Career Competitor: Recent Episodes
Steve Mellor
Light the competitive fire within you to jump start or optimize your career with interviews and insight courtesy of host, Steve Mellor. Steve is a Performance Coach that has coached athletes to Olympic gold and executives to new career heights and is here to help you on your journey too.There is an optimal version of ourselves that might sometimes require a specific insight to spark the competitive fire within us to strive towards this version off ourselves. Guests range from Olympic and Super Bowl champions, to Fortune 500 executives and entrepreneurs, but the common theme across each episode is that of striving towards ones optimal self. This show will motivate you to make a career out of discovering the competitor within you so you can elevate your performance in ways you never have before.
Steve sits down with Cindy Cohn, former Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, for a conversation about values, leadership, change, and knowing when it is time to make room for what comes next.
Cindy has spent decades fighting for digital rights, privacy, free speech, and a better internet for the people who use it. Her career is a powerful example of what it means to stay grounded in your values while remaining flexible enough to adapt as the world changes around you.
Cindy also shares a deeply personal look at her decision to step away from her leadership role at EFF. Not because the mission stopped mattering, but because she knew it was time to create space for the next chapter.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- What it means to be “growth ready”
- Building a career around values instead of a fixed title
- Leading through constant change
- Why change should not be treated as a solo sport
- How to protect the work that gives you energy
- The importance of listening across an organization
- Cindy’s transition out of EFF and into what comes next
- Her book, Privacy’s Defender: My Thirty-Year Fight Against Digital Surveillance
Whether you are navigating transition, leading through uncertainty, or trying to reconnect with the work that fuels you, Cindy’s story offers a thoughtful reminder: staying true to your values does not mean staying still.
Listen now and ask yourself: What part of your work gives you energy right now?
About the Guest:Cindy Cohn is a digital rights attorney and longtime leader in the fight for privacy, free expression, and civil liberties online.
She served as Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for a decade and spent 26 years helping shape the organization’s work as the internet evolved—from early battles over encryption to today’s questions around platform power, surveillance, and AI.
Cindy is also the author of Privacy’s Defender: My 30-Year Fight Against Digital Surveillance (MIT Press). Proceeds support EFF.
Connect with Cindy:
EFF: https://www.eff.org
Cindy’s book page (via EFF): https://www.eff.org (search “Privacy’s Defender”)
Book retailers: available wherever books are sold (including audiobook)
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Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
David Hiler’s answer to “What does it mean to be growth ready? ”is simple—and hard-earned: adapt to whatever comes your way.
A lifelong runner and hospitality entrepreneur, David’s life changed fast when a knee issue turned into cancer. Faced with two paths—an invasive rebuild with uncertain outcomes or amputation with a clear shot at living fully—he chose the decision that protected what mattered most: movement, presence, and the life he wanted to keep saying yes to.
Then came the second wave: recovering during COVID while trying to keep multiple hospitality businesses alive. What followed wasn’t just a comeback story. It was a full reset.
In this conversation, David shares what it looked like to let go of the “more, bigger, next” mindset, selling the house, exiting the businesses, and trading a life of constant pressure for a life built around freedom, health, and daily happiness. Along the way, he talks candidly about the hard days too: the frustration, the self-consciousness, the work of journaling when you don’t feel like it, and the discipline of choosing yourself before life forces the issue.
About the Guest:
David Hiler is a former hospitality operator who built and ran multiple businesses, including a restaurant and brewery, before stepping into a new chapter after losing his leg to cancer.
Today, David works as a consultant for bed & breakfasts and country inns, while traveling full-time with his wife in an RV—building a life around movement, simplicity, and the places that make them feel most alive.
He’s also an advocate for accessible mobility through So Everybody Can Move, supporting efforts to improve insurance coverage for prosthetic options that help amputees live fully (including water legs, running blades, and sport-specific prosthetics).
Connect with David:
- Instagram: @dhiler
- Facebook: @drhiler
- Advocacy: https://soeverybodycanmove.org/
- Adaptive Training Foundation: https://www.adaptivetrainingfoundation.org/
- Amputee Coalition: https://amputee-coalition.org/
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Jared Goralnick joins the GrowthReady Podcast with a deceptively simple definition of what it means to be growth ready: manage your energy and get clear on where you’re going.
Jared Goralnick has spent 15 years building products that help organizations find, develop, and grow talent. He was Head of Product at LinkedIn Recruiter and VP of Product at Upwork, Go1, and Articulate, and previously founded SET Consulting and VC-backed AwayFind. He now leads Your360 AI, using voice AI to make coaching-grade, interview-style 360 feedback accessible beyond the executive level.
The conversation goes deep into something most leaders avoid until it’s too late, feedback, not the vague “be more strategic” kind, but the kind that actually creates awareness, patterns, and a path forward.
Jared shares why the most dangerous feedback problem isn’t harsh criticism, it’s being in the dark. And he breaks down what it takes to create the “door” for feedback to happen, how to make it useful, and why strengths deserve just as much attention as growth areas.
If you’re a leader, founder, or high performer who cares about sustainable growth, this episode will help you:
- Build a practical definition of growth readiness: energy + clarity
- Understand why effective doesn’t mean being right
- Create a healthier relationship with feedback (giving and receiving)
- Turn vague feedback into something specific, usable, and actionable
- Use technology to support better leadership, without losing the human part
Connect with Jared
- Website: https://your360.ai
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goralnick/
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Patrick O’Donnell is the founder of Ignite Five and a performance-and-growth coach who helps leaders and organizations build repeatable rhythms that drive results without sacrificing the human being behind the role. He’s known for translating “systems” into something practical, daily routines, clear expectations, and real accountability.
In this conversation, Patrick shares how the 2008 real estate crash became a turning point that pushed him to study peak performers and build a framework for sustainable growth. He also breaks down the “Personal Compass” (the 8 F’s) and why leaders who invest in their people’s whole lives create better performance, retention, and culture.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing the right work… but doing it the hard way, this episode will land.
You’ll hear:
- Why “growth ready” starts with preparation—the work you do before the moment demands it
- The difference between being pushed by pressure and being pulled by a clear vision
- A simple way to think about systems (no tech required): rhythms, routines, and disciplines
- The 8 F’s framework (faith, family, friends, finances, fitness, fulfillment, freedom, fun) and how it creates alignment in life and leadership
- Why great leaders don’t only manage output, they build people
If you’re leading a team, building a business, or trying to create a life that still feels like yours while you chase big goals, this conversation will give you language—and a starting point.
Connect with Patrick:
- LinkedIn: Patrick O’Donnell III
- Website: www.ignite5.com
leadership #highperformance #performanceunderpressure #mindset #systems #habits #executivecoaching #culture #teamperformance #growthready
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Some conversations don’t just spark ideas, they put words to something you’ve been carrying for a long time.
In this episode, Jason A. Sousa (Coach J), known as The Performance Architect, founder of Mental Edge Athletics, and creator of the Performance Architecture methodology, joins the show to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface when the stakes rise and you can’t access the level you know you have. Jason works with athletes and high performers to map the patterns that show up under pressure.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- Why endless growth is a stronger long-term driver than chasing achievement
- Jason’s definition of pressure: “Pressure reveals where your identity isn’t safe.”
- How the brain is wired for protection before performance
- Why surface-level tools can help in the moment, but won’t change the root pattern
If you’ve ever felt any of these, this episode will hit:
- You can perform in practice… but tighten up when it matters.
- You know there’s more in you… but you can’t access it consistently.
- You keep repeating patterns (procrastination, perfectionism, overthinking) even when you “know better.”
Connect with Jason Sousa:
- Instagram: @jasonasousa (Coach J / The Performance Architect)
- Website: https://GetYourMentalEdge.com
growthready #leadership #mindset #highperformance #sportspsychology #performance #executivecoaching
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
This is a GrowthReady Replay, rewinding back to Fall 2020, when Steve Mellor sat down with Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the Banana Ball Championship League, including the world-famous Savannah Bananas.
It’s a conversation about what real competitors do when the world gets smaller: they don’t complain about limitations… they lean into them.
Jesse shares the story behind building a baseball brand that sells out games, creates lifelong memories for fans, and turns entertainment into a serious competitive advantage, especially when pressure hits.
After a career-ending shoulder injury ended his playing dreams, Jesse pivoted into leadership and entrepreneurship, eventually helping build a fans first organization known for bold experimentation, unforgettable in-stadium moments, and a relentless commitment to creating joy.
- Competing when resources are tight and stakes are high
- Turning limitations into fuel (instead of excuses)
- Experimenting fast, learning faster, and staying accountable to a public vision
- Creating emotional connection as the real measure of success
Connect with Jesse / Savannah Bananas
- Search Savannah Bananas on your favorite platform
- Watch the short documentary: “The Banana Story”
- Visit their website www.findyouryellowtux.com
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Support the show
Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
What if the discomfort you’re trying to avoid is the very thing making you stronger?
Steve sits down with Ben Granger, Chief Workplace Psychologist at Qualtrics and author of A Leader Worth Following, to unpack what growth mindset really looks like in the real world: under pressure, inside messy organizations, and in moments where you don’t feel ready.
Ben shares how he grew up with a fixed mindset (“I’m just not good at that”), what neuroscience and practice actually prove about improvement, and why people who experience more change can end up psychologically better off than those who experience less.
They also go deep on leadership... why trust isn’t built on competence alone, why “benevolence” is the most overlooked ingredient, and how you can build a healthy team climate even inside a tough culture.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Ben’s definition of being GrowthReady: a mental orientation toward learning
- Fixed mindset in childhood (and why it’s so common in athletes and kids)
- The “internal bell curve”: how you can improve beyond your starting point
- A surprising global finding: more change → better psychological outcomes
- Why “knowing” isn’t the same as integrating (and how to make it your own)
- Learning vs performance orientations (prove / avoid / learn)
- How leaders can build trust: competence, integrity, and benevolence
- Culture vs climate and how to build psychological safety from the inside out
- Where to find Ben’s book (plus the playlist that goes with it)
Connect with Ben:
- Website: benjamangranger.com (book + writing + podcast links + playlist)
growthready #leadership #mindset #personalgrowth #resilience #highperformance #performanceunderpressure
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Most people don’t quit because they’re incapable.
They quit because they’re waiting for proof.
In this Coaches’ Corner, Steve uses Abraham Lincoln as a case study in resilience, someone who lost elections, failed in business, navigated depression, and still kept moving forward when there wasn’t much evidence things were “working.”
The core shift: hope sounds productive, but it can hide hesitation. Insistence is different. It’s the decision to keep going because it matters, whether it’s validated yet or not.
Steve also shares a personal moment from his own transition out of elite sport: how “waiting to feel ready” can quietly become comfort, and why insistence is often inconvenient, uncomfortable, and misunderstood… but necessary.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why hope can look productive while still keeping you stuck
- The real difference between hoping and insisting
- How setbacks test your “response system” at higher levels each time
- What Lincoln’s life reveals about commitment without guarantees
- Why waiting for clarity is often choosing convenience
- A simple weekly challenge to turn hope into action
Pick one area where you’ve been hoping things improve... and replace hope with one insistence-based action this week.
Not perfect.
Not massive.
Just real.
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Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕, 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆. - Kendall Breitman
In this episode of the GrowthReady Podcast, Steve Mellor sits down with Kendall Breitman, former political journalist (NBC, Bloomberg) and now Head of Community at @Riversidefm , to unpack the real story behind career pivots, personal reinvention, and building community that actually feels human.
Kendall shares how she went from chasing a clear career trajectory to embracing a more open (and more honest) version of growth, one built on trust, adaptability, and the courage to choose what fulfills you now, not what you decided years ago.
In this episode:
▪️Hunger vs. capacity (and why both matter)
▪️Leaving a “made it” career behind
▪️Trusting yourself without needing certainty
▪️How community is built through real conversations
▪️Why overproduced brand content is fading
▪️Kendall’s next edge: influence, visibility, and starting a podcast
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍:
LinkedIn: Kendall Breitman
Facebook Group: Conversation Creators by Riverside
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Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
What if the thing holding you back isn’t a lack of expertise, but the fact that your voice hasn’t caught up to what you know?
In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Dr. Leslie Gordon, a speech, voice, and accent expert who helps high-performing professionals speak with more confidence, presence, and impact. Leslie introduces the idea of the “growing edge,” a powerful replacement for the word “weakness,” and explains why real growth requires more than mindset. It requires action, repetition, awareness, and the willingness to step into unfamiliar territory.
This conversation is for anyone who has ever left a meeting thinking, “I should have said something,” or who knows they have something valuable to contribute but struggles to make their voice match their expertise.
- Why “growing edge” is more useful than calling something a weakness
- Why high performers struggle to speak up, even when they know their stuff
- How self-evaluation can help growth or quietly block it
- How to work with the inner critic using Leslie’s “name it to tame it” strategy
- Why presence, breath, and body tension shape how your message lands
- Why confidence is built through action, not simply something you either have or don’t have
Connect with Dr. Leslie Gordon:
Website: https://www.leslie.gordon.speech/lesliegordonspeech.com
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
There’s a moment in the Tour de France most people miss. Not the sprint finish. Not the podium. Not the yellow jersey.
It’s the mountain stage, where you realize the leader isn’t actually alone.
We use that image to challenge a belief a lot of high performers quietly live by: self-sufficiency equals strength. It might be the very thing that helped you win early stages of growth… and the same thing that now limits what’s next.
We explore why high performance isn’t just about endurance and capacity, it’s about exposure. Exposure to feedback, discomfort, new reflections, and the kind of community that forces you to practice who you’re becoming.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- Why we confuse self-sufficiency with high performance
- The hidden cost of carrying pressure in isolation
- Why growth requires exposure, not just effort
- What community gives you that a mirror can’t
- A better question than “How much can I handle?”
- The Tour de France lesson: nobody wins the mountain stages alone
00:00 Why the mountain stage matters
00:36 The leader is never really alone
01:18 The hidden cost of carrying pressure in isolation
02:22 When self-sufficiency starts limiting growth
03:25 Growth requires exposure, not just endurance
04:05 Why community matters
04:47 Choosing a room that stretches you
05:42 What community gives you that a mirror can’t
06:18 What pro cyclists have to unlearn
07:12 No one wins the mountain stages alone
08:03 A better question for high performers
08:42 You might win one stage alone
09:33 Final reflection and share the episode
09:51 Outro
If this episode hit, share it with one leader who’s been carrying too much alone. A simple send could be the support they didn’t know they needed.
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
A lot of high-performers know how to win, but far fewer know how to use failure well. And when life gets uncomfortable, the instinct is often to avoid it, rush past it, or pretend it didn’t mean anything.
My guest today, Leanda Cave, is a four-time world champion triathlete who’s lived through elite success, personal setbacks, major transition, and a powerful season of self-discovery beyond sport.
In this episode, you’ll hear how failure can become one of the greatest forces for growth, why awareness changes everything, and how to redefine high performance in a way that actually serves your life long term.
We talk about setbacks, discomfort, relationships, identity, longevity, purpose, and what it looks like to keep evolving when your next chapter asks something different from you.
- Why being growth ready means being prepared to fail
- How failure can become a gateway instead of a stopping point
- The difference between winning the race and winning the journey
- Why comfort can quietly block growth
- Learning through relationships, patterns, and self-awareness
- The role of awareness in transformation
- Reframing high performance as longevity
- Health as a long-term leadership strategy
- Purpose, philanthropy, and life after elite sport
- Building a meaningful next chapter beyond one identity or lane
Links and resources mentioned
- Instagram: @leandacave
- Instagram: @leandacavecoaching
- Best Buddies
- TEDx talk: Failure Is the Force That Shapes You
- Leanda website: www.leandacave.com
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Connect with Steve Mellor
Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
What does it really mean to be Growth Ready?
In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Joe Smarro for a deeply honest conversation about identity, self-awareness, and the cost of living for everyone else. Joe shares why growth starts with curiosity, why so much of our identity is inherited rather than chosen, and why external validation keeps so many high-performers stuck. Together, they explore the tension between the person we present to the world and the person we sit with in private, and how closing that gap can transform the way we lead, live, and grow.
About the guest: Joe Smarro is a speaker, trainer, former Marine, and former police officer who now leads SolutionPoint+, where he and his team teach human behavior, de-escalation, wellness, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Key takeaways:
- What it means to be “Growth Ready”
- Curiosity, self-awareness, and introspection
- Identity vs. titles and external validation
- The “representative self” vs. the private self
- Why high-performers get stuck in fear and safety
- The cost of denying yourself
- Boundaries, selfishness, and self-worth
- Therapy, healing, and emotional intelligence
- The obituary exercise and legacy
- Aligning your life with what matters most
Connect with Joe Smarro
- SolutionPoint+ website
- Joe Smarro’s books on Amazon
- Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops on HBO
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
In this episode, Steve sits down with Samara Bay to unpack what it really means to be “ready” when the stakes are high. Together, they explore the connection between body, mind, and communication—and why so many high-performers flatten their presence by trying to hide fear instead of working with it.
Samara explains how public speaking is really about power, permission, and presence. She shares why “readiness” is more of a body-based practice than a mental state, how love-based thinking can shift us out of fight-or-flight, and why the warm-up before any important conversation may be the real work.
Key Takeaways:
- Why readiness is more physical than mental
- The role of body awareness in communication
- Public speaking as a reflection of power and self-trust
- How fear creates a flattened version of us
- Why naming what’s happening in the room builds trust
- The shift from fear-based thinking to love-based communication
- Social evaluative threat and the modern version of fight-or-flight
- Why context matters in every communication moment
- The importance of imagination, curiosity, and play in leadership
- Why warm-ups and rituals matter before big moments
- Missed opportunity as the hidden cost of poor communication
Links and Resources Mentioned
- Permission Inc. — permissioninc.co
- Permissionaries newsletter — available via Samara’s website
- Permission to Speak by Samara Bay
- Upcoming TEDx talk — Samara said it will be shared on her website once released
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the guest: Megan Torrance is a workplace learning and development leader who helps organizations create better systems for growth, performance, and skill development. In this conversation, she brings together practical insight from her work in learning design, her perspective on AI as an augmentation tool, and her own lived experience as an athlete, coach-supported leader, and endurance hiker.
About the episode: In this episode, Steve sits down with Megan Torrance to unpack what it really means to be growth ready. Megan reframes growth as what we learn from a leap, not just the leap itself, and explains why readiness is less about feeling fully prepared and more about having the mindset, tools, support, and willingness to step into the next challenge anyway.
Megan shares how real growth happens when people are clear on the goal, supported with the right systems, and willing to reflect in the middle of discomfort.
Key topics and themes discussed
- What “growth ready” really means
- Why growth comes from learning through the leap
- The difference between being a teacher and teaching
- Why workplace learning should focus on performance, not completion
- Reflection as a critical part of the learning loop
- The role of AI in personalized learning and leadership development
- Readiness, uncertainty, and the “gulp” before the next challenge
- Building systems that make the next right action easier
- Curiosity as a driver of long-term growth
- Expanding capacity inside and outside of work
- Lessons from ice hockey, coaching, and endurance hiking
Resources mentioned
- Megan Torrance on LinkedIn
- Torrance Learning — torrancelearning.com
- AI Implementation Guide for L&D by Megan Torrance
- Khan Academy
- MagicSchool
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the guest: Meghan Popoleo is the President of The O’Connor Group, where she has spent the last decade helping organizations grow through strong people strategy, culture, and leadership. She came into the business from the nonprofit world, openly admits she did not start out loving HR, and has grown into a values-driven leader known for vulnerability, execution, collaboration, and people-first leadership.
About the episode: In this conversation, Steve sits down with Meghan to unpack what it really means to be “growth ready.” Megan shares why vulnerability is not weakness, but a leadership advantage, especially when you’re scaling a company, building culture, navigating succession, leading hard conversations, and raising a family at the same time. For founders, executives, and high-performers, this episode is a practical reminder that sustainable growth starts with values, trust, and the courage to ask for help.
Key Takeaways:
- Why vulnerability is essential for personal and professional growth
- Megan’s journey from nonprofit leadership into HR and people operations
- The partnership between Megan and founder Marsha O’Connor
- How hard conversations strengthen leadership tandems
- Protecting company culture during growth
- Why “teammate” matters more than “employee”
- Women in leadership, motherhood, and asking for help
- The tension between saying yes, learning fast, and avoiding overwhelm
- Building new service lines without losing core values
- Why relationships are a true growth lever
- Creating communities that support female leaders and entrepreneurs
Links and resources mentioned:
- The O’Connor Group: www.tocgrp.com
- The O’Connor Group on LinkedIn
- 57th Street Partners
- Shadow Her
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Raymond Lee is the founder of CareerMinds, a virtual outplacement and leadership development company he started in 2008. After years of building the business, Raymond went through a deep season of self-reflection in late 2021 that reshaped how he saw leadership, identity, and growth. He later sold CareerMinds and stepped into a new chapter with even greater clarity around impact, authenticity, and helping people find work that truly aligns with who they are. He’s also the host of the Clocking Out podcast and author of the book Clocking Out.
About the Episode: In this conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with Raymond Lee for a powerful discussion on what it really means to be growth ready. Raymond shares why authenticity became the turning point in his life, how curiosity helped him move through fear, and why so many high-performers stay stuck in careers that look successful on the outside but feel misaligned on the inside.
Key Takeaways:
- What “growth ready” means through the lens of authenticity
- Why authenticity builds trust, connection, and leadership impact
- Raymond’s identity shift in December 2021
- Curiosity as a companion to authentic growth
- Fear of change vs. the pain of staying the same
- The story behind the Clocking Out podcast
- Raymond’s mother’s career change into archaeology at age 50
- Why meaningful change starts with small steps
- “Lead with yes” as a practical mindset for reinvention
- Asking better questions: What excites me? What brings value?
- Using your story to help others find their true path
Resources:
- CareerMinds
- Clocking Out podcast
- Clocking Out book by Raymond Lee
- Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler
- Raymond Lee on LinkedIn
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
This special archive episode takes us back to summer 2020, when Steve Mellor interviewed Alison Hadden for his Women Changing the World series. What he only learned afterward was that Alison had found out just one day earlier that her cancer had returned and was terminal. She never mentioned it during the conversation. Instead, she spoke with clarity, strength, and intention about leadership, resilience, and living like there is no time to waste.
Alison passed away in January 2022, but her message continues to inspire anyone seeking to live with more purpose, courage, and gratitude.
About the Guest: Alison Hadden was a sales and marketing leader, athlete, and founder of the No Time to Waste Project. She built her career at high-growth companies including Active, Glassdoor, and Mindbody, and became known for her energy, leadership, and purpose-driven approach to life. After facing cancer, she turned her experience into a mission to help others live with greater gratitude, joy, and urgency.
About the Episode
Steve revisits a conversation first released when the podcast was still called Career Competitor. Part of the Women Changing the World series, this interview stands out for Alison’s remarkable presence and perspective in the face of devastating news.
Rather than focusing on her diagnosis, Alison shared a message that still resonates: live with intention, lead with courage, and don’t waste time on what doesn’t matter.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership through adversity
- The athlete mindset in business and life
- Grit, resilience, and perspective
- Cancer, identity, and transformation
- Gratitude, joy, and human connection
- Living with urgency and intention
Links and Resources
- No Time to Waste Project
- notimetowasteproject.com
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Most high performers chase ceilings: bigger goals, more revenue, bigger stages. Steve argues that what actually determines whether you feel steady in the moments that matter is your floor, your daily standards, mindset, and behaviors when no one is watching. He breaks down how “growth resistance” shows up subtly (protecting identity, reputation, competence), and why the path forward isn’t hype or intensity… it’s alignment.
Key takeaways:
- Goals as “ceilings” vs. standards as your “floor”
- Why pressure exposes weak foundations (even when you look prepared)
- Effort vs. standards: the difference between looking ready and being ready
- “Growth resistant” behavior: protecting identity after failure
- Growth resilience: treating failure as data and adjusting standards
- Microsoft / Satya Nadella “learn-it-all vs know-it-all” as a standards shift
- Alignment over intensity: raising your floor to match rising stakes
- Reflection prompt: “What is my floor right now—and is it built for what I’m pursuing?”
Links & resources mentioned
- Satya Nadella / Microsoft culture shift (learn-it-alls vs know-it-alls)
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
If you’re a high performer, leader, or founder… chances are your calendar is stacked, your brain is overloaded, and you’re trying to ‘push through’ like that’s the job.
Today’s guest, Clint Rahe, former Royal Air Force PTI turned executive coach and author of The Cognitive Athleteworks with C-suite leaders who should be in their peak years… but instead are burnt out, exhausted, and running on empty.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to sustain high performance without paying for it with your health, your focus, or your family.
We’re breaking down cognitive periodizationhow to create seasons in business how to use micro-recovery to reduce stress between meetings, how to protect deep work, and how to set boundaries that actually stick.
Key takeaways
-Knowledge workers as cognitive athletes (and why overload kills learning)
-Burnout at the top: why leaders hit their “peak years” exhausted
-Cognitive periodization: creating “seasons” in business where none exist
-Recovery that actually works (micro-breaks, active recovery, energy resets)
-The “letdown effect” (why people get sick right after pressure ends)
-Energy management vs. time management
-Saying no strategically (deep work vs shallow work)
-Practical leadership habits: 15-minute daily planning + end-of-day review
-Meeting hygiene: 25-min meetings, breaks, and better transitions
-Circadian rhythms + scheduling work that fits your energy
Links & resources mentioned
-Clint’s website: thecognitiveathlete.com.au
-Clint on LinkedIn (best place to connect)
-Clint’s weekly newsletter (Wednesdays)
Clint’s podcast (short episodes, Mondays)
-Book: The Cognitive Athlete (US availability mentioned as Feb 27 on Amazon)
-Microsoft Human Factors Lab research mentioned (EEG + breaks between meetings)
-Amazon meeting practice referenced (reading memo at start)
GrowthReady #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoach #BurnoutRecovery #ProductivityHacks
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Betsy Cerulo is a seasoned entrepreneur, federal contractor, and accessibility advocate with over 36 years of leadership experience. She is the CEO of an organization specializing in accessibility staffing and services, supporting blind, deaf, and neurodivergent communities. Betsy is also an author, mentor, and champion for heart-centered leadership grounded in truth, accountability, and compassion.
In this powerful GrowthReady conversation, Steve Mellor welcomes back Betsy Cerulo to explore what it really means to be growth ready in today’s volatile, uncertain environment.
Together, they unpack why truth, awareness, and flexibility are non-negotiable leadership skills, how to lead people through uncertainty without false reassurance, and why heart-centered leadership doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. Betsy also shares lessons from building a 36-year business, launching a complementary accessibility technology venture, and investing in long-term trust instead of chasing quick wins.
This episode is a masterclass in earned confidence, ethical leadership, and sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways:
- What it truly means to be growth ready
- Truth as a leadership practice (not a personality trait)
- Heart-centered leadership vs. “kumbaya leadership”
- Leading teams through uncertainty and fear
- Accountability, boundaries, and compassion
- Navigating unknowns without false certainty
- Building trust and “reserves” over decades
- Why patience beats “get rich quick” thinking
- Intentional networking for introverted leaders
- Accessibility, advocacy, and inclusive leadership
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Luke DePron is a health and performance coach and the founder of The Fitment Project, where he helps high-performing men reclaim their health, energy, and confidence without extreme fitness tactics or unrealistic routines. Luke is known for his pragmatic, psychology-first approach to fitness helping clients build identity-based habits, minimum effective standards, and sustainable systems that integrate seamlessly into real life, careers, and family responsibilities.
About the Episode: In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Luke DePron to unpack why most driven professionals fail at health and how to finally make it stick. Luke explains why success isn’t about motivation, 30-day challenges, or doing more but about setting guaranteed minimum standards, upgrading identity, and respecting the seasons of life you’re actually in.
They dive deep into how confidence is built through competence, why unrealistic goals quietly destroy self-belief, and how leaders can integrate fitness into their lives without sacrificing family, performance, or sanity. This conversation reframes health not as another pressure but as the foundation that unlocks the next level of leadership and performance.
