Episode 72: Break Through Barriers with a Vertical Development Coaching Exercise

In this episode of the HRDQ-U In Review podcast, host Sarah welcomes leadership expert Ryan Gottfredson to talk about his recent webinar, Break Through Barriers with a Vertical Development Coaching Exercise. Ryan shares insights from his research in organizational behavior and his mission to help leaders grow from the inside out, focusing on mindset, emotional intelligence, and the being side of leadership.

Ryan explains the difference between horizontal development (skills, knowledge) and vertical development (how we make meaning), and why 95% of leadership programs focus on the wrong one. He walks through a powerful coaching exercise that helps leaders uncover hidden fears and self-protective mindsets that block growth—like fear of failure, control issues, or people-pleasing tendencies. Through real-world stories and examples, Ryan illustrates how vertical development can be a transformational process that helps leaders lead with more authenticity, presence, and impact.

Whether you're an executive, team leader, or coach, this episode offers a deeper understanding of what it means to evolve as a leader. Listeners will walk away with tools and insights to reframe limiting beliefs and become more grounded, empowered versions of themselves.

Special Offer

Want to help your people get unstuck—or unlock their full potential?

Whether you're looking to move struggling employees forward or help good leaders become truly great, the key is vertical development—upgrading their internal operating system. We specialize in helping individuals and teams elevate how they think, relate, and lead.

 

As a special offer for HRDQ-U participants, you’ll receive 50% off a workshop or coaching package designed to catalyze transformational growth. Just mention you attended the HRDQ-U session when you reach out!

 

Calendly link: https://calendly.com/ryangottfredson/workwithryan

 

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction – Meet Ryan Gottfredson and the HRDQ-U Podcast [00:39] Ryan’s Background in Organizational Behavior and Leadership Research [02:22] What Is Vertical Development and Why It Matters [04:16] The Coaching Exercise – Uncovering Mental Blocks [07:11] Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets in Leadership [09:33] Why Mindsets Are the Body’s Internal Operating System [11:18] Personal Examples of Fear-Based Behaviors [14:42] Executive Story: Letting Go of a Prevention Mindset [17:11] Why Leaders Resist Deeper Development [21:00] Resources to Explore Vertical Development [22:15] Where to Learn More – RyanGoffredson.com

Action Items

✅ Take Ryan’s free mindset assessment at RyanGoffredson.com ✅ Try the coaching exercise from the webinar to identify limiting beliefs ✅ Read Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey ✅ Reflect on your own internal operating system—what’s holding you back? ✅ Watch the full webinar replay on HRDQ-U for more insights

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Episode Sponsors:

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