Match the Moment: How Leaders Can Unlock the Real Competitive Advantage with Dan Silvert

In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we sit down with Dan Silvert—behavioral expert, author of The True Competitive Advantage, and co-founder of Velocity Advisory Group. Dan’s journey from musician to sound engineer to executive coach is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Along the way, he discovered a profound truth: people—not products or processes—are the true competitive edge in business.

Dan has trained leaders across the globe to lead with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and trust. Through his work with DISC behavioral styles, he’s learned how to help teams harmonize their diverse energies—and unlock untapped potential in the process.

“If we can take a step back, laugh at ourselves in a healthy way, and lean in the direction of others—we diversify our behavioral portfolio. And that’s key to growth.” —Dan Silvert

From Lost to Leader

Dan’s career began with uncertainty. After an extended period of unemployment and a journey through various roles—including career coach and sales professional—Dan discovered the world of behavioral profiling. It lit a spark in him, and he hasn’t looked back. His obsession with self-awareness and human behavior led to bestselling books, global workshops, and the realization that leadership is less about commanding and more about listening, flexing, and honoring others.

Match the Moment, Not the Mirror

A major theme in this conversation is the idea of “matching the moment”—that leaders must bring the right energy to the right situation. It’s not about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about having the humility and awareness to adapt:

• Working with someone who craves harmony? Slow down and build trust.
• Coaching a high-D, high-execution Eagle? Get to the point and drive forward.
• Leading in a crisis? Step into your Eagle energy and take decisive action.

The metaphor Dan uses is simple but powerful: just as you diversify your financial portfolio, you should diversify your behavioral responses. The best leaders know how to flex their approach depending on who they’re with and what the moment demands.

“You’re either going to hit what you were put on this planet to do—or you’re going to sell yourself short. And that’s just not acceptable.” —Dan Silvert

The Role of AI and Rapid Change

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn into the rise of AI and what it reveals about leaders. Dan doesn’t focus on the tech itself, but rather on the human response to it. Based on the DISC assessment, Dan has taken it to the next level in his work. We talked a bit about how these styles react to rapid change and ambiguity?

• Eagles fear being seen as a failure.
• Parrots fear disapproval.
• Doves fear relational tension.
• Owls fear being inaccurate or unprepared.

Understanding these core fears helps us coach leaders more effectively—and helps leaders understand how their teams might react to innovation, transformation, or disruption.

Leadership Is About Surfacing Genius

Dan leaves us with a bold challenge: if you’re not interested in surfacing the genius of others, then why are you a leader?

Leadership, he argues, is about creating space for others to grow, contribute, and thrive. If you’re only in it for your own trajectory, you might be better suited as an individual contributor. But if you want to unlock the full mystery and potential of your team, it starts with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and behavioral flexibility.

What about you?

As you reflect on Dan’s insights, ask yourself: What energy do you default to in times of stress or uncertainty? And how might you match the moment more effectively with your team?

Listen to the full episode for more insights from Dan Silvert. Share it with someone who needs a reminder that behavioral diversity is not just nice to have—it’s essential to thriving leadership.