Rob Dance

CEO & Founder of ROCK.

I started my business with just £1,000
 
(I bought a cheap van, a laptop, and a desk)
 
Today, we operate internationally
Today, we hire over 100 of the brightest minds
Today, we're an 8-figure business, on our way to 9
Today, we're launching several new start ups
Today, I work with some of the most gifted people in the world
 
But what you don't know is:
 
20 years ago, I failed my exams and dropped out of school
17 years ago, I really struggled to write a full sentence
15 years ago, I was too scared to make phone calls

So now I'm sharing my journey with you.
Daily insights to help anyone.
Let's goooooooo 🚀

CEO & Founder

After 15 years of growing my business, I realised something FUNDAMENTAL was missing.

Our unique culture and innovative ways of managing our people has always been a TOP priority for me.

So much so, I have never found the perfect software platform to manage our people operations and help my team remove the day-to-day noise so they can focus on our mission.

Then, one day, it struck me: I NEED to create this myself to help other businesses!!

And so, Ware was born.

Launching in 2025, Ware promises to transform how you build your culture and genuinely empower your team.

Ware. Everything is.

A reminder for anyone who needs it:

(You deserve better)

Stop giving 100% to companies that treat you like you're replaceable.

If you're always:

- Staying late
- Pushing hard
- Hitting targets

And you’re still getting ignored - it's not your fault.

You're not unmotivated.
You're undervalued.

A company that appreciates you will show it. They’ll:

1) Recognise your contributions and effort.
2) Listen to your concerns and act on them.
3) Respect your boundaries and work-life balance.
4) Promote from within instead of overlooking internal talent.
5) Support your career growth with training and opportunities.
6) Make staying feel like the right choice, not your only choice.
7) Pay you what you’re worth, not what they can get away with.

Loyalty is a two-way street.

If they can't meet you halfway, don’t feel guilty for pulling back.

Protect your energy.
Know your worth.

The right workplace won’t make you question it.

Do you agree?

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Stop giving 100% to people who give you 10%. Rob Dance

Confidence in leadership isn’t about always having the answer

It’s about this…

Trusting yourself to figure things out - even when nothing feels certain.

Too many leaders think they need to seem perfect. 
But that’s not where respect comes from.

Respect comes from how you handle pressure. 
From how you respond when things go wrong.

The best leaders?

→ They ask for help. 
→ They admit when they’re unsure. 
→ They build teams that challenge their thinking.

So if you want to lead with confidence, try this:

1. Listen more than you speak.
2. Let your actions do the talking.
3. Be willing to be wrong - honesty builds trust.
4. Surround yourself with strong, honest voices.
5. Stand by your decisions, especially the tough ones.
6. Trust yourself to figure it out - not to have it all figured out.

You don’t need to feel “ready.”

You just need to trust that you’ll handle what comes next.

Do you agree?

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Confidence is knowing you’ll figure it out, not knowing all the answers. Rob Dance

Someone else’s success is not a threat.

It’s proof.

Proof that progress is possible.

When I see someone win… 
I don’t feel smaller.

I feel reminded.

If they can do it, so can I.

As Justin says, too many people sit back:

- Judging
- Comparing
- Secretly hoping someone slips up

That mindset builds nothing.

Because clapping for others shows strength.

It shows confidence. 
It shows security.

So if you’re in a waiting season, use it.

→ Study what works 
→ Improve your skills 
→ Stay consistent

There is no weakness in celebrating someone else’s win.

Only insecurity makes it feel that way.

Do you agree?

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Until it’s my turn, I will keep clapping for others. It’s just that simple. Rob Dance and Justin Wright.

Respect should never depend on a job title.

No one needs to know someone’s:

- Salary
- Position
- Qualifications

To treat them well.

They are human. 
That alone is enough.

I see people switch their tone based on who stands in front of them.

And that shift says more than any CV ever will.

Character shows when there is nothing to gain.

So if you want to grow as a leader, practise these daily:

1. Say thank you
2. Keep eye contact
3. Show basic respect
4. Greet everyone properly
5. Listen without interrupting

These actions cost nothing.

But they build trust faster than any title ever will.

Do you agree?

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Make it a habit to respect people without knowing their qualifications, title, or position. Rob Dance

This isn’t meant to feel good…

(But it’s how we grow)

As Justin Wright pointed out - it’s discomfort that takes you far.

Yet too many leaders avoid disagreement.

They see silence and call it respect.
They chase harmony instead of honest thinking.

But great leaders do it differently:

→ They listen with calm.
→ They speak with purpose.
→ They invite challenge, not just compliance.

The simple truth?
They want people who call out what’s wrong.

So if no one’s questioning you, it’s not a sign you’ve nailed it.

It’s a sign they’ve stopped believing you’ll listen.

Do you agree?

