Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation
Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation with Dr. Ryan Gottfredson
Are you a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur feeling stuck—despite your best efforts to grow your business or improve as a leader?
If you’ve been chasing strategies, stacking certifications, or hustling harder but still feel like you’re hitting a ceiling, this blog post is for you.
In the latest episode of Podcast Profits Unleashed, host Karen Roberts sits down with Dr. Ryan Gottfredson, organizational psychologist, executive coach, and author of the new book Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation. This game-changing episode unpacks the secret sauce behind sustainable success—not just in what you do, but in who you are becoming.
Let’s break down the science of personal transformation and what it truly takes to grow yourself and your business.
Why Most Leadership Development Doesn’t Work
Traditional leadership development focuses on acquiring new skills or strategies—what Dr. Gottfredson calls “horizontal development.” But according to his research and real-world coaching experience, this approach barely scratches the surface.
“Most people are trying to upgrade their apps, but their operating system is outdated.” – Dr. Ryan Gottfredson
The real transformation happens through vertical development—an evolution of your inner world, mindset, and self-identity.
As a coach or entrepreneur, your ability to influence others, build meaningful relationships, and lead effectively isn’t about more knowledge—it’s about upgrading the way you think, react, and show up.
What Is Vertical Development?
Vertical development is the process of evolving your internal operating system—your subconscious programming shaped by life experiences, trauma, and beliefs.
Dr. Gottfredson outlines a three-step process to begin this transformation:
1. Recognize Your Internal Operating System
Understand that your decisions, reactions, and leadership style are driven by deep-seated programming. This is your “default mode,” and it’s often invisible until you become consciously aware of it.
2. Awaken to the Quality of That Programming
How do you respond to criticism, change, or challenge? Defensive, avoidant, or reactive behaviors are signs of outdated or fear-based wiring.
3. Engage in Vertical Development
This isn’t about reading another book—it’s about doing the inner work. Vertical growth means increasing self-awareness, healing emotional wounds, and choosing intentional evolution.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Development: What’s the Difference?
Horizontal DevelopmentVertical DevelopmentLearn more informationTransform your identitySkill-buildingMindset-elevatingDo moreBe better
Dr. Gottfredson breaks down three levels of adult development:
Level 1: Safety and Belonging (64% of adults) – Rooted in fear, focused on approval and security.
Level 2: Achievement and Performance (35%) – Driven by results, status, and advancement.
Level 3: Purpose and Contribution (1%) – Focused on impact, service, and lifting others.
Most leaders get stuck in Level 2—burning out while chasing external success, rather than evolving their internal foundation.
Heat Experiences: The Hidden Catalyst for Growth
What pushes people into vertical development? Often, it’s what Dr. Gottfredson calls “heat experiences.” These are emotionally intense, disorienting events that challenge your worldview—such as job loss, health issues, or major transitions.
Karen Roberts shares how launching her podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic became her own heat experience—turning breakdown into breakthrough.
“You don’t need a crisis to grow. You can choose to evolve by creating intentional discomfort.” – Karen Roberts
Whether through reflection, coaching, or conscious change, these self-initiated “heat experiences” are critical for transformation.
Coaches and Consultants: Why You Must Focus on Being, Not Just Doing
Your presence is your most powerful marketing tool.
In a world filled with noise, authenticity, self-awareness, and inner alignment are what set you apart. Dr. Gottfredson emphasizes that clients are drawn to who you are, not just what you offer.
This is why podcasting is such a valuable platform for coaches and service-based entrepreneurs. It allows you to show up fully—sharing your voice, your story, and your truth in a way that builds deep trust and connection.
Key Takeaways from This Powerful Episode
Most leadership and business challenges stem from outdated mindsets, not lack of knowledge.
Vertical development is essential for meaningful, sustainable personal and professional growth.
Emotional intelligence, trauma healing, and self-awareness are foundational for becoming a transformational leader.
Coaches and entrepreneurs must work on their inner world to scale their outer success.
You can trigger your own evolution—no crisis required—by stepping into discomfort with intention.
Podcasting is an excellent tool to embody and amplify your most authentic self.
Final Thoughts: Becoming Better Begins Within
If you're a coach, consultant, or business owner feeling like you’ve hit a plateau, this episode is your invitation to go deeper.
Instead of chasing the next tactic or trend, look inward. Upgrade your operating system. Shift from fear to impact. From performance to purpose. From doing to becoming.
🌟 “Becoming better isn’t about doing more—it’s about being more.” – Dr. Ryan Gottfredson
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ryan Gottfredson on Podcast Profits Unleashed—available now on your favorite podcast platform.
📘 Grab the Book
Discover the full science behind personal transformation in Ryan’s new book: Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation
Plus, take the free mindset and vertical development assessments to learn where you are and how to grow.
🎤 Want to Launch a Purpose-Driven Podcast?
Ready to attract dream clients, build authority, and scale your business through podcasting?
Visit PodcastProfitsUnleashed.com/free to access Karen Roberts’ free workshop and book your strategy session.
Let your voice lead your brand—and your next level of transformation.
