Future Shapers: Personal Agency: Leading with Intention

BRG Director Jason Kuckkan and Moyo LaBode, former chief merchandising officer at Leslie’s Pools, discuss the concept of personal agency and career stemming from Dr. Peter Attia’s book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Their discussion centers on how taking ownership of your decisions—whether related to health, career, or personal development—significantly shapes long-term outcomes.

Moyo shares his experience engaging with Medicine 3.0, which advocates for individualized, proactive health management. Jason and Moyo emphasize the value of staying curious, learning through experience, and evolving intentionally.

Jason and Moyo also explore how modern career arcs differ from past generations and require resilience and the ability to pivot. They discuss the evolving definition of mentorship, noting that meaningful growth comes from reciprocal learning from peers, seniors, a the next generation of talent.

Selected Transcript Summary

[3:32]
Jason introduces the central theme of personal agency in the book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia. Moyo shares his introduction to the book and explains how its message about proactive health management resonated with him. He also explains Medicine 3.0’s focus on individualized, preventative care.

[6:25]
Moyo elaborates on his experience using a glucose monitor to understand how diet impacted his health and led to insights about food choices, energy levels, and sleep. This example illustrates how personal experimentation and data can drive informed decisions, a concept he links to leadership growth.

[11:33]
Jason reflects on how personal experiences shape leadership approaches through both positive and negative examples. Moyo adds that the disruption in career trajectories across generations has reshaped how professionals think about longevity, stability, and control in their careers. The book empowered him to take ownership of choices affecting long-term personal and professional wellness.

[12:39]
Jason and Moyo discuss the contrast between traditional, static career paths and modern, dynamic ones. They reflect on how adaptability and disruption have become constants, especially as younger professionals enter the workforce with evolving expectations of purpose and impact.

[14:12]
Jason shares his winding career path from engineering to retail consulting, illustrating how unexpected turns shaped his leadership philosophy. Both agree that self-discovery and curiosity are essential to build authentic leadership.

[17:45]
Moyo describes how his leadership style has evolved by embracing disruption, decentralizing decision-making, and staying open to new ideas. He values insights from younger colleagues and sees innovation in not just technology but also evolving workplace culture.

[18:55]
Jason stresses the importance of taking initiative, staying relevant, and showing intent with career choices. He cautions against passivity and encourages individuals to steer their own development. Moyo agrees, emphasizing how leadership now means enabling teams to grow through shared ownership.

[23:52]
Moyo distinguishes between passive mentorship and actively invested guidance. He critiques the “one-way knowledge transfer” model and argues for reciprocal learning, particularly from emerging talent. Moyo introduces the concept of reverse mentorship, where senior leaders learn from younger generations. Jason echoes the importance of learning from all directions.

[26:07]
Moyo offers advice for early career professionals to stay curious, ask “why,” and challenge the status quo when it serves team growth. He values curiosity, intellectual engagement, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Jason reinforces the value of asking questions and making connecting to understand larger contexts.

[29:01]
They reflect on how curiosity, ownership, and evolving leadership mindsets are central to long-term success, tying back to the proactive approach of Medicine 3.0.