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Insecure leaders want only yes-people around them. Strong leaders want people who challenge their thinking. Justin Wright and Rob Dance

Here’s the truth:

Playing safe won’t make you happy.

If there’s even a slight chance something could improve your life…

Explore it.

- Don’t overthink it
- Don’t talk yourself out of it before you’ve even tried

Life is short.

Time doesn’t slow down.

And real happiness?

It’s rare.

It doesn’t come from staying where you feel stuck. 
It comes from movement.

Fear will always show up.

But that doesn’t mean stop.

It means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone.

That’s where progress lives.

→ Take the call
→ Book the meeting
→ Submit the application

Risk feels scary.
Regret feels worse.

Do you agree?

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If there’s even a slight chance at getting something that will make you happy, risk it. Life’s too short and happiness is too rare. Rob Dance.

Careers do not end because of:

- One rejection
- One bad review
- One missed promotion

They stall when effort stops.

Because growth belongs to people who stay in motion.

So if you are serious about career growth, focus on three things:

→ Upgrading skills 
→ Building strong relationships 
→ Asking for honest feedback

Then apply what is learnt immediately.

Progress does not reward pride.

It rewards people who refuse to stay still.

Do you agree?

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Nothing is over for someone who tries. Rob Dance.

Want to level up fast in your career?

Here’s how:

Sit beside someone who's already ahead.

Not to compete.
To catch their momentum.

When you’re around ambitious people, your mindset shifts.

→ You think bigger.
→ You raise your standards.
→ You stop making excuses.

And as Dora Vanourek puts it, it stretches you in ways you didn’t expect.

So ask yourself:

Is your circle fuelling your growth?
Or keeping you stuck?

Choose your company with intention.

It matters more than you think.

Do you agree?

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A reality check for anyone who needs it:

(You deserve better)

Loyalty isn’t a one-way street.

Too many workplaces expect it without giving anything in return.

But a company that values you will show it. They’ll:

1) Recognise your contributions and effort.
2) Listen to your concerns and act on them.
3) Respect your boundaries and work-life balance.
4) Promote from within instead of overlooking internal talent.
5) Support your career growth with training and opportunities.
6) Make staying feel like the right choice, not your only choice.
7) Pay you what you’re worth, not what they can get away with.

If they:

- Don’t value you
- Don’t invest in your growth
- Don’t try to retain you when you consider leaving

Take the hint.

Staying in a place that doesn’t value you will drain you.

Take your skills, time, and energy where they’re appreciated.

Do you agree?

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We’ve all had that one leader.

The one who:

→ Saw our potential before we did.
→ Stood by us when we doubted ourselves.
→ Pushed us forward - not with noise, but with quiet belief.

And as Reno Perry says, that kind of faith?

It stays with you.
It shapes who you become.

So here’s the real question:

Are you doing that for someone else?

Because someone on your team is waiting.

Waiting for just one person to say: “I believe in you.”

Be that person.
Be that leader.

Do you agree?

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Remember the leader who believed in you before you believed in yourself? Be that person for someone else. - Reno Perry and Rob Dance.

One of the hardest lessons to learn:

You cannot make someone change.

Sometimes you spend months trying to raise issues that are affecting the team.

- You give feedback.
- You offer suggestions.
- You explain the impact on people around you.

And still…
Nothing changes.

Why?

Because listening starts with awareness.

And if a leader cannot see the problem in their behaviour?
They believe they have no reason to change it.

Employees can raise concerns.

They can be honest.

They can explain what is happening on the ground.

But improvement only happens when a leader chooses to:

→ Listen
→ Reflect
→ Take responsibility

So remember:

You cannot force someone to hear what they are not willing to hear. 

Do you agree?

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Biggest lesson this year?

Stop over-giving to people who wouldn’t do the same for you.

It sounds blunt. 
It’s still true.

Too many of us pour:

- Time
- Effort
- Loyalty

Into relationships that give nothing back.

That isn’t kindness. 
It’s imbalance.

So I watch actions now.

Not words.

If someone values you, they show it.

→ They check in 
→ They make time 
→ They show up

The right people step up.

The rest drift away.

Do you agree?

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Biggest lesson I learnt last year was probably not to give so much of yourself to people who wouldn’t do the same for you. Rob Dance

If it isn’t said, it gets carried…

And that weight builds fast.

Silence feels easier.

- No tension
- No awkward talk
- No risk of upsetting anyone

But you pay for it later.

Unspoken words turn into stress.

Stress turns into frustration.

And frustration leaks into your:

→ Tone 
→ Energy 
→ Behaviour

Staying quiet does not fix the problem.

It stores it.

Do you agree?

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Remember: if you’re not saying it, you’re carrying it, and that gets heavy fast. Rob Dance.

Career growth is often misunderstood.

