“You can’t lead others until you learn how to lead yourself—true leadership begins the moment you look inward, discover your purpose, and decide to grow with intention every single day.”
— Brian Osborne
In today’s fast-paced and often superficial world of business, leadership can too easily become associated with titles, power, and performance metrics. But true leadership isn’t about managing tasks—it’s about mastering yourself. Brian Osborne, a seasoned leadership and personal development coach, is on a mission to reshape the way we view leadership. With nearly two decades of experience, he has worked with professionals and entrepreneurs alike, helping them tap into their inner strength, cultivate self-awareness, and lead with authenticity. As the creator of the transformative Lead the Ship program and co-author of a best-selling book, Brian brings a rare blend of heart-centered insight and real-world application to the leadership space.
Drawing inspiration from thought leaders like Bob Proctor and Simon Sinek, Brian emphasizes the importance of mindset, vision, and purpose in becoming a great leader. His coaching goes beyond professional performance—it reaches into the personal, encouraging clients to define success on their own terms and align their lives with their deepest values. In this powerful interview, Brian shares the principles that guide his work, the stories that have shaped his journey, and the tools he believes can help anyone become the leader they were born to be.
Thank you so much for joining us, Brian! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me. Leadership has always been a passion of mine. I’ve been in management and leadership roles since 2005, and over time, I realized my real joy wasn’t just hitting company KPIs or managing operations—it was helping people grow. Watching individuals advance in their careers and step into their own leadership potential was what lit me up. Eventually, I felt like I was being limited by only helping people within one organization, and I knew I wanted to reach more individuals. That’s when I created my program, Lead the Ship. It’s built to help people redefine or rediscover their passion and learn how to shift paradigms, create meaningful cultures, and lead in ways that elevate everyone around them.
What inspired you to create a program like Lead the Ship?
It really came from that desire to serve more people. I saw how much untapped potential was out there. So many people feel stuck or uninspired, and I wanted to give them the tools to reignite their passion and take back control of their lives. Lead the Ship is about more than just professional development—it’s about becoming a better human being, someone who leads from clarity, integrity, and purpose.
Your program is influenced by some incredible minds like Bob Proctor and Simon Sinek. How have their philosophies shaped your approach to coaching?
Bob Proctor changed the way I viewed leadership. He didn’t just teach me how to help others—he taught me how to lead myself. Through his mentorship, I realized that true leadership is an inside job. It’s not about titles or accolades; it’s about understanding who you are and what drives you. Simon Sinek, on the other hand, helped me discover my “why.” He made me reflect deeply on why I do what I do, and that insight was life-changing. His work helped me anchor my coaching in purpose, making sure every step I take aligns with my deeper mission to help others grow.
You work with a range of professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Can you share a transformation story that stands out to you?
Each client’s journey is so unique, and what defines success for one person might be entirely different for another. I’ve worked with clients who left corporate jobs to start their own businesses, others who saved failing companies, and teams that went from underperforming to top-five rankings in their regions. But for me, the most meaningful success stories are about personal transformation—when someone rediscovers their confidence or reignites a passion they thought they lost. Helping others step into their potential—that’s my definition of success.
Mindset plays a key role in your program. Why do you believe mindset is so essential to effective leadership?
Mindset is the foundation of everything. If you don’t understand your own mindset—your values, your fears, your goals—how can you possibly lead others? You have to know what drives you, what lights you up, and what your bigger purpose is. One of the most critical components of mindset is accountability, especially self-accountability. You have to be able to hold yourself to a higher standard before you can expect it of anyone else. Leadership begins with you. You are the foundation.
For people who want to break old patterns and become strong leaders, how can they begin shifting their mindset?
It starts with getting quiet. Take time to sit in stillness, close your eyes, and ask yourself: “Is this really what I want? Where do I see myself in five years?” Most people are just checking boxes—wake up, go to work, come home, repeat—but they aren’t asking the deeper questions. True change begins with awareness. If you don’t have a clear vision of where you’re going, you’ll keep walking in circles. It’s about being present with yourself, being honest, and then aligning your actions with that vision.
Can you walk us through the structure of Lead the Ship and what people can expect from it?
The program is a synthesis of my own 20 years of experience and the teachings of Bob Proctor and Simon Sinek. We begin by uncovering your passion, vision, and purpose. From there, we explore what success means to you, your leadership style, and the legacy you want to leave. Then we dive into your environment, culture, and behavioral frameworks—breaking down autopilot patterns and building intentional habits. The goal is to help you take control, lead from within, and align your team around a shared mission. We finish with practical leadership principles that help foster respect, trust, and alignment across your organization or personal life.
Confidence is something many aspiring leaders struggle with. How can someone build real, lasting confidence?