Takeaways:
- Building confidence through competence, not motivation
- The power of guaranteed minimum standards
- Beginner mindset and lowering the barrier to entry
- Why “doing more” often backfires for high performers
- Identity-based decision making (Fit Dad, Fit Leader)
- Avoiding the all-or-nothing fitness trap
- Integrating health into real life, travel, and family
- Seasons of life and sustainable performance
- Health as the foundation of elite leadership
- Long-term systems vs short-term intensity
Resources Mentioned
- The Fitment Project – https://fitmentproject.com
- Luke DePron on LinkedIn (mentioned as primary social platform)
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the guest: Dr. Alexa D’Agostino is a “doctor of marketing” and founder/operator who’s built and scaled multiple businesses. She’s known for blending sharp performance marketing thinking with operational reality, systems, metrics, team structure, and the mindset required to scale without breaking. She also runs an invite-only mastermind built around proximity to high-level operators and coaches.
About the episode: Most leaders say they want growth, more revenue, more clients, more recognition but Dr. Alexa D’Agostino calls out the uncomfortable truth: many businesses aren’t growth ready… they’re chaos ready. In this conversation, Steve and Alexa unpack what “growth ready” really means when pressure hits: clean systems, clear roles, scalable offers, and metrics that matter.
Key topics:
- “Growth ready” vs. “chaos ready” (and why most businesses are the latter)
- Why scaling exposes problems instead of fixing them
- The non-negotiables: systems, lanes, people, and a scalable offer
- Metrics that matter (CPA, LTV) vs. vanity metrics (likes/followers)
- Delegation, automation, and building a machine that works without you
- Failure: not the fear of it, but the avoidance of what you already know must change
- Curiosity as interrogation: using fear as data
- Mindset as an operating system and why it must be upgraded
- The role of environment: outgrowing people, protecting energy, and choosing alignment
- Integrity under pressure: the gap between stated values and calendar reality
Links and resources mentioned
- Dr. Alexa D’Agostino: https://alexadagostino.com/
- Social handle mentioned: “Dr. Alexa D’Agostino” (on most platforms)
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Rebecca Mountain is a high-performance coach, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of the Mountain Method. With an electrifying story of transformation, from growing up in a cult to becoming a leader in personal development, Rebecca helps people eliminate the “knowing-doing gap” so they can unlock success in work, life, and love.
Episode Summary: Rebecca shares her journey from escaping a cult to becoming a renowned coach and author. Together, they unpack the myth of “readiness,” how to turn excuses into launch pads, and the practical frameworks Rebecca uses to help clients bridge the gap between knowing and doing. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, intentionality, and building self-trust, packed with actionable insights for leaders, high performers, and anyone facing big changes.
Key Topics Discussed
- The myth of “readiness” and why you’re never truly ready
- Rebecca’s story: leaving a cult and rebuilding from scratch
- Excuses vs. launch pads: using adversity as fuel
- The power of self-trust and finding your “why”
- Frameworks for high performance: beliefs, decisive action, habits
- The knowing-doing gap and how to close it
- Emotional resilience and the real role of emotions in leadership
- Practical strategies to move from thought to action
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Rebecca’s website
- Follow Rebecca on socials: @bexmountain
- The Mountain Method: Learn more about her 100 Days to Peak Performance program
- Brendan Burchard's High Performance Habits (referenced framework)
GrowthMindset #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #SelfTrust
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Alan Franks is a financial planner, entrepreneur, speaker, and the author of Empowered Money. With 15+ years of experience helping individuals align their finances with their fullest lives, Alan’s obsession is clear: helping people take ownership of their money so they can show up more fully in every other part of life. His approach fuses strategy, psychology, and leadership, making him not just a financial advisor, but a true change agent.
Episode Summary: In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Alan Franks to kick off the year with a conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about goal-setting, obsession, and high performance. They explore how true growth doesn’t start with external goals, it starts with internal alignment and personal integrity.
Key Topics & Takeaways:
- Obsession vs. Goals: Why real results require focus
- The role of personal integrity in performance
- Financial planning as a tool for freedom, not restriction
- How to lead even if you're not in a “leadership” role
- The importance of tracking and manual awareness
- Creating internal alignment to prepare for external success
- Embracing playfulness amidst high performance culture
- Building systems that allow space, health, and joy
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Alan’s book: Empowered-Money.com
- Free Financial Plan: Available via Empowered-Money.com
- Business Valuation Tool: TheBusinessPlanningInstitute.com
- Book Mentioned: The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles
- Book Mentioned: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan
- Book Mentioned: The One Thing by Gary Keller
- Movie Referenced: City Slickers
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Benedict Beaumont is a breathwork facilitator, transformational teacher, and guide who helps high-performers reconnect with their inner wisdom, emotional clarity, and personal potential, all through the accessible yet powerful practice of breathwork. Benedict’s journey spans childhood asthma, personal resistance, deep self-discovery, and an eventual awakening through breath practice. Today, his teachings integrate somatic experience with spiritual grounding, making breathwork practical for leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday humans seeking direction, healing, and growth.
In this deeply experiential conversation, Steve and Benedict explore how breathwork can reveal clarity, unlock inner strength, and reconnect us to the parts of ourselves we often neglect. Benedict shares his personal story — from asthma and avoidance to transformation and purpose — and guides listeners through a powerful breathwork session designed to slow the mind, heighten awareness, and illuminate the decisions we’ve been wrestling with.
Key Topics & Themes
- The link between how we breathe and how we show up in life.
- Why high-performers resist what’s best for them — and how to overcome it.
- Breathwork as a tool for decision-making clarity.
- How childhood experiences shape adult resistance and trust.
- The relationship between spirituality, inner wisdom, and breath.
- Why neglecting your relationship with yourself has profound consequences.
- The “journey from the head to the heart” — and how breath bridges the gap.
- How breathwork simplifies what we tend to complicate.
- Building trust with yourself, the universe, God, or whatever you believe in.
Resources Mentioned
- Benedict Beaumont’s Breathwork Trainings & Resources
- Breathwork practice guidelines mentioned during the session
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Pat Fellows is an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and co-founder of Fresh Junkie Racing, one of the leading endurance event organizations in the southeastern United States. With decades of experience in coaching, hospitality, music, and large-scale race production—including the iconic Louisiana Marathon—Pat is known for his relentless “say yes and figure it out” mindset. His story is a masterclass in belief, resilience, and execution without certainty.
About the Episode: This milestone 300th episode of the GrowthReady Podcast is an unfiltered, in-person conversation between Steve Mellor and longtime friend Pat Fellows.
Together, they unpack what it actually means to be growth ready—especially when there’s no proof, no roadmap, and plenty of reasons to say no. From building massive endurance events with zero precedent to swimming 34 miles without ever questioning if it was possible, Pat shares how belief is formed through action, effort, and conviction—not confidence or certainty.
This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performers who feel stuck waiting for permission, clarity, or evidence before taking the next step.
Key Topics & Themes
- What it really means to be Growth Ready
- The power of a “yes-first” mindset
- Belief built through capability and effort, not outcomes
- Why waiting for proof keeps people stuck
- Saying yes when everything tells you no
- Leading through uncertainty and self-doubt
- Mental toughness, depression, and momentum
- Why execution beats confidence every time
- How high-performers get “unstuck”
- Reframing fear as fuel
Resources Mentioned
- Fresh Junkie Racing
- Louisiana Marathon
- Endurance training & event production insights
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest : Justin Burgess is a Louisiana-based insurance entrepreneur, health advocate, and rising voice in the fitness and performance world. After spending years stuck in mediocrity, overweight, unhealthy, and settling for a corporate life, Justin radically transformed his body, mindset, and career. He lost 60 pounds, rebuilt his confidence, and launched his own brokerage with a mission built on transparency, effort, and people over profits.
Episode Summary: In this energizing, relatable conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with insurance entrepreneur and fitness-driven high performer Justin Burgess to unpack what personal growth really looks like when you decide you've had enough of your own excuses.
Justin shares the story of going from complacent and unhealthy to losing 60 pounds, rebuilding his confidence, launching his own business, and reshaping his entire identity as a leader, father, and husband. He breaks down the power of community, discipline, transparency, and choosing to “bet on yourself”, even when doubt follows you into every new opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
- The moment Justin realized he was living below his potential
- Losing 60 pounds and rebuilding confidence
- How fitness unlocked growth in business and relationships
- Community, vulnerability, and doing hard things with others
- The patience required in relationship-driven industries
- Building a personal brand with transparency
- The “people over profits” philosophy
- Betting on yourself and saying yes before you’re ready
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Justin Burgess — LinkedIn
- Justin’s Socials: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Tim Cakir is the Founder of AI Operator and a seasoned growth leader with over a decade of experience spanning growth marketing, executive leadership, and AI enablement. Formerly a CEO leading teams of 100+ people, Tim now focuses on helping companies and individuals adopt an AI-first mindset rooted in curiosity, experimentation, and intentional decision-making. He’s also a Growth Mentor, global operator, and vocal advocate for navigating permanent change with love over fear.
About the Episode: In this episode of the GrowthReady Podcast, Steve Mellor sits down with Tim Cakir to explore what it truly means to be growth ready in an era of permanent change, especially as AI continues to reshape how we work, think, and lead.
Key Takeaways:
- What “permanent change” really means in the AI era
- Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset in high performers
- Curiosity as a leadership advantage
- Love vs. fear as a decision-making framework
- Why experimentation beats perfection
- Decision journals and intentional decision-making
- Avoiding consumption paralysis (consume → create)
- Using AI to remove friction and reclaim focus
- Mental health, panic attacks, and presence
- Leading yourself before leading others
Links & Resources Mentioned
- AI Operator
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Tools referenced: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, voice notes, AI agents
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Stay connected and keep growing with Steve:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Sardor Umrdinov is a serial entrepreneur, founder, and ecosystem builder who went from growing up in Uzbekistan without basic resources — including a refrigerator — to running one of the largest appliance repair companies in the U.S., plus a rapidly scaling multi-business ecosystem.
Sardor’s story is defined by relentless curiosity, extreme accountability, and a willingness to enter every new room before he feels ready. He’s a master of creating scalable structures, building internal accountability systems, and empowering teams to solve problems at the highest level. He hosts the Founder to Founder podcast, interviewing leaders building $100M–$1B companies.
Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Steve Mellor and serial entrepreneur Sardor Umrdinov break down the mindset, discipline, and structure required to scale yourself and your business far beyond what you think you’re capable of.
Sardor shares how growing up with constant discomfort — new languages, new environments, new failures — taught him to build readiness through action, not delay. He explains how he built an accountability “ecosystem,” why success requires a 360° support system, and how he scaled from technician to industry leader by solving bigger and bigger problems.
This episode is a masterclass in growth for founders, leaders, and high performers who want to build momentum, expand capacity, and craft a structure that makes success inevitable.
Key Takeaways:
- Why readiness is built through action, not preparation
- Sardor’s childhood in Uzbekistan & early resilience
- Leaving comfort zones repeatedly to develop identity
- Breaking down long-term goals into daily discipline
- Building a 360° ecosystem of accountability
- How internal “micro-boards” strengthen company growth
- The 1–3–1 problem-solving rule for teams
- Why entrepreneurs should love big problems
- Bringing spouses into long-term vision planning
- Building companies designed to last 300 years
- Curiosity as a superpower in the AI era
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Dr. John A. King is a poet, author of 27 books, speaker, former executive, and trauma-focused performance strategist who helps high-achieving leaders confront the internal battles they’ve spent a lifetime avoiding. Known for his blunt honesty, deep compassion, and the Finnish concept of sisu—“white-knuckled courage in the face of overwhelming odds”—John teaches others how to build “relentless resilience” from the inside out. His upcoming fiction thriller Sins of the Father continues his mission of transforming pain into purposeful creative work.
Episode Summary: In this raw, deeply human conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with Dr. John A. King to explore the real meaning of growth: facing yourself. Not the polished, curated, high-performance version of yourself — but the unfiltered, uncomfortable truth you’ve avoided for years.
John shares the moment his past crashed into his present (“Johnageddon”), how he rebuilt his identity from the inside out, and why most people never stop long enough to actually ask: Who am I? And what do I truly want?
From trauma, resilience, morning routines, authenticity, performance myths, and redefining success, this episode is part gut punch, part wake-up call — especially for leaders who want to grow without losing themselves.
Takeaways:
- The real meaning of relentless resilience and sisu
- Why men struggle to confront their internal world
- The myth of the “performance mindset” industry
- Authenticity vs. living from the outside in
- How trauma masquerades as drive and ambition
- The hidden cost of success without self-awareness
- Building rules & habits that stabilize your life
- Why rejection doesn’t sting when you’re at peace with yourself
- Letting your past refine you — not define you
- The daily work of becoming someone you actually enjoy being with
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Dr. John A. King — Website: https://drjohnaking.com
- MindFire Challenge (Free 5–6 Week Program)
- Social: @drjohnaking
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the guest: Jen Mueller is a veteran sports broadcaster with more than 20 years on NFL and MLB sidelines, including as the longtime team reporter for the Seattle Seahawks. She’s known for her mastery of strategic communication, her ability to build trust in seconds inside high-stakes locker rooms, and her signature method of crafting powerful, specific questions that unlock honest, meaningful conversations. Through her platform Talk Sporty to Me, Jen teaches leaders, teams, and high performers how to communicate with the confidence, clarity, and intentionality of elite athletes.
About the episode: In this GrowthReady conversation, Jen Mueller pulls back the curtain on what 25 years inside professional locker rooms taught her about confidence, communication, and high performance. She and Steve explore how leaders can ask better questions, stack daily wins, build trust quickly, and show up intentionally, even when you feel unprepared or overwhelmed.
Jen shares her “bubble gum moments,” her 60–90-second rule for meaningful conversations, and the surprising mindset shift that helped her grow in an environment that wasn’t always welcoming. This episode will resonate with anyone navigating discomfort, wanting to communicate with more impact, or trying to build confidence day by day.
Takeaways:
- Why not having all the answers is key to growth
- How Jen builds trust with elite athletes in under 90 seconds
- The power of specific questions vs. broad open-ended ones
- How to journal like a high performer using Jen’s 5 post-game categories
- “Bubble gum moments”, stacking small intentional wins
- Using time as your ultimate performance metric
- Building confidence before opportunities arrive
- How leaders can communicate like pro athletes
- Preparing for moments long before anyone is watching
- Owning your voice and not opting out of conversations
Links and Resources:
- Talk Sporty To Me
- Jen Mueller on social: @TalkSportyToMe
- Jen Mueller on LinkedIn: Jen Mueller (Talk Sporty To Me)
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
Connect with GrowthReady
Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the guest: Paul Davis is a business strategist, intuitive consultant, author, and expert in aligning leaders with their unconscious blueprint to unlock purpose, direction, and fulfillment. With decades of experience turning companies around and guiding high-performers toward meaningful clarity, Paul blends business acumen with deep intuitive insight to help people uncover who they truly are and what they are meant to do.
About the episode: In this powerful conversation, Paul Davis takes us far deeper than traditional conversations about “purpose” and “passion.” He explains why so many leaders unknowingly pursue the wrong goals, repeat the same unfulfilling cycles, and operate on beliefs that work against them. Paul breaks down how intuition, often ignored or misunderstood, is actually the key to discovering our unconscious blueprint and uncovering what we’re truly here to do.
Together, we explore how to align with authenticity, why hunger is the RESULT of inner work (not the starting point), and how high performers can finally find clarity that sticks.
Takeaways:
- Why hunger is a byproduct of clarity, not the starting point
- The difference between passion, purpose, and your unconscious “quest”
- How intuition actually works, and why most people misinterpret it
- The role of beliefs and how they quietly limit success
- How to sense the difference between intuition and rational thinking
- Why following what “everyone else is doing” leads to burnout and misalignment
- Authenticity as expressing your “genius oneness” rather than mimicking others
- How business owners can build differently by trusting their intuitive blueprint
- The value of handwriting, meditation, and self-reflection in unlocking insight
Resources Mentioned:
- Paul’s website - https://davisbusinessconsultants.com/
- Paul’s books - https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Snakes-Ladders-Game-Life-ebook/dp/B0FXS3HSS7
- Reference to Les Brown
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
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Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the guest: Lane Kawaoka is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Wealth Elevator, a platform dedicated to helping high-net-worth individuals and business owners move beyond traditional investing. A former engineer turned full-time investor, Lane has built a multimillion-dollar portfolio through alternative investments and has built a thriving community that connects accredited investors to real opportunities.
About the episode: In this episode of GrowthReady, host Steve Mellor sits down with Lane Kawaoka, a former engineer who traded his stable career for financial freedom through smart investing and community building. Lane shares his journey from buying his first rental property in 2009 to now leading a network of accredited investors and entrepreneurs focused on growing wealth outside the traditional stock market.
You’ll hear Lane’s insights on the internal vs. external factors that drive growth, why curiosity and humility matter more than ever in business, and how community, not isolation, is the ultimate currency of the wealthy. This conversation is packed with practical mindset shifts for high performers looking to scale not just their income, but their impact.
Takeaways:
- How to know when it’s time to change what got you here
- Why curiosity is the secret growth advantage for leaders
- The importance of community and structured connection
- How Lane transitioned from engineer to full-time entrepreneur
- The difference between external market shifts and internal growth
- The “wealth elevator” framework for building true financial freedom
- Why social relationships, not money, are the real currency of success
- How to stay grounded while scaling to 8 figures and beyond
Connect with Lane:
- Lane’s Book: The Wealth Elevator – Available on Amazon
- Lane’s Podcast: The Wealth Elevator
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor
- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
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Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Most leaders set goals that feel safe, but safe goals don’t create transformation.
In this episode, Dr. Nona Djavid shares how to rewire your brain, expand your identity, and design a vision so bold it scares you, then make that vision feel safe enough to live.
We break down her 4-step framework for unreasonable growth, the neuroscience behind identity change, and how to become the person your next chapter requires.
About the Guest: Dr. Nona Djavid is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and mindset strategist helping high-performing leaders and business owners design “unreasonable” visions and scale their results without burnout. Through her Unreasonable Method™ and neuroscience-backed frameworks, she teaches individuals to expand their identity, align behaviors, and achieve quantum leaps in life and business.
About the Episode: In this GrowthReady episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Dr. Nona Djavid to explore how to go beyond SMART goals and design the life you truly want by thinking, and being bigger. Nona shares her four-step framework for turning “unreasonable” visions into grounded realities, explaining how our nervous system, identity, and behaviors all shape what we believe is possible.
This episode unpacks the neuroscience behind change, the difference between realistic and transformative goals, and why your current identity might be holding you back from the future you’re capable of creating.
- The 3 types of goals: SMART, Inspired, and Unreasonable
- Why your nervous system resists big goals (and how to reprogram it)
- The science of identity expansion
- The role of embodiment in achieving success
- Balancing safety and stretch in your vision
- Why behavior consistency starts with who you believe you are
- How to set goals that pull you forward instead of pushing you to burnout
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid on Instagram: @drnonadjavid
- Watch Dr. Nona’s free 90-minute Quantum Leap Workshop (DM her “Quantum Leap” on Instagram to get the link)
- Book Recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
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- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
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Join the community and keep your growth journey going:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's. Taelor’s mission is to help people dress up to achieve their goals, whether it's for a job interview, date night, or big presentation, because looking good shouldn’t be a barrier to success.
About the Episode: In this episode, host Steve Mellor talks with Anya Cheng about her leap from corporate exec to founder of Taelor.AI. She shares how she overcame imposter syndrome, bootstrapped with limited resources, and turned repeated “no’s” into millions in funding.
If you’re building something big and feeling unseen, this one’s for you.
Takeaways:
- From imposter syndrome to self-belief
- Shifting from employee to entrepreneur mindset
- Growing with limited resources
- Turning rejection into opportunity
- Taelor.AI: using AI to boost confidence
- Networking through loose ties
- Circular fashion & sustainable tech
- Redefining success on your own terms
Experience effortless style with rental and personal styling services:
Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription.
Use code: PODCAST25
Sign up at: https://taelor.style/pages/membership
Armoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription.
Use code: ArmoirexTaelor
Sign up at: https://www.armoire.style/refer/ArmoirexTaelor
Give the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style:
Taelor Gift Cards: Get 10% OFF
Use code: PODCASTGIFT
Purchase at: https://taelor.style/products/menswear-rental-gift-card
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
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- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Ever feel like no matter how much you achieve, it’s still not enough? Like the goalposts keep moving and the pressure to look successful is crushing the joy of actually being successful?
Mitch Matthews is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and success coach who helps people dream bigger, think better, and do more of what they’re built to do. Through his coaching programs and top-ranked Dream Think Do podcast, Mitch empowers leaders and entrepreneurs to overcome limiting beliefs, build intentional habits, and lead with courage and authenticity.
In this conversation, Steve sits down with Mitch Matthews to explore one of the biggest challenges high-achievers face: perfectionism.
They unpack how the constant drive to get it right often robs us of peace, creativity, and real growth. Mitch shares his personal journey from corporate success to coaching freedom, revealing how embracing imperfection not only changed his work, but his life.
Together, they dive into actionable tools for shifting your mindset from performance to purpose, building confidence that isn’t tied to results, and learning how to lead yourself (and others) through seasons of uncertainty and self-doubt.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own standards, this episode is your permission slip to redefine success on your terms.
Key Topics
- The hidden cost of perfectionism in leadership and entrepreneurship
- How to turn pressure into purpose
- The power of curiosity in breaking the perfection cycle
- Redefining success beyond achievement
- Building emotional awareness and resilience
- How to coach yourself out of performance-driven burnout
- The difference between excellence and perfection
- Real tools to reconnect with creativity and authenticity
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Mitch Matthews’ Website
- Dream Think Do Podcast: Listen Here
- Steve Mellor’s Website
- Book Mentioned: Dream Job: Redefined by Mitch Matthews
GrowthReadyPodcast #LeadershipMindset #HighPerformanceCoach #PerfectionismRecovery #MindsetShift #SelfLeadership #EntrepreneurGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #PurposeDriven #AuthenticLeadership
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- Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com
- Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor
- Official Website - https://growthready.com/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Ever feel like you’re just treading water, trying to grow, lead, and live with purpose, but never quite feeling in control?
Today’s guest, Mike Milligan, grew up in extreme poverty, endured personal tragedy, and still built a thriving multi–seven-figure business while living life on his own terms. His story of resilience and intentional living is a masterclass in turning adversity into fuel.
About the Guest: Mike Milligan, CFP® is a financial educator, author, and founder of One Oak Financial (“One of a Kind Financial”). A North Carolina native who overcame poverty and personal loss, Mike has dedicated his career to helping others live unique, purposeful lives through personalized financial planning. He also teaches financial literacy at Old Dominion University and is the author of The One of a Kind Financial Plan.
About the Episode: In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Mike Milligan to discuss what it really means to live an exceptional life. From growing up in poverty to leading a multi–seven-figure business, Mike shares how defining his mission,“Be one of a kind and never miss a moment”, has transformed the way he leads, works, and lives.
They explore why you must put value on your time, how to say no with purpose, and why being “selfish” might be the key to serving others better.
- What it means to be “growth-ready”
- How tragedy can inspire transformation
- Why saying “no” more often can lead to freedom
- The illusion of work-life balance vs. being exceptional at both
- Protecting your time as if it were money
- Creating personal mission statements that drive focus and clarity
- Daily micro-wins and how to structure your mornings for success
- Redefining risk and legacy through intentional living
Links & Resources
- Guest Website: https://1oakfinancial.com/
- Book: The One of a Kind Financial Plan (available on Amazon)
- Course: Personal Financial Planning – Old Dominion University
GrowthReadyPodcast #LeadershipMindset #BeOneOfAKind #HighPerformanceHabits #MindsetMatters #TimeManagement #PersonalGrowthJourney #EntrepreneurLife #SuccessMindset #PurposeDrivenLife
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This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
About the Guest: Nathan Pearce is the founder and CEO of Pearce Bespoke, a rapidly growing men’s custom tailoring brand redefining what it means to “look good, feel good.” From running a t-shirt business in his early 20s to building a national franchise in custom suiting, Nathan’s journey is a masterclass in grit, vision, and learning from losses rather than fearing failure. Through his company and charity initiative For Good Measure, Nathan is proving that confidence can be custom-tailored.
About the Episode: In this episode, Steve sits down in person with Baton Rouge-based entrepreneur Nathan Pearce to uncover the lessons behind his explosive business growth — and the mindset that keeps him grounded. From selling his first company to creating a nationwide tailoring brand, Nathan opens up about trusting his gut, building teams who believe in your vision, and learning that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up.
Steve and Nathan also dive into what it means to be growth ready — how to balance ambition with reflection, handle losses without losing faith, and lead with authenticity at home and at work. This conversation is packed with raw honesty, practical wisdom, and a contagious drive to keep building, learning, and leading.
Key Topics:
- What it truly means to be growth ready
- Learning from losses vs. failures
- The importance of trusting your gut as a leader
- Building and scaling Pearce Bespoke
- The balance between vision and pivoting in business
- Leadership lessons and leading through empathy
- The “don’t be a victim” mindset
- Legacy, purpose, and family balance
- For Good Measure — giving confidence through custom clothing
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Pearce Bespoke: www.pearcebespoke.com
- For Good Measure Charity Campaign: Nominate someone deserving through the Pearce Bespoke website
- Follow Pearce Bespoke on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
- GrowthReady Podcast: www.growthready.com
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High performers like us can get stuck chasing outcomes, living by ‘shoulds,’ and searching for the perfect choice. That black-and-white thinking keeps us on autopilot and robs us of momentum.
Today’s guest, coach and Changeology host Meg Trucano, has lived this work. After burning out in a prestigious research career, a single question, ‘How will you feel a year from now if nothing changes?’, sparked a complete pivot. Now she helps high-achieving women create identity-level change with what she calls small acts of rebellion, like dropping old rules that don’t serve you and reclaiming your time.
If you’re ready to trade perfectionism for progress, you’ll learn how intention, agency, and aligned action create real movement, and how to give yourself permission to change your mind.
About the Guest: Meg Trucano is a coach, podcaster, and change advocate who helps high-achieving women navigate major life transitions with clarity and intention. Through her coaching practice and her podcast Changeology, she empowers clients to rediscover their agency, break free from limiting “shoulds,” and create meaningful, identity-level transformation.
Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Steve sits down with Meg Trucano to explore what it really means to be growth ready. Meg shares her perspective on the trifecta of growth—intention, agency, and aligned action—and how choosing to “exercise agency” is the key to creating lasting change.
Together, they dive into why we’re so prone to black-and-white thinking, the cultural obsession with productivity and outcomes, and how self-awareness often defaults to self-criticism rather than possibility. Meg introduces her concept of “small acts of rebellion” and reveals how choice and ownership transform how we show up in life.
From her personal burnout story to her mission of guiding others through life’s biggest shifts, Meg’s wisdom is equal parts practical and inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop coasting and start choosing the life you want, this episode is for you.
Key Topics & Themes:
- What it means to be growth ready
- The trifecta: intention, agency, aligned action
- The difference between coasting and exercising agency
- Why black-and-white thinking dominates our minds
- Shifting self-awareness from criticism to compassion
- Small acts of rebellion as tools for change
- Choice as the foundation of growth
- Meg’s journey from burnout to coaching
- The courage to embrace change without fear
Links & Resources Mentioned:
- Meg’s Website: https://megtrucano.com
- Meg’s Podcast: Changeology (search on all major platforms) https://changeology.buzzsprout.com
- The Real Change Kickstart: Meg’s 45-day 1:1 coaching intensive
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via Buzzsprout
GrowthReadyPodcast #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #MindsetMatters #LifeCoaching #ChangeYourLife #GrowthMindset #HighPerformanceHabits #EmbraceChange #AgencyAndAction
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Too many high-performers get stuck in overthinking. They let opportunities pass, waiting for the “perfect time.”
John Donnelly knows this firsthand. From leading through the 2008 mortgage crash to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at 50, John built his career and life on one principle: say yes until you have to say no.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn how saying yes more often can unlock opportunities, deepen your self-awareness, and help you prepare for your own “mountain.”
We’ll cover how John leads with curiosity in a structured industry, why self-awareness is the ultimate ROI, how to gamify big goals like Kilimanjaro, and the practical ways you can start saying yes to growth, even when fear says no.
About the Guest: John Donnelly is the Senior VP of Sales at Service First Mortgage, where he has led through industry highs, the 2008 financial crash, and ongoing disruption from technology and AI. Beyond his decades in leadership, John is a lifelong learner and adventurer, most recently proving it by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at 50. His motto: say yes until you have to say no.
About the Episode: Growth isn’t about waiting for the perfect time, it’s about saying yes, taking action, and learning as you go.
In this episode of the GrowthReady Podcast, Steve Mellor sits down with John Donnelly to explore how saying yes can unlock opportunities, build self-awareness, and lead to transformational growth. From stories of leading teams through chaos to personal lessons gained on Kilimanjaro, John shares how curiosity, consistency, and conscious action create unstoppable momentum.
