The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Welcome to The Diary Of A CEO where you'll find raw, human conversations with the world’s most fascinating experts, storytellers, thinkers and business leaders. Hosted by Steven Bartlett (entrepreneur, investor, author, and founder of Steven.com and Flight Fund) this channel was created with a simple mission: to share personal lessons that help both you live better, more fulfilling lives. What is DOAC? Beyond Diary Of A CEO, the acronym reflects our core ethos: - Dreamers — Dream boldly. - Open-minded — Think without limits. - Awareness — Expand your perspective. - Connection — Feel more connected. This is your corner of the internet to dream boldly, think openly, expand your awareness, and feel more connected. The Diary Of A CEO: ◼ Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/ ◼ Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/BWjLTZK ◼ Shop The Diary Of A CEO collection: https://thediary.com/collections/shop ◼ Get email updates - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/5IB1H6E ◼ Follow Steven - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/AGU9QP4
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Episode's summary

In this episode, Sean Ryan discusses his transition from a Navy SEAL and CIA contractor to a podcaster, sharing intense stories of combat in Haiti and Afghanistan. The conversation explores the psychological effects of war, the risks of political capture in media, and the reality of global espionage and shifting US superpower status. The discussion moves into deeply personal territory, covering Ryan's period of instability in Colombia, his journey toward sobriety, and profound spiritual experiences involving psychedelics that led him back to the Catholic Church. The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining integrity, balancing professional ambition with family life, and the true meaning of love.

Chapters

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Highlights

What you realize that you can accomplish as a human being is far more than I think what the normal person thinks.

00:09:05 · Sean Ryan reflects on how his time in the SEAL teams expanded his perception of human capability.

I wouldn't have believed any of this. As an ordinary civilian, I wouldn't have believed any of this stuff even existed until I started learning about the spy organizations around the world.

00:14:26 · The speaker reflects on how their understanding of global intelligence operations changed their perception of reality.

I think that there's a possibility that America may no longer be the superpower or will not be shortly for a multitude of reasons.

00:22:54 · The speaker expresses concern about the declining global influence and power of the United States.

Yeah, it lifts the veil, all right. But maybe we have that veil over us for a reason.

01:08:17 · The speaker suggests that the separation between our world and other realms might be a necessary protection.

The first thing that comes to mind is love is what you're willing to die for.

01:37:33 · In response to the podcast's closing question, Sean defines love through the lens of ultimate sacrifice.

Episodes

899-

Shawn Ryan: There's A Battle For Your Soul, It's Happening Right Now

In this episode, Sean Ryan discusses his transition from a Navy SEAL and CIA contractor to a podcaster, sharing intense stories of combat in Haiti and Afghanistan. The conversation explores the psychological effects of war, the risks of political capture in media, and the reality of global espionage and shifting US superpower status. The discussion moves into deeply personal territory, covering Ryan's period of instability in Colombia, his journey toward sobriety, and profound spiritual experiences involving psychedelics that led him back to the Catholic Church. The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining integrity, balancing professional ambition with family life, and the true meaning of love.

01 Oct 2026
898-

Adam Neumann: The Real Story Behind WeWork, A $4 Billion Cab Ride, And Surviving A $460 Million Debt

Adam Neumann reflects on the meteoric rise and dramatic downfall of WeWork, detailing how rapid expansion, personal ego, and a massive $4.2 billion investment from SoftBank's Masayoshi Son ultimately led to instability. He shares deeply personal stories of childhood trauma and the evolution of his definition of success from chasing material wealth to finding purpose through contribution. The episode explores leadership principles, the importance of resilience during financial collapse, and the necessity of maintaining one's mission amidst the distractions of growth. Neumann concludes with lessons on accountability, the value of failure, and the strength found in true partnership.

28 Sep 2026
897-

Most Replayed Moment: A Guilt-Free Way to Handle Work and Life

Nicola Kilner discusses her professional journey, from her foundational corporate experience at Boots to co-founding Deciem with Brandon Hall. She explores the unique 'ecosystem' approach of managing multiple brands simultaneously and the personal dynamics of her partnership with Hall. The episode also delves into the 'cult-like' culture of Deciem, characterized by a deep sense of belonging and shared mission. Kilner reflects on the challenges of scaling from a startup to a large organization, the evolution of her role as CEO, and the importance of balancing kindness with high performance in leadership.

25 Sep 2026
896-

Druski: They're Lying To You About Overnight Success!

In this profound episode, the guest shares his journey from a traumatic childhood marked by instability and hypervigilance to finding purpose through comedy. He discusses how using humor as a survival mechanism shaped his identity and developed his heightened ability to read people, while also navigating periods of depression, poverty, and the struggle to find authenticity in the spotlight. The conversation explores the intersection of personal strengths and struggles, the necessity of forgiveness to move past trauma, and the importance of betting on oneself. From a pivotal career turning point involving Drake to his decision to invest in his own YouTube platform after rejection from major networks, the guest emphasizes a relentless drive for greatness and the power of self-reflection through silence.

24 Sep 2026
895-

Rick Rubin: What Jay-Z Did in 30 Minutes Left Me Speechless!

In this deep exploration of creativity and identity, the speakers discuss the importance of pursuing 'indefensible' artistic impulses and prioritizing personal vision over market trends. Through anecdotes involving artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West, the conversation examines how societal labels, comparison, and financial pressures can stifle the natural creative process. The discussion also delves into themes of resilience, exploring how embracing uncertainty, navigating periods of deep depression, and practicing mindfulness can lead to a more profound connection with one's true self. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that true greatness emerges from risk-taking, continuous practice, and maintaining a sense of wonder.

21 Sep 2026