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.

I used to think people left jobs for more money

(I was wrong)

They’re not chasing bigger paychecks.
They’re chasing peace of mind.

They leave when:

- Effort is never enough.
- Silence feels safer than honesty.
- Burnout is expected and vulnerability is a liability.

So here’s a reminder from Dan:
Retention starts with culture.

If you want to retain your best people?

Start with respect.

That means:

→ Managers who support, not shame
→ A culture where it’s safe to be honest
→ Teams that value rest as much as results

The paycheck is important, sure.
But it’s not the reason they stay.

Do you agree?

♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

I used to think people left for better pay.

Now I know, they leave for peace of mind and basic respect.

Dan Murray and Rob Dance

If the leaders in the room aren’t saying your name when opportunities come up…

You might be in the wrong room.

Connections open doors.

But loyalty?

That’s what keeps you in the conversation when you're not there.

You want leaders who back you without needing a reminder.

The kind who:

→ Recommend you without hesitation 
→ Speak highly of you when you’re not around 
→ Say your name in rooms you haven’t entered yet

That kind of support is rare.

And you won’t notice it’s missing - until it matters most.

So, pay attention.

Watch who speaks up. 
Watch who stays quiet.

Silence from the top says more than applause from the crowd.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Career growth isn’t just about learning new things.

It’s about letting go of:

- Old habits
- Old beliefs
- Old ways of doing things that once kept you safe

And that part hurts.

Especially when it’s something you’ve carried for years.

Something that used to work.
Something that once made you feel competent or in control.

But here’s the shift:

Growth happens when you're willing to unlearn.

When you’re brave enough to admit, this doesn’t serve me anymore.

And then? You relearn.

→ With humility
→ With curiosity
→ With discomfort

That’s the real work.

That’s what separates the adaptable from the stuck.

Do you agree?

♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Everyone talks about wanting to grow.

But setting resolutions and hoping for the best?

That won’t get you there.

Because when life pushes back, most people fold.

So think about it this way:

You said this time would be different. 
Now life’s testing whether you meant it.

That resistance? 
That discomfort you’re feeling? 
That stretch beyond what’s familiar?

That’s what growth actually looks like.

It’s not meant to be easy. 
It’s meant to break patterns.

Because real growth demands:

→ Grit 
→ Accountability 
→ Uncomfortable truth

There’s no room for excuses.

So if it’s hard right now, that’s a sign.

You’re moving. You’re changing.

You’re growing.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

I’ve hired hundreds of people

And here’s the truth:

Your CV gets you through the door.

But it’s how you show up every day that keeps you there.

As Eric Partaker said, it’s not about:

- Fancy titles
- Certifications
- Qualifications

It’s about:

1) How you handle the tough days.
2) How you react to unexpected setbacks.
3) How you stay composed under pressure.
4) How you adapt when the plan changes last minute.
5) How you keep pushing forward when motivation runs thin.
6) How you support your teammates when they’re struggling.
7) How you take ownership of mistakes without pointing fingers.

That’s what sticks.
That’s what people remember.

So be the person who makes things easier, not harder.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Your greatest skill isn’t on your CV. It's in how you show up every day.

Be the person who makes things easier, not harder. Rob Dance and Eric Partaker.

We all say we’re too busy.

But the truth is…

Most of us just aren’t prioritising what matters.

If you took an honest look at your day last year, you’d probably find:

→ Endless scrolling 
→ Mindless procrastination 
→ Tasks that lead nowhere

The problem isn’t time.

It’s focus.

Growth doesn’t wait for perfect conditions.

It happens when you show up…

- Consistently
- Deliberately

Even when it’s inconvenient.

You do have the time.

You just have to take it back from the things stealing it.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

No one is too busy. It's just a matter of priorities. Rob Dance.

Here’s a simple rule I live by:

If it doesn’t help you grow or feel good?

It’s not worth your time.

You don’t owe your energy to anything that drains you.

That’s not harsh.
That’s clarity.

Whether it’s:

→ A job 
→ A relationship 
→ A routine that no longer fits

You’re allowed to walk away from anything that holds you back.

Because protecting your peace isn’t a luxury.
It’s a necessity.

A quiet kind of strength that often goes unseen.

So if it’s not helping you move forward, ask yourself:

Why are you still holding on?

Do you agree?

♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

If it doesn't being peace, progress or purpose then don't give it your time energy, or attention. Rob Dance.

Let’s be honest…

People at work will always have opinions.

– Some will question your choices. 
– Some will critique your performance. 
– Some will try to box you into a role you’ve outgrown.

But here’s the truth:

Their opinions don’t decide your value.

They never did. 
They never will.

Your competence, your potential, your worth - not up for debate.

So stop shrinking to fit someone else’s version of “professional.”

You set the standard. 
You define the path.

Not them.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Your worth is not determined by anyone else's opinion. Rob Dance

Letting go isn’t failure.

It’s clarity.

You can care about the mission.

- The people
- The bigger purpose

But when the culture stops caring back?

You’re in a battle you can’t win.

You can’t outwork a system that refuses to change.

Not if leadership won’t listen. 
Not if the values on the wall mean nothing in practice.

Eventually, you realise:

→ Your time matters 
→ Your energy is limited 
→ Your passion deserves better

Leaving isn’t giving up.

It’s recognising what no longer deserves you.

Do you agree?

♻️ Share this to help the leaders in your network

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Sometimes you have to let go of the role. 

Not because you don't care, but because they don't. 

Rob Dance.

If peace only comes when work is perfect…

→ Your manager's happy
→ Projects go smoothly 
→ Your inbox is quiet

That’s not peace. 
That’s control.

