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Award-Winning Leadership Speaker, Executive Coach & New York Times Best-Selling Author

Leland Vittert

NewsNation Anchor Leland Vittert shares his journey with autism in our new book “Born Lucky”

This episode is also available on Youtube, Apple (SOON) and Spotify (SOON)

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He didn’t speak until he was three. He was bullied for being different. Diagnosed on the autism spectrum, Leland Vittertwas once the kid left out, misunderstood, underestimated. Today, he’s the one asking the tough questions on national television—broadcasting from war zones, pressing political leaders, and staying calm when chaos unfolds live.

But he had something few knew about: a father who believed in him more than the world ever would.

Together, they built a life of discipline and resilience: 200 pushups each morning to build confidence, flying lessons before age 10 to set bold goals, and daily breakfast talks about politics, character, and what it means to lead.

In our new book, Born Lucky, I had the privilege of helping Leland tell this deeply personal story. As we worked together, I saw just how much of his strength was forged in quiet moments between father and son—moments of discipline, sacrifice, and love. This isn’t just a story about overcoming autism—it’s a story about character, trust, and the kind of leadership that starts at home.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • How to set long-term goals that drive every decision forward
  • How to lead with empathy while holding high standards
  • The power of honesty over approval

      You will learn:

      •  6:00   How easy it is to cut corners in practice and why you’ll suffer as a result.
      •  8:00   How to emphasize the power or “we” on your team.
      • 11:00  How living and working in Japan in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster taught Lane that caring was the universal language of respected leaders.
      • 15:00  The level of employee interaction required to achieve success.
      • 18:30  The difference between being accountable and responsible.
      • 27:00  How to identify a meaningful friend or mentor.

      Resources:

      • Download our free bonus resource that includes the four pieces of advice Leland’s grandfather wrote in his letter
      • Follow Leland on X
      • The Collars & CO team is giving our listeners 20% when you order from this link
      • Order Born Lucky on Amazon

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