In this conversation, Lance Roberts shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by dyslexia to becoming a successful leader in the transportation logistics industry. He discusses his early entrepreneurial spirit, the humbling experience of competing with Tiger Woods, and his transition from golf to rodeo. A pivotal moment in his life was quitting alcohol, which led to newfound confidence and resilience. Lance emphasizes the importance of learning every role in business and investing in people, while also highlighting how faith has played a crucial role in his personal and professional growth. In this conversation, Lance D. Roberts shares his journey through the challenges of internal theft, transitioning from operations to sales, and the impact of company culture on leadership. He discusses the personal toll of embezzlement and the importance of faith in navigating difficult times. Lance emphasizes the need for character in leadership and the balance between technology and human touch in business. He reflects on the lessons learned from adversity and the significance of maintaining integrity and relationships in the industry.
Takeaways
Lance Roberts has over 35 years in transportation logistics.
His entrepreneurial spirit began in childhood, selling flowers and M&Ms.
Dyslexia shaped his problem-solving skills and mental fortitude.
A humbling experience with Tiger Woods taught him about the gap between good and great.
Transitioning from golf to rodeo ignited a new passion.
Quitting alcohol in 1996 marked a significant turning point in his life.
Building confidence came from learning to adapt and overcome challenges.
Rodeo taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Faith became a source of strength in overcoming life's challenges.
Investing in people is crucial for business success. Internal theft can have severe consequences for a company.
Transitioning from operations to sales requires a different mindset.
Leaders must recognize the cost of staying in a toxic culture.
Embezzlement can lead to difficult decisions and personal challenges.
Finding peace in faith can help during tough times.
Consulting can be a way to give back after personal setbacks.
Maintaining human connection is crucial in a technology-driven world.
Non-negotiables in leadership include integrity and faith.
Adversity prepares individuals for greater challenges ahead.
Building relationships is key to long-term success.
Connect with Lance Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancedrobertsmba/
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– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team
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#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.
What is The Refit Podcast?
Welcome to The Refit Podcast, hosted by Kyle Killian.
This is where we talk about leadership the way leaders actually experience it—messy, uncertain, and nothing like the books make it sound.
I'm Kyle Killian, founder of Kohora. I spent nearly three decades leading in military, corporate, and entrepreneurial environments—from intelligence missions in Iraq to senior roles at Nike, Converse, and Fanatics.
And here's what I've learned: every single thing in business is a leadership problem.On this podcast, I sit down with CEOs, founders, operators, and fellow veterans who've transitioned to business leadership. We're not here to recite frameworks or share motivational quotes.
We're here to talk about the hard thing about hard things—the decisions that didn't have a right answer, the conversations you couldn't avoid, and the moments that changed how you lead.If you've ever been in a situation where the playbook stopped working and you had to figure it out anyway, this podcast is for you.