And control never lasts.

Real growth?

It happens when you stay grounded while everything at work is in flux.

Because the truth is:

→ Deadlines shift 
→ Teams change 
→ Plans fall apart

So if you're waiting for calm to feel calm, you’ll be waiting a while.

The real challenge?

Staying grounded when nothing’s going to plan. 
That’s where growth happens.

Because peace isn’t about having a perfect week.

It’s about holding your centre when everything’s uncertain.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

If your peace depends on everything going right, it's not peace, it's control. Learn to be steady in uncertainty. That's real growth. 

Rob Dance

Biggest lesson of my career?

Stop giving more than you’re getting…

Especially when people show you that they won't return the same energy.

I learnt this the hard way:

- Burnout
- Being overlooked
- Constant overthinking

But they were there, right from the start.

I just didn’t want to believe them.

So if you’re stepping into a new space, pay attention to the red flags:

1) Overwork with no recognition
2) No room for questions or feedback
3) More competition than collaboration
4) Leaders who preach empathy but don’t live it

Trust your gut.

It will protect you peace more than anything else.

Do you agree?

♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Books teach you a lot.

But people?

They teach you how to lead.

→ The calm one when everything fell apart
→ The honest one when no one else would be
→ The one who made you feel like you mattered

They didn’t quote theory.
They just acted.

And that’s what stuck.

Because real leadership isn’t found in pages.

It’s found in people.

Empathy
Honesty
Presence

You learn that by watching, listening, and feeling.

So if you want to lead better?

Pay attention.

The best lessons are walking past you every day.

Do you agree?

♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Fear isn’t about something being impossible…

(Despite what you may think)

It’s about stepping into the unknown.

- No clear map.
- No guarantees.

Just unfamiliar ground.

That’s uncomfortable.

But it’s not a sign you can’t do it.

Because fear doesn’t mean failure. 
It means growth is on the table.

That nervous energy?

It’s not a warning. 
It’s proof you care.

You don’t need to be 100% ready.

You just need to take the step.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

It's scary because it's new, not because you're incapable. - Rob Dance

The old advice?

– Do more
– Hustle harder
– Say yes to everything

But that mindset?
It’s a fast track to burnout.

Because more isn’t always the answer.

Sometimes, it’s the problem.

So instead of another to-do list, try a stop doing list.

Ask:

→ What’s draining energy I don’t have?
→ What doesn’t align with who I’m becoming?
→ What am I only doing out of habit, guilt, or fear?

Protecting boundaries starts there.

With honest answers.
And hard cuts.

Because clarity doesn’t come from cramming in more.

It comes from clearing space.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

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

Everyone told me to drop out to be a “real” founder.

That staying in college meant I wasn’t serious.
That you can’t build something meaningful unless you burn the boats.

I didn’t buy it.

No fixed campus.
No one country.
No clean timeline.

And still, the company got built.

My version looked like this:

📍 2022 | London
First year of college. Different country. Different rules.

📍 Summer 2022 | India
Where Degree2Destiny was born.

📍 2023–2024 | Boston
Studying while building. Learning what work actually feels like.

📍 Mid-2024 | Boston + D2D
Running a company full-time while on co-op and still enrolled.

📍 Early 2025 | Back to college
Not quitting. Choosing to finish.

📍 2025 | India
8 months of family, festivals, and building in real time.

📍 Now | US → India
Final semester. Then back to India to go all in.

Yes, I missed things.
Yes, it was messy.
Yes, it was harder than “just dropping out.”

But here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Dropping out isn’t bravery.
Staying in isn’t fear.

Quitting college doesn’t automatically make you a founder.
And staying doesn’t make you any less of one.

You don’t need a dramatic exit to build something real.
You need consistency, conviction, and the ability to live in the grey.

The hybrid path exists.
It’s slower. It’s quieter. It’s real.

If you’re being told you’re “not serious enough” because you didn’t drop out,
maybe you’re just serious in a way that doesn’t trend on the internet.

Anjali Laddha 🌟

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

A very rewarding way to kick off the year!

Grateful to Daniele Mathras for putting me forward for this opportunity

Huge thank you to the mentors who’ve shaped my journey at Northeastern:
Jeannette (Jen) Guillemin, Nikki James, Helenka Hopkins Nolan, Michelle Schlesinger Zaff, Larissa Marchiori Pacheco, PhD, Isabelle Grenier, LMHC, Brooke Johnson, Genevieve Winn, Dr. Priyan Khakhar, Dr. Courtney Hagen Ford, Kathryn Slomski, Betsy L. and Diane Nishigaya MacGillivray

To my father, Ajay Laddha who plays a key role as an advisor and has been taking the business forward in my absence

And of course, my team without whom none of this is possible! 

From real projects to real responsibility, I’ve learned more than I could have imagined.

Excited to take it all into my final semester and build for what's ahead 🚀

View company: D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University

A great way to start the year. 🎉

Poets&Quants has named #damoremckim student Anjali Laddha 🌟 one of the 2025 Most Disruptive Business School Startups for Degree2Destiny, an AI-powered career readiness platform helping students turn their degrees into real careers.

Founded at Northeastern, Degree2Destiny bridges the education-to-employment gap by combining AI literacy, communication, and networking through workshops, bootcamps, and digital tools. The venture has already impacted 4,000+ students and educators across India and the U.S.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/gAYicNjy

taplio

The Battle

Rob Dance

Anjali Laddha

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreRob Dance's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreAnjali Laddha's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Rob Dance

Anjali Laddha

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Rob Dance's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreAnjali Laddha's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreRob Dance's LinkedIn Performance