Episode recap:

In this episode, Marcel talks with Robert Glazer, author of The Compass Within, about why core values are essential for effective leadership and meaningful work. Robert explains the difference between aspirational values and actionable core values—non-negotiable principles that guide real decisions and behavior. They explore how values alignment boosts employee engagement, strengthens trust in leaders, and reveals whether an organization’s stated values actually match what it rewards in practice. 

The conversation also dives into authenticity, emotional honesty, and how early life experiences shape our values and sense of purpose. Robert shares a practical framework and reflective questions to help people clarify their true core values, arguing that clarity leads to better decisions, healthier leadership, and deeper personal fulfillment. The episode closes with Robert’s mission to help more people discover their “true north” and live with greater integrity and intention. 

Guest Bio:

Robert Glazer is a globally recognized entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He is the founder and former CEO of a $50M marketing agency with an award-winning, values-driven culture, and the author of multiple bestsellers, including Elevate and Elevate Your Team. His inspirational newsletter, Friday Forward, reaches over 200,000 readers weekly.

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Show Notes

Quotes:

• I define core values as the non-negotiable principles that decide your actions and behaviors, reflecting who you are, not who you wish you were. 
• Most of our purpose is tied to pain, but people are afraid to go there and look, even though those formative experiences are where their real values live. 
• If you can help people figure out their personal core values, you help them become better leaders, because they are going to lead from those values, whether they realize it or not. 
• Everyone wants the shortcut, but if you really want to figure out your core values, you have to be willing to do the work and spend time with the questions. 
• When you understand your core values, you gain a dramatic clarity that changes how you live and how you lead. 

Takeaways:

1. Core values are intrinsic, non-negotiable decision rules that show up across all areas of life, not vague one-word aspirations like “integrity” or “family.” 
2. Much of our purpose and many of our values are rooted in formative childhood experiences, especially painful or ignored parts of our story. 
3. Alignment is impossible until you first clarify what you are actually aligning to, which is why defining values must come before trying to “live in alignment.” 
4. Research shows that when people’s work aligns with their values, engagement, trust, life satisfaction, and retention all increase significantly. 
5. Doing the structured inner work, like Robert’s six-question process and core values course, provides a practical pathway to make better long-term decisions about career, relationships, and leadership. 

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – 00:02:30 Opening, sponsor message, and Marcel’s setup about authenticity and alignment 

00:02:30 – 00:05:56 Introducing Robert Glazer and the story behind The Compass Within 

00:05:56 – 00:07:12 Robert’s personal story and how purpose is tied to pain 

00:07:12 – 00:14:46 Why this book now, tribalism, and what people get wrong about values 

00:14:46 – 00:17:25 Core values, culture, and how companies really reward behavior 

00:17:25 – 00:21:17 Data, research, and why values alignment matters at work and in life 

00:21:17 – 00:31:43 The six core values questions and live exercise revealing Marcel’s value of authenticity 

00:31:43 – 00:36:25 Robert’s own core values and how they play out in his life and leadership 

00:36:25 – 00:36:58 The hardest parts of doing core values work and why there is no shortcut 

00:36:58 – 00:39:13 Speed round: what makes Robert smile, who inspires him, and bold life choices 

00:39:13 – 00:41:00 How to lead with love, Robert’s final takeaway, and where to find his work 

Conclusion:

This episode makes one thing crystal clear: if you do not define your values, the world will do it for you. Robert Glazer shows that core values are not fluffy slogans, but the invisible rails that quietly direct every major choice you make. Once you illuminate those rails, you can stop bouncing off the walls of the tunnel and start driving your life and leadership with intention. The stories, data, and live coaching moment with Marcel prove that this inner work is both emotional and incredibly practical. Listen in, then dare yourself to turn on your own “compass within” and see what needs to change. 

The Book

Links/Resources: 

Website: https://robertglazer.com/ 

Book: https://robertglazer.com/compass/  

Core Values Course: www.corevaluescourse.com  

Get the Six Questions: https://robertglazer.com/six/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer  

Robert Glazer on Episode #109: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/robert-glazer/  

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