In this episode of Inside the Leader's Mind, David Suson sits down with Alex Rodriguez, a veteran government affairs strategist, CEO of Conduit Government Relations, and Chairman and CEO of DCG Public Affairs.

With more than 30 years advising Fortune 500 companies, public agencies, and nonprofit leaders, Alex operates at the intersection of policy, power, and public perception. He also brings a unique perspective shaped by over five decades as a lifelong martial artist and sixth-degree black belt.

This conversation explores what quiet leadership really looks like. Alex shares why communication and empathy are not weaknesses but force multipliers, how discipline from martial arts translates directly into leadership under pressure, and why compassion is the often-overlooked sixth tenet of effective leadership.

From navigating complex government systems and high-stakes water policy decisions to the personal cost of choosing purpose over prestige, Alex offers grounded wisdom on leading with clarity, integrity, and balance. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about dominance. It is about presence, perspective, and precision.

• Great leadership is rooted in communication and empathy, not control or ego

• The discipline learned through martial arts directly shapes calm, effective leadership

• Compassion is not weakness. It is a strategic advantage

• The best leaders turn pressure into precision by staying grounded and intentional

• Leadership begins at home and carries into the boardroom

• Failure is not something to avoid. It is proof that you are trying

• The "middle way" creates balance, clarity, and sustainable success

• "If I'm an asshole in the boardroom, I'm probably an asshole at home."

• "Empathy isn't weakness. It's how you stay human under pressure."

• "Leadership doesn't need to be loud to be powerful."

• "I want peace of mind more than power or position."

• "If you don't fail, you're not taking risks."

• 00:00 – Introduction & Background

• 03:00 – Navigating Government, Influence, and Strategy

• 07:30 – Water Policy, the Salton Sea, and Defining Leadership Moments

• 11:00 – Martial Arts, Discipline, and Empathy

• 16:00 – Quiet Leadership and Compassion

• 21:00 – Is Empathy a Weakness?

• 26:00 – Turning Pressure Into Precision

• 31:00 – The Cost of Leadership and Choosing Purpose

• 34:30 – Final Reflections and How to Connect

• Website: https://www.dcgco.com

• Books: Available on Amazon

  • The Way of Walking Alone

  • A Stick in Time

  • 365 Days of Martial Valor