Key Topics & Themes
- What it means to say yes until you must say no
- Leading through crisis: lessons from the 2008 mortgage collapse
- Why curiosity beats certainty in leadership
- How a 12-hour walk sparked self-awareness and life-changing goals
- The preparation and lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- Why consistency matters more than perfection
- Turning ceilings into floors: leading with legacy for your family and team
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Connect with John Donnelly on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohndonnelly/
- Learn more about Service First Mortgage → https://playbig.mortgage/
- Follow Steve Mellor → LinkedIn | Instagram
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via Buzzsprout
GrowthReadyPodcast #Leadership #SayYes #HighPerformance #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #TakeAction #MindsetMatters #Kilimanjaro #Adaptability
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Too many leaders hit a wall trading time for money, playing it safe, or letting fear hold them back. Aaron Golub, legally blind, former D1 athlete, NFL free agent, and now speaker-turned-SaaS founder, didn’t let obstacles stop him. In this episode, you’ll learn how adaptability, trust, and self-awareness helped him move from keynote stages to co-founding Precision Search, a SaaS business with his sister.
About the Guest: Aaron is the first legally blind Division I athlete to play football, a former NFL free agent, and a sought-after motivational speaker. He’s also the co-founder of Precision Search, a programmatic SEO company helping businesses scale.
About the Episode: What does it really mean to be GrowthReady? For Aaron Golub, it’s about leaning into discomfort, adapting to change, and building something bigger than yourself.
In this episode, host Steve Mellor dives deep with Aaron on how he transitioned from keynote stages to building a scalable software company alongside his sister. Aaron shares the lessons he’s learned about adaptability, gamifying growth, and why asking for help is one of the most underrated leadership skills.
This is a conversation for entrepreneurs, leaders, and high-performers who want to stop trading time for money and start building ventures that can scale far beyond themselves.
Key Takeaways:
- What it really means to be growth ready
- Adaptability as a competitive advantage
- Transitioning from a speaking career to a SaaS company
- The limitations of personal branding and why Aaron wanted more
- How to gamify growth so business stays fun
- The importance of asking for help and building trust
- Navigating partnerships and teamwork (including working with family)
- Aaron’s wildest dreams: IPO or a $100M+ exit
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Aaron Golub’s Website → AaronGolub.com
- Precision Search (Aaron’s SaaS company) → PrecisionSearch.io
- Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/aarongolub
- Follow Steve Mellor → LinkedIn | Instagram
- More Episodes of the GrowthReady Podcast → www.growthreadypodcast.com
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via Buzzsprout
GrowthReadyPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Adaptability #Leadership #SaaSFounders #BusinessGrowth #HighPerformance #OvercomingObstacles #MindsetMatters #ScalingBusiness
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About the Guest: Dr. Heather Hodges is an organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, speed painter, and author of Heart Work: How to Lead People, Build Culture, and Unleash Creativity in Home Care. After leaving a corporate VP role, she followed her calling to help leaders unlock creativity and lead with courage. Heather’s unique approach blends research, storytelling, and art to inspire audiences to embrace failure, find their potential, and lead with heart.
About the Episode: In this episode of The Growth Ready Podcast, Steve sits down with Heather Hodges to explore what it really means to be “growth ready.” From her courageous leap out of corporate leadership to launching her own company, Heather shares her story of embracing failure, unleashing creativity, and leaning into the unknown. Together, they dig into the Jonah Complex, why so many adults lose their creativity, and how simple tools (like crayons!) can reignite innovation. Heather also reveals the heart behind her new book and the message she’s sharing with leaders everywhere.
Key Topics & Themes
- Why willingness (not just openness) is essential for growth
- The role of courage and failure in unlocking creativity
- Heather’s leap from VP to solopreneur and keynote speaker
- The Jonah Complex: fearing our own greatness
- How school systems diminish creativity—and how to reclaim it
- Using simple tools (like crayons) to spark divergent thinking
- Lessons from Heather’s new book Heart Work
- Daily practices for self-awareness and intentional leadership
- Competing with yourself: growth as an ongoing journey
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Heather’s Website: https://www.hodgesgroupintl.com
- Heather on LinkedIn: Dr. Heather L. Hodges
- Heather’s Book: Heart Work: How to Lead People, Build Culture, and Unleash Creativity in Home Care
- Follow Steve Mellor → LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Coach Steve Mellor:
- Follow Steve Mellor → LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- More Episodes of the GrowthReady Podcast → www.growthreadypodcast.com
- Steve Mellor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via Buzzsprout
GrowthReadyPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #CreativeLeadership #PersonalGrowthJourney #CourageOverComfort #FailForward #UnlockCreativity #LeadershipPodcast #MotivationForLeaders #InspireToLead
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About the Guest: Maritza McClendon is an Olympic silver medalist, speaker, and corporate leader currently serving in Communications and Community Affairs at Carter’s. Beyond her remarkable swimming career, Maritza has dedicated herself to inspiring others through speaking, leadership, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Today, she continues to build her orbit, learning from mentors, influencing others, and preparing to step into her next chapter as both a professional speaker and aspiring author.
Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Steve Mellor reconnects with returning guest Maritza McClendon to explore what it truly means to be growth ready. From navigating life’s unexpected turns (like broken goggles behind the starting block) to leading with calm in corporate spaces, Maritza shares how possibility, curiosity, and feedback have fueled her growth both as an Olympic athlete and as a leader.
Together, Steve and Maritza dive into how to embrace uncertainty, create orbits of support and influence, and use feedback not as criticism but as a gift for growth. This is a must-listen for anyone wanting to thrive in their career, sport, or life by leaning into discomfort, curiosity, and community.
Takeaways:
- What it means to be growth ready in sport, career, and life
- How to embrace possibility and the unknown with confidence
- The power of pivoting when plans break down (literally)
- Building “orbits” of mentors, peers, and those you influence
- Using calmness and preparation to lead through uncertainty
- Turning nervous energy into focused performance
- Reframing feedback as a collaborative, empowering tool
- Why curiosity is the muscle that drives long-term growth
- Maritza’s next chapter: stepping into speaking and authorship
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Maritza’s Website: maritzamcclendon.com
- Instagram: @RitzySwims
- LinkedIn: Maritza McClendon
Connect with Coach Steve Mellor:
- Follow Steve Mellor → LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- More Episodes of the GrowthReady Podcast → www.growthreadypodcast.com
- Steve Mellor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via Buzzsprout
GrowthReadyPodcast #MaritzaMcClendon #LeadershipDevelopment #OlympianMindset #PersonalGrowth #EmbracePossibility #FeedbackCulture #CuriosityDriven #HighPerformance #ThrivingInUncertainty
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About the Guest: Scott Stirrett is the founder of Venture for Canada (VFC), an organization that has supported over 10,000 young professionals in launching their careers. He is also the author of The Uncertainty Advantage, a book that equips people of all ages to embrace change and uncertainty as a superpower instead of fearing it. Scott’s work has raised more than $80 million to empower Canada’s future leaders, and he’s passionate about helping people strengthen their "risk-taking muscles" to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Episode Summary: In this episode of Growth Ready, Steve Mellor sits down with Scott Stirrett to explore how uncertainty, often seen as a roadblock, can become our greatest advantage. From the six core pillars of thriving in uncertain times (including self-compassion, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset) to building risk-taking muscles and investing in community, Scott shares actionable wisdom from his book The Uncertainty Advantage.
Whether you’re an early-career professional or decades into your journey, this conversation will help you shift your mindset, embrace risk as growth, and strengthen your ability to thrive in times of change.
Takeaways:
- Why uncertainty is baked into our DNA
- The six pillars of The Uncertainty Advantage
- Building risk-taking muscles through small daily actions
- How adaptability and generalist skills future-proof your career
- The power of community in navigating uncertainty
- Success stories from Venture for Canada alumni
- The myth of “one big risk” vs. thousands of small bets
- How reflection and feedback accelerate growth
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Scott’s Book: The Uncertainty Advantage (Amazon)
- Scott’s Website: https://www.scottstirrett.com/
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About the Episode
In this episode of The Growth Ready Podcast: Coaches Corner, host Steve Mellor challenges the common misconceptions about coaching. Using the legendary story of Coach Jim Valvano and NC State’s 1983 championship run, Steve illustrates that true coaching isn’t about control, shouting, or rigid direction, it’s about facilitation, curiosity, and empowerment.
Listeners will discover why the best coaches (on the court, in the boardroom, or in life) create environments for self-discovery and ownership, and how adopting this mindset can transform leadership and growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Rethinking what coaching truly means
- The difference between dictating vs. facilitating growth
- Lessons from Jim Valvano’s 1983 NC State basketball championship journey
- Why curiosity, respect, and empowerment define great coaching
- The lasting impact of self-discovery and ownership in personal and professional growth
If you’re ready to stop dictating and start facilitating, subscribe to The GrowthReady Podcast today. Share this episode with a leader or coach who needs to hear it, and let’s build a world where growth comes from empowerment, not control.
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About the Guest: Elia Blankenship is a consulting leader at RSM specializing in transformation work for financial institutions and beyond. With a background in management, organizational change, and a deep commitment to emotional intelligence, Elia challenges the traditional “consultant tells, client does” approach. Instead, she builds partnerships rooted in listening, candor, and collaboration, empowering clients to own their growth journey. She’s also a champion for automation and AI adoption in the industries she serves.
About the Episode: In this conversation, host Steve Mellor and guest Elia Blankenship unpack what it really means to be “growth ready.” They challenge outdated notions of consulting, explore the role of trust and candidness in partnerships, and dig into the messy reality of change. Elia shares her approach to creating ownership in clients, why “reading the room” is a critical skill, and how personal growth mirrors professional transformation. They also touch on adapting to digital trends, breaking through ego and bias, and the importance of staying curious in a fast-moving world.
At the heart of the discussion? Growth takes work. Hard work. But with the right people, the right mindset, and the willingness to listen, it’s work worth doing.
Key Topics Discussed
- Rethinking the role of a consultant
- The importance of listening, humility, and service in leadership
- Building trust before candid conversations
- Creating ownership so clients sustain progress
- Overcoming ego, pride of ownership, and readiness barriers
- Reading the room and adapting communication styles
- Applying consulting lessons to family and personal growth
- The need to embrace AI, automation, and digital transformation
- How speed-to-market is changing the consulting landscape
- Personal reflections on future growth and unfinished projects
Links and Resources Mentioned
- RSM – https://rsmus.com
- Books on Emotional Intelligence (Emotional Intelligence 2.0)
- Microsoft Copilot and AI tools referenced in discussion
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About the Guest: Tracy Clark is a leadership coach, former managing partner of an international oil & gas events business, and a passionate advocate for helping founders and leaders break through invisible limits. After scaling her company 450% and exiting for eight figures, Tracy shifted her focus to guiding others in discovering their own transformative power through deep inner work, curiosity, and radical experimentation.
About the Episode: In this eye-opening conversation, Steve Mellor is joined by fellow Brit Tracy Clark for a deep dive into what it really means to be "Growth Ready." Tracy shares her personal journey from scaling a multimillion-dollar company to becoming a leadership coach focused on helping others dissolve limiting beliefs, or what she calls “invisible boxes.”
Through powerful metaphors, such as the tree with visible trunks and invisible roots, Tracy encourages leaders to turn inward, embrace curiosity, and use playfulness as a serious tool for transformation. Whether you're a founder, a coach, or simply someone seeking to grow, this episode offers practical frameworks and energizing insights to challenge the narratives holding you back.
Takeaways:
- What it means to be GrowthReady
- Choosing discovery over certainty
- Challenging inherited beliefs and invisible boxes
- The role of self-concept in leadership and impact
- Tracy’s journey from business owner to coach
- Using curiosity, open-mindedness, and experimentation as leadership superpowers
- The power of playfulness in business and life
- How deep self-inquiry leads to clarity and calm
- Letting go of external blame and stepping into ownership
- Tracy’s Leadership Success Scorecard
Links and Resources:
- Tracy Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyclarkcoach/
- Leadership Success Scorecard: https://tracyclark.scoreapp.com/
- Steve Mellor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
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About the Guest: Lori Melancon is the CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. A driven, candid, and deeply passionate leader, Lori is known for her commitment to systemic change, economic development, and building a more connected and resilient Baton Rouge. Her leadership style blends transparency, emotional intelligence, and a deep belief in community-driven progress.
Episode Summary: Steve Mellor sits down with Lori Melancon to explore what it means to be "growth ready" as both an individual and a leader of an entire city. Lori unpacks the idea of enduring "seasons of suck", those tough, messy, uncertain times that test us and ultimately forge our greatest growth.
Together, they dive into topics like vulnerability in leadership, the collective responsibility we all share in shaping our communities, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful work. Lori offers refreshing honesty about the loneliness of leadership, the power of transparency, and how embracing discomfort is essential for real progress.
Whether you're a high-performing leader, someone navigating change, or just looking for real talk about personal growth, this episode is rich with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
Key Topics and Themes Discussed:
- What it means to be "growth ready"
- Embracing the "season of suck"
- Vulnerability and transparency in leadership
- Community transformation and ownership
- Creating culture through communication and action
- How to lead with purpose in challenging political and social climates
- The emotional and personal toll of meaningful work
- Accountability and radical candor as tools for growth
Links and Resources:
- Baton Rouge Area Chamber: https://www.brac.org
- Ina Garten’s memoir reference: Be Ready When the Luck Happens
- Growth Ready Podcast: https://growthready.com
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About the Guest: Lex Gillette is a world-renowned Paralympic track and field athlete, speaker, and author. Despite losing his sight at age 8, Lex has built a career marked by world records, Paralympic medals, and a powerful mission to teach others how to "see" their potential. His message centers on leadership, resilience, and unlocking excellence in life’s everyday moments.
About the Episode: In this inspiring conversation, Steve Mellor welcomes back Lex Gillette for a deep dive into what it really means to be “growth ready.” They explore the mindset of daily excellence, the vital role of trust and feedback in high-performance relationships, and how Lex’s unique experiences as a blind athlete have sharpened his insights on leadership, dependency, and perspective. With powerful reflections on parenthood, adversity, and preparation for the 2028 LA Games, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider how they define success—and who they lean on to reach it.
Takeaways:
- The true meaning of being "growth ready"
- The role of flexibility, open-mindedness, and perspective
- Trust, communication, and feedback in high-performance teams
- Lessons from Lex’s journey as a blind athlete
- The daily competition mindset — winning the day
- Applying elite athletic principles to everyday life
- Preparing for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games
- Personal responsibility and leadership
- The story behind Lex's book No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision
- Navigating life with purpose, beyond sport
Links & Resources:
- Lex Gillette’s Website: www.lexgillette.com
- No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision (Book)
- Lex on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn (@lexgillette)
- Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
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About the Guest: Amanda Stern is a coach, writer, speaker, and expert in the practice of journaling as a tool for self-discovery, emotional clarity, and intentional living. A lifelong learner and former librarian, Amanda has built a unique approach to helping others show up more fully in their lives. She blends soft skills like presence and empathy with a bold curiosity about how we grow, adapt, and serve others... while staying grounded in our own values.
About the Episode: Amanda Stern returns to the podcast for a powerful, vulnerable conversation about what it really means to show up... for ourselves and others. In a world constantly pushing us to “find our lane,” Amanda challenges the idea that we must be one thing, do one thing, or stick to one path. Instead, she shares what happens when we lead with curiosity, practice presence, and honor the season we’re in.
From juggling multiple part-time roles to letting go of full-time journaling work, Amanda gets real about burnout, reinvention, and how self-reflection (through journaling or otherwise) helps us move forward with purpose. It’s an episode full of insight, compassion, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating change, seeking meaning, or just trying to figure out what’s next.
Key Topics and Themes
- What it means to be growth ready
- The power of curiosity as a core value
- Showing up for others vs. showing up for yourself
- Letting go of control and embracing life’s magic
- Parenting lessons that translate to self-awareness
- Building and releasing a passion project
- Learning to value soft skills and intangible talents
- Creating space for presence in a noisy world
- How journaling fosters personal transformation
- Redefining success in seasons of change
Links and Resources Mentioned
- Amanda Stern on LinkedIn
- Original appearance on Career Competitor podcast
- GrowthReady Podcast archives
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About the Episode:
In this special milestone episode, Steve Mellor reflects on seven years of podcasting and what’s kept him going through every high and low. He shares a deeply personal story of a swimmer he once coached, Timmy and how rediscovering his "why" led him back to joy and forward to the Olympic trials. Steve also invites listeners to ask themselves the big question: Why did you start?
This episode is a timely and powerful reminder to reconnect with the spark that first inspired you.
Takeaways:
- The danger of forgetting your “why”
- A personal coaching story that illustrates rediscovery and resilience
- The emotional and mental toll of high expectations
- How reconnecting with purpose reignites performance
- Reflections from 7 years of podcasting and over 270 episodes
- The quiet crisis behind many great achievements
- Powerful self-reflection questions for realignment
Links & Resources Mentioned:
- GrowthReady Podcast
- Follow Steve Mellor on Instagram: @coachstevemellor
- Book Steve for Speaking
Send us a text
Support the show
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About the Guest: Gene Rice is a seasoned executive recruiter, entrepreneur, and author of the bestselling book “From Grad to Grown-Up.” With a rich career that spans from owning rock clubs to founding one of the top executive search firms in the U.S., Gene is dedicated to helping young professionals and leaders find clarity, passion, and purpose in their careers. He also co-founded the "Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation," supporting youth in pursuing their passions regardless of financial limitations.
About the Episode: In this episode, Steve Mellor reconnects with Gene Rice three years after their first conversation. Together, they explore what it truly means to be “growth ready”, diving deep into themes of career clarity, passion-driven work, and the hard truths about professional fulfillment. Gene shares invaluable stories from decades of placing top executives and mentoring young talent, all anchored around a powerful message: don't wait until you're burnt out to find what lights you up.
Takeaways:
- What being “growth ready” truly means
- Gene’s eclectic career journey from rock clubs to executive search
- The importance of aligning career with purpose and passion
- Common regrets people have at the end of life
- How young professionals can test their passions before committing
- Advice for mid-career professionals feeling stuck
- The emotional ROI of doing work you love
- Strategies for maintaining long-term professional joy
- The mission and impact of the “Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream” foundation
Links & Resources Mentioned:
- Gene Rice’s Book: From Grad to Grown-Up
- Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation: Official Site
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About the Guest
Larry Long Jr. is a global keynote speaker, sales coach, author, and founder of LLJR Enterprises. Known for his infectious energy and motivational message, Larry inspires professionals around the world to rediscover their greatness and live with purpose. A former athlete turned corporate sales leader, Larry now helps others step into their power with clarity, courage, and community.
About the Episode
In this high-energy and heart-filled conversation, Larry Long Jr. returns to the GrowthReady podcast with Steve Mellor to dive deep into what it really means to live with intention. From getting unstuck in life and business to building a global speaking career while staying grounded in family and personal health, Larry opens up about the mindset shifts, coaching, and community that fueled his transformation. Whether you’re on the edge of a leap or in need of a spark, this episode is a rally cry for bold, purpose-driven living.
Takeaways:
- The power of intentional investment in personal and professional growth
- Why mindset is the bridge between strategy and execution
- How Larry's health journey became a catalyst for greater impact
- Building community while scaling a global speaking business
- How to rediscover your inner greatness and live with bold clarity
- The role of coaching, accountability, and faith in sustainable success
- Reframing rejection and failure as stepping stones to purpose
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Larry's Website: larrylongjr.com
- Book: JOLT! Get Zapped into Intentionality, Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longjr7/
- NSA Influence Conference
- Global Speaker Summit (2025 - Cairns, Australia)
- Instagram: @longjr7
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About the Guest: Amy Boone Thompson is the CEO and Owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, a trailblazer in the wellness industry, and Chair of World Active. With over two decades of experience in fitness leadership, Amy has worn every hat, from personal trainer to executive leader. Her mission is rooted in making health and movement accessible to all, and she leads with authenticity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Steve Mellor reconnects with returning guest Amy Boone Thompson for an energizing conversation on leadership, personal growth, and shaping the future of fitness. Amy opens up about what it truly means to be “growth ready,” the challenges and decisions that come with leading a 300,000-member global organization, and why blending authenticity with agility is her leadership superpower. She also shares how writing her first book taught her to lead with gratitude, and why that practice is transforming how she shows up for her team and herself.
Takeaways:
- What it means to be “growth ready” in life and business
- The power of curiosity and the dangers of ego-driven leadership
- Blending personal and professional identities in lifestyle industries
- How empathy became Amy’s superpower as a leader
- Making bold, sometimes unpopular decisions in service of innovation
- Leading with intention, especially during industry-wide transformation
- Global leadership through World Active and WHO partnerships
- Gratitude as a leadership practice
- Aligning passion and purpose for long-term impact
- Amy’s vision for the future of IDEA and inclusive fitness
Links & Resources:
- IDEA Health & Fitness Association: www.ideafit.com
- Amy Boone Thompson on Instagram: @amyboonethompson
- IDEA World 2025 in Sacramento: July 17–19, 2025
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👤 Guest Bio: Margaret Watts Romney is a leadership communication coach, TEDx speaker coach, and author of The Speakership is Leadership. With a rich background in public speaking, neurology, and purposeful leadership, Margaret empowers individuals to find their voice, connect authentically with audiences, and lead through clarity and emotional intelligence. Her unique approach helps speakers of all levels become impactful communicators—from the TEDx stage to daily conversations.
📘 Episode Summary: In this transformative conversation, host Steve Mellor sits down with Margaret Watts Romney to explore the nuanced journey of growth, communication, and emotional awareness. From redefining what it means to be “growth ready” to uncovering the internal and external elements of powerful speakership, Margaret shares compelling stories and insights about navigating nerves, leading with intention, and the neurological roots of how we show up and speak.
This episode is a masterclass in self-awareness and leadership for anyone looking to improve how they connect, communicate, and contribute to the world around them.
🗝️ Key Takeaways:
- Growth isn’t a definition, it’s an experience shaped by emotion, intention, and clarity.
- Speakership is about more than public speaking, it's about how we consistently use our words to lead and connect.
- Emotional awareness is essential for decision-making and leadership.
- Learn how to balance the “elephant” (emotional mind) and the “rider” (rational mind) to communicate more effectively.
- Speaking isn’t always about talking, it’s also about asking the right questions and truly listening.
- Margaret’s personal journey from a classical cellist to a speaker coach reveals the power of shifting focus from self to service.
- Tips for preparing to speak under pressure, from TEDx stages to team meetings.
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
- Margaret’s book: The Speakership is Leadership — Available on major booksellers
- Website: www.masterspeakerlab.com
- Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn: Margaret Watts Romney
- The NeuroLeadership Institute (mentioned for emotional processing research)
If this episode sparked something in you, whether it’s a new understanding of growth, the desire to own your speakership, or simply the reminder to trust your voice, then this conversation is just the beginning. 🎧
👉 Tune in now, share the episode with a friend or teammate, and don’t forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your words help us grow and reach more listeners just like you.
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👤 About the Guest: Julio Melara is a seasoned CEO, publisher, entrepreneur, and author with a deep passion for personal development and leadership. With a track record of transforming adversity into opportunity, Julio brings decades of experience in business, publishing, and motivational speaking. He’s the publisher of Business Report and the author of several impactful books, including It Only Takes Everything You’ve Got. Julio lives what he teaches, and in this episode, he shares why being growth-ready means more than just setting goals; it means embracing the work that change requires.
🔍 Episode Summary: What does it really mean to be “growth ready”? In this powerful opening episode, host Steve Mellor sits down with Julio Melara to unpack the mindset, habits, and heart required for true transformation. Julio reveals the discipline behind consistent personal evolution, why most people resist the very change they seek, and how he stays anchored through the highs and lows of business and life.
Listeners will walk away with a clearer picture of what it takes to grow, not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s hard. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or just trying to level up in your own life, this episode offers practical insights and real talk from someone who’s walked the path.
📝 Key Takeaways:
- What it really means to be "growth ready"
- Why most people want growth but resist change
- The role of clarity and discipline in sustainable success
- How to align your habits with your vision
- Why starting small can create massive momentum
- Julio’s personal story of resilience and purpose-driven leadership
- The difference between dreaming and deciding
🔗 Links & Resources:
- Julio Melara’s Website
- Book: It Only Takes Everything You’ve Got by Julio Melara
- Business Report – Julio's publication
- Connect with Julio on LinkedIn
- Step Into the Spotlight, Be Our Next Guest on GrowthReady
If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who’s navigating their own growth journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, it helps us bring more powerful conversations to you each week.
Are you ready to grow? Let’s go.
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👤 Guest Bio: Ric Moylan is a high-performance coach, speaker, and founder of Charity Boxing Nights and Reset Summit. With a background in elite boxing and martial arts, Ric brings a unique lens to personal and professional growth, bridging lessons from combat sports into boardrooms, businesses, and everyday life. His coaching philosophy is grounded in discipline, purpose, and the belief that real growth comes from doing the hard, boring stuff, consistently.
🎧 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Steve Mellor sits down with long-time friend and performance coach Ric Moylan to unpack what it really means to be growth ready. From his roots in elite boxing to launching transformational charity events, Ric shares how the most meaningful breakthroughs often come from the most mundane, disciplined habits. They explore the concept of a “personal code,” how loose goals keep us stuck, and why putting in the work, especially when it's boring or inconvenient, is the key to unlocking your potential. You’ll also hear the moving story behind Charity Boxing Nights and how choosing discomfort can create lasting change, not just in your life, but in others’.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- “Do the work” isn't a cliché, it’s a mindset. Success is built in the monotony of showing up daily, not grand gestures.
- Create a personal code. Growth starts with clarity and commitment to who you want to be, not just what you want to achieve.
- Lofty goals mean nothing without concrete steps. Vague goals are a way to protect ourselves from doing the work.
- Growth is often boring. But embracing the boredom is where true progress lies.
- Balance is possible. You can be driven and disciplined and make space for joy, rest, and fulfillment.
- Give back, go further. Learn how Ric’s Charity Boxing Nights have helped participants transform themselves while raising over £700,000 for NICU units.
- Reset is powerful. Discover why carving space for reflection and recommitment can reignite your personal or professional journey.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:
- 🌐 Ric Moylan’s Website: ricmoylan.co.uk
- 🥊 Charity Boxing Nights: charityboxingnights.co.uk
- 🎯 Reset Summit Info: resetsummit.co.uk
- 📱 Follow Ric on Instagram: @ricmoylan
If this episode challenged how you approach your goals, or reminded you that showing up every day is the work, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to GrowthReady, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know what your personal code looks like.
Let’s keep building a community of doers.
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About the Guest: Debra Bradley is a seasoned fractional CFO and innovation strategist who specializes in guiding companies through transformative growth. With a career steeped in finance, risk assessment, and technological adoption, Debra is known for her bold yet calculated approach to change. Whether it's advising on AI implementation or recalibrating how businesses assess risk, she brings a unique perspective shaped by experience, curiosity, and a fearless attitude toward growth and disruption.
Episode Summary: In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor is joined by Debra Bradley to explore why the greatest risk in business—and life—is often staying exactly where you are. From open water swimming to pioneering financial transformations, Debra shares how embracing discomfort and recalibrating risk leads to resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Together, they unpack the myths of risk, the pitfalls of success, and the critical role of leadership in high-change environments. If you're a leader navigating uncertainty or simply someone looking to grow, this conversation will shift how you think about change and challenge.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- Growth demands discomfort: The biggest red flag for Debra? Getting too comfortable.
- Risk is misunderstood: Most people overestimate the danger of action and underestimate the danger of inaction.
- Lessons from the ocean: Open water swimming taught Debra to reframe fear and assess risk through a clearer lens.
- The true cost of not changing: Companies that cling to past success often face the greatest threats.
- AI isn’t optional: You’re probably using it already, so you might as well learn to leverage it.
- Leaders must model the way: Bold leadership is vulnerable, visible, and forward-looking.
- Quantify the unknown: Making abstract fears more tangible can reframe the risk/reward equation for your team.
🔗 Links & Resources:
- 🌐 Bradley Ventures Website
- 💼 Debra Bradley on LinkedIn
If this episode challenged your perspective on risk, change, or leadership, don’t keep it to yourself.
Share it with a friend, post it on social media, and leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform.