People expect it to be loud and obvious.

→ A promotion 
→ A new job title 
→ A big announcement that everyone notices

But most real growth is quiet.

Sometimes it simply looks like clarity.

Clarity about what matters at work. 
Clarity about what does not.

Real growth often begins with three things.

1) Clarity 
↳ Knowing what work truly matters 
↳ Deciding where your effort should go 
↳ Understanding the direction your career should take

2) Boundaries
↳ Setting limits 
↳ Protecting your time 
↳ Saying no to work that pulls you away from real progress

3) Better decisions
↳ Leaving environments that keep you stuck 
↳ Choosing opportunities that build real skills 
↳ Working with people who challenge you to improve

Career growth rarely arrives with applause.

Most of the time, it starts with quiet choices no one else sees.

Do you agree?

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Growth doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like clarity, boundaries, and better decisions. Rob Dance.

I used to believe support was enough to change people.

If I encouraged them…

- Backed them
- Gave them time

They would step up.

I was wrong.

Because good intentions do not build culture.

Consistent behaviour does.

If someone talks about teamwork but gossips 
↳ Believe the gossip.

If someone promises change but repeats the same mistakes 
↳ Believe the pattern.

Culture weakens when leaders ignore red flags to avoid conflict.

It strengthens when behaviour is addressed early and clearly.

Do you agree?

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Degree2Destiny

- Backed by Northeastern University’s startup founder co-op from Boston, USA, D2D has impacted over 3500+ students across India in just 6 months of full-time operations.
- Created pathways for students to connect academic achievements with real-world careers, enhancing their professional readiness in a competitive global market.
- Spearheaded the development of the CAN (Communication, AI, Networking) model to enhance generative AI skills, communication abilities, and networking strategies.
- Focused on bridging the gap between traditional education and the workforce by providing tailored, actionable skills that align with industry demands.

Founder

Notion

- Hosting in-person and virtual events to introduce students and faculty to Notion's powerful tools.
- Creating and sharing Notion templates to streamline workflows and boost productivity.
- Collaborating with student organizations and departments to implement Notion for better organization and project management.
- Building an engaged Notion community through social media content, workshops, and peer-to-peer support.
- Providing feedback to Notion's product team and participating in brand campaigns to promote new features.

Campus Leader

Northeastern University

- Leading 10+ campus tours every semester for prospective students, providing insights into the student experience at Northeastern.

Husky Ambassador

GyanDhan

- Supported a community of 21,000+ students with expert guidance on study abroad opportunities, including application processes, scholarships, and visa requirements.
- Empowered aspiring international students by providing personalized advice and fostering a resourceful, supportive community.

Ambassador

WEvolve together

- Featured on Future Egalitarian Ethical Liberal Leaders Changemaker List 2022 and myKolkata The Telegraph for exceptional work.
- Mentored over 20+ students with low-income backgrounds in India with college applications for institutions in USA and UK.
- Conducted 3 workshops on Gender Equality engaging over 20+ individuals in collaboration with Goethe Institute for the ‘Gender Week’.
-Spreading awareness about gender-related issues through Instagram Marketing (@wevolve.together) 

The WEvolve Podcast, Host
-Discussing gender equity and roles in society
-Conducting interviews with changemakers who are influential and empowered individuals discussing gender in society and how that has impacted their lives.

Founder and Podcast Host

YOUTHTOPIA

- Part of a community of Youth Change-makers across the world.

Circle of Youth Member

D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University

- Collaborated in designing CEM programming and conducting interdisciplinary research on emerging markets with Faculty Fellows.
- Enhanced student engagement through strategic outreach efforts, increasing CEM's visibility across
Northeastern University.
- Represented and led a diverse group of students from three colleges, aligning CEM initiatives with varied academic and career goals.

Center for Emerging Markets Student Associate

- Provide guidance to undergraduate business students navigating the co-op process.
- Review student resumes and conduct mock interviews to enhance employability.
- Facilitate small group workshops and lead networking events.
- Mentor students on preparing for and reflecting on professional co-op experiences.
- Serve as a co-op role model, fostering growth through one-on-one and group support.

Peer Mentor and TA

NU Entrepreneurs Club

- Directing a flagship program within the largest campus organization, consisting of over 2000 active members.
- Fostering a collaborative platform for Northeastern’s aspiring entrepreneurs to learn new skills and build their entrepreneurial toolkit.

Co-Director of Engage

MeriPocket

- Leading problem-solving initiatives to address challenges in promoting our advocacy and expanding our reach.
- Shaping brand identity to resonate with our target audience, and make a compelling case for the need for pockets in women's clothing.
- Leveraging digital marketing strategies to boost online presence, engage with audience, and drive our campaign forward.

