence Nightingale to AI: The Patterns of True Disruption

Scott D. Anthony’s Epic Disruptions traces the arc of innovation across history, from the printing press and gunpowder to AI and clean technology. One of his favorite examples? Florence Nightingale, whose pioneering work in data visualization, public health reform, and education redefined modern healthcare.

By using data to tell a story, Nightingale proved that ideas gain power when they connect emotionally and intellectually. Her ability to pair insight with communication sparked system-wide change—an essential lesson for today’s innovators.

  • “Florence Nightingale didn’t just collect data—she told a story that moved the world.”

Anthony argues that true disruptors act at a systemic level, combining vision with storytelling to drive enduring transformation. He also notes that the dynamics of disruption—whether in healthcare, energy, or AI—are remarkably consistent: bold ideas collide with entrenched systems, and progress depends on leaders who can manage that tension.

When “Disruption” Gets Misunderstood

Anthony also revisits the legacy of Clay Christensen, who first introduced the concept of disruptive innovation. He points out that many modern organizations misuse the term, labeling any change or new product as “disruptive.” This dilution of meaning matters because it leads to confusion—and often, misguided strategy.

Christensen himself might have seen technologies like generative AI as “new capabilities with new downsides,” a reminder that innovation is never purely positive. The leaders who succeed are those who stay grounded in reality—balancing vision with humility.

The Ghosts That Haunt Innovation

Transitioning from the external to the internal, Muriel Maignan Wilkins offers a complementary perspective: innovation doesn’t fail because of bad ideas—it fails because of blocked leaders.

In Leadership Unblocked, she identifies seven common beliefs that quietly sabotage potential, including:

  • “I need to be involved.”
  • “I can’t say no.”
  • “I know I’m right.”
  • “I can’t make mistakes.”

These beliefs often come from early experiences, past successes, or a leader’s “origin story.” Left unexamined, they become ghosts—the internal voices that keep people from evolving.

  • “Every organization has ghosts. The trick is learning which ones still serve you—and which ones are holding you back.”

The Power of Self-Awareness and Coaching

Wilkins emphasizes that the first step to unblocking leadership is self-awareness—recognizing your role in the obstacles you face. Leaders often blame external forces (the market, their teams, or technology) when the real issue lies in their own habits or fears.

Her process of recognize → reframe → rebuild helps leaders replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. This mindset shift not only transforms individuals but also inspires the teams they lead.

Coaching, she adds, is a critical tool for this process. Great leaders, like legendary basketball coach John Wooden, lead through questions, curiosity, and compassion—not control. Effective leaders don’t just manage—they coach their people to see and solve problems differently.

Why Mindset Drives Innovation More Than Strategy

Both Anthony and Wilkins agree: the biggest disruptions don’t start with technology—they start with a mindset shift. From Florence Nightingale to the rise of AI, innovation requires courage, empathy, and adaptability.
And from legacy corporations to startups, leadership success now depends on self-reflection as much as on strategic skill.

  • “The hardest part of innovation isn’t the technology—it’s the mindset.”

As DisrupTV co-host R "Ray" Wang notes, today’s most transformative leaders are those who know when to pause, question assumptions, and unlearn outdated beliefs.

Key Takeaways

  • Disruption is systemic. The same forces that shaped the printing press and the compass are reshaping AI and clean tech today.
  • Self-awareness is innovation fuel. You can’t disrupt your industry if you’re stuck in your own beliefs.
  • Storytelling is power. As Florence Nightingale proved, data alone doesn’t change the world—stories do.
  • Leadership starts with unblocking. Before you can transform your organization, you must first transform yourself.

Final Thoughts: Innovation Starts Within

Leading through disruption isn’t about reacting to the latest trend or technology—it’s about developing the self-awareness and courage to evolve from within.

When leaders confront their hidden blockers and shift their mindset, they unlock the potential not only to adapt—but to define the next era of innovation.

Watch the full episode of DisrupTV to hear Scott D. Anthony and Muriel Maignan Wilkins discuss how to break through hidden blockers, master your mindset, and lead with purpose in an age of constant change.

Related Episodes

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Business Research Themes

Future of Work, Marketing Transformation, New C-Suite, Tech Optimization

Roles

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Technology Officer