Confidence is built through preparation and understanding. Once you find your passion and begin studying it deeply—truly immersing yourself in it—confidence becomes a byproduct. I always tell people: read, re-read, study, and embody what you’re learning. I spent four years diving into a single book, and every time I read it again, I found something new. That’s because your awareness grows. Confidence comes from that growth, from seeing progress in yourself. And having a mentor or guide who’s been there makes the process so much smoother.
What role does self-awareness play in leadership development?
It’s the anchor. Self-awareness is what helps you recognize when you’re slipping into burnout, when you’re operating on autopilot, or when you’re disconnected from your purpose. Once you become aware, you can pivot. You can reassess and reconnect with what truly matters. That awareness helps you break cycles, fall back in love with your mission, and avoid the kind of burnout that leads to disillusionment.
How does Bob Proctor’s Thinking Into Results program support the shift in mindset leaders need?
That program completely transformed my life. It forced me to dig deep—to uncover limiting beliefs, understand my emotional triggers, and learn how to respond instead of react. It gave me mental clarity and confidence. It allowed me to not only create a business from scratch but to do so with vision and intention. Most importantly, it taught me how to shift challenges into opportunities and view failure as progress, not defeat.
What’s one daily practice you encourage all leaders to adopt?
Every morning, set your intention. Reflect on what your top five goals are for the day. And most importantly—do them one at a time. Don’t move to number two until number one is done. This method builds discipline, confidence, and momentum. It’s not about doing a hundred things. It’s about finishing the most important ones and doing them well. That’s what creates a ripple effect—your clarity and energy start influencing those around you.
Many leaders struggle with delegation. What’s your advice for handing off responsibility effectively?
Delegation only works when it’s done with growth in mind. Don’t delegate just to clear your plate—delegate to develop someone. Teach them how to do the task well. That way, you’re not just freeing yourself up, you’re helping someone else step into their potential. That’s the right way to lead. It’s not about control—it’s about trust, and it’s about building a stronger team.
There are countless leadership programs available. What makes Lead with Brian stand out?
What makes my program unique is that it’s not a cookie-cutter approach. It’s personalized. It helps you identify your unique leadership voice and guides you to lead from within. We dig into your programming—how your upbringing, your past, and your environment shaped your decision-making—and we rebuild from there. You discover your “why,” align your actions, and start attracting the right people into your life and business. That’s real leadership.
What trends do you see emerging in the leadership space, and how are you adapting to them?
The future of leadership is personal. It’s no longer about flashy titles or top-down control. It’s about connection, growth, and integrity. Leaders today need to evolve with the times, and that means constantly learning. Every morning, I study for at least an hour. That keeps me growing and ensures I’m not becoming stagnant. The world is changing fast, and we have to stay committed to our own development to keep pace.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning their leadership journey?
Start developing yourself today. Identify the characteristics you admire in others—trust, empathy, courage—and start practicing those traits in your own life. Read, learn, and apply what you learn. And remember, leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Begin now. Don’t wait until tomorrow. The best leaders are those who choose to start before they feel ready.
What are a few final thoughts you’d like to leave with our readers today?
Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Do I love the person I see?” If not, what are you willing to do to become that person? Leadership is about loving who you are and waking up with purpose every day. You can’t pour into others if your own cup is empty. Self-love, awareness, and passion—those are the pillars of true leadership. And don’t be afraid to start small. Even one mindful step can change your life’s trajectory.
Do you recommend journaling or any mindset tools for staying aligned?
Absolutely. Journaling is powerful, but I also encourage people to carry a goal card. It’s a small card you keep in your pocket that has your primary goal written on it. Every time you reach for your phone or keys, it’s a physical reminder of what you’re working toward. It keeps your mind focused. Combine that with affirmations, meditation, and daily study, and you’ve got a strong structure for personal alignment.
What services do you currently offer to clients and organizations?
I offer Thinking Into Results by Bob Proctor, my own Lead the Ship program, and a Passion, Vision & Purpose discovery call. I also work with individuals and corporations on team building. Most of my programs are 12 weeks long, with an hour of coaching each week. Clients get lifetime access to the course materials, and I provide ongoing support for those who truly want to grow into the best version of themselves.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn or visit my website at www.leadwithbrian.com. I post daily content—everything from leadership insights to mindset strategies. And if you’re ready to do the inner work and lead from a place of authenticity, I’d love to walk that journey with you.
Brian, thank you so much for this enlightening and inspiring conversation. Your insights are powerful, and your approach to leadership is truly transformational.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been an absolute pleasure being here and sharing what I love. I hope everyone listening finds the inspiration to take that next step in their journey. Keep growing and keep leading from within.
