Performing Without A Net Featuring Rob Schneider at Joe Polish's Genius Network
Fri Feb 06 2026
Joe Polish and Rob Schneider explore how removing safety nets unlocks responsibility, creativity, and stronger leadership. They also unpack ethical influence, failure, and why calm, human presence builds lasting trust.
Here's a glance at what you'll discover in this episode:
Why removing the "safety net" often unlocks performance, creativity, and responsibility instead of fear What Rob does in the first 30 seconds to win a room and why signaling humanity matters more than authority How to push on sensitive or controversial topics without losing people or triggering defensive shutdowns The mistake leaders make when they lead with "this is hard" and how to find agreement before resistance The difference between manipulation and ethical influence and where persuasion quietly crosses the line What bombing on stage teaches about ego, rejection, and why failure is an interpretation, not an identity Why your worst performances and best performances should get closer together over time How to quickly tell who is serious and who is just consuming attention so you stop wasting energy Why calm leadership during chaos creates trust, loyalty, and better work How to make "boring" or uncomfortable ideas compelling using entertainment and storytelling Why making life too easy can quietly handicap kids, teams, and future leaders The danger of fame, validation, and external approval when identity isn't grounded A simple way to have difficult conversations without becoming angry, preachy, or dismissible Why love, humility, and curiosity change minds faster than force ever will If you'd like to join world-renowned Entrepreneurs at the next Genius Network® Event – then apply today for your invitation to attend at https://geniusnetwork.com.
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Joe Polish and Rob Schneider explore how removing safety nets unlocks responsibility, creativity, and stronger leadership. They also unpack ethical influence, failure, and why calm, human presence builds lasting trust. Here's a glance at what you'll discover in this episode: Why removing the "safety net" often unlocks performance, creativity, and responsibility instead of fear What Rob does in the first 30 seconds to win a room and why signaling humanity matters more than authority How to push on sensitive or controversial topics without losing people or triggering defensive shutdowns The mistake leaders make when they lead with "this is hard" and how to find agreement before resistance The difference between manipulation and ethical influence and where persuasion quietly crosses the line What bombing on stage teaches about ego, rejection, and why failure is an interpretation, not an identity Why your worst performances and best performances should get closer together over time How to quickly tell who is serious and who is just consuming attention so you stop wasting energy Why calm leadership during chaos creates trust, loyalty, and better work How to make "boring" or uncomfortable ideas compelling using entertainment and storytelling Why making life too easy can quietly handicap kids, teams, and future leaders The danger of fame, validation, and external approval when identity isn't grounded A simple way to have difficult conversations without becoming angry, preachy, or dismissible Why love, humility, and curiosity change minds faster than force ever will If you'd like to join world-renowned Entrepreneurs at the next Genius Network® Event – then apply today for your invitation to attend at https://geniusnetwork.com.