The Leadership Standard

On this episode of The Leadership Standard, Leland Vittert shares a powerful story of resilience, mentorship, and becoming strong in a world that doesn’t always make room for difference. Diagnosed with autism as a child, Leland was relentlessly bullied, underestimated, and told—explicitly—that he didn’t fit. What followed was not a neat success story, but years of difficulty shaped by an extraordinary decision from his father: to step away from his career and devote himself fully to preparing his son for a world that would not bend for him. That choice, grounded in love, discipline, and unyielding standards, changed the trajectory of Leland’s life. Today, as one of America’s most respected journalists and news anchors, Leland offers a rare and deeply honest perspective on leadership forged through adversity. His reflections on earned self-esteem, emotional control, mentorship, loneliness, and standing up to bullies resonate far beyond his personal story—especially for CEOs and leaders navigating pressure, isolation, and high-stakes decision-making. This conversation is not about labels or limitations. It’s about refusing to quit, choosing strength over resentment, and learning how presence, discipline, and empathy can shape not only a career, but a life. For anyone leading others—or simply trying to lead themselves through challenge—this episode offers clarity, perspective, and hope that stays with you long after the episode ends. Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Leadership Standard with L 00:02:05 Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism 00:07:20 Why Born Lucky Isn’t Just About Autism 00:08:37 “Everyone Thinks Your Son Is Weird” – A Defining School Moment 00:08:59 Why Born Lucky Is Bigger Than Autism 00:11:06 Autism Doesn’t Look the Way People Expect 00:11:29 A 70-Point IQ Gap and a Devastating Diagnosis 00:12:50 The Decision to Never Let a Diagnosis Define Him 00:13:59 A Universal Story of Parental Love and Hope 00:14:32 When His Father Quit His Career to Be Fully Present 00:15:16 Recounting the Art Teacher Incident as an Adult 00:16:03 The Emotional Toll on a Father Who Never Quit 00:17:31 “Self-Esteem Is Earned, Not Given” 00:20:18 “If You Quit, They Win” – A Life-Defining Lesson 00:23:01 The Fraternity Rejection That Became a Turning Point 00:24:46 Realizing Self-Change Was Necessary 00:26:14 Learning Empathy, Conversation, and Human Connection 00:28:23 Advice for CEOs Dealing With Quiet or Narcissistic Bullies 00:32:27 Loneliness at the Top of Leadership 00:33:22 Vulnerability, Marriage, and a Small Trusted Circle 00:34:09 “You’re Not Alone” – The Real Impact of Born Lucky 00:35:24 Using Loneliness as Fuel Instead of Weakness 00:36:51 Mentorship in the Age of AI 00:38:04 His Mother’s Quiet Strength Behind the Scenes 00:39:37 The Cost of Autism on Siblings and Family Loyalty 00:41:05 First Professional Mentor Who Took a Chance on Him 00:43:09 The Three A’s: Appreciate, A Moment, An Action 00:49:26 Outro: Reflection TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn how membership supports growth-minded executives: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq Connect with Leland Vittert at linkedin.com/in/lelandvittert Buy the book “Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism” on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Born-Lucky-Dedicated-Grateful-Journey/dp/140025468X The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.