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The Grounded Man
The Grounded Man Podcast by Deru is for hardworking men building businesses, carrying responsibility, and providing for their families — who feel they should be freer.
The world has changed, and leading through hard work and long hours now limits a man’s influence.
Deru is changing how leaders lead - from the inside out. It's a way to carry the load without constant pressure - so you can enjoy what you’re building, and still have energy for life!
Episodes
28 episodes
The Season of Rise: How many €1,000 decisions are you making every day?
What if the way forward starts with changing how you make decisions?In this episode of The Deru Way, John explores the season of Rise and what it means to turn clarity about your value into decisions and action. He shares his experience ...
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The Season of Root: When I'm not providing, who am I?
What if the value you have been chasing has been within you all along?In this episode of The Deru Way, John explores the season of Rooting and what it means to move from being a pressured provider to a present provider. He shares his own...
The Season of Release: Are you blocking your growth on purpose?
What are you holding on to that is getting in the way of your own growth?In this episode of The Deru Way, John explores the season of Release and what it really means to let go. He shares how pressure, comparison, expectations, and the n...
The Season of Return: Leading from your true nature
What happens when you stop forcing life and start returning to who you really are?In this episode of The Deru Way, John explores the first season: Return. He shares a recent experience that left him frustrated and explains how awareness ...
The Deru Way: Opportunity is present, but are you?
Are you leading your business from presence, or are you leading from pressure?In the first episode of The Deru Way, a special six-week series of The Grounded Man Podcast, John explores why there has never been more opportunity to grow a ...
Lessons from 40 years leading a family business with Michael O’Reilly
How do you grow a family business without losing the values that built it?In this episode, John is joined by Michael O’Reilly, second-generation Managing Director of Pneumatics Group, for a walk-and-talk about his four decades in the fam...
If you don't take the time, you won't have the energy
How much of your week is intentionally designed to protect and raise your energy?In this episode, John explores why making time for yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential to how you lead. He shares a simple exercise around work, family,...
How a hike can grow your business
What are you carrying that you no longer need to hold onto?In this episode, John reflects on the first Grounded Man Hike and the conversations that came from stepping away from business, pressure, and everyday noise. He shares the idea b...
Success is being in my best energy everyday - Sam Harte
Can you grow a successful business without sacrificing your energy, your family, or the life you actually want to live?In this episode, John is joined by Sam Harte, director of Harte Outdoor Lighting, for a walk through Wicklow as they e...
Growing your business – and freedom – by growing your people.
There's a version of success where you build something real — a team, a reputation, clients who trust you — and somehow end up more trapped than when you started.This week on The Grounded Man, we get into why that happens — and why the f...
Does your business Revolve around you – or Run without you?
Are you spending too much time working in the business instead of on it?In this episode, John explores why strategy execution is not just about knowing what needs to be done, but creating the space, structure, and leadership rhythm to ac...
Why can't they just get it — is it them or is it me?
Do you feel like your team still does not fully understand the vision, even after you have explained it?In this episode, John explores why communication is one of the biggest challenges for business owners and why real alignment comes fr...
Letting go to get your energy back - with Barry Finnegan
What happens when the pressure of business starts affecting your health?In this episode, John walks with Barry Finnegan, founder of a technology business based in County Meath, to explore what it really means to carry responsibility with...
If There's Not Enough Hours in the Day — You're Counting Them Wrong
Do you feel like there are never enough hours in the day?In this episode, John explores why so many business owners feel trapped by their own calendars, constantly chasing time, success, and opportunities outside of themselves. He explai...
Your financial pressure has nothing to do with money
Do you ever feel like cash flow, sales, and money pressure are keeping you up at night?In this episode, John explores the deeper mindset behind financial pressure in business. He explains why money is not something to be chased, but a by...
Am I the only one that cares about the business?
Do you ever feel like you are the only one who truly cares about your business?In this episode, John explores the loneliness and pressure that can come from carrying too much responsibility alone. He explains why business is not just a m...
Running on empty - or just dirt in the fuel line?
Do you feel like there is more energy, focus, and power inside you, but something is blocking it from coming through?In this episode, John explores burnout, overwhelm, and the hidden blocks that stop men from operating at their full pote...
Why It's So Hard To Not Doubt Yourself
Do you find yourself stuck because you are afraid of making the wrong decision, even when you know something needs to change?In this episode, John explores how decision-making shapes the lives of hardworking men who feel trapped despite ...
Doing everything you can and still feeling like it’s not enough
Do you feel guilty for not doing enough, even when you are already carrying so much for your business, your family, and the people around you?In this episode, John explores how guilt can quietly eat away at your energy, confidence, and a...
If the business owns you – it’s time to own yourself.
The Grounded Man Episode 09Do you feel like your business was meant to give you freedom, but somehow it now owns your time, energy, and headspace?In this episode, John explores why many hardworking men feel trapped by t...
If you can't switch off - switch on
Do you find it hard to switch off from business and work? - Well, maybe you're not built to switch off, maybe you're built to be on. This episode explains how to stay present and have peace of mind without switching off.Intere...
Taking the work out of life with Ross Griffin
Ross Griffin grew up on a farm in the west of Ireland, built a business, across multiple countries with his partners, and still thought he wasn't doing enough for Kosmos Company.In this conversation he talks about the guilt of taking a w...
Enjoy the build - Look forward to Mondays again
Show NotesHave you built the life you've always dreamed of - family, business, team, revenue but struggle to enjoy it? John talks about how constant pressure, responsibility, and the fear of slowing ...