Brand Strategist

Technoplat

#TechTuesdaysUK is the Knowledge Platform, launched by Technoplat (www.WeAreTechnoplat.tech), in January 2023.  It’s a member-driven community, that aims to bring together creators and innovators in the technology industry. My role as a Volunteer was the following.

•	Coordination with the guests, 
•	Scheduling the events on the first Tuesday of every month and 
•	Interviewing leaders from the tech sector.

Volunteer

Learning LinkedIn as a super skill | Sophomore at Northeastern University

I’m a 21-year-old entrepreneur building an AI-powered startup to fix what we are not taught.

As a student, I saw a recurring gap — students had potential, but lacked the tools, confidence, and systems to convert it into careers. So I launched Degree2Destiny to bridge the space between education and employment, blending AI with mentorship and real-world skills.

In just 8 months of full-time operations, we've impacted 3000+ students through our CAN model (Communication, AI, Networking). I’ve spoken at the Grace Hopper Celebration, mentored 30+ peers as a  teaching assistant and built workshop programs now run across India and the U.S.

My next milestone? Scale D2D to impact 1 million students, become revenue-positive by year one post-grad, and launch our digital platform to help every student build their career with AI, not just a degree.

If you care about the future of education, youth empowerment, or want to collaborate on bold ideas — I’d love to connect. Let’s reimagine what student success can look like.

Anjali Laddha

Someone congratulated me for a talk I never gave.

I was at the AI Impact Summit.
And someone messaged:

“Congrats on speaking!”

I wasn’t speaking.

But here’s what’s wild

A week before that, I was in Boston at the Harvard Women in Business Conference.

Snowstorm.
-10°C.
Layers on layers.
Freezing.

Then I flew to Delhi for the AI Impact Summit,
where I was selected in the Top 150 for the AI by HER Impact Challenge.

From snowstorms to Delhi heat in less than a week.

Two climates.
Two continents.
Two high-stakes rooms.

And somehow, part of me still felt like I had snuck in.

That gap is dangerous.

Because when you hesitate,
the room doesn’t.

Harvard felt electric.
Ambitious women talking capital, leadership, ownership.

AI Impact felt different.
Fewer women.
Same ambition.
Higher stakes.

And I’ll say something that might not be popular:

I don’t want to be celebrated for surviving in male-dominated spaces.
I want to dominate in them.

Yes, gender bias exists.
Yes, funding gaps are real.

But constantly centring the struggle isn’t strategy.

Positioning yourself as powerful anyway?
That’s strategy.

If you’re a young woman building something, read this carefully:

→ Apply before you feel ready.
→ Enter rooms that intimidate you.
→ Speak even when your voice shakes.
→ Stop waiting to feel “qualified.”
→ Let your ambition be louder than your insecurity.

Because here’s the truth:

You don’t grow into rooms.
You grow because of them.

40 hours of travel.
Snowstorms to heatwaves.
Investor conversations to wedding conversations.

And one realisation hit hard:

The biggest barrier isn’t the room.

It’s the version of you that still thinks you’re lucky to be there.

This is your sign to believe in yourself more.
Because someone out there is already rooting for you.

Anjali Laddha 🌟

AI Trainer helping students + colleges turn degrees into careers 🚀 | Founder @Degree2Destiny | 4,000+ students & faculty trained | Author of CANnected 📘

Women might become the best users of AI.

And the last year convinced me.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve spent a lot of time talking to women.

Women who:

• run startups
• work at big corporations
• teach in schools and universities
• run entire households
• and somehow still show up for everyone around them

Different lives.

One common thread kept coming up:

AI.

Not as hype.
Not as a buzzword.

But as leverage.

Because women have always been the original multitaskers.

Careers.
Families.
Communities.
Households.

All at once.

AI doesn’t replace that.

It amplifies it.

And what surprised me most is that this isn’t just happening in tech circles.

Recently, under Degree2Destiny, we hosted an International Women’s Day workshop in India for everyday women running their households.

Not founders.
Not executives.

Women who manage homes.

And the moment we showed them how AI could help with:

• planning meals
• organizing household tasks
• writing messages
• learning new skills
• making better decisions

Because the first decision-makers in most homes are women.

They manage time.
Money.
Schedules.
Relationships.

In many ways, they’re already running a small operating system.

AI just makes that system smarter.

This is personal for me too.

I grew up hearing this equation:

Bad grades + woman = arranged marriage.

So I rewrote it.

Built a podcast.
Used LinkedIn to find opportunities.
Started Degree2Destiny to teach students AI, communication, and networking.

Now I meet girls, and women who were told the same thing.

And then they learn AI.

And suddenly the story changes.

Confidence.
Opportunities.
Options.

If AI is the biggest productivity shift of our generation…

Women mastering it: from boardrooms to households, will change the game.

Happy International Women’s Day 🩷

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The Battle

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