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About the Guest:
Tamara “Tam” Jackson is a business strategist, speaker, and host of The Beacon Show. With two decades of corporate experience and a passion for empowering faith-driven leaders, Tam helps others navigate purpose, calling, and impact. Her work bridges the gap between faith and business, showing that success in the marketplace can also be deeply meaningful and mission-driven.
Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of GrowthReady Podcast, Steve Mellor sits down with Tamara Jackson for a raw, insightful conversation about embracing uncertainty, taking intentional action, and living a life that matters. From personal challenges to career pivots, Tam shares how faith and discipline have guided her through it all. You’ll hear how a major life event reshaped her mindset, why inertia is the enemy of purpose, and how being a steward of your talents is more than just a nice idea, it’s a calling.
If you’ve ever felt the pull toward “more” but weren’t sure how to begin, or if fear has kept you stuck, this is the episode for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Why being “Growth Ready” starts with internal work and spiritual discipline
- The power of acceptance vs. the illusion of control
- How inertia can keep us from reaching our potential
- Tam’s journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship
- What it really means to be a steward of your time, talents, and opportunities
- Why clarity often comes through conversation and connection
- Creating legacy-driven content in the digital age
- How to live with intention in every season of life
Resources & Links Mentioned:
- 🎧 The Beacon Show
- 📱 Follow Tam Jackson on Instagram
- Join Tam's Facebook Group
- 💡 John Maxwell’s Daily 5 (referenced in Tam’s routine)
This episode is an invitation to stop waiting and start acting with purpose. If Tam’s words resonated with you, do three quick things:
- Subscribe to GrowthReady on your favorite podcast platform.
- Share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs a dose of courage and clarity.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you.
Stay intentional. Stay growth-ready.
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About the Guest:
John Fareed is the Global Chairman of Horwath HTL, the world's largest and most established hotel, tourism, and leisure advisory firm. But before becoming a leader in global hospitality consulting, John was a U.S. Marine, a professional magician, and a young radio DJ. With a career marked by bold pivots and relentless curiosity, John’s story is a masterclass in personal branding, adaptability, and the power of saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities. He is also the author of From Invisible to Icon: How to Become a Known Expert in Your Industry.
About the Episode:
In this inspiring and wildly entertaining episode of the Growth Ready Podcast, host Steve Mellor welcomes John Fareed for a conversation that travels from a small town in North Georgia to the global stage. John shares how a willingness to be “open in all things” led him from radio and magic shows to the U.S. Marines, and eventually to chairing an international consulting firm. The episode explores how personal and professional growth often stem from the same core values, and how intentionally shaping your personal brand can be a game-changer. Packed with jaw-dropping stories and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career shifts or looking to build a personal brand with authenticity and purpose.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- Why “be open in all things, be lucky in all things” is a life-changing mantra
- How John turned an eighth-grade radio job into his first personal brand evolution
- Lessons from the Marines and Magic Castle that shaped his approach to leadership and consulting
- The power of personal branding — and how to define your own brand using four key words
- Why belief and persistence matter more than a clear roadmap
- How to start managing your personal brand with commitment, investment, and consistency
- Behind-the-scenes stories of resilience, rejection, and remarkable turns of luck
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:
- John Fareed’s book: From Invisible to Icon: How to Become a Known Expert in Your Industry
- Horwath HTL: https://www.horwathhtl.com
- Connect with John Fareed on LinkedIn
- Connect with Steve Mellor on LinkedIn
- GrowthReady Linkedin Page
Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, subscribe to the GrowthReady Podcast, and leave us a review to help more listeners find these game-changing conversations!
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About the Guest:Dr. Chris Fuzie is an educator, leadership expert, and the President of the National Leaderology Association. With a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and 30 years of experience as a police officer, Dr. Fuzie brings a rare blend of real-world leadership, academic rigor, and an innovative approach to organizational growth.
His latest book, Liminal Space, challenges traditional views of leadership and followership, making him a perfect guide for today's evolving workplace.
Episode Summary:What if the real secret to leadership and personal growth wasn't just about leading, but about learning how to follow?
In this powerful episode, Steve Mellor and Dr. Chris Fuzie explore how embracing failure, recalibrating motivation, and empowering others can transform the way we lead and live. Dr. Fuzie shares actionable insights about the science of leadership, the undervalued role of followership, and the hidden patterns (like behavioral tessellations!) that drive lasting success.
Whether you're in a leadership role, building your own growth journey, or simply looking to think differently about success, this conversation will leave you motivated, challenged, and equipped with practical strategies you can apply immediately.
Key Takeaways: Why motivation is rooted in science, not just "willpower" * How failure actually boosts growth (if you see it the right way) * The powerful, often overlooked role of followership in organizations * Why true leaders empower others, and aren’t always the loudest voice in the room * The importance of creating tessellations of behavior* for sustainable success * How to identify, teach, evaluate, and modify behaviors for growth in any setting * A fresh perspective on how households, teams, and companies can grow by shifting their view of leadership * Why cross-training and early behavior modeling are keys to successful succession planning
Resources and Links:1. Dr. Chris Fuzie’s website: cmfleadership.com 2. Dr. Chris Fuzie’s books (including Liminal Space): Chris Fuzie on Amazon
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About the Guest: Chris Vasami is a former All-American baseball player turned elite performance coach and keynote speaker. With years of experience mentoring athletes, executives, and high-performing teams, Chris helps people build mental and physical resilience, navigate failure, and align daily actions with long-term goals. His personal journey, including an ongoing battle with cancer, adds depth and realness to his message about discipline, mindset, and showing up when it counts.
About the Episode: In this powerful episode of GrowthReady, host Steve Mellor sits down with Chris Vasami to explore what it truly means to perform at your peak, not just in sports, but in life. From the lessons learned through striking out in college baseball to coaching Olympic-level swimmers and challenging corporate leaders, Chris breaks down the mindset and habits behind sustainable excellence. He also opens up about his fight with cancer, how it reshaped his outlook, and why “motion before emotion” is the mantra that keeps him, and his clients, grounded. If you’ve ever wrestled with consistency, failure, or self-doubt, this episode will hit home and give you tools to recalibrate and recommit.
Key Takeaways:
- Why failure is feedback — and how to actually use it
- The difference between interest, commitment, and obsession
- How to raise your floor so your ceiling naturally rises
- The “personal operating system” for success in business, sport, and life
- Real talk on ego, identity, and detaching from outcomes
- The power of creating healthy obsession through simple, daily habits
- How Chris’s cancer journey reframed his approach to resilience and purpose
- Using routines to maintain momentum — even when life throws curveballs
Resources & Mentions:
- Follow Chris Vasami on Instagram: @chrisvasami
- Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: Chris Vasami
- Swim Across America: swimacrossamerica.org
- Host Steve Mellor on LinkedIn: Steve Mellor
🎧 Ready to upgrade your mindset and unlock your next level?
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About the Guest:
Jason Moss is a high-performance coach and business strategist who specializes in helping entrepreneurs scale their online businesses with clarity, confidence, and purpose. With over a decade of experience and having invested more than $200,000 in his own personal development, Jason brings a unique blend of real-world results and deep inner transformation. His insights into self-awareness, radical ownership, and sustainable motivation make him a powerful voice for growth-minded entrepreneurs.
About the Episode:
In this powerful coach-to-coach conversation, host Steve Mellor sits down with Jason Moss to explore what it truly means to be "Growth Ready." Jason unpacks the deep, transformative concept of radical ownership, taking 100% responsibility for every aspect of your life and business. Together, they dive into how desire is either born from pain or pulled by vision, and why surrounding yourself with the right community is crucial to long-term growth. Jason also shares his personal journey as a cancer survivor and how adversity became a launching pad for his success.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Why being “Growth Ready” begins with self-awareness and radical responsibility
- How entrepreneurs are often pushed by pain or pulled by vision
- The impact of community on shifting standards and expanding possibility
- Why judgment keeps us stuck, and how modeling others can fast-track our growth
- Jason’s personal story of overcoming cancer and how he reframed pain into purpose
- The importance of asking better questions to shift from resistance to possibility
- How to cultivate clear, clean energy for sustainable, long-term success
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
- 🌐 Jason’s Website: jasonmoss.com
- 📺 Jason’s YouTube Channel: Jason Moss on YouTube
- 📱 Jason’s Instagram: @jasonmosscoach
If you're ready to shift from survival to sustainability in your business and life, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and reflect on how pain and vision are shaping your growth.
Share this episode with a friend or fellow entrepreneur—and don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us bring even more powerful conversations to your ears!
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👤 About the Guest:
Philippe Bouissou is a seasoned entrepreneur, growth expert, and former Apple executive who worked directly with Steve Jobs. With a PhD in physics and over 35 years of experience across 23 boards, Philippe is the founder of Blue Dots Partners and author of the critically acclaimed book Aligning the Dots. He specializes in helping businesses unlock their full growth potential through a unique, data-driven framework he calls the A4 Precision Alignment methodology.
🎧 About the Episode:
In this enlightening episode of the GrowthReady podcast, host Steve Mellor sits down with Philippe Bouissou to dive deep into what it truly means to be “growth ready.” Together, they explore how misalignment between your business and your target market may be silently stalling your growth, and how to fix it. Philippe shares his game-changing insights around the A4 Precision Alignment Tool, developed over decades of consulting, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Why Alignment Is Everything: Philippe explains that true growth only happens when your business is perfectly aligned with your target market across four key dimensions.
The 4 Axes of Alignment:
1. Pain vs. Claim – Are you solving the real pain of your customer?
2. Perception vs. Message – Is your messaging resonating the way you think it is?
3. Buying Process vs. Selling Process – Are you selling the way your customers want to buy?
4. Expected Delight vs. Delivered Offering – Are you exceeding expectations or just meeting them?
- Market Truth Over Emotion: Philippe stresses the importance of uncovering objective data, even if it's uncomfortable. Growth comes from clarity, not comfort.
- Growth Readiness vs. Growth Desire: Wanting growth isn’t enough—Philippe explains why businesses must be ready for change, with the courage to confront harsh truths.
- The CEO’s Monday Morning Question: What should you do at 8:00 AM on Monday to grow your business? This episode might just answer that.
🔗 Links & Resources:
- 📘 Get Philippe’s Book: Aligning the Dots
- 🎥 Watch Philippe’s TED Talk: The Business of Delight
- 🌐 Connect with Philippe on LinkedIn: Philippe Bouissou
- 🏢 Visit Blue Dots Partners: www.bluedotspartners.com
- 🎙️ Host: Steve Mellor – Growth Ready Podcast
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About the Guest:
Dr. Denis Cauvier is a globally recognized expert in leadership, personal growth, and executive coaching. With nearly 40 years of experience, he has worked in over 60 countries, authored 26 books (with more on the way), and has been a sought-after keynote speaker and advisor to top executives. Recently named one of the Top Executive Coaches for 2025 by Real Leaders Magazine, Dr. Cauvier is committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve lasting growth.
About the Episode:
In this powerful episode, host Steve Mellor welcomes back Dr. Denis Cauvier to discuss what it truly means to be "GrowthReady." They dive deep into the psychology behind growth, the importance of aligning personal and professional goals, and how to develop the mindset and habits necessary for continuous improvement. Dr. Cauvier also introduces his G.R.O.W.T.H. framework, a step-by-step guide to achieving real transformation.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Growth Readiness: Growth is not just about improvement—it requires intentionality, resilience, and focus.
The Power of "Why": Before embarking on any growth journey, it's essential to understand the core reason behind it.
G.R.O.W.T.H. Framework:
G – Goals Demand Change: Set meaningful, measurable goals.
R – Resilience & Entrepreneurial Thinking: Adapt to challenges with a problem-solving mindset.
O – Optimized Laser Focus: Lock in on priorities and eliminate distractions.
W – Work Before Words: Execution matters more than just planning.
T – Teachable Mindset: Be open to coaching and continuous learning.
H – Habits & Accountability: Daily actions shape long-term success.
The Role of a Truth Teller: Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable and challenge you to improve.
Balancing Growth Without Harming Others: Growth should not come at the expense of relationships—alignment is key.
Links and Resources:
Dr. Denis Cauvier’s Website: https://deniscauvier.com/
Dr. Cauvier’s LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/deniscauvier
Get the Free Growth Ready Self-Assessment: Email Dr. Cauvier at denis@deniscauvier.com and mention this podcast to receive your complimentary copy.
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About the Guest:
Collin Henderson is a high-performance coach, speaker, and the founder of Master Your Mindset, where he helps athletes, executives, and leaders build mental toughness and confidence.
A former college athlete turned top-performing sales professional, Collin took his passion for mindset coaching and built a platform that trains people in mental conditioning, self-talk, and the power of belief.
He’s the author of multiple books and the creator of Quiet Mind, a new course designed to help individuals master focus in an age of distraction.
About the Episode:
In this episode of GrowthReady, host Steve Mellor sits down with Collin Henderson to explore the mental conditioning playbook—revealing how mindset, self-talk, and intentional focus can elevate performance in any field. Together, they unpack the power of self-awareness, the impact of the stories we tell ourselves, and why training the mind is just as essential as training the body. Listeners will gain valuable insights and practical tools to overcome self-doubt, break free from limiting patterns, and move past the fear of others' opinions. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to unlock their full potential.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Your Desire to Improve Must Be Greater Than Your Fear – Growth comes when you commit to overcoming self-doubt and external pressures.
✔ The Five Pillars of Mental Conditioning – Self-awareness, self-talk, self-image, courage, and process-focused habits form the foundation of success.
✔ Stop Listening, Start Talking – Instead of letting negative self-talk run the show, learn to rewire your inner dialogue and create new, empowering patterns.
✔ Focus & Intention Drive Performance – What you choose to focus on shapes your emotions, your actions, and ultimately, your results.
✔ Rewriting Your Story – 35-50% of our memories are untrue. The narratives we tell ourselves about failure, potential, and success can be rewritten.
✔ Find Your “Ikigai” – The Japanese concept of aligning what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for.
Links & Resources:
🔗 Master Your Mindset Podcast – https://www.thecollinhenderson.com/podcast
📣 Follow Collin on Instagram – @collinhenderson
🎓 New Course: Quiet Mind – Learn to quiet the noise and master focus (Launching Soon!)
If you took something valuable from this episode, share it with a friend and start a conversation about mindset and personal growth.
And if you’re ready to take the next step in conditioning your mind for success, check out Collin’s Quiet Mind course.
Don’t forget to subscribe to GrowthReady and leave us a review. It helps more people discover these powerful insights!
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About the Guest:
Kristin Gutierrez is a sales expert turned entrepreneur who helps coaches, consultants, and course creators package their expertise into high-value offers—without burning out in implementation.
After an unexpected layoff from her six-figure VP of Sales role in 2023, she pivoted immediately, landing her first consulting client the same day.
Now, she teaches others how to work smarter, not harder, by creating systems that scale.
She’s also the author of Be a Better Sales Leader and the founder of Say Yes to Seven Figures.
About the Episode:
In this episode of the GrowthReady Podcast, host Steve Mellor sits down with Kristin Gutierrez to discuss the power of embracing imperfect action. Kristin shares how an unexpected career shift became a catalyst for growth, why waiting for the “right time” can be a trap, and how taking even the smallest step forward can create life-changing momentum.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Decide and Take Action – Indecision is worse than the wrong decision. Make a choice and move forward.
✔ Leaning Into Discomfort – Success isn’t about having the perfect plan; it’s about taking steps and adjusting as you go.
✔ The Four-Step Framework – Decide, take a step, lean in, and celebrate. Apply this to anything—business, career, or personal growth.
✔ Success is About Impact – Kristin redefined success as service and fulfillment, rather than just revenue.
✔ The Power of Reframing – Whether it's a job loss, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure, the way you frame it determines your outcome.
✔ Optimize for Joy – Work should be fulfilling, and life should have space for presence, fun, and gratitude.
Links & Resources:
🔗 Kristin’s Website: https://www.sayyesto7figures.com/
📖 Kristin’s Book: Be a Better Sales Leader
📣 Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-gutierrez/
What’s one thing that’s holding you back?
Take a step—any step—toward the life and work you want.
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About the Guest:
Craig Coyle is a former Apache helicopter pilot, West Point graduate, and leadership expert. After serving in the military and transitioning to the aerospace industry, Craig saw firsthand the recurring leadership and workforce challenges organizations face.
He founded Operation Lead, a company that helps businesses navigate leadership development, workforce engagement, and operational strategy. His mission is to create high-performing cultures that drive sustainable growth.
About the Episode:
In this episode, Craig shares powerful insights on leadership, personal growth, and the hidden obstacles that prevent people and organizations from reaching their full potential.
Drawing from his military background and experience in aerospace and manufacturing, Craig explains why setting the right conditions for success is more important than simply chasing results.
He and host Steve Mellor discuss the importance of mentorship, self-awareness, and building an engaged workforce that thrives in high-stakes environments.
Key Takeaways:
- You Are Often Your Own Biggest Obstacle: Growth isn’t just about external challenges—it’s about overcoming internal resistance, fear, and self-doubt.
- The Importance of Setting Conditions for Success: Before pursuing growth, create a structured environment with guidance, mentorship, and accountability.
- Engagement is the Key to Workforce Success: A disengaged workforce isn’t just about salary—purpose, clarity, and leadership are the biggest differentiators in retention.
- The Power of Community in Growth: Whether in personal or professional development, surrounding yourself with the right people is critical to success.
- Understanding the “Enemy” in Growth: Like a military mission, achieving goals requires analyzing obstacles—often, the biggest enemy is your own mindset.
- Coaching and Mentorship are Essential: Having external accountability helps uncover blind spots and accelerates progress.
Links & Resources:
Connect with Craig Coyle on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-coyle/
Learn more about Operation Lead: https://operationlead.com
Follow Steve Mellor & Growth Ready Podcast
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About the Guest
Cait Donovan is a burnout recovery expert, acupuncturist, speaker, and host of Fried the Burnout Podcast. With a background in Chinese medicine and a deep understanding of resilience, Cait helps high performers recognize, recover from, and prevent burnout by cultivating self-awareness, setting boundaries, and redefining success.
About the Episode:
In this episode, host Steve Mellor sits down with Cait Donovan to explore the concept of bounce back ability—a broader and more sustainable approach to resilience. Cait shares insights on burnout recovery, the importance of interoception (internal self-awareness), and how high performers can create a more sustainable path to success. She also explains why asking for help is the key to true resilience and why burnout prevention isn't always realistic.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Resilience alone isn’t enough. True growth-ready individuals cultivate bounce back ability, which includes resilience, self-trust, surrender, grit, and agility.
✅ Many high performers miss early signs of burnout due to low interoception (body awareness). The focus should be on recovery, not just prevention.
✅ Foundational self-care (listening to your body's signals) is crucial. Simple habits like “pee when you need to pee” are game-changers.
✅ Resentment highlights where your boundaries are being crossed and where you're neglecting yourself. Recognizing it can help you reclaim energy and focus.
✅ True resilience isn’t about pushing through alone; it’s about increasing your resources through asking for help and building a strong support system.
✅ Success isn’t just about productivity; it’s about maintaining energy, presence, and balance in all areas of life.
Links and Resources
🎧 Listen to Cait’s podcast: Fried the Burnout Podcast
🌐 Learn more about Cait: https://www.caitdonovan.com/
🔗 Connect with Cait on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdonovanspeaks/
🔥 Rate & Review – If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and reach more listeners!
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About the Guest:
Kenneth Lo is a two-time world championship track cyclist turned AI strategist and entrepreneur. As the co-founder of Zen Business AI, he helps organizations leverage artificial intelligence to scale operations and optimize growth.
However, Kenneth’s most profound journey in recent years has been a deeply personal one - facing an unexpected cancer diagnosis and redefining resilience in the face of uncertainty.
About the Episode
In this deeply moving episode, Kenneth Lo shares his raw and powerful journey of receiving a shocking cancer diagnosis, the emotional turmoil that followed, and how he found strength through vulnerability, community, and AI.
Steve Mellor dives deep into how Kenneth adapted to the unexpected, leaned on his tribe, and leveraged AI tools to navigate his treatment and recovery. This episode is not just about overcoming adversity but about redefining success and finding purpose through life's toughest challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- You Can’t Always Be Ready, But You Can Adapt: Kenneth reflects on how no one is truly “ready” for life’s biggest challenges, but resilience is built in how we respond.
- Leaning on Your Tribe is a Superpower: The night of his diagnosis, Kenneth made over 100 calls, realizing that asking for help was essential to survival.
- Vulnerability is Strength: Kenneth didn’t try to be strong—he allowed himself to be open, emotional, and real, which led to deeper connections.
- AI as an Unexpected Lifeline: Unable to interpret his own medical reports, Kenneth used AI to translate complex medical jargon, helping him better prepare for his treatments.
- Redefining Success: Kenneth now measures success not by career milestones but by the positive impact he leaves on people.
- Finding the Gifts in Hardship: His battle with cancer became a lesson in appreciating time, prioritizing meaningful connections, and eliminating distractions.
Links & Resources:
Connect with Kenneth Lo on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kennethlo
Learn more about Zen Business AI - https://zenbiz.co
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About the Guest:
Glenn Leifheit is a technology leader at Microsoft, a podcast host, and a dedicated mentor. With over 20 years in the tech industry, Glenn has embraced personal and professional growth while helping others navigate their own journeys. He hosts From Stuck to Growth and co-hosts Mentorship Live on LinkedIn, a space dedicated to supporting job seekers.
About the Episode:
In this episode of GrowthReady, host Steve Mellor sits down with Glenn Leifheit to discuss the power of growth, mentorship, and navigating change. Glenn shares his unique insights on how mentorship is more than just guidance - it's a two-way street that fosters mutual learning. He also talks about his experience in the fast-paced world of Microsoft, the importance of prioritization, and how humor and introspection can transform the way we approach challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- It’s not always visible to others, but it’s essential for progress.
- The best mentorship relationships involve mutual learning, not just one-sided advice.
- True progress isn’t measured by how hard you work, but by the value and impact you create.
- Growth requires adaptability and the ability to pivot when priorities shift.
- Taking time for self-reflection helps us process emotions and make better decisions.
- Build connections by showing genuine interest in others.
- Every setback provides valuable lessons that help you move forward.
Links & Resources:
- Connect with Glenn Leifheit on LinkedIn: @gleifhe
- Follow Glenn on Instagram: @gleifhe
- From Stuck to Growth Podcast: Hosted by Glenn. Available on all major platforms
🚀 If this episode inspired you, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who needs to hear it. 🎧
✅ Subscribe to GrowthReady for more inspiring conversations.
⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more listeners.
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About the Guest:
Frankie Russo is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author who specializes in business growth, innovation, and leadership. He has built and scaled multiple successful companies, including one that grew 60x in three years and was eventually acquired by a Fortune 500 company.
Frankie is also deeply involved in helping individuals overcome addiction and personal stagnation. His book Breaking WHY: Hacking and Rebuilding Strategic Emotions for Authentic Success explores the intersection of purpose, passion, and business strategy.
He is the host of The School of Weird podcast, where he dives into the power of embracing your uniqueness.
About the Episode:
In this episode of GrowthReady, Frankie Russo breaks down what it truly means to be "growth ready", and it's not what most people think. He shares insights on how failure, rather than success, is the real foundation of growth and why stagnation is a greater threat than failure itself.
Frankie discusses the "stagnation spiral," the importance of identifying problems honestly, and why embracing your "weird" is the key to unlocking limitless growth.
Throughout the conversation, Frankie and the host explore how businesses and individuals can break free from outdated models, reframe their approach to success, and consistently evolve. They also discuss the balance between personal and professional growth, and how self-honesty and emotional awareness play a crucial role in long-term success.
Key Takeaways:
- Growth comes from failure, not from success. The biggest mistake people make is fearing failure instead of learning from it.
- Stagnation isn’t just a business problem - it’s a human problem. It sneaks up when we get too comfortable with the way things have always been done.
- There are five key villains in the stagnation spiral: denial, status quo, silos/isolation, rigid beliefs, and disengagement. Recognizing these in yourself or your business is the first step to breaking free.
- Many businesses double down on old strategies when growth slows, leading to burnout and disengagement. True growth requires embracing change and being willing to break the old model.
- Awards and recognition feel good, but they don’t teach anything. Real lessons come from adversity and challenges.
- Your unique, "weird" qualities hold the key to your best work. Embracing your weird creates a culture of innovation and creativity.
- Growth starts with brutal honesty—about your business, your habits, and your mindset. The best way to spot denial is to ask yourself, "What have people been telling me that I’ve been ignoring?"
- Trying to change things outside of your control leads to frustration and burnout. Instead, focus on what you can change—often, that starts with yourself.
- Chasing success and growth as an end goal is flawed. Instead, commit to the process of continuous evolution and problem-solving.
📢 Resources:
- Frankie Russo’s Website: FrankieRusso.com
- Frankie’s Books:
- Breaking WHY: Hacking and Rebuilding Strategic Emotions for Authentic Success
- The Art of Why: Master Your Purpose, Success & Authenticity
- Follow Frankie on Social Media:
- Instagram:
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🎙️ About the Guest:
Larry Jackson is a medical device sales expert with a background in professional fighting, including boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA. Coming from a tough upbringing, Larry has navigated personal and professional challenges with resilience, leading to a career in disruptive technology sales. His journey from fighting to sales is a testament to growth, adaptability, and the power of perseverance.
🔥 About the Episode:
In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Larry shares his journey from a challenging childhood to professional fighting and ultimately thriving in medical device sales. He discusses what it truly means to be "growth ready," touching on three key themes:
- Getting uncomfortable – Embracing honesty and facing challenges head-on.
- Letting go of people, places, and things – Understanding what no longer serves your growth.
- The ability to pivot – Recognizing when to change course and adapt.
Larry’s transparency about his struggles, victories, and the lessons he's learned along the way makes this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating their own path to personal and professional growth.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Be honest about where you are and what needs to change.
- Surround yourself with people who celebrate you, not just tolerate you.
- Recognizing when it’s time for change is a critical part of evolving.
- Jackson emphasizes the importance of making a difference over simply making money.
- Facing your past and working through personal struggles leads to true transformation.
Links and Resources:
- Connect with Larry Jackson on Social Media:
- Linkedin: jaxson24
- Instagram: plungetalkwithjax
- Connect with Steve Mellor on Social Media:
- Linkedin: steve-mellor-cc
- Instagram: CoachSteveMellor
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from their past, step into their true potential, and redefine success on their own terms. 🎧✨
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About the Guest:
ED Dudley is a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, with over 20 years of experience in financial services.
He co-founded Shining Light In Darkness, a nonprofit supporting underserved survivors, and has served as Interim Board Chair of United Against Slavery, advancing research to address anti-trafficking challenges globally.
As Board President of SwingPals, ED helps improve the lives of underprivileged children in Durham, NC. Guided by empathy and community, he merges financial expertise with social advocacy to empower and uplift those in need. "It's not what I do for a living, but what I do for the living," he says.
About the Episode:Ed shares his transformative journey from chasing corporate success to finding true fulfillment through service. He unpacks the power of mindset, the importance of building a legacy, and how small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful impact.
Through personal experiences and deep reflections, Ed challenges listeners to rethink success—not as a measure of what we accumulate, but of how we serve others.
This episode is packed with wisdom on personal growth, resilience, and the power of giving back.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Growth happens in inches, not leaps—focus on small, consistent progress.
✔ True success is measured in service, not just material wealth.
✔ Every person has the ability to create a lasting impact through their actions.
✔ Talking about difficult topics (like domestic violence) is essential for change.
✔ Serving others is a key to fulfillment and personal growth.
📢 Resources & Links:
- Connect with Ed Dudley on LinkedIn: edwarddudley
- Follow Shining Light in Darkness on Social Media: Instagram - shiningndarkness, Facebook- shininglightindarkness
- Support Shining Light in Darkness: www.slidfnd.org
🚀 If this episode inspired you, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who needs to hear it. 🎧
✅ Subscribe to GrowthReady for more inspiring conversations.
⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more listeners.
📲 Follow us on social media for more insights and behind-the-scenes content!
Send us a text
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About the Guest:
Hardy Smith is a seasoned consultant, speaker, and author specializing in nonprofit governance and board engagement. With a background in NASCAR, he brings a unique perspective on strategy, anticipation, and leadership. Hardy is the author of Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, a book dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations overcome common board challenges and foster effective leadership.
