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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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College teacher turned ghostwriter | Scaling founders, coaches, and consultants to $100K+ /mo | Writing to build wealth and better self | 98,000 on Twitter (X)

Taylin John Simmonds

I just want you to know, it’s possible to become a full time writer. 

It might take longer than expected. It might not happen the way you expected. But it is possible. 

Please, on the hard days, remember that.

College teacher turned Substack ghostwriter | Helping multi-passionate writers and creatives earn on the internet | 2 billion impressions | $4,000,000+ revenue generated | All in on Substack

I’m 31, Canadian, introverted, and run a small online writing biz with my high school best friend.

Last year, we did $315,000 in revenue.

What we sell (copy us if you like):

– Social media ghostwriting: $4,700/mo + 10% commission
– Newsletter ghostwriting: $2,000 /mo
– Ghostwriting coaching: $5,700/qtr
- Ghostwriting course: $500
- Paid Substack newsletter: $99/yr

How we market:

– Post on LinkedIn 5x/week
– Post on Substack 7x/week
– Post on Twitter 14x/week
– Email my list 2-3x/week
– DM 100 people/mo on LinkedIn

Tools we use:

– Loom (SOPs and audits)
– Stripe + Whop (payment processors)
– Calendly (calendar bookings and pre-sale automation sequences)
– Heartbeat (community platform for coaching)
– Eden (all writing + my entire life in systems)
– Notion (company systems)
– Claude + ChatGPT (AI assistance)

Where I started:

4 years ago I was a college teacher who knew nothing about business, marketing, or sales. I just wanted more control over my time and to make a little more money. Today, I have exactly that.

if you do a fraction of this, you can make $100K /yr on Substack alone. You just need the right offers, strategy, and time.

I hope this gives you some direction.

—Taylin

I ghostwrote for 6 months with zero pay.

3am writing sessions to hit deadlines. Then I’d teach college classes from 8am to 6pm (exhausting).

I tracked every win. Saved the screenshots. Studied what worked.

That invisible work became my portfolio.
That portfolio landed my first paid client at $3,000 a month.

To get paid, get proof.

My tiny writing biz did $315,000 last year.

If I were starting over and wanted 6 figures, I’d ghostwrite newsletters on Substack.

Go to LinkedIn, find business owners, health coaches, and tech founders. DM them. Show them how a paid newsletter will make them more per mo than they pay you.

Do this well and you’ll have more clients than you can handle.

Funny... After 31 years of exploring, my happy life turned out to the simple one.

• Reading great books
• Going on walks to think
• Writing what I’d love to read

A little breathwork. A lot of time with my gf.

That’s it. That’s happiness.

Build in public (show your process)
Think in public (share your insights)
Write in public (show your skill)

Public credibility creates private opportunities.

If you want to level up in life, you must create more than you consume.

Create art, books, content, products, and businesses. Shape your body, mind, and environment. Build your ideal life one tiny step at a time.

Most people are stuck because they only watch. Don’t be like them.

Create something. Anything.

You only need 1 client.

Not one who underpays, drains your energy, and ignores boundaries.

1 client who pays more than most corporate salaries, treats you like a professional, and builds with you long term.

That single client will permanently change what you think is possible with a one person business.

You're exhausted because you have too many open loops.

Too many books you’re reading. Articles you’re writing. Skills you’re learning. Businesses you’re building. Problems you’re solving.

Pick one thing (for now). And grieve the rest. 
Energy will follow.

Don’t write with AI. Write assisted by AI.

AI can come up with ideas. You decide which are worth writing.
AI can research. You fact-check.
AI can give feedback. You choose what to keep.

You think. You write. You lead.

You bring the perspective, taste, and truth that no machine can.

AI saves you time.

Not so you can write less, but so you can write more, write better, and write more you.

The happiest people I know are not doing more. 
They are noticing more.

They pause to celebrate small wins others ignore. Ten minutes of focused work. One uncomfortable email sent. An honest start on a low-energy day.

That habit will make you effective.

Because people who notice progress keep going.

New milestone: 100 paid subscribers on Substack!

Solo building is overrated.

Find your people. Meet daily. Build cool sh*t together.

I’m creating a newsletter ghostwriting course with two close friends and it’s the most fun I’ve had in months.

Few things beat building with people who care as much as you do.

Multi-passionate people get stuck because they over-consume and under-create.

You don’t have to give up learning. But you do need to devote yourself to producing work daily.

Create for 2-4 hours in the morning. Explore for 1-2 hours in the evenings.

That’s how you both learn and earn with multiple interests.

You don't need motivation to achieve great things.

I don't always feel like writing.
I don't always feel like working.
I don't always feel like exercising.

Honestly, MOST days I don't feel like it.

But I do it anyways.
And I never regret it.

How to stand out on (corporate) LinkedIn: Speak the truth in an unexpected way.

Most people are scared to tell the truth. Even more are scared to show who they really are. It’s a shame.

Your weird is the most interesting thing about you.

I’m sorry but you’re not boring enough.

Keep a small circle, say no to extravagant vacations, eat the same food, go to bed early, and work on the same creative projects every day.

Boring isn’t flashy, but it builds a life far more meaningful than most people's highlight reels.

The future won’t belong to specialists who refuse to change.

It will belong to people who can become someone new again and again.

Technology is moving too fast for fixed identities.

Agency, learning speed, and keeping cool under uncertainty are the new job security.

A lack of pressure leads to an abundance of procrastination.

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The Battle

Rob Dance

Taylin John Simmonds

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The Battle

Rob Dance

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Engagements

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