What does poker, psychology, and AI have in common? Blake Eastman. From teaching forensic psychology at CUNY to coaching elite poker players, and now running cutting-edge AI companies, Blake has built a career around decoding human behavior. In this episode, Sean and Blake dive deep into the nonverbal cues leaders often miss, the hidden org charts that drive real influence, and the future of leadership in a world where AI is reshaping everything.
Blake brings hard-hitting insights on how rising leaders can avoid critical communication mistakes, how to “play the game” inside organizations without losing authenticity, and why embracing AI isn’t optional for tomorrow’s leaders. They also explore the looming societal shifts AI will cause, the importance of agency in our personal and professional lives, and how to prepare for the uncertain future ahead.
If you’re ready to sharpen your influence, think differently about leadership, and prepare for the next decade of disruption—this episode is a must-listen.
Episode Topics & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Sean introduces Blake and their shared connection
- 02:17 – Blake’s journey: forensic psychology, poker, and building businesses
- 04:45 – The #1 nonverbal mistake leaders make on Zoom
- 07:20 – Why leadership is fundamentally about people (and adapting to culture)
- 13:27 – How to build a “real” org chart & play the political game at work
- 17:25 – Measuring true value: would your company miss you if you were gone?
- 18:55 – Generational differences, communication, and culture fit
- 23:57 – Diversity, sameness, and avoiding groupthink in organizations
- 25:31 – AI’s role in mental health, disruption, and the job market
- 33:19 – Policy, robot taxes, and the global AI arms race
- 36:11 – What individuals must do to survive and thrive in the AI era
- 39:58 – Smaller, high-agency teams vs. bloated corporations
- 42:20 – Fear of becoming obsolete & the mental health implications
- 45:30 – Why agency is everything—work, family, and personal life
- 50:03 – Could AI run governments better than people?
- 52:28 – Where to find Blake: nonverbalgroup.com/newsletter
Links
- Blake’s Newsletter: nonverbalgroup.com/newsletter
- Subscribe to Sean’s newsletter: www.nolimitleaders.com/growth
No Limit Leadership is the go-to podcast for growth-minded executives, middle managers, and team leaders who want more than surface-level leadership advice. Hosted by executive coach and former Special Forces commander Sean Patton, this show dives deep into modern leadership, self-leadership, and the real-world strategies that build high-performing teams. Whether you're focused on leadership development, building a coaching culture, improving leadership communication, or strengthening team accountability, each episode equips you with actionable insights to unlock leadership potential across your organization. From designing onboarding systems that retain talent to asking better questions that drive clarity and impact, No Limit Leadership helps you lead yourself first so you can lead others better. If you're ready to create a culture of ownership, resilience, and results, this leadership podcast is for you.
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