Discover more about Hardy on his website: www.hardysmith.com
About the Episode:
In this episode of The Growth Ready Podcast, Hardy Smith shares his journey from the fast-paced world of NASCAR to the nonprofit sector. He discusses the critical concept of being "growth ready," emphasizing preparation, anticipation, and adaptability. Hardy draws parallels between NASCAR’s demand for quick decision-making and the nonprofit world’s need for strategic foresight. He explores the challenges nonprofits face, particularly financial constraints and board engagement, and offers practical advice on fostering intentional growth. Additionally, Hardy delves into his book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, shedding light on how organizations can shift their mindset and create lasting change.
Key Takeaways:
- Being growth ready means preparing for and anticipating challenges.
- Anticipation is a skill that can be cultivated over time.
- Conditioned behaviors shape how we respond to adversity.
- Awareness of surroundings enhances decision-making and adaptability.
- Change and disruption are inevitable—pragmatism is key to navigating them.
- Asking for help is essential; people are often willing to assist.
- Taking a moment to pause can provide clarity in difficult situations.
- Board engagement is crucial for a nonprofit’s success.
- Intentionality is key in both personal and professional growth.
- Facilitation helps individuals and organizations recognize their own solutions.
- Ownership of actions leads to meaningful and lasting change.
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About the Guest:
Omar Halabieh is a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience spanning telecom, energy, and payments. He currently serves as Director of Technology at Amazon Payment Services, overseeing payment experiences across the Middle East and Africa. Beyond his professional role, Omar is passionate about leadership development, mentoring others, and fostering sustainable growth in their careers and lives.
Connect with Omar thru his website at www.omarhalabieh.com
About the Episode:
In this episode of GrowthReady Podcast, host Steve Mellor is joined by Omar Halabieh for a deep dive into what it means to be truly "growth ready." Omar shares his unique leadership philosophy centered around continuous learning, courageous conversations, and a long-term, sustainable approach to growth. He opens up about pivotal moments in his career where courage changed the trajectory of his path and offers practical advice for leaders looking to grow while supporting their teams.
**Key Takeaways:
The Four Pillars of Being "Growth Ready":**
- Embrace Growth as a Continuous Process: Recognize that you are always a work in progress.
- Avoid Stagnation: Consistent improvement is crucial to avoid complacency.
- Internal Drive Over External Signals: Self-accountability is essential—don’t wait for others to nudge you.
- Think Long-Term and Sustainable: Approach growth like a financial investment—lean on consistency and compounding.
The Power of Courageous Conversations:
- Courage is a spectrum—it starts with small steps, like asking for mentorship, and grows into high-stakes conversations.
- By taking ownership and seeking feedback proactively, leaders can unlock career-defining opportunities.
Creating an Environment for Growth:
- Surround yourself with mentors and role models who challenge and inspire you.
- Leverage available resources and focus on the opportunities within your control.
- Welcome adversity as part of the journey—it shapes resilience and adaptability.
Serving Others While Growing Yourself:
- Helping others succeed not only impacts them but also reinforces your own growth and clarifies your thinking.
- Building a support network enhances emotional resilience and prevents burnout.
Sustaining Growth:
- Prioritize physical and mental well-being. Health is key to long-term performance.
- Reflect with purpose—evaluate your progress to foster self-awareness without self-criticism.
- Align your work with your purpose to find energy and motivation, even during challenging times.
Redefining Success and the Right Path:
- Success is not a fixed path—it’s an emerging journey shaped by intentional actions.
- Focus on growth today, and the right path will become clearer over time.
This episode is a must-listen for leaders and professionals at any stage of their journey who want to grow sustainably, embrace courage, and build meaningful careers.
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About the Guest:Scott Ramey is the secret weapon for forward-thinking executives ready to elevate their communication and leadership skills. With over 20 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies to billions in new business, Scott’s innovative SPEAK Framework transforms leaders by helping them communicate with clarity, inspire action, and drive results. Through his one-on-one coaching and keynote talks, Scott empowers leaders to unlock their full potential and foster lasting impact.
About the Episode:In this episode of GrowthReady, Steve Mellor sits down with his friend and inspiring entrepreneur, Scott Ramey, to discuss the importance of stepping into your authentic self, navigating fear, and overcoming success reluctance. Scott shares his transformative journey from a corporate leader to an independent entrepreneur, detailing the challenges of unmasking his true identity and creating meaningful connections through vulnerability and communication. This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the power of resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Challenging the status quo is essential for growth.
- Entrepreneurship can lead to personal fulfillment.
- Self-promotion is a necessary skill for success.
- Vulnerability strengthens connections with others.
- Gaining clarity on what you truly want is crucial.
- Communication skills are vital in professional settings.
- Being forward-thinking is key to career advancement.
- Embracing change can lead to a healthier mindset.
- Defining your personal style enhances communication.
- Every individual has a unique style that should be embraced.
- Success reluctance is a barrier to realizing our potential.
- We often self-sabotage just before achieving success.
- Authentic communication requires vulnerability and connection.
- Fear can be transformed into strength through authenticity.
- Recognizing our unlimited potential is essential for growth.
- Effective communication takes practice, structure, and time.
- Vulnerability creates deeper, more meaningful connections.
- We should focus on being ourselves rather than imitating others.
- The journey to authenticity may involve discomfort but is rewarding.
- Letting go of fear can lead to a more fulfilling life.
- Scott’s SPEAK method helps leaders communicate effectively by focusing on:
- Style: Defining your unique communication approach.
- Presence: Staying fully engaged in the moment.
- Empathy: Understanding your audience’s needs.
- Authenticity: Demonstrating vulnerability to build trust.
- Knowledge: Structuring your message clearly and concisely using the "power of three."
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About the Guest:Jen Gomez is a trailblazer in empowering female entrepreneurs to break free from self-doubt and unleash their full potential. With nearly a decade of experience coaching women on how to elevate their personal and professional brands, work holistically, and scale their businesses, Jen has become a trusted mentor for those ready to dream bigger and make a lasting impact.
Jen's work is both strategic and deeply personal, reflecting her belief that the world is waiting for women to step into their power and lead with intention. With a Master's in Business from Louisiana State University, a forthcoming book titled Live by Design: Taking You from Leader to Legend, and a decade of experience coaching top-tier female entrepreneurs, Jen continues to inspire women to elevate their lives and businesses. Her style is transformational yet approachable—encouraging women to dream big, lead boldly, and design a life of purpose and fulfillment.
About the Episode:
In this episode of the Growth Ready podcast, Jennifer emphasizes that true growth requires deep reflection and understanding of the past to build a solid foundation for future success. She discusses her unique approach to helping clients overcome internal barriers and achieve their goals through the lens of joy and resilience.
Jennifer opens up about her personal journey of networking, overcoming challenges, and using joy as a transformative strategy. Together, she and Steve explore the concept of "joy anchors," a practical tool to overcome challenges and maintain momentum in life and business. They also dive into topics like authenticity, fear-based decision-making, and the importance of resilience and creativity in entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, Jennifer shares her exciting future plans, including writing a book and hosting retreats, aimed at fostering joy and leadership development.
Key Takeaways:
- Growth requires reflecting on the past to build self-awareness.
- True growth stems from a deep connection with purpose.
- Many people seek quick fixes but overlook internal obstacles.
- Networking is a long-term strategy for success.
- Joy isn’t just a feeling—it can be a strategic advantage.
- Personal branding is essential for achieving business goals.
- Fear often stems from unfounded stories we tell ourselves.
- Resilience comes from recognizing past accomplishments.
- Creativity is vital to overcoming financial fears and achieving breakthroughs.
- Joy anchors provide stability and momentum during tough times.
- Authenticity is challenging but critical for meaningful impact.
- Success is about transformation, not just creating products.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will challenge your perspective on growth and teach you how to lead with joy and purpose.
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About the Guest:
Ken Schmidt, former director of communications for Harley-Davidson, is a renowned business strategist and speaker who helped transform the brand into a global icon. Known for his bold and entertaining style, Ken specializes in competition, brand positioning, and customer loyalty. His book, Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance, shares his unique insights on standing out and thriving in business. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Ken blends his passions for riding and storytelling to inspire leaders worldwide.
Learn more about Ken through his website at www.kenspeaks.com
About the Episode:
In this episode of Growth Ready, Ken Schmidt, shares his invaluable insights on competitiveness and success. Drawing from his extensive experience, Ken emphasizes the significance of viewing the world through a competitive lens—not just in business, but in life.
He explores the critical role of reputation, human connection, and emotional engagement in driving business success. Ken introduces three essential questions that businesses and individuals must ask to refine their goals, enhance their strategies, and boost competitiveness.
The conversation delves into actionable advice on:
- Delighting customers to build loyalty and repeat business.
- Overcoming resistance to change by simplifying solutions.
- Creating a unique brand language to stand out.
- Balancing strategy with understanding human behavior to foster connections.
Ken also highlights the importance of passion, consistency, and genuine interest in others as cornerstones for personal and professional growth. With practical tips and thought-provoking perspectives, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone seeking to elevate their competitive edge.
Key Takeaways
- Competitiveness is a mindset crucial for growth in life and business.
- Reputation and human connection are essential for success.
- Delighting customers creates loyalty and drives demand.
- Businesses thrive on emotional connections, not just product quality.
- Simplify strategies for easier implementation and greater impact.
- A strong brand identity requires consistent messaging and a unique voice.
- Passion and authenticity are magnetic in attracting customers and building trust.
- Asking the right questions helps clarify goals and strategies.
- Genuine interest in others strengthens relationships and reputation.
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About the Guest:
Dany Martin, a South Louisiana native now based in Shreveport, is passionate about empowering others through sound financial planning and positive leadership. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Northwestern State University and an MBA from Louisiana Tech, Dany has built a career focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering proactive wealth management solutions.
Before joining WFA in 2015, he spent 8.5 years at Capital One Bank, advancing from teller to Financial Advisor, where he served over 10 branches in the Shreveport area.
Outside of work, Dany and his wife, Lindsi, have been "adopted parents" to five boys since 2016 and are proud grandparents of four. He enjoys golfing, traveling, music, and spending time with family, friends, and their three dogs. Dany finds fulfillment in helping others, often in unexpected ways, and is dedicated to inspiring financial health and positivity in all aspects of life.
About the Episode:
In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor dives deep into a conversation with Danny Martin about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and the key factors that influence personal and professional development. Danny reflects on his upbringing, the power of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable individuals, and how generosity can create opportunities for growth.
The discussion highlights the value of accountability, the courage to challenge your beliefs, and the impact of building a strong support system. Danny shares actionable insights on fostering gratitude, the necessity of adaptability in the face of change, and how daily habits shape your responses to life's challenges.
Listeners will gain practical strategies for creating meaningful relationships, leaving a lasting legacy, and embracing a positive, forward-thinking mindset.
Key Takeaways:
- A growth-ready mindset requires intentional habits and structure.
- Actively seeking opportunities fuels personal development.
- Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people fosters growth.
- Experience enhances the ability to understand and guide others.
- Building trusted relationships requires time and effort.
- Generosity often leads to unexpected rewards.
- Challenging ingrained beliefs fosters personal growth.
- Identifying your support system is vital for success.
- Accountability strengthens personal and professional relationships.
- Having a "starting five" of supportive individuals sharpens focus.
- Being supportive of others can inspire them to pursue their dreams.
- Gratitude practices, like thank-you notes, boost personal fulfillment.
- Adapting to change helps ease life’s transitions.
- Daily habits shape how we respond to challenges and change.
- Living with intention creates a meaningful legacy.
- Consistent small actions can drive significant transformation over time.
- Supporting others fosters a positive ripple effect in your community.
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About the Guest:
Talia Bombola is an award-winning psychotherapist, podcast host, and professor of psychology. Known as The Confidence & Assertiveness Specialist™, Talia focuses on helping ambitious individuals enhance their self-worth, confidence, and assertiveness by rewiring their beliefs about themselves and the world around them. She believes that once we heal the pervasive feeling of “not enoughness” within, we can finally be free to pursue the life of our dreams.
Learn more about Talia at www.taliabombola.com
About the Episode:
In this episode, Talia Bombola, a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach, delves into the concept of being "GrowthReady." She emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset, being open to change, and recognizing the transformative power of therapy. Talia shares her personal journey through therapy, explores the stages of change model, and discusses how relationships significantly influence personal growth.
The discussion also addresses the challenges individuals face when navigating readiness for change and highlights the importance of self-discovery in overcoming blind spots. Together, Talia Bombola and Steve Mellor explore themes of personal growth, leadership, and subconscious alignment in achieving one’s desires. They discuss the necessity of radical honesty with oneself, the impact of past experiences on current behaviors, and the transformative nature of motherhood.
This conversation underscores the significance of understanding one’s desires, redefining the relationship with money, and accepting failure as an integral part of the growth process. Talia also touches on the power of presence in overcoming anxiety, reframing failure as a learning opportunity, and the importance of self-relationship in fostering personal growth. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to embrace change, navigate life’s seasons with honesty and courage, and take small steps toward lasting success.
Key Takeaways:
- Growth requires both readiness and willingness to change.
- Self-discovery is essential for overcoming blind spots and fostering personal growth.
- Mistakes are learning opportunities, not reflections of self-worth.
- Clearly defined desires are key to manifesting goals.
- Relationships play a vital role in individual development.
- Radical honesty with oneself is essential for personal growth.
- Focusing on the present moment helps combat anxiety.
- Challenges should be reframed as opportunities for growth.
- Small, incremental changes lead to significant transformations.
- The relationship with oneself is foundational for all other relationships.
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About the Guest:
Dallin is an author, entrepreneur, and award-winning shepherd. From small towns in Wyoming to one of the largest cities in China, he has inspired audiences to embrace perspectives beyond their own. Recognized as an expert in Authority Magazine, Dallin helps organizations and leaders challenge assumptions and communicate effectively.
Dallin’s leadership journey began at the age of 20 when he launched his first business—a digital marketing agency. The agency quickly grew, and by the time he sold it to a larger media group a few years later, it was serving clients internationally. He later founded a sustainable dog chew brand, which is now widely distributed across the United States. Over the years, Dallin has consulted for top realtors, banks, Chambers of Commerce, and numerous other industries, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and impactful leader.
About the Episode:
Dallin Cooper explores what it means to be 'GrowthReady,' emphasizing the pursuit of progress and the drive to move forward in life. He reflects on how personal experiences and the influence of his entrepreneurial parents shaped this mindset. The discussion uncovers common challenges to growth, such as fear, survival mode, and the impact of assumptive behavior, which often block true progress. Dallin shares his innovative approach to helping individuals and organizations overcome these obstacles, ultimately achieving meaningful personal and professional growth.
Dallin also opens up about his journey of juggling side hustles, confronting the challenges of commitment, and prioritizing fulfillment over financial gain. He recounts pivotal moments that led him to reevaluate his path, including selling a dog chew business and taking a leap into speaking. Dallin emphasizes the importance of committing fully to one’s goals, seeking guidance from trusted mentors, and finding balance between personal satisfaction and financial stability. His story is an inspiring testament to choosing dreams over comfort and making the hard decisions that lead to success.
Learn more about Dallin at www.dallincooper.com.
Key Takeaways
- Growth is a continuous journey, rooted in personal experiences and influences.
- Fear and survival mode can limit opportunities for progress.
- Assumptive behavior prevents recognition of the need for change.
- Encouraging self-discovery fosters deeper, lasting personal growth.
- True growth requires discomfort and a willingness to challenge biases.
- Commitment is the defining factor between wanting and achieving.
- Success often involves balancing personal fulfillment and financial stability.
Dallin’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that aligning actions with dreams—and fully committing to them—can transform both career and life.
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About the Guest:
Rich Salon is a seasoned HR expert, Career Transition Coach, author, and speaker with 25 years in corporate leadership roles at companies like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Circuit City. Known as “Rich-the-HR-Guy,” he specializes in fostering career fulfillment, employee engagement, and trust within organizations. Rich’s dedication earned him CNN's "Hero of the Economy" award for his work at Circuit City and the nickname "chief engagement officer."
As a coach, Rich has authored Career Trust and Unleashing Your Career, guiding individuals toward purpose and fulfillment. Beyond his career, he actively contributes to his community, holding leadership roles in Rotary International and working to fulfill wishes for adults with terminal illnesses. Passionate about career growth and community impact, Rich is dedicated to helping others find purpose and success in their professional lives.
Learn more about Rich thru his website at www.ownershipconnection.com
About the Episode:
Rich Salon dives into what it means to be "GrowthReady" and the ongoing path of personal and professional development. He highlights the power of servant leadership, simplifying complexity, and leading with presence. Reflecting on pivotal moments like the Circuit City bankruptcy, Rich shares insights on guiding others through crisis, finding career fulfillment, and transitioning from employee engagement to deeper purpose.
Now a career and business ownership coach, he discusses the importance of mindset shifts, identifying passions, and the impact of volunteer work. Rich’s journey offers inspiring lessons on growth, leadership, and making a difference.
Takeaways:
- Each of us needs to be growth ready.
- Helping leaders become better leaders is crucial.
- Simplicity can have a profound impact on understanding.
- Face-to-face interactions are vital for effective leadership.
- Success without fulfillment is failure.
- Engagement is important, but fulfillment is the ultimate goal.
- Leaders must prioritize the needs of their team members.
- Building relationships requires deliberate effort.
- Hope can be created even in dire situations.
- Identifying passions and talents is crucial for career success.
- Shifting from 'I should' to 'I will' is a powerful mindset change.
- Volunteerism can enhance personal and professional growth.
- Helping others find their true gifts is a personal mission.
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Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:
Robert X. Fogarty is a speaker, advocate, and social entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Dear World, an organization dedicated to storytelling through powerful images and personal narratives. Since starting as an art project in New Orleans in 2010, Dear World has evolved into a global movement celebrating the impact of personal stories.
Robert has introduced the Brain Tattoo™ Storytelling Method to major organizations like Fidelity, UBS, and Duke Men’s Basketball, and has worked with diverse communities worldwide, from survivors of the Orlando Pulse tragedy to Syrian refugees. His work has been featured in CNN, The Today Show, and The New York Times.
Learn more about Robert by visiting his website https://dearworld.com/
About the Episode:In this episode of the GrowthReady podcast, host Steve Mellor interviews Robert X. Fogarty, founder of Dear World. They delve into what it means to be “growth ready,” exploring Fogarty's transformative journey from a Hurricane Katrina volunteer to an entrepreneur, the impact of New Orleans on his life, and the power of storytelling in personal and professional growth.
The conversation highlights the role of chaos, team dynamics, and self-awareness in leadership, as well as the value of authentic storytelling in building connections and supporting leaders in crafting their own narratives.
Takeaways:
- Being growth ready means being curious and aware of your surroundings.
- Thriving in chaos can lead to personal and professional growth.
- Feeling needed is a powerful motivator for engagement and service.
- Storytelling is essential for connecting with others and conveying emotions.
- Opportunities often arise from unexpected places and experiences.
- Team dynamics are vital for success in any venture.
- Understanding the stakes involved can guide decision-making.
- Internal motivation drives excellence and personal fulfillment. Everyone has a version of excellence they aspire to.
- The temptation of excellence can be both powerful and dangerous.
- Self-awareness is crucial in leadership and personal growth.
- The story we tell ourselves shapes our well-being and relationships.
- Lies we tell ourselves can have serious consequences.
- Therapy can serve as a maintenance tool for personal growth.
- Creating a personal narrative is essential for authentic leadership.
- Collaboration can enhance the growth journey.
- Leaders need to engage in difficult conversations about their stories.
- Community support is vital for transformation.
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About the Guest:
Dr. Sonia L. Daniels is a highly skilled and experienced professional with a passion for empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth. Through her consulting firm, S. Daniels Consulting, she leverages her expertise to support a wide range of clients, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Her strong educational background in Public Policy and Public Administration-Nonprofit Management, as well as her experience in senior-level operations roles, has equipped her to effectively lead impact-focused capacity building projects.
Dr. Daniels embodies the ideal balance of professional expertise and personal passions, making her an invaluable resource for organizations looking to drive sustainable growth and create lasting positive change.
When she’s not working, Sonia indulges in solo international travel, gardening, exploring the arts and painting, reading to children at local schools, and spending time with family and friends.
You can learn more about Sonia thru her website www.sdanielsconsulting.com
Linkedin:S. Daniels Consulting
Instagram: sdanielsconsulting
About the Episode:
n this GrowthReady episode, Steve Mellor talks with Sonia Daniels about authenticity, personal growth, and viewing life in seasons to set goals and face challenges. Sonia shares her journey as a first-generation business owner, the value of change management, and the introspection needed to understand her worth. She emphasizes removing negative language, embracing discomfort, and practicing self-belief through meditation and affirmations. Her insights inspire listeners to see the unknown as a field of opportunities and to confidently pursue their goals.
Takeaways:
- Being growth ready means showing up authentically.
- Life can be viewed in seasons for easier navigation.
- Change management is fundamentally about people.
- Autonomy in career choices leads to personal fulfillment.
- Introspection is crucial for understanding one's worth.
- Daily practices can reinforce self-belief and worthiness.
- Meditation and affirmations can change mindset.
- Flexibility in work is essential for adult responsibilities.
- Understanding motives is key before starting a business.
- Success is built on believing in oneself and one's capabilities. Taking the word can't out of my vocabulary has transformed my life.
- Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth.
- Hiring a life coach helped me design my ideal life.
- Trusting myself is crucial for making decisions.
- Running a successful business is challenging but rewarding.
- No one is coming to save me; I must take ownership.
- Being open to change allows for new possibilities.
- Time will pass regardless of whether we take action or not.
- I focus on the lessons learned from adversity.
- The unknown can be a world of possibilities.
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About Katie:
Katie Anderson is a leadership consultant, speaker, and author of the bestselling book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn." Her work focuses on helping leaders build high-performing, learning-driven cultures. A Fulbright Scholar and Stanford graduate, Katie has inspired leaders worldwide to foster innovation and excellence.
Learn more about Katie thru her website at www.kbjanderson.com
About the Episode:In this episode, Katie Anderson discusses the concept of being 'GrowthReady,' emphasizing the importance of a learning mindset. She shares insights from her diverse experiences, including her work with organizations to foster effective learning and continuous improvement.
Katie and Steve explore the significance of reflection in personal and professional growth. They discuss how intentional pauses and micro reflections can enhance learning and performance.
They emphasizes the need for leaders to carve out time for reflection amidst their busy schedules and the importance of framing experiences as experiments to foster a learning mindset. They also touch on the balance between high performance and learning, advocating for a more flexible approach to achieving goals.
Takeaways
- Every experience is an opportunity for learning.
- Learning is most effective through practice and doing.
- Intention is about aligning actions with purpose.
- Reflection is crucial for personal growth.
- Unexpected challenges can lead to significant growth.
- We must create conditions for others to succeed.
- Intention and goals are interconnected but distinct.
- The only true failure is not learning from mistakes.
- We have control over our intentions, not external goals.
- Micro reflections can be integrated into daily routines.
- Intentional pauses help in proactive engagement during interactions.
- Building a habit of reflection strengthens learning.
- Having reflection partners can enhance the process.
- Creating space for reflection prevents burnout.
- Framing experiences as experiments fosters a learning mindset.
- Curiosity and inquiry are key to effective learning.
- High performers need to balance performance with learning opportunities.
- Not every moment needs to be high stakes for growth.
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About Patrick
Patrick Hardy is an internationally-recognized disaster preparedness expert dedicated to empowering people with practical strategies for navigating both major emergencies and everyday disruptions. As a keynote speaker and the author of "Design Any Disaster," Patrick shares invaluable insights and secrets of effective disaster planning, equipping individuals and organizations to build resilience in the face of uncertainty. He inspires others to turn potential crises into opportunities for growth and preparedness.
About the Episode
In this episode of GrowthReady, Patrick Hardy shares his insights on personal growth, disaster management, and the importance of self-identity. He emphasizes the need for a strong sense of self before pursuing growth and discusses his journey into disaster management, sparked by Hurricane Katrina.
Patrick highlights the significance of intellectual curiosity, cultural adaptation, and leadership in emergencies, while also addressing the concepts of disruption and control in crisis management. He also discusses the importance of transforming disruptive events into opportunities for growth and empowerment. He emphasizes that disasters only become disasters when we allow them to, and that taking command, communicating effectively, and executing tasks can turn disruptions into advantages. Hardy shares insights on the necessity of self-reliance and independence, urging individuals and organizations to empower their teams and take responsibility for their own growth. He also highlights the significance of high performance through empowerment and leadership, illustrating how a shift in mindset can lead to success in the face of adversity.
Learn more about Patrick and his company thru his website at www.disasterpatrick.com
Takeaways
- Before you can grow, you need a strong sense of self.
- Stopping to reflect on who you are is crucial for growth.
- Intellectual curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
- Cultural adaptation is essential in new environments.
- Leadership is key in managing emergencies effectively.
- You have control over the outcomes in crises.
- Investing in yourself is more important than immediate financial gain.
- Disruption in life can lead to significant growth opportunities.
- Everyone faces their own version of a hurricane in life. You never have to experience a disaster for the rest of your life.
- A category 5 hurricane is not a disaster until we let it become one.
- Taking command of a disruption can make you stronger afterwards.
- If I do nothing, no one else will either.
- Treat external help like ice cream: nice, but not necessary.
- Empowerment is key to high performance in any organization.
- Disruptions can be turned into opportunities for growth.
- Independence and self-reliance are crucial during crises.
- High performance teams are built on empowerment and trust.
- Preparation is essential; if you prepare for a disaster, you will never experience one.
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About MarkMark Scherer’s journey into spirituality began in his youth, driven by a desire to win arguments with his parents. This led him to explore the Bible and its connections to real life.
With over 30 years of study in Consciousness, Language, Spiritual Law, and Quantum Physics, Mark nurtured a passion for personal transformation. Now, he leads a team dedicated to empowering individuals through the Quantum Leap Technique™ (QLT), inspiring others to unlock their potential and embrace their transformative journeys.
About the EpisodeIn this conversation, Mark Scherer explores the idea of being growth ready and attracting luck. He highlights the need for a strong foundation to prepare for opportunities and shares his work as the founder of Encompass Life, a coaching and leadership development company that helps business owners break through barriers.
Mark introduces the shift from a 'how' mindset to a 'wow' mindset for quick idea implementation. He emphasizes finding peace and fulfillment to manifest desired outcomes and discusses the power of asking better questions. The conversation also covers the impact of language on our thoughts and the importance of letting go of negative self-talk. Finally, Mark underscores that personal growth is a journey, with fulfillment arising from the process itself.
Learn more about Mark and his company thru his website at www.encompasslife.com
Takeaways
- Building a strong foundation and infrastructure is crucial to being growth ready and attracting luck.
- Shifting from a 'how' mindset to a 'wow' mindset allows for quick and easy implementation of ideas.
- Finding peace and fulfillment is essential for attracting luck and manifesting desired outcomes.
- Asking the right questions and developing intuition can lead to breakthrough results and effective action. Asking better questions can lead to beneficial insights and positive change.
- Language and words have a profound impact on our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
- Letting go of negative self-talk and embracing a growth mindset is essential for personal development.
- Being coachable and open to feedback is crucial for growth and success.
- Personal growth is a journey, and fulfillment comes from embracing the unfolding process.
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About Richard:Richard is the CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, which he founded in 2008 after moving from Philadelphia. With over 20 years of experience, he has trained more than 10,000 bilingual telemarketers in advanced strategies and employee motivation. Richard holds a degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and integrates his love for pinball machines into his company culture. He was inducted into the 2023 Abington High School Hall of Fame and annually supports students pursuing world languages.
About the Episode:
In this episode of the Growth Ready podcast, Richard Blank shares his inspiring journey from a Spanish major to the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for growth, overcoming fear, and the value of self-respect. Richard discusses his experiences in building a business, navigating challenges, and the significance of mentorship. He also highlights the joy of pursuing personal passions, such as his love for pinball machines, and how they contribute to a fulfilling life. The conversation concludes with insights on maintaining composure in chaos and the journey of growth and fulfillment.
Learn more about Richard and his company thru Linkedin at @costaricascallcenter
Takeaways:
- Being growth ready means being fully prepared.
- Fear can be a motivator if managed correctly.
- Self-respect is crucial for personal growth.
- Opportunities often come disguised as challenges.
- Building a business requires patience and perseverance.
- Passion fuels success in business endeavors.
- Mentorship plays a vital role in personal development.
- Maintaining composure during chaos is essential.
- Self-awareness helps in making informed decisions.
- Fulfillment comes from pursuing what you love.
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About Robbie:
Robbie is the President and CEO of Sigma Engineers & Constructors, a destination workplace for both employees and clients in engineering, construction, field services, inspection, and leadership solutions. While his education and career tell the story of an engineer, a large part of Robbie’s growth journey has come from playing in creative and innovative spaces as he embraces his pedigree for business and entrepreneurship. Whether through real estate ventures, investing in other entrepreneurs and their businesses, or making his own wine Robbie’s career and life story speaks to a very clear theme; a desire to grow and embrace what it means to ready yourself for what comes with it.
About the Episode:
In this episode of the GrowthReady podcast, host Steve Mellor engages in a deep conversation with Robbie. They explore the concept of being 'Growth Ready,' emphasizing the importance of preparation, emotional intelligence, and curiosity in personal and professional growth. Robbie shares his journey from a victim mindset to one of empowerment, highlighting the significance of relationships and self-care in leadership. The discussion also touches on the joy found in leadership roles, the process of winemaking, and the lessons learned from failure. Ultimately, the episode underscores the necessity of continuous growth and the pursuit of joy in all aspects of life.
Learn more about Robbie and his company - Sigma Engineering and Construction at www.sigmaec.com
Takeaways:
- Being GrowthReady means preparing for opportunities.
- Preparation is key to success and happiness.
- Shifting from a victim mindset to empowerment is crucial.
- Emotional intelligence helps in managing relationships.
- Curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
- Finding joy in leadership enhances performance.
- Winemaking reflects the blend of art and science.
- Failure is a stepping stone to learning and growth.
- Self-care is essential for effective leadership.
- Continuous growth is necessary for fulfillment.
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Jason Silver, a multi-time founder and author, shares his perspective on being growth ready and embracing uncertainty. Author of "Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life." He emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and ready to receive growth from unexpected sources. Jason's career trajectory has been non-linear, with a focus on rapid, extensive failure and learning from it. He advises taking small, low-cost steps to test ideas and find out if you're wrong rather than solely focusing on being right. Jason also shares a personal story of losing his sister, which led to a reevaluation of his life and work. In this conversation, Jason Silver discusses the importance of unlearning and reevaluating priorities in order to live a more fulfilling life. He shares his personal experience of realizing that he was overinvested in work and underinvested in the present moment with his family. Jason emphasizes the need to be intentional about how we invest our time and challenges the conventional belief that we have to sacrifice personal life for professional success. He also introduces the concept of the brief back as a powerful tool for effective communication and highlights the value of small changes and low-hanging fruit in achieving personal and professional growth.
Connect with Jason Silver on Linkedin at @silverjay.
Takeaways
- Being GrowthReady means being open-minded and ready to receive growth from unexpected sources.
- Embrace uncertainty and be willing to take small, low-cost steps to test ideas and find out if you're wrong.
- Failure is a valuable learning experience and can lead to personal and professional growth.
- Personal experiences can have a profound impact on our approach to work and life. Unlearning is an important process in personal and professional growth.
- It is crucial to reevaluate priorities and invest time intentionally.
- The brief back is a powerful tool for effective communication and avoiding miscommunications.
- Small changes and low-hanging fruit can have a significant impact on personal and professional growth.
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Dre Baldwin, CEO and founder of Work on Your Game, Inc., shares his journey as a former professional basketball player and how it has shaped his approach to personal and professional development. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, structure, and persistence in achieving success. Dre highlights the need to find the right opportunity that aligns with your skills and goals, and the importance of continuously working on your game to improve and produce results. He encourages individuals to assess their game, develop their skills, create opportunities, and repeat the cycle to achieve ongoing success.
Connect with Dre on Linkedin at @dreallday
Takeaways
- The foundation of success is discipline, structure, and persistence.
- Finding the right opportunity that aligns with your skills and goals is crucial for success.
- Continuous improvement and working on your game is essential to produce results.
- Assess your game, develop your skills, create opportunities, and repeat the cycle for ongoing success.
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David Conway, a mindset mentor, discusses the power of manifestation and setting goals. He emphasizes the importance of living your life through what you teach and applying the principles you teach to your own life. Conway explains that goals are often misunderstood and that the purpose of a goal is not just to get something, but to grow as a person. He also highlights the need to protect and value your own mind, as it is the source of your potential. Conway encourages listeners to relax into their goals and visualize their desired outcomes.
Connect with David through his website at www.conway.consulting
Takeaways
- Live your life through what you teach and apply the principles you teach to your own life.
- Goals are not just about getting something, but about personal growth.
- Protect and value your own mind, as it is the source of your potential.
- Relax into your goals and visualize your desired outcomes.
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Jesse Hernandez, founder of Depth Builder, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the human side of work as a leader. He shares his personal journey of realizing that driving results and treating people as things was not effective or fulfilling. By shifting his focus to serving and developing his team, he achieved better results and built stronger relationships. Jesse highlights the power of listening to build appreciation and trust, and the importance of asking open-ended questions to empower others. He also discusses his book, Lean and Love, which applies the principles of lean management to personal relationships.
Connect with Jesse on Linkedin at @jessedepthbuilder
Takeaways:
- Focusing on the human side of work as a leader leads to better results and stronger relationships.
- Listening to build appreciation and trust is a powerful skill that requires practice and intention.
- Leaders should ask open-ended questions and involve others in problem-solving to empower them.
- Applying lean management principles to personal relationships can improve communication and connection.
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Chuck Cooper, founder of Whitewater Consulting, shares his journey of transitioning from the corporate world to starting his own consulting company. He emphasizes the importance of valuing individuals and building trust and unity among teams. Chuck discusses the significance of real-life experience and wisdom in leadership and the need for effective communication. He highlights the need for leaders to remain curious and ask questions, as well as the importance of creating personal mission, vision, and values. Chuck also emphasizes the need for leaders to reward themselves and give themselves grace.
Learn more about Chuck at www.whitewaterconsulting.net
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Antonio Vaglica, a former athlete turned entrepreneur, shares his journey of building two successful businesses and the importance of small consistent habits. He emphasizes the need to focus on micro wins and daily habits to achieve long-term success. Antonio discusses the role of sports in entrepreneurship and how it provides valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and failure. He also talks about his consulting firm that helps growth-oriented entrepreneurs maximize their enterprise value and his community, Consistency Wins, which supports high achievers on their entrepreneurial journey. Antonio highlights the importance of mindset, personal development, and building a strong team to achieve success.
Takeaways
- Small consistent habits lead to long-term success
- Sports provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurship
- Mindset and personal development are crucial for growth
- Building a strong team and network is essential for success
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Dr. Sharon Hull, founder of Metta Solutions, LLC and author of 'Professional Careers by Design,' discusses the importance of being intentional in our careers and lives. She emphasizes the need to press pause, reflect on our values, and make decisions that align with what matters most to us. Dr. Hull also highlights the shift happening in the workplace, where employees are seeking organizations that prioritize intentionality and provide a custom-crafted experience. She provides a framework for discernment, managing change, and taking a lifelong perspective on our careers. The book offers practical guidance for individuals and organizations to navigate career choices and create a meaningful work-life balance.
Connect and learn more about Dr. Hull via this link - www.drsharonhull.com
Takeaways
- Press pause and reflect on your values and what matters most to you in your career and life.
- Be intentional in your decision-making and align your choices with your values.
- The workplace is shifting, and organizations that prioritize intentionality will have a competitive advantage.
- Dr. Hull's book, 'Professional Careers by Design,' provides a framework for discernment, managing change, and taking a lifelong perspective on your career.
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Shara Ruffin, an independently licensed clinical social worker and former psychotherapist, shares her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the pivotal moment that led her to pivot into entrepreneurship after failing her board exam and losing her job. Shara emphasizes the importance of faith and prayer in her journey and how it played a crucial role in her success. She also highlights the significance of sharing the nitty-gritty and hard parts of her story to inspire others. Shara's story is a testament to perseverance and the power of turning adversity into opportunity. Shara Ruffin shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and mental health challenges while building a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of connection and support in her work, providing emotional support and guidance to her colleagues. Shara's approach is holistic, focusing not only on passing exams but also on the mental and emotional well-being of her clients. She encourages individuals to recognize their own worth and to focus on the process of achieving their goals. Shara's story is a reminder that success is a continuous journey of growth and self-improvement.
Connect with Shara via Linkedin @shararuffin
Takeaways
- Adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
- Having faith and relying on prayer can provide guidance and strength during challenging times.
- Sharing the nitty-gritty and hard parts of your story can inspire and connect with others.
- Success is often born out of pain and perseverance.
- Turning adversity into opportunity can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. Trauma and mental health challenges can shape a person's journey and success.
- Connection and support are vital in overcoming challenges and achieving goals.
- A holistic approach that considers mental and emotional well-being is important in any endeavor.
- Recognize your own worth and focus on the process of achieving your goals.
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Frank Kitchen, a motivational speaker and author, shares his journey from a career in training and leadership development to becoming a professional speaker. He emphasizes the importance of talent and passion in pursuing a career and the impact of competitiveness on driving performance. Frank's story highlights the evolution of his career and the diverse industries he has impacted through his speaking engagements. The conversation explores the concept of healthy competition and its impact on personal growth, success, and relationships. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing potential, inspiring others, and fostering a supportive community of driven individuals. The discussion also delves into the idea of competitive collaboration and the positive influence of ambitious and driven individuals on each other's success.
Connect with Frank via his website www.frankkitchen.com
Takeaways:
- The combination of talent and passion is essential for pursuing a fulfilling career.
- Competitiveness can drive performance and inspire others to achieve their best.
- The evolution of a career can lead to unexpected opportunities and diverse industry impacts.
- Recognizing talent and harnessing competitiveness can lead to personal and professional growth. Healthy competition can inspire personal growth and success.
- Prioritizing potential and fostering a supportive community of driven individuals is essential for personal and collective success.
- Ambitious and driven individuals can positively influence each other's success through competitive collaboration.
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Doug Noll, an award-winning author, speaker, and trainer, shares his journey from being a trial lawyer to becoming a peacemaker and mediator. He discusses how his practice of Tai Chi and the realization of the limitations of the legal system led him to make the decision to leave his law practice and pursue a career in conflict resolution. Doug also explains the concept of affect labeling, a three-step process that involves ignoring the words, reading the emotions, and reflecting back the speaker's emotions using U statements. In this conversation, Doug Noll discusses the power of affect labeling and its ability to de-escalate conflicts and build rapport. He explains how affect labeling can be used in various contexts, such as parenting, coaching, and sales. Noll emphasizes the importance of emotional mastery and the role of emotions in effective communication. He also challenges the notion of competition and highlights the value of serving others and creating a more peaceful world. Noll provides resources for further exploration of affect labeling and offers workshops, coaching, and training.
Connect with Doug via his website www.dougnoll.com
Takeaways
- Putting your mind to something can lead to amazing accomplishments over time.
- Transitioning from one career to another may require personal growth and patience.
- Success can be redefined to prioritize service to others.
- Being open to opportunities can lead to unexpected and impactful projects.
- Affect labeling is a powerful technique for deescalating conflicts by reflecting back the speaker's emotions. Affect labeling is a powerful tool for de-escalating conflicts and building rapport.
- Affect labeling can be used in various contexts, including parenting, coaching, and sales.
- Emotional mastery is essential for effective communication and understanding others.
- Competition has its place, but it should not define our lives.
- Serving others and creating a more peaceful world should be the focus of our actions.
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Helen Hanison, a leadership coach and author, discusses the importance of career transformation and finding alignment between personal values and professional goals. She shares her own experience of being stuck in a career that didn't align with her values and the process she went through to make a change. Hanison emphasizes the need for readiness and self-awareness when considering a career transition. She also highlights the cost of staying stuck and the importance of valuing oneself and one's career direction. The process of career transformation involves building a career compass, redesigning one's career, and developing a mindset for success.
Helen's highly anticipated book, "Unstuck, " is scheduled for an official launch on June 19th! 🗓️ As a special treat for all the loyal Career Competitor audience, we will be offering an exclusive sneak peek just before the big day. Join Helen for a thrilling Zoom launch party and secure your copy at a special one-day price of just 99 cents! To receive your Zoom invites, send a message to helen@helenhanison.com and steve@careercompetitor.com with the subject line "Unstuck."
Takeaways
- Career transformation requires readiness and self-awareness.
- Staying stuck in a career that doesn't align with personal values has a cost.
- Valuing oneself and one's career direction is crucial for fulfillment.
- The process of career transformation involves building a career compass, redesigning one's career, and developing a mindset for success.
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Chris Hood, a keynote speaker and expert in merging customer success with digital strategy, shares insights on the importance of customer-centric cultures and the power of storytelling. He emphasizes the need to break through assumptions and change mindsets to prioritize customer needs. Hood discusses the seven-stage framework outlined in his book, Customer Transformation, and highlights the significance of building a customer-focused culture throughout the organization. He also emphasizes the relevance of storytelling in communication, providing tips on using relevant experiences and keywords to engage and connect with others.
Connect with Chris via his website - www.chrishood.com
Takeaways
- Break through assumptions and change mindsets to prioritize customer needs.
- Build a customer-focused culture throughout the organization.
- Utilize storytelling to engage and connect with others.
- Use relevant experiences and keywords to make communication more impactful.
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Amy Kemp, a certified habit finder coach, shares her journey of discovering the power of thought habits and how they impact success. She explains that her work focuses on the subconscious habits of thinking that occur throughout the day and how they can hold us back. Amy emphasizes that hard work alone is not enough to achieve our goals and that we need to change our thought habits to move forward. She also discusses the challenges and resistance she faced when making the transition to her current career and the importance of having a support system during times of change. In this conversation, Amy Kemp discusses the importance of awareness in making changes and the role of habits of thinking in our lives. She shares personal examples of how her own habits of thinking have impacted her and offers insights on how to shift these habits. Amy emphasizes the need for a gradual and sustainable approach to changing habits of thinking and the importance of having a relational component in the process. She also discusses the role of competition in her life and how it has evolved over time.
You can learn more about Amy through her Instagram amykempinc.
Takeaways
- Thought habits have a significant impact on our success and can hold us back if they are unhealthy.
- Hard work alone is not enough to achieve our goals; we need to change our thought habits.
- Transitions can be challenging, but having a support system and a safe space to process emotions is crucial.
- Choosing to pursue our goals and not settling for less can lead to unexpected opportunities and miracles. Awareness is the first step in making any kind of change.
- Changing habits of thinking is a gradual and sustainable process.
- Having a relational component, such as a coach or accountability partner, is crucial in changing habits of thinking.
- Competition can be beneficial and can elevate performance when approached with the right mindset.
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Cullen Talley a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and coach, discusses the importance of competitiveness and discomfort in achieving success. He shares his personal experience as a competitive swimmer and endurance athlete, highlighting the mindset required to stay in discomfort and push through challenges. Talley emphasizes the need to start small and gradually increase discomfort levels, setting clear goals and measuring progress along the way.
He also stresses the value of having a third-party perspective to hold individuals accountable and remind them of their commitments. The conversation explores the importance of having a support system and working with a coach to achieve success. It emphasizes the need for perspective, a plan, and proven results when choosing a coach. The discussion also highlights the dangers of the coaching industry becoming saturated with unqualified individuals. The conversation concludes with insights on the process of starting a business and the importance of sitting in discomfort to find clarity.
You can learn more about Cullen through his website at www.exitmomentum.com
Takeaways
- Competition starts within oneself and involves pushing through discomfort.
- Discomfort is about doing what is necessary, even if it's not what you want to do.
- Start with smaller levels of discomfort and gradually increase intensity.
- Setting clear goals and measuring progress is crucial for success.
- Having a third-party perspective can provide accountability and remind individuals of their commitments. Having a support system and working with a coach can help accelerate success.
- When choosing a coach, look for someone with perspective, a plan, and proven results.
- Beware of the dangers of the coaching industry becoming saturated with unqualified individuals.
- Starting a business requires sitting in discomfort and asking difficult questions.
- Clarity and success come from taking the time to find answers and making deliberate choices.
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In this podcast, Todd Holzman, a renowned educator, Founder & CEO of Holzman Leadership, emphasizes the importance of candor in conversations. He shares how candor became his life's work and defines it as a collaborative pursuit of truth for improvement. Holzman highlights its benefits for psychological well-being, authentic relationships, and effective leadership. He stresses the need for self-awareness and recognizing communication flaws.
You can learn more about Todd at www.holzman.com
Takeaways
- Admiration Shapes Behavior: Todd emphasizes how our admiration for others influences our behavior and presentation in society. Understanding this can help us navigate our interactions more consciously.
- Stepping into Conversations for Growth: There's an emphasis on the significance of engaging in conversations, even uncomfortable ones, as a means of personal development. By actively participating in discussions, we open ourselves to learning and growth.
- Navigating Relationship Traps: Todd highlights the common pitfalls we encounter while trying to build relationships. Recognizing these traps can help us navigate them more effectively and foster healthier connections.
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Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a leadership expert, discusses the importance of resilience in career success and how to build it. She shares her journey into this work, starting with her experience in psychology and remote areas. Dr. Pelletier emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to resilience and highlights the importance of self-awareness and realistic perspective. She provides practical tips for increasing resilience, such as creating a daily self-awareness practice and incorporating resilience into strategic planning. Dr. Pelletier also addresses the concept of burnout and how to prevent it by understanding the individual and organizational factors involved.
You can connect with Dr. Pelletier through her website at www.drmarie-helene.com
Takeaways
- Resilience is not just a tool that you use within your career but it's an attribute for life.
- Discover the significance of integrating flexibility into the structure of your daily routines.
- Understand the importance of considering context when training your mindset.
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Ciara Stockeland, a serial entrepreneur and author, shares her journey and expertise in cashflow management and financial success. She emphasizes the importance of setting goals, finishing what you start, and being intentional in decision-making. Ciara also discusses her experience as an Ironman athlete and how the same principles of commitment and finding the right support system apply to both business and personal endeavors. She offers guidance on managing finances, understanding key numbers in business, and planning for profitability. Ciara's mission is to help entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom and be good stewards of their resources.
You can connect with Ciara through her website at www.ciarastockeland.com
Takeaways
- Set goals and finish what you start to cultivate a competitive mindset.
- Be intentional in decision-making and plan with the end in mind.
- Find the right support system and coach who believes in your goals.
- Manage your finances by understanding key numbers in your business and planning for profitability.
- Be a good steward of your resources and strive for financial freedom.
Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast for valuable insights and inspiration!
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Steve Mellor sits down with special guest McGee Moody in this compelling episode of Career Competitor. Discover how McGee Moody sheds light on the significance of one's perspective towards time, offering valuable insights on how it can aid in slowing down and appreciating life's moments. Explore three key themes: Perspective on Time, Non-Negotiables in Culture, and the Power of Optimism.
McGee Moody, a former NCAA college swimming coach with 25 years of experience, has coached at East Carolina University, the US Naval Academy, the College of William and Mary, and spent 15 years as head coach at the University of South Carolina. During his coaching career, he guided numerous SEC champions, NCAA All-Americans, and Olympians. After retiring from coaching in 2021, he transitioned into the financial field. You can connect with McGee through Instagram at @usccoachingdad.
Show notes:
- Perspective on Time: McGee Moody discusses the importance of adopting a mindful perspective towards time, emphasizing how it can help individuals slow down and appreciate life's moments more fully.
- Non-Negotiables in Culture: explores the concept of non-negotiables within organizational culture, highlighting their role in attracting like-minded individuals who align with shared values and objectives.
- Power of Optimism: McGee shares insights into the transformative power of optimism, particularly in situations where desired outcomes may seem distant or challenging. He discusses strategies for incorporating optimism as a tool for maintaining resilience and navigating obstacles effectively.
Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast for valuable insights and inspiration!
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Steve Mellor sits down with special guest Steven Pivnik in this compelling episode of Career Competitor. Together, they explore a myriad of profound insights that can transform the way you approach your career and personal growth journey. Specifically, listeners can expect insights around the importance of Embracing Your Uniqueness, Value Is King, and Turning Unfinished Business into Fuel.
Steven Pivnik is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, business advisor, and serial entrepreneur specializing in the IT market. He grew his last company, Binary Tree, to over 200 employees across 12 countries before a successful exit to a $4 billion competitor, West Software. Today, as a trusted business advisor, our guest partners with leaders on how to achieve similar business success and perseverance in their own entrepreneurial journey. You can connect with Steven through Instagram at @stevenpivnik and through his website www.stevenpivnik.com.
SHOW NOTES
-Embracing Your Uniqueness: Discover why knowing what sets you apart is key to finding your path in the business world.
-Value Is King: Learn why delivering value never goes out of style—it's the cornerstone of lasting success.
-Turning Unfinished Business into Fuel: Steven shares how to use setbacks as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Whether you're navigating challenges in your career or seeking to unleash your full potential, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable insights to propel you forward.
Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast to discover how to overcome fears, strengthen your purpose, and master the techniques essential for success.
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Steve Mellor sits down with special guest Deonte Holden in this compelling episode of Career Competitor. Together, they explore a myriad of profound insights that can transform the way you approach your career and personal growth journey. Specifically, listeners can expect insights around the importance of Harnessing Fear to Propel Potential, Starting with Why and Strengthening It, and why Technique Trumps Strength in Success.
Deonte Holden is the founder of Law of Athlete, a former NCAA student-athlete with NC State University where he played football, a public speaker, and an all-around investor in the potential of others. The key focus of his work with Law of Athlete is to provide services to student-athletes that include Athlete-Centric Content & Products, Educational Programming & Initiatives, Community Building & Engagement, and Brand Partnerships & Collaborations. You can connect with Deonte through Instagram at @honchoholden and @lawofathlete.
Show Notes
Harnessing Fear to Propel Potential: Holden delves into the intriguing concept of fear and its surprising ability to drive us toward our potential. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how understanding and confronting our fears can be a catalyst for growth and achievement.
Starting with Why and Strengthening It: Mellor and Holden discuss the importance of having a strong sense of purpose, or "why," in everything we do. They emphasize the continual effort required to clarify and fortify our reasons for pursuing our goals. Through engaging dialogue, listeners gain valuable strategies for nurturing and refining their own sense of purpose.
Technique Trumps Strength in Success: In a thought-provoking exchange, Mellor and Holden dissect the age-old debate of technique versus strength in the pursuit of success. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, they demonstrate how mastering technique often proves more effective than relying solely on raw strength or talent.
Whether you're navigating challenges in your career or seeking to unleash your full potential, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable insights to propel you forward. Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast to discover how to overcome fears, strengthen your purpose, and master the techniques essential for success.
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Welcome to a bite-size episode of Career Competitor as Steve presents a 7-minute insight for listeners around the art of coaching and why it needs to be defined clearly.
Through both storytelling and educating, host Steve Mellor provides you with the impactful insight you need to either elevate your coaching skills or look at the art of coaching through a renewed lens.
Be sure to follow Steve for more impactful content like this on Instagram @coachstevemellor and on his LinkedIn page here
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Host Steve Mellor sits down with guest Jake Burhans to explore the intricacies of professional and personal growth. Jake, a seasoned entrepreneur, and real estate professional, shares invaluable insights around the value that comes from always showing up, finding a true definition for the "hard" in hard work, and the need to focus on the infinite game when it comes to your development.
Jake Burhans is a real estate entrepreneur who owns and operates two separate companies. With QA Home Buyers, Jake is on a mission to empower communities by providing solutions for homeowners looking to sell their properties. Additionally, with his second business, Maple Birch Properties Jake is also an active real estate investor with holdings in the New Hampshire area. Be sure to learn more about Jake and his businesses by connecting with him on Instagram @Jake_burhans or through his business link here
Show Notes
Firstly, Steve and Jake delve into the profound significance of consistent commitment - the undying dedication to showing up every day, rain or shine. Through anecdotes and personal experiences, they illuminate the transformative power of perseverance, emphasizing how the simple act of being present lays the groundwork for success in any endeavor.
Next, the conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as they dissect the notion of "hard work." Jake challenges conventional wisdom by urging listeners to redefine what it truly means to work hard. Drawing from his own trials and triumphs, he advocates for a nuanced understanding that transcends mere physical exertion, emphasizing the importance of strategic effort and deliberate practice in achieving meaningful progress.
Finally, Steve and Jake explore the concept of the infinite game and its profound implications for both career and personal development. By adopting a holistic perspective that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains, they advocate for a paradigm shift that empowers individuals to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional competition with wisdom and resilience.
Through their candid dialogue and insightful commentary, Steve and Jake offer listeners a roadmap for mastering the art of career competitiveness, inspiring them to embrace the journey with passion, purpose, and unwavering determination. Tune in to this illuminating episode and unlock the keys to unlocking your full potential in the pursuit of greatness.
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In this episode of Career Competitor, host Steve Mellor invites Dr. David Schreiner, President and CEO of KSB Hospital and renowned author of "Be The Best Part of Their Day," for an insightful conversation on achieving excellence in both professional and personal spheres. Our discussion tackles a wide-array of topics including; the need to excel where you are and not focus too far ahead; why the true definition of communication must be implemented within a culture; and how to honor the values of those you engage with.
David Schreiner is the President and CEO of KSB Hospital in Dixon, IL and has built a highly decorated career in healthcare thanks to emphasis on leadership and culture. David is a recent first-time author of the book Be The Best Part Of Their Day - an Amazon Best-Seller - where he navigates readers through countless examples of how value-driven leadership drives the type of culture that people not only want to work for, but can thrive within as well.
The episode delves into three pivotal topics:
- Prioritizing Excellence Where You Are: Dr. Schreiner emphasizes the importance of excelling in one's current position before fixating on future endeavors. By fully committing to present responsibilities and opportunities, individuals can lay the groundwork for future success and fulfillment.
- Redefining Communication in Organizational Culture: The discussion highlights the significance of authentic communication within organizational environments. Dr. Schreiner advocates for implementing a true understanding of communication, fostering transparency, empathy, and active listening to cultivate a positive and productive culture.
- Driving Optimal Engagement Through Values: Dr. Schreiner underscores the role of personal values in fostering optimal engagement. By aligning actions with the values of those they interact with, individuals can cultivate meaningful connections and drive mutual growth and fulfillment.
Listeners of Career Competitor are treated to actionable insights and strategies for unlocking their full potential, both professionally and personally, in this thought-provoking episode with Dr. David Schreiner.
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In this compelling episode of Career Competitor, host Steve Mellor sits down with Markus Kaulius, the co-founder of PLAYABIGGERGAME.com, to delve into the intricate dynamics of personal and professional growth.
Markus is a lifelong entrepreneur who has risen to the heights of creating a 9-figure health supplement company and today is creating a community to help high achievers find fulfillment beyond career success. As the founder of Play a Bigger Game, Markus wanted to create a place for like-minded people with a growth-oriented mindset to be uplifted in support of realizing their full potential. Markus has been a guest and contributor on platforms like PBS, Fox News, CNN, and the New York Journal to name a few, and shares his message globally on how we can all pursue success while living a life of true integrity.
A disciple of Tony Robbins, Markus is all about elevating your career, enhancing your relationships, and enriching your life.
This episode offers invaluable insights to help you play a bigger game and achieve your aspirations. You can learn more about Markus by heading to https://playabiggergame.com/ and by following him on Instagram @markuskaulius
Show notes
Markus shares invaluable insights on how growth isn't always about making monumental leaps but rather about embracing incremental progress—a game of inches. He emphasizes the significance of recognizing and building upon existing strengths, highlighting the transformative power of small actions in achieving significant results.
Throughout the conversation, Steve and Markus underscore the pivotal role of community in fostering growth. They explore how being part of a supportive community provides opportunities to both lend an ear and have one's voice heard—an essential aspect in nurturing personal and professional development. Markus sheds light on how engaging with a community can offer diverse perspectives, valuable feedback, and a sense of belonging, ultimately propelling individuals toward their goals.
Furthermore, the episode delves into the importance of establishing clear principles that uphold integrity and guide decision-making processes. Markus emphasizes how aligning actions with these principles not only fortifies integrity but also fosters trust and credibility in both personal and professional realms. By adhering to these guiding principles, individuals can navigate challenges with confidence, resilience, and authenticity, paving the way for sustained growth and success.
Listeners are treated to a wealth of wisdom and actionable strategies for cultivating personal and professional growth in this enlightening conversation between Steve Mellor and Markus Kaulius.
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Join host Steve Mellor on the latest episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, where he welcomes guest Nelson Nigel, the founder and CEO of Kidmoto.
Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, where Steve Mellor and Nelson Nigel shed light on the invaluable lessons gleaned from adopting an athlete mindset, the importance of laying a strong foundation for growth, and the transformative impact of fostering positive energy in pursuit of excellence
More about Nelson Nigel
Learn about Kidmoto
Show Notes:
The discussion commences (4:30) with an insightful exploration of how an athlete's mindset catalyzes growth in various aspects of life. Nelson shares valuable insights into the transferable skills and attitudes cultivated in the world of sports, emphasizing their applicability to professional endeavors and personal development journeys.
As the conversation progresses, Steve and Nelson delve into the importance of laying a solid foundation (19:00) for optimal growth. Listeners are encouraged to dedicate time and energy to building a robust framework that supports sustained progress and achievement, echoing the meticulous preparation and training regimen of an elite athlete.
The episode reaches its crescendo with a poignant reflection on the significance of curating positive energy (27:00) and eliminating negativity from our lives. Nelson underscores the transformative power of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and cutting ties with toxic influences, highlighting the crucial role of maintaining a healthy environment for personal and professional flourishing.
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Welcome to another insightful episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, hosted by the ever-engaging Steve Mellor. In this episode, Steve welcomes guest Lee Povey, and together, these 2 coaches delve into a variety of content for anyone looking to personally grow in 2024.
There are, however, three pivotal areas of personal and professional growth that the two discuss around the theme of adversity that include
- Uncovering lessons to learn around human emotions when faced with adversity
- How asking powerful questions while experiencing scary moments can optimize future growth
- Why making goals as personalized as possible will help you learn the most about yourself in pursuit of them
You can listen back to 2 previous episodes with Lee here
- Lee's first appearance
- Lee's second appearance
And you can learn all about Lee and his services by heading to https://www.leepovey.com/
Tune in to this enriching episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, where valuable insights await those ready to embrace adversity, ask powerful questions, and embark on a journey of personalized goal-setting
SHOW NOTESThe conversation begins (6:00) with a deep exploration of uncovering valuable lessons hidden within the spectrum of human emotions when faced with challenges. Listeners are encouraged to embrace moments of adversity as opportunities for profound self-discovery and growth, recognizing the wealth of insight that lies within our emotional responses.
Moving forward, the discussion shifts (12:00) to the transformative power of asking powerful questions during moments of uncertainty and fear. Lee Povey emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-inquiry, advocating for the practice of asking oneself impactful questions to navigate through daunting circumstances effectively.
The episode then provides (28:30) thought-provoking dialogue surrounding the art of setting personalized goals. Steve and Lee underscore the significance of tailoring goals to align with one's individual values, aspirations, and capabilities. By challenging oneself with deeply personalized objectives, listeners are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and profound personal growth.
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In this episode of Career Competitor Podcast, host Steve Mellor welcomes Jon Kidwell, seasoned leadership coach and the Founder/CEO of Leadwell. Jon also has his debut book coming out titled Redefine Your Servant Leadership
The conversation begins with a powerful lesson derived from a false start, emphasizing the importance of using setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. The episode then explores the central theme of action as the key to achieving optimal influence, both personally and as leaders. Jon Kidwell underscores the significance of establishing daily standards that are ambitious enough to drive growth but also leave room for vulnerability, fostering a continuous commitment to improvement.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into leadership, personal development, and the journey towards optimal influence.
Information on Jon Kidwell
http://redefineyourservantleadership.com
https://leadwell.com/
LinkedIn
Show Notes
Section 1: Responding to false starts (6:00)
The episode kicks off with a profound lesson centered around navigating false starts. Jon Kidwell emphasizes the transformative power of viewing setbacks not as failures but as invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a mindset that sees challenges as stepping stones toward improvement, setting the stage for a dynamic conversation on resilience and learning from setbacks.
Section 2: Action as the Key to Optimal Influence (19:05)
The heart of the episode delves into the central theme of action as the linchpin for achieving optimal influence. Jon Kidwell explores the idea that taking decisive and intentional action is crucial, not only for personal development but also for effective leadership. Through engaging anecdotes and insights, the discussion unfolds to highlight the transformative impact of proactivity and decisiveness on both individuals and those in leadership roles.
Section 3: Ambitious Daily Standards and Continuous Improvement (27:17)
Jon Kidwell underscores the significance of establishing daily standards that strike a delicate balance between ambition and vulnerability. By setting goals that are challenging yet attainable, individuals can foster a culture of continuous improvement. The conversation delves into the nuances of maintaining high standards without succumbing to perfectionism, creating a framework for listeners to cultivate a mindset of constant growth and development.
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In this compelling episode, Steve Mellor facilitates a dynamic conversation with Scott Jeffrey Miller, delving into the essential aspects of chartering forward to build a successful career. Scott is the Senior Advisor to Franklin Covey and the author to multiple books including his new release Career on Course: 10 Strategies to Take Your Career from Accidental to Intentional.
Amongst many takeaways from the episode, Steve and Scott discuss the importance of taking action to chart the right course, investing time in gaining firsthand experience for what it takes to master your role, and giving yourself permission to pursue your true career and life goals.
Overall, this episode with Scott Jeffrey Miller serves as a motivational guide for listeners, encouraging them to take decisive action, embrace continuous learning, and grant themselves the permission to pursue a career and life that aligns with their authentic selves.
You can learn more about Scott by heading to his website, order a copy of his brand new book here, and follow him on all social media platforms @scottjeffreymiller
Show Notes
4:00 Taking Action to Chart the Right Course:
The discussion kicks off by emphasizing the critical role of proactive decision-making in shaping one's career. Scott Jeffrey Miller stresses the importance of taking intentional steps to define and pursue one's professional path. The conversation explores strategies for assessing skills, interests, and values to make informed decisions that align with long-term goals. Listeners gain insights into the significance of self-reflection and how it can serve as a compass for navigating the complexities of career choices.
14:20 Gaining Firsthand Experience to Master Your Role:
The episode delves into the concept of hands-on learning and the impact of gaining firsthand experience in mastering one's role. Scott shares personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. The conversation explores the benefits of immersing oneself in the challenges and intricacies of a role to develop expertise. Listeners are encouraged to seek opportunities for growth, embrace challenges, and view setbacks as valuable learning experiences in the journey towards professional mastery.
28:45 Giving Ourselves Permission to Pursue Our True Career and Life Goals:
The final talking point revolves around the importance of self-permission in crafting a career and life that aligns with one's authentic aspirations. Scott Jeffrey Miller advocates for breaking free from societal expectations and giving oneself the license to pursue meaningful and fulfilling endeavors. The episode explores the psychological barriers that may hinder individuals from pursuing their true passions and provides actionable insights on overcoming these obstacles. Listeners are empowered to challenge conventional norms and actively shape a career that resonates with their personal values and desires.
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We welcome the incredible Carey Davidson to show, the founder & CEO of Tournesol Wellness and author of the FIVE Archetypes, and prepare yourself for fascinating discussion where we explore the theme of embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth.
Amongst many insights, Carey presents key takeaways around our natural tendency to avoid discomfort, the power of the pause to better understand our reactions, and the role of empathy in the pursuit of success.
You can learn more about Carey by heading to her website: https://www.careydavidson.com/
Grab a copy of her highly-acclaimed book The FIVE Archetypes
Show Notes
Segment 1: The Importance of Discomfort (~ 6:00)
- Discussing the natural tendency to avoid discomfort.
- Carey Davidson shares insights on how discomfort can be a catalyst for positive change.
- Highlighting real-world examples of individuals who thrived by embracing discomfort in their careers.
Segment 2: The Power of the Pause (~ 11:30)
- Unpacking the concept of the pause as a powerful tool for self-reflection.
- Carey Davidson delves into how the pause allows us to practice mindfulness and better understand our reactions.
- Practical tips for incorporating intentional pauses into daily routines.
Segment 3: Empathy on the Journey to Success (~ 23:30)
- Exploring the role of empathy in the pursuit of success.
- Discussing how understanding others' perspectives fosters collaboration and personal development, while being the key to high performance.
- Carey Davidson shares anecdotes illustrating the impact of empathy on her own career journey.
🚀 Conclusion:
- Recap of key takeaways: embracing discomfort, the power of the pause, and the importance of empathy.
- Encouraging listeners to apply these principles in their career paths.
- Teasing upcoming episodes and guests.
📚 Resource Mentioned:
- Carey Davidson's book The FIVE Archetypes
📱 Connect with Us:
- Encouraging listeners to share their thoughts, questions, and experiences on social media @careercompetitorpodcast
- Reach out direct at Steve@careercompetitor.com
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Welcome to an episode worthy of being the final episode of the year as we discuss all things growth with two very special guests.
Steve welcomes a pair of guests in the Founding Partner & CEO of NOVUS Global, Jason Jaggard and Associate Partner with NOVUS Global, Kristin Frade.
NOVUS Global is a coaching service that focuses on Meta-Performance with all clients and Jason and Kristin are here to get you up to speed with how you can start to implement this perspective in your life.
There is an abundance of insight courtesy of this extended conversation, with these three talking points being at the top of the list:
Firstly, we discuss the role that clearly identifying and defining value of a vision can have in order to facilitate the intentional and lasting action required to realize our capability.
Next we reveal the importance of sharing your vision with key stakeholders around you to help find true alignment with those capable of supporting your journey towards meta performance.
Finally, you will hear why there is no reason to limit the way you lean into growth as it is something you can do not only on a professional level, but also across your entire lives.
Links for learning more about what was referenced within the episode
NOVUS Global: https://novus.global/
Beyond High Performance Book: https://book.novus.global/
Jason Jaggard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonjaggard/
Kristin Frade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinfrade/
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Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering coaching insights to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
In this episode, Steve takes you through a powerful insight around being deliberate with what you remove from your work and life in order to produce at higher levels.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!
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Welcome to another power-packed episode of Career Competitor! I'm your host, Steve Mellor, and today, we're stepping into the extraordinary world of firefighting with a remarkable guest, David Hollenbach. With over two decades of experience in the fire department, David brings a wealth of insights that transcend the flames and speak directly to the core of what it means to be a true leader.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the invincible power of a compelling "WHY." David Hollenbach unveils how having a profound purpose shields you from the resistance of others.
- We delve deep into the transformative potential within outdated or unhealthy belief systems.
- Leadership isn't a position; it's a mindset. David Hollenbach sheds light on the crucial importance of preparing to lead even before the title is bestowed upon you.
This episode is not just about firefighting; it's a masterclass in life leadership. So buckle up as we navigate through unique perspectives and invaluable lessons with David Hollenbach.
You can find everything and anything you need to know about David and the work he's doing at https://hollenbachleadership.com/
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In today's episode, Nikki and I will explore why it's crucial to avoid placing excessive emphasis on outcomes and how they can shape our sense of worth. We'll also delve into the significance of being attuned to ourselves and living in harmony with our bodies. Lastly, we'll touch on how the universe responds to the intent and decisiveness with which we approach life.
We have an engaging conversation ahead, covering these topics and more on this episode of Career Competitor.
If you want to learn more about Nikki, check her out on Instagram at Nikki Kett Coaching.
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There will always be more evidence of why you shouldn't pursue a preferred outcome thanks to the many more stories of failure and disappointment. But what makes success stories exactly that is a person's ability to go after what they believe is rightfully theirs and overthrow the limiting beliefs that hinder so many.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering coaching insights to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!
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In this episode of Career Competitor, we're thrilled to introduce you to someone we've had the pleasure of knowing for almost a year, Kendra Dahlstrom.
Key takeaways:
1. Learn the significance of prioritizing small actions with the most significant impacts.
2. Explore how curiosity can guide you to clarity and purpose in your work.
3. Gain a deeper understanding of the commitment required to unleash your optimal self.
Kendra also introduces her incredible app, Soul Star Awakening, which is now available on the App Store for free. Don't miss this opportunity - download it here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soul-star-awakening/id6449682856.
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Kendra and the work she's doing at https://www.kendradahlstrom.com/.
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Welcome to Career Competitor!
In today's episode with Todd Saylor, we'll uncover the secrets to setting yourself apart, the art of transferring success from one area of life to another, and Todd's unique concept of becoming a "successionaire."
Here's what you'll take away:
- Discover why adding a competitive spark to your day is a game-changer.
- Learn how to leverage your victories in one area of life to succeed in others.
- Immerse yourself in Todd's distinctive take on success - becoming a "successionaire."
Get ready for a high-energy, purpose-driven discussion that's bound to leave you inspired.
Explore Todd Saylor's world and unlock the keys to success at https://toddsaylor.com/
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Hey, Career Competitor fam! 🎉
We hit a big milestone - our 200th episode! I'm Steve Mellor, your host, and I'm super pumped for this one. Big thanks to all of you, whether you're a longtime fan or just joining us.
In this special episode, I'm joined by an old friend, Milo Cavic, and we dive into some game-changing takeaways:
1. Discover why asking, "How is this serving me?" is your secret weapon in owning your journey.
2. Even the most self-motivated souls need a hand on their path to achieving their dreams.
3. We'll chat about the power of getting comfortable with discomfort to claim what you truly deserve.
I can't thank you enough for your time and commitment. You're investing in yourself and your journey, and it's been an incredible ride.
So, let's dive into Episode 200 with Milo Cavic. It's a game-changer, and I hope you love it. 🚀✨
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Milo Cavic and the work he's doing at www.swimwithmilo.com.
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All-too-often there has been a belief that intention means nothing without action. But is it possible that we have been addressing the wrong issue? Steve tries to tackle the age-old issue on how we look at both intention and action through the lens of becoming unstuck by building a belief IN yourself.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!
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Hey there, welcome to Career Competitor! We've got an absolute gem on the show today – Ellen Connelly Taaffe. If you're a budding leader or a seasoned pro looking to level up, this one's tailor-made for you.
Here's what Ellen's bringing to the table:
- Embrace the Oops: Discover how fear of messing up can actually be the push you need to overcome challenges.
- Pivot to Power: Ellen dives into the art of taking action that fuels your growth journey.
- Confidence Chronicles: Learn why confidence isn't a prerequisite but a reward for trying.
We've got a ton more insights in store during our chat. Plus, don't miss Ellen's new book, "The Mirrored Door" – details on how to grab it are in the show notes. Grab it here: https://www.amazon.com/Mirrored-Door-Through-Barrier-Successful/dp/1774583291
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Ellen and the work she's doing at https://ellentaaffe.com/
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Hey there, welcome to another episode of Career Competitor! We've got a fantastic guest in the house today – Larry Harding, Larry's got an impressive background in global business, and we're going to dig deep into some exciting stuff.
Key takeaways:
1. Larry spills the beans on how your squad can boost your success.
2. Get tips on keeping that growth mindset sharp.
3. Redefine success by looking beyond the usual metrics.
Larry's not just dropping knowledge here; he's got a whole treasure trove of wisdom over at the HSP Group. For all the juicy details, swing by https://hsp.com/ and learn more about the work he's doing.
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Welcome back to Career Competitor! I'm your host, Steve Mellor and today's episode is a bit of a throwback to why we started this whole podcast in the first place.
I've got a fantastic guest today, Ryan Gonsalves, and we're talking about something that's close to the hearts of many former athletes - what happens after the game?
Here's a taste of what we're chatting about:
1. Champion Vibes: Ryan and I get into how the same qualities that make you a star athlete can give you a leg up in the business world. It's all about recognizing your inner superstar.
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The Fear Factor: We're diving into the fear many athletes face - feeling like they're losing their significance once the cheering stops. But trust me, they're still making a big impact, and we'll tell you why.
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The Power of Grit: Athletes know a thing or two about pushing through challenges. We'll explore how that grit they've developed can be a total game-changer in their careers.
We're not just talking sports here; these insights apply to anyone looking to kick it up a notch in their career. It's about finding your inner athlete and winning in the professional game.
So, whether you're a sports fan, a retired athlete, or just someone hungry for career advice, this episode is your playbook for success. Tune in now, and let's get those competitive juices flowing!
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Ryan and the work he's doing at www.2ndwind.io
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Welcome to another empowering episode of the Career Competitive Podcast with your host, Steve! Today, we have a special guest from our homeland – Fiona Roberts of Bia Mindset.
Get ready for a conversation that will redefine your approach to success:
1. Discover the art of building resilience as Fiona shares insights on how to train and strengthen this invaluable life muscle.
2. Embrace the power of a learning mindset, a key to conquering adversity and propelling yourself forward.
3. Tune in as Fiona and Steve delve into the transformative impact of addressing the truth, a game-changer in working effectively with others.
Fiona, the CEO of Bia Mindset, is a trailblazer in her field, and you won't want to miss the wisdom she's about to drop. You can find everything and anything you need to know about Fiona and the work she's doing at Biamindset.com.
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Welcome to a game-changing episode of Career Competitor with your host, Steve! Today, we're thrilled to have the incredible Henna Pryor on the show. Hennah is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert. She's an award-winning 2x TEDx and global keynote speaker, trainer, executive facilitator, and coach. She is more than a workplace performance expert; she's your ticket to unlocking "impossible change."
🚀 Key takeaways:
1️⃣ Explore how our environment shapes our responses and discover the power of taking control.
2️⃣ Embrace the cringe! Learn why awkward moments are the untapped source of personal growth.
3️⃣Understand why growth and uncertainty are a dynamic duo.
And that's not all! Head over to www.pryoritygroup.com to explore more about Henna’s offerings. Plus, she's here to share exciting news about her latest book, “Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You," pre-order now on Amazon. Grab your copy and learn to become the bravest version of yourself.
Be sure to head to www.pryoritygroup.com to learn more about Pryority Growth as well as connect with Henna Pryor on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/.
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🎙Welcome to another inspiring episode of Career Competitor, where Steve, your host, sits down with Dr. Brett Blair, the founder and president of Best Life Global, LLC
Get ready for a dose of career wisdom as we dive into three powerful insights:
1️⃣ Discover why avoiding life plateaus is crucial for your journey to success.
2️⃣ Uncover the secret to achieving long-term results: getting crystal clear on your priorities.
3️⃣ Brett shares the golden nugget of optimizing your growth mindset by living one day at a time.
And that's not all! Head over to BrettBlapPhD.com to explore more about Brett's offerings. Plus, he's here to share exciting news about his latest book, "Born Love Die: A Memoir," available now on Amazon. Grab your copy and learn on a transformative reading journey.
Be sure to head to www.brettblairphd.com to learn more about the company as well as connect with Dr Brett on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/brettablair
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In this exciting episode, we're joined by Dr. Denis Cauvier, a sought-after keynote presenter, trainer, and consultant, and the brilliant author of 20 best-selling books.
🚀 Tune in as Steve and Dr. Denis dive into three game-changing career insights:
1️⃣ Discover why acknowledging and respecting the value you've created for yourself is an absolute must on your path to success.
2️⃣ Explore the vital significance of aligning your values with your teams, a secret ingredient to achieving remarkable results in your career.
3️⃣ Learn how resilience becomes your closest companion when you dare to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the power of stretching your limits.
Hit play now and let's dive in!
Be sure to head to https://deniscauvier.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Dr Denis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-cauvier-3054a717/
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In this episode, we're diving into the world of women in leadership, and we've got the amazing Dorothy Enriquez, on board. This one's not just for the ladies – everyone, listen up!
Here's a taste of what you'll get:
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Your Squad Matters: Dorothy spills the beans on why having a crew of like-minded folks around you is pure gold. Learn how your circle can supercharge your career and life.
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Lead Like You Mean It: Forget titles. Dorothy dishes on how every single one of us can be a leader, no matter where we're at.
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You, Unfiltered: Dive into self-improvement with Dorothy's tips on taking charge of your own growth journey. It's all about owning your path.
So, join us in this invigorating conversation on Career Competitor as we explore the transformative power of finding your tribe, embracing leadership from wherever you stand, and practicing self-accountability.
Be sure to head to https://theellevatecollective.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Dorothy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/theellevatecollective/
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🎙️Join Steve Mellor on this exciting episode of Career Competitor, where he sits down with Mark Silverman, his fellow coach. Mark helps CEOs, Senior Leadership, and Fast Rising High Achievers leverage their resources and team for greater impact.
Mark doesn't just talk the talk – he walks it too. As the captivating host of "Mastering Overwhelm – How To Thrive in Business, Relationship, and Life" podcast, and a prolific author with his third book in the pipeline, he's the real deal when it comes to propelling careers.🚀
Tune in as Steve and Mark dive into the nitty-gritty of career advancement. They uncover the crucial art of seizing opportunities and avoiding missed chances through heightened awareness. Discover the game-changing reward versus consequence mindset and learn how embracing it can inject rocket fuel into your professional endeavors.
Be sure to head to https://www.markjsilverman.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Mark on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102
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Get set for an exciting episode of Career Competitor, hosted by Steve Mellor! We've got a fantastic guest in the house – Damon Lembi, the CEO of LearnIt, a top-tier organization rocking the world of Learning and Development. Damon and his crew are all about helping business leaders like you level up their teams and achieve greatness.
Steve and Damon are teaming up to crack the code of learning agility – that superpower that's gonna take your career places you never imagined. They'll be digging into why learning agility is a game-changer and how you can ride that wave to success town.
Calling all you ex-athletes – this one's tailor-made for you! Tune in as Damon and Steve spill the beans on how to tap into your transferable skills, giving your competitive side the spotlight it deserves, long after your sports days.
And guess what? We're not stopping there. This episode's also gonna shed light on something we often forget – celebrating the small wins. Damon and Steve will dish out wisdom on why giving props to those daily victories can turbocharge your journey to awesomeness.
Be sure to head to https://www.learnit.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Damon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/
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Our natural tendency as competitors can be to carry our burdens and plow forwards despite the warning signs. But there is a simple formula en route to success and starts by not only requesting help, but learning how to receive it.
It was a pleasure to visit with Founder & CEO of Treppendahl Landscape, Rob Treppendahl on this episode to learn all about his career journey and the powerful lessons he collected along the way that made him the successful competitor he is today.
Within the conversation, Rob allows us a front row seat into his story of shame, optimism, and getting help. While the hole he was once in seemed too deep to climb out from, he and his business emerged for the better.
ROb delivers great insights within our discussion including:
- The need to seeing circumstances exactly as they are
- How optimism can drive even the darkest circumstances
- Why receiving help is a true catalyst for personal and professional growth
- How the systems we create can serve our ultimate goals
You can learn more about Rob and everything he is doing now by heading to https://www.robtreppendahl.com/ and feel free to reach out directly to him to let him know what you thought of the episode
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So often we are encouraged to avoid the things that scare us and to avoid potential obstacles within our competitive endeavors. But, what if there was a positive spin we could put on both fear and obstacles that enhances your career and pursuit of optimal performance?
On this episode we welcome back the great Lex Gillette, a 5x Paralympian for Team USA who has build both a highly successful athletic and speaking career on the very belief that there is "no need for sight when you have a vision".
Lex previously joined the podcast back in 2020 and has since then competed in his 5th Paralympic Games and written his debut book (grab a copy here).
Within our discussion, Lex offers key insights on chasing your dreams and overcoming adversity which include
- Why fear can help you break out of your comfort zone
- How vulnerability can help in the assessment of problems
- Why obstacles can be seen as landmarks to reach and pass
- The importance of trying new things repeatedly to continue growing
You can learn much more about Lex, his story and his offerings by heading to https://www.lexgillette.com/
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It comes around every once in a while, that building frustration that results in a willingness to admit "I'm just STUCK!" But there is a competitive spirit that creates these moment that make "being stuck" a lot more worthwhile than we might be willing to admit.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!
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It would be understandable to assume that an entrepreneur must go alone in pursuit of success. But what if you could reveal a competitive advantage simply by connecting with others in pursuit of similar goals.
I get to welcome back Way Finders founder Mike Brcic to the show to hear all about the exciting growth of the company over the past 3 years since we last spoke and dive deeper into the power of his quality-first mission of delivering value to the community he has now created.
A running theme throughout the past 3 years has been Mike's ability to consistently grow his community of high-performing entrepreneurs by insisting upon a highly vulnerable, transparent, and growth-minded environment to welcome folks into.
Within the discussion, Mike provides a wealth of insight including:
- The importance of keeping your community tight and protected
- Establishing guiding principles within all work you do
- The power of modeling and storytelling when creating trust
- Why do the work to position yourself in your "zone of genius"
You can learn all about Mike and his work by heading to his website at https://way-finders.com/ and be sure to reach out and connect with him on LinkedIn here to let him know you heard the episode
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A competitor will always be comfortable taking on the more adverse challenges life throws at them, but it is those that have a willingness to run towards the toughest moments that rise to the top.
Maria Parker joins us on this episode, and, while she wears many hats, Maria is the CEO of Cruzbike and an athlete herself as she pursues ultra-distance cycling events in her role as an advocate for brain cancer research. Most recently, Maria became an author thanks to her new book Do Tough.
At the heart of the book and the approach Maria has taken towards her career and life is a story of someone that relishes taking on the more difficult moments. Across all chapters of the book and her life, Maria has collected a wealth of insights on how to compete within a career, and she shares some of the following with us here:
- Why it is important to embrace and know each part of your identity
- The need for strategy during moments of persistence
- How the right support system can ensure you stay tough
- Why it is vital to see the good in the most adverse moments
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Arguably the most sort after leadership quality across global business today is Emotional Intelligence. But if a leader were to be considered lacking in EQ, what steps can ensure they boost their intelligence over time?
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Taking a resourceful approach to personal development will usually involve education of some sort. But wouldn't it be great to know the education was immediately practical?
Our guests today are the founders and brothers behind School 16 which is a learning environment that allows students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their careers.
Sergei & Vadim Revzin come from a family of educators and find complete fulfillment in their lives from serving others through education. The main issue they are driven to tackle, however, is that of ensuring education serves GUARANTEED career advancement by being truly practical.
School 16 is ensuring exactly that through its job guarantee and ability to advance students careers in a truly competitive way.
Within the discussion, Sergei, Vadim, & Steve discuss
- The importance that people learn what they want to learn
- Using education as a way to pinpoint what you are good at
- Ensuring you invest in yourself to stay up to date in your field
- The need to assess your relevance at all stages of your career
Both Sergei and Vadim encourage you to reach out through LinkedIn (Sergei & Vadim) and everything you need to know about leveling-up your own education through School 16 can be found here as well https://www.school16.co
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
What if you were to incorporate an intentionality behind doing good within your career so both you and those around you could all benefit?
On this episode we welcome Joshua Berry, Managing Director at Econic and the author of his new book Dare To Be Naive. Joshua and Econic consult with businesses to discover and expand behaviors and practices that empower growth for them and their organizations.
Within the conversation, Joshua informs us on the importance of intentionality behind doing good, especially when in a leadership role. Beyond this, we get specific insights including:
- The importance of meeting others where they're at
- Why you should own your ideas and what that can do for a person
- The demand others have for vulnerability in their leaders
- Why you must give yourself permission to learn from mistakes
You can learn more about Joshua and Econic by heading to Econic.co and you can also learn all about his new book at daretobenaive.com
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
There is nothing easy about the work required to create conditions for people to thrive, but the decision to prioritize that work within an organization should be very easy.
We welcome an expert in developing conditions for employees to thrive in as Joe Mull joins the show. Joe is the founder of Boss Better Leadership Academy and a highly regarded keynote speaker on all topics surrounding organizational leadership.
Joe is also the author of 3 books having just published his most recent book EMPLOYALTY; How to Ignite Commitment and Keep Top Talent in the New Age of Work
Within our discussion, Joe & Steve cover a great deal of content surrounding Joe's most impactful findings in the work that went into writing his new book. Some of these major talking points include:
- Acknowledging the impact that leaders have
- The importance of creating conditions for people to thrive
- Why commitment must be clearly defined and understood
- Prioritizing the human element in order to make work meaningful
You can learn more about Joe by heading to https://www.joemull.com/ and you can follow him on LinkedIn by heading to his page here
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
We all have insights and stories that could offer value to others, and yet, too often, we choose not to share them.
Our guest this week ensures there is no excuse for an expert to not share their expertise to the masses as we welcome Vikrant Shaurya to the show, founder of Authors on Mission (authorsonmission.com) where he helps budding authors not only get their book to market, but provide all the necessary support to optimize the release and sales too.
Vikrant is a living example of his own methods having seen his first book to a best selling status after only a 21 day process from idea to publishing. Furthermore, Vikrant believes this is a competitive advantage for all professionals and business people within their respective industries to draw a level of legitimacy and respect to help set them apart.
Within our discussion, Vikrant and Steve discuss:
- How to work through the overwhelm of an idea
- Acknowledging that your time carries a value
- Showcasing your passions and expertise
- Why writing a book is just the first step in building a competitive advantage
Be sure to the website to learn more about Vikrant and the company, or contact Vikrant directly at vikrant@authorsonmission.com
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
What if there was a light within us all that could show us precisely where we can go?
We welcome Angela Lalande to the show who is the owner of Lalande Title, a real estate closing company offering home buyers, realtors, lenders, escrow, and closing services to residential & commercial properties.
Angela is also the author of “The Lighthouse Method” where readers are encouraged and inspired to face the darkest moments in their lives and take the necessary steps into the light.
Within this episode you will learn about:
- The power of vulnerability
- How to shine again following trials
- Overcoming limiting beliefs
- Viewing yourself with a healthy perspective
- The victory that is internal peace
You can learn more about Angela by heading to Facebook and connecting with her here or going to her new website angelalalande.com. You can also learn about her company at lalandetitle.com
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Whether from an Individual or collective perspective, a desire to grow can fuel a lot of things, but to embody a growth mindset is to ensure growth can consistently occur.
We welcome in the founder and managing director of Safe2Great, Skip Bowman who is making organizations safe for great work with a Growth Mindset. In addition, Skip has a book coming out in September titled "Safe2Great" where he dives deeper into the importance of psychological safety within the workplace.
An expert on consulting in areas such as leadership, organizational culture, inclusion, mindset, and psychological safety, Steve and Skip cover a number of insights around mindset, not just of an individual, but that is being established by the organization.
Key insights that are covered within the conversation include:
- How mindset is mostly story and requires a discovery of the truth
- Why a positive expectation of Trust must be honored by leaders
- The importance of viewing yourself better
- Leaders must take responsibility for changing the playing field
You can learn all about Skip and Safe2Great by heading to https://www.safe2great.com and by connecting with Skip through LinkedIn here
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
History shows that men struggle to ask for the one thing they arguably need more than anything. HELP.
On this episode, Steve welcomes a former guest in Iron Tribe franchise owner, Hayden Clark, plus two new guests in local physicians Dr. Curtis Chastain & Dr. Tyler Boudreaux of Lake Men's Executive Health Program. This round table discussion focuses on the competitive needs of men when it comes to succeeding in areas that truly count - Health, Exercise, Lifestyle, & Purpose.
The four of us discuss topics such as
- Establishing an identity of what success truly is
- Focusing on the end goal of health & wellness
- Disrupting threats that prevent a man from remaining accountable
- The transfer of impact & application in order to find purpose
This is the first of many discussions and events towards this cause and men of Baton Rouge can plan to attend a live event & panel discussion in Baton Rougee at the Iron Tribe Perkins location on May 11th at 6:30. In order to attend please email Steve@careercompetitor.com
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Discipline is a global currency that we need to be spending daily across all walks of life. If it has worked in one area, it can certainly work for you in another.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Any competitor wanting to keep up with the competition must embrace the need for taking ownership of your journey.
Liam Patterson joins the show to tell us about both his own story and the story of the company he co-founded and is the CEO of today - Bidnamic.
Liam's story is one of a working class mindset that fueled a curiosity towards opportunity and a willingness towards hard work. This tail of an entrepreneur is one that relates to all walks of life as you will learn about what it takes to simply make things happen for yourself.
Liam provides a range of insights, some of which include
- Being ever-present so as to recognize opportunities around you
- Building an awareness for the patterns within your industry
- The importance of adapting & evolving throughout your journey
- Consistently recognizing when it is time to level up what you're doing
You can learn all about Liam and the work he and the folks at Bidnamic are doing by heading to https://www.bidnamic.com
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
It would be understandable to assume that a community or tribe can only be built through giving and serving others, but our guest today is living proof that it all starts with yourself.
We welcome Hayden Clark to the show who is the franchise owner of 2 IronTribe locations here in Baton Rouge and over the past 6 years has become one of the most successful locations in the United States.
A tested example of the benefits that come when you demand the best of yourself in order to build something much bigger than yourself, Hayden shares his story of faith and how both God and his instincts have helped lead him to the established entrepreneur he is today.
Within our discussion Hayden provides impactful takeaways including
- The impacts of taking ownership so as to not look back
- Having a winning mindset beyond yourself
- The importance of finding rhythm in your approach to success
- How your support system can provide the knowledge you need to succeed
You can learn more about the offerings Hayden and his team have by heading to http://irontribebatonrouge.com
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance
Steve presents a short 8-minute insight on why quitting can sometimes be the right choice, but, in order to know we are making the best decision possible, we must prioritize building a pivotal relationship!
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Transitioning away from a life as a professional athlete is tough, but there is a freedom on the other side of the transition when you are clear about your "why".
On this episode we welcome Darry Beckwith to the show who founded the Darry Beckwith Foundation, a cause whose sole purpose is that of progressing the lives of student-athletes one step at a time by providing purpose beyond athletics.
Donate to the Darry Beckwith Foundation here: https://donorbox.org/darry-beckwith-foundation
Darry's story is one of being an elite football player both with LSU and in the NFL, before having his career cut short due to injury. He recognized a gap in the support system for former athletes like himself and he decided to be an advocate for doing something about it
Darry serves kids throughout underserved communities by delivering key services in areas such as the importance of a well-rounded education, financial literacy, academic tutoring, while also providing after-school meals wherever and whenever possible.
Within our discussion, key competitive insights we learn from Darry include
- Investing in yourself so as to be able to better invest in others
- Establishing and living by set principles that fuel your "why"
- The freedom that comes understanding why it is time to transition
- Why your purpose should be ever-evolving
Darry is so clear about why he is showing up to do what he does each day, and you can contribute to supporting his work by heading to https://donorbox.org/darry-beckwith-foundation to donate whatever you are able to towards this incredible cause.
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance
Steve presents a short 8-minute insight on why a transition should be embraced, as it serves as an opportunity to change our circumstances in ways to fuel personal and professional growth.
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Life is filled with short sprint after short sprint as we go from one item on our to-do list to the next. Growing a business is no different and can require greater planning, response times, and communication in order to capitalize on potential opportunities and growth. But the end goal in both life and business is that of fulfillment.
Our career competitor for this episode is Simon Severino, the CEO and founder to his consulting firm Strategy Sprints and the author of the book Strategy Sprints. During his time as a business owner, Simon has not only achieved his own financial freedom, but guided many other business owners to achieve the same thanks to his consulting services and implementation of "sprints".
Within this highly insightful discussion, Simon provides insight on some key areas that include
- Why we must assess and train how we respond
- How to position yourself to capitalize on opportunities
- Why fulfillment is not a dream and an actual reality
- The importance of giving your best in any given moment
You can learn all about Simon, his company, and access the book by heading to https://www.strategysprints.com/ and by also reaching out and connecting with him on LinkedIn
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with host, Steve Mellor offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Steve presents a short 7-minute insight on how joy can be found when pursuing honesty, providing we create a growth-minded environment for it to occur
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Competing to reach the top 1% in your industry is an ambitious approach to your career, but one our guest today is all too familiar with
Tiffany Cheng is the founder of INSPIRE MY DAY where she serves as a career and leadership coach to those in middle management looking to climb the corporate ladder and reach the highest positions within their career
Formerly the Vice President of Communications at Volvo Group and Atlas Copco Group, Tiffany brings over 16 years of her own corporate career where she worked her way up to the highest levels, while coaching 100's of others to do the same.
Within the episode, Tiffany addresses a number of key insights including
- Her 6 step process towards building the career you want
- Reframing your outlook towards that of an elite competitor
- Creating an awareness for what you do and don't control
- Knowing who you want to be and building the career that person wants
You can learn all about Tiffany's 1% Academy and her services by heading to www.inspiremyday.org or connecting with her over LinkedIn
Be sure to share this episode and tag us @coach_steve_m and @Career_Competitor on Instagram and leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Steve presents a short 9-minute insight on the way you can approach the issue of quitting, and the impact that can be had when we implement a rebuild during moments of adversity.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and share this episode with those in your network that you know need to hear the message
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
To compete at the highest level of business, our guest today presents the reasons for knowing what you excel at , before making the commitment to providing this "genius" you possess as your career.
Jessica Yarbrough joins Career Competitor and is a Business Strategist and Growth Expert where she offers clients the chance to build a scalable, sustainable, and wildly profitable business. She does this through implementing ultra high end programs that allow the true genius of a coach or consultant to shine through.
Within our discussion, Jessica educates us on the power of both knowing your genius, as well as applying it to the work you do today. The interview also delivers key insight on:
- The importance of implementing systems within your work
- Why drilling down to your genius will fuel your confidence
- Establishing and honoring your principles as person & professional
- Creating the right "circle of influence" to empower your goals
You can learn all about what Jessica offers by heading to https://jessicayarbrough.com and be sure to reach out and connect with Jessica on LinkedIn here as well
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Welcome in to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Steve presents a short 8-minute insight on the way you can approach the issue of becoming disengaged by reassessing how you can reengage with what you are truly capable of achieving.
Be sure to subscribe and share the show with friends and tag us on instagram @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
What if there was a competitive advantage available to you in career opportunities that you simply haven't been implementing up to this point?
On this episode we welcome Marty Gilbert, Founder and CEO of the NorthShore Executive Networking Group (NSENG) who has built the largest job search networking and coaching organization in the United States.
An expert in career development and educating professionals, Marty has a diverse career background himself that optimizes the impact he can have on so many across a wide variety of fields.
We learn from this illustrious career and competitive experience that Marty brings to the show through his insight on the following areas:
- The keys to finding a job in a shorter period of time
- How a "what the hell" approach can serve you
- The necessity for a clear value proposition when representing yourself
- Finding ways to stand out in the crowds
You can learn much more about Marty and the work NSENG offers by going to www.NSENGinc.com or by reaching out to Marty on LinkedIn
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
Our Career Competitor today is Claire Bahn, the CEO and Founder of Claire Bahn Group, a strategic marketing, communications, and branding agency. For over ten years, she has been helping high-achieving CEOs, executives, investors, and founders maximize their authority and influence to accelerate business growth and gain the recognition they deserve.
Within our discussion, we pinpoint competitive qualities and insights to establish a strong personal brand so you can stand out within the market. Furthermore, Claire sheds light on how she built her business and the qualities she used that speak to why it is she is doing what she is doing today.
Key insights from the episode include
- The importance of authenticity
- The effect your energy has on others
- Why you should seek constructive criticism
- Why imperfect action is the best place to start
You can learn more about Claire and her services at www.clairebahn.com
Please rate the show and subscribe on whatever platform you have chosen to listen on
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
On this episode I sit down with good friend and fellow entrepreneur, Pat Fellows for the 2nd Annual Chat with Steve & Pat as we catch up on some of the major themes and lessons both within and surrounding Steve’s first year of entrepreneurship. The pair dive into some major talking points and themes pertaining to business ownership, passion projects, and managing your best self at all times.
Looking to move towards optimal performance in 2023? Why not schedule a free consultation at Steve@careercompetitor.com to see how executive coaching could be the key to unlocking your potential!
With Steve only having 12 months of entrepreneurial experience to his name and with Pat Fellows having over 2 decades to his, the pair offer a unique perspective on the many areas of business and career growth. Furthermore, they tackle some key topics including
- Pursuing fulfillment in the work towards the passion
- Establishing what you need to have around you to succeed
- How easy it is to question whether or not you are doing the right thing
- The role of self-accountability and how best to implement it
- Why success in all aspects of life starts with how you invest in you
Learn more about Pat Fellows and FRESHJUNKIE at https://www.freshjunkie.com/ and be sure to share the episode within your network and tag us @career_competitor @coach_steve_m & @patrickfellows
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
When you have a career driven competitor with a creative side, it would be easy to assume they would have to choose one part of themselves over the other. But if you are passionate about fulfilling both your career and your creative side, you find a way to do the work towards both.
Lawyer and Novelist, Andy Abramowitz joins Career Competitor to discuss his career as an attorney with 20+ years of experience in complex litigation, currently as Senior Counsel with Berger Montague, while also discussing his work over the past decade as a critically acclaimed author.
While pursuing an all-encompassing career in law it became clear to Andy that there was a creative side to him he knew he simply had to find a way to satisfy, despite knowing it would be hard work. But what you will come to learn through our discussion is that there are ways to approach and handle the work so as to learn what you can handle and how you can improve.
Andy and I cover key topics including:
- Knowing the roadmap that you need to work towards a new skill or talent
- Having an awareness of who you are surrounding yourself with
- Listening to yourself in order to identify your limitations
- Connecting enough to your passions so the hard work becomes easy
You can find all of Andy's literary work by going to his author page on Amazon here and find his select work by using the following links:
- Thank You, Good Night
- Darling at the Campsite
- A Beginners Guide to Free Fall
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
To optimize the impact you can potentially have on those around you, it is vital to know what those people need from you.
My guest on this episode is Stuart Waddington, founder and director of STAR Development UK where he and his team are providing people, teams and organizations with PEAK EXPERIENCES and you can learn more about the company at www.stardevelopmentuk.com
Stuart and Steve cover a lot of content on how best to serve others so that they can be equipped to have optimal impact themselves as leaders. Key takeaways from the interview include
- Ensuring you have the right people in the room to be coached
- The art form of facilitating others to best equip them to serve others
- Listening to the needs of someone before trying to impact them
- Why we should strive to identify what is required as opposed to assuming
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
To invest in personal and cultural development as an organization is to invest in creating a competitive advantage, and yet it still remains an under utilized approach for so many.
On this episode we welcome Michael Cohen who is an expert in Employment Law, Training, and Human Resources in his work as a partner with the international law firm, Duane Morris in their employment, labor, benefits, and immigration practice group.
A competitor in his own right, Michael ensures he is investing and pushing himself to expand his knowledge and performance abilities in order to best serve clients throughout the United States
A highly sought after trainer and speaker, Michael brings to the show a wide variety of content, along with diverse perspectives, that support the need for the work he offers and how they can provide a competitive advantage to a company in their respective industry.
Key insight that Michael offers in our discussion includes:
- The abundance of opportunity organizations have to invest in personnel
- The ability leaders have to treat employees fairly and not necessarily the same
- How an approach of "relentless incrementalism" can deliver lasting results
- Why there is a competitive advantage to creating a "destination" to work
You can learn more about Michael by heading to his LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelscohen12 and also the services offered by Duane Morris by heading to their website at https://www.duanemorris.com
Discover more about Steve Mellor and the services he offers through Career Competitor by heading here
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram at both @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor
A competitor can benefit greatly from recognizing the unpredictability of life is something we can either fight or give ourselves over to. Our guest today has spent his career and life learning how to respond to the twists and turns life throws at him by treating life through lessons he has learnt from the river.
1992 Olympic Gold medalist in canoe slalom, Joe Jacobi returns to the show to discuss his book, Slalom, in which he offer 6 River Classes About How to Confront Obstacles, Advance Amid Uncertainty, And Bring Focus To What Matters Most.
Steve and Joe have built a friendship since Joe originally joined the show in early 2019 and the familiarity the pair now have with one another comes through in the detailed and insightful discussion.
Within this episode you will hear powerful insight on topics including:
- Building the respect for life to respond accordingly
- Why correcting mistakes is something to be embraced
- How humility and trust can be our greatest assets
Learn more about Joe at JoeJacobi.com
Interested in learning more about how Steve can impact you and your team as a coach? Be sure to reach out to him at steve@careercompetitor.com today to arrange a 30-minute free consultation.
Considering growth can sometimes seem intimidating as we anticipate the costs and potential demand that can come with it.
We welcome to the show Luke DePron who is an online weight loss coach for entrepreneurs and business people and helps clients establish the bandwidth they can thrive within in order to reach personal and professional goals.
Luke provides his Lean Body Method™ approach so his clients physiques, energy, and confidence match the success they have in business and in life. Furthermore, he strives to develop a self-accountability within clients so they can become the leader of their own health and wellness.
Within our discussion, Luke brings attention to
- The role Benchmarks play when pursuing big goals
- Why working within one's capacity can be the catalyst for optimal growth
- How an Adjustment Mindset can sweep aside the anxieties that come with getting started
- The power of establishing Habits that can provide opportunities for minimum standard check ins
Head to Livegreatlifestyle.com to learn more about what Luke offers clients and how he can serve you and your business today
The world of talent acquisition has never been more competitive, so the need to invest in and develop the talent you have is even more of a priority now than ever before.
On this episode we welcome a competitior within the space of talent development in that of Elena Agaragimova, Head of Talent Acquisition & Development with Horizon Industries Ltd. and Chief Growth Officer with Bessern.
Eager to learn how you can work towards your optimal self and realize your potential? Reach out to Steve today to arrange your free 30-minute consultation at steve@careercompetitor.com
Within the epiosde, Steve & Elena cover a number of topics on performance, self-development, culture, and relationships. Furthermore, Elena provides key insight on topics such as
- The competitive nature of the present world of talent development
- How the basics provide the foundation for optimal performance
- Delivering value both in yourself and the relationships with others
- How a comfortable workspace truly facilitates ideal work conditions
You can learn more about Elena by reaching out and connecting with her over LinkedIn, going to her webstie at www.bessern.co and also by checking out her podcast, The Shift with Elena Agar at https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaAgaragimova
Whether it is a difficult situation you are in at work, a conversation that needs to be had about a difficult subject, or just a change that needs to be made, doing what needs to be done is not necessarily easy.
Our guest today has built a career, company, and life for herself by doing what needs to be done as we welcome CEO of Wealth Legacy Institute, Kim Curtis to the show. Kim is also an author of 2 books Money Secrets and Retirement Secrets
Interested in unlocking your potential to go and do what needs to be done in your career? Contact Steve Mellor today at Steve@careercompetitor.com to set up your free coaching consultation
Within our discussion Kim reveals how her moral standards were tested and how she was eventually forced into taking action so she could shift the culture of an entire industry.
Within our conversation, the competitor in you will be educated on how to:
- Handle adversity in ways where it can create opportunity
- Build relationships that can forge business success
- Embrace growth as a part of your journey at all times
You can learn more about the work Kim and her team does at wealthlegacyinstitute.com and she also recommends that you check out financialliteracypress.com to educate yourself on the 10 laws of money
If you know what you love to do, know how to do it well, and know you can make money doing it... what is stopping you?
This is the story of my guest today Dr. Nadia Brown who is the Founder and CEO of The Doyenne Agency (thedoyenneagency.com) where she has proven herself to be a Global Sales & Sales Training Expert over the past 5 years
Love the show and want to discuss what coaching could look like for you and your team? Reach out at Steve@careercompetitor.com for your free 30-minute consultation today
Within the episode we cover some great insight courtesy of Nadia's life and career journey, while also discuss her new book Sell Like A Lady (www.selllikealady.com) teaching the art of sales using dignity, class, & grace.
Nadia offers insight on
- Managing your passion and pursuing your purpose
- The skill of sales in how you make it unique to you
- Benefits of having and listening to a support system
Be sure to rate and subscribe to the show
Establishing the most important part of leadership is something you could discuss and argue for a long time, but knowing where to start - according to our guest today - is a much more clear cut case.
Interested in High Performance Coaching or Leadership Development, reach out to Steve for your free 30-minute consultation at Steve@careercompetitor.com
Tony Davis is the President of Arrowhead Leadership Inc, an authorized licensee of Crestcom International, and he leads new cohorts by emphasizing behavioral change as the first and greatest priority throughout their training.
In addition to the topic of leadership, we relive some of the successful transitions within Tony's career and discuss the ways he has been able to do this successfully.
Tony provides insight on
- The behavioral changes that guide leadership growth
- Simple ways to approach the challenge of transition
- Identifying and defining your competitive nature as a leader
Head to Tony's LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonydjax to learn more about him and the services he provides and be sure to check out his podcast, The Well Rounded Leaders Podcast.
Today, everything from the person you are, the roles you play, the teams you are part of, and the people you associate with influence your brand. The question is, are you aware of what you need to know in order to optimize your brand? Fortunately, our guest today can help you in this area as we welcome founder & president of Vision Board Media, Donna Serdula to the show.
Best known for her work on LinkedIn and as the critically acclaimed author for books such as LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Dummies, Donna has been enabling brand optimization for everyone from high level executives to entry level employees the world over for over a decade.
Within this episode we cover impactful topics such as
- The competitive nature of brand recognition
- Why you must SOAR in order to elevate your LinkedIn game
- Ensuring you and your brand can be discovered easily
- Prioritizing authentic connections to spread your brand
You can learn all about the work Donna and her team does with Vision Board Media by heading to their website at https://visionboardmedia.com/ and be sure to go follow Donna on LinkedIn for continued access to impactful content.
When a competitor refuses to accept any result other than a successful one, they have moved into the mindset of knowing what will happen. On this episode we get to learn from highly acclaimed songwriter, Melissa Bollea Rowe on her story of realizing her greatest goals within the music industry.
Interested to learn how you can achieve your goals through coaching? Reach out to coach, Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation today.
Author of the book God, Gratitude, & Giving, Melissa is also the CEO of her company, Rhyme Partners. While today she is well-established around Nashville and has been for many years, her journey was anything but easy. In this example of pursuing your goals into reality, we learn from Melissa
- The importance of recognizing where you have a gift
- How real fulfillment can be achieved through your work
- Why we should clearly define what success will look like
- The rewards that can come from our journey
Melissa is a living example of how investing fully in your goals can convince both you and the world of what is destined to happen.
A special episode this week where we shed light on a great cause that is Athlete's Soul Run for the Soul. I welcome in my fellow coach and friend Charlie Ruiz to discuss our experience with athletic retirement and reasons for why people should consider caring about the topic that is athletic retirement.
Please donate here to support this great cause (https://charity.pledgeit.org/f/6HNJL5RaJV)
Charlie brings his experience of retiring from professional baseball with the Colorado Rockies and having to transition into the real world unsure of where to go and who to connect with. Today he is the founder of his performance coaching company CLR Connection.
Within the interview we reference some important topics including:
- The struggle athletes can have serving their best intentions following sports
- Identifying specifically what it is they want to do now their sport is no more
- How an athlete's community can play a vital role in revealing the options out there to you
Please donate anything you can and do not hesitate to reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com with your thoughts or to connect
We welcome in a Career Competitor with over 30 years of experience guiding and placing senior level leaders into roles where they can flourish. Co-Founder & Chairman of Rice Cohen INternational, Gene Rice joins the show to tell us about his career & life experiences, as well as discuss his new book Grad to Grown Up
Like what you heard on this episode and curious as to how you can achieve optimal performance? Reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to arrange a free consultation today
Gene generously provides an enormous amount of insight through stories of business and life that emphasize the important role that purpose plays in an individuals journey. In addition, the conversation reveals impactful takeaways such as:
- Investing enough in your identity and self to figure out the role you were born to have
- Showing up with an intention to be the linch pin an organization values and needs
- Experiencing worlds you believe you belong in before overcommitting to them
- Reflecting on how you have grown from one phase of work and development to the next
If you are in a place in your journey where you don't have the resources to invest in a book like Gene's then be sure to reach out to him directly through LinkedIn to request a free copy!!!
As the Head of National Development within his role as a swim coach with Plymouth Leander in the UK, Matt Cross is all too familiar with the competitive world of helping others realize their goals. A great coach will find ways to attend to the individual goals of the group they oversee, because as Matt likes to say, "everyone has a different Olympic final"
Looking for performance coaching and to have the opportunity to be guided towards your goals? Reach out to Steve with Career Competitor at steve@careercompetitor.com so you can schedule a free 30-minute consultation today
Matt and I discuss various elements within the coach-athlete relationship to consider, including
- Investing in the building of a relationship
- Managing the whole athlete and not just the performer
- Knowing when you should adapt to those around you
- Allowing the space for the occasional bad day
Matt is the host of his own podcast, Behind the Stats with Matt Cross which you can check out here
A Career Competitor who prioritizes human connection and delivering impact joins us on the show today. Carly Croman of Carly Croman Consulting provides insight for those pursuing personal growth or searching for an organizational solution.
Interested in achieving optimal performance in your career? Reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com today to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.
In her full time role, Carly is a Program Manager and Professor at the University of Arizona but is very much driven to make impact both in those roles and with her freelance services. Within this conversation you will learn about
- The power of authenticity being at the heart of your work
- Facilitating business relationships by prioritizing the client
- Delivering solutions that seek to move your work and the world forwards
If you are looking to learn more about Carly's service be sure to reach out to her at Connect@carlycroman.com
A competitor that embraces the need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps joins us this week as Ryan Margolin, CEO of Professional Hair Labs joins us to tell us about the work ethic required to become an international business leader and entrepreneurial expert.
Interested in achieving optimal performance in your career? Reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com today to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.
Ryan approaches his work with an intention to make things simple enough that the path to success becomes more clear and more concise. He also sheds light on other perspectives including:
- Be willing to do the work to build the belief
- Ensuring your mind is stronger than your emotions
- Take time to learn about and improve upon yourself
- Acknowledge realization of potential to fuel future discovery
You can learn more about Professional Hair Labs at prohairlabs.com and be sure to connect with Ryan on LinkedIn too.
A competitor that appreciates building a career by figuring things out as she goes joins the show. Founder of Soledier Socks, Elle Rueger joins us to tell us all about how she has been able to build a competitive business while serving a cause at the same time.
Love what the show is all about and what you have heard in this episode? Be sure to rate the show and reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to book a free coaching consultation today.
Elle Rueger is a businesswoman that has built her company by showing up with a curiosity to learn, a willingness to admit what she doesn't know, and the competitive instinct to know where she can maximize her impact.
Within our discussion, Elle shares insight on
- The benefits of asking "how can I help?"
- Identifying areas where you can have the greatest impact
- Why authenticity leads to respect and acceptance
- How growth opportunities appear by recognizing problems
Head to solediersocks.com to learn more about how you can serve an amazing cause and get your hands on pairs of premium socks today.
A competitor across all chapters of her career to date joins us to discuss how best to utilize the competitor within to capitalize on career growth and performance. Maritza McClendon is the Director of Talent Development & Corporate Communications with Carters Inc. and is best known for being the first African American woman to represent the USA in swimming at an Olympic Games (Athens, 2004).
Like what you heard on this episode? Be sure to rate the show and reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to book a free coaching consultation today.
Maritza presents a number of insights that will force you to reflect on your own tendencies towards career and personal development, including:
- The importance of recognizing your greatest achievements
- Embracing the possibility of being exposed when leveling up
- Using disappointments as a catalyst for improvement
- Considering human elements of performance development
For more information on Maritza's story and the services she offers to organizations as a speaker, head to https://www.maritzamcclendon.com
On this episode we welcome Danielle Mills Walden who is on a mission to help people achieve their full potential by showing them how to achieve a Champion's Mindset. Considering what we are about as a podcast, this was always going to be a harmonious conversation between 2 competitors with similar mindsets.
Interested in how you can reach optimal levels of performance? Reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to set up a free 30-minute consultation today
Danielle is a former international tennis player having played professional tennis for 10 years. Following retirement in 2014, she always knew that she wanted to make an impact on people so she founded HEADSTRONG LLC, a Mindset Mentorship company.
On this episode, Danielle offers insight for competitors in all fields to gain greater insight into
- Discovering and revealing your championship mindset
- Overcoming limiting beliefs
- The importance of having a game plan in your pursuit of success
- Approaching competitiveness from a collaborative perspective
Be sure to go and learn more about both Danielle's story and her company at headstrongmind.com and connect with her through LinkedIn and on Social Media @Danielle_Mills_Walden
With a unique and niche theme to this episode we welcome in journaling coach and founder of Good things come to those who Journal, Amanda Stern to get us all up to speed on the power that journaling can have to give you a competitive advantage within your career.
Interested in how you can close the gap between your current expectations and your optimal potential? Reach out to Steve@careercompetitor.com to schedule your 30-minute free consultation
Amanda tells the story of how her passion for journaling evolved and the defining moments within her life that set her on this course to doing what she does today. In addition, Amanda offers insight on
- The common misconceptions associated with journaling
- How journaling can calm the chaos within your world
- Why you can expect to be thrown into action from the words you put on the page
- What the safe and judgement-free space of journaling can do for your self-esteem
For further information on Amanda's services be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her website here. In addition, be sure to schedule time to talk with Amanda about her upcoming Journaling for Entrepreneurs program starting July 5th by going to this link bit.ly/ASJournalChat
Be sure to leave a rating and review of the episode so we know what you thought of the episode
The new owner and CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness, Amy Boone Thompson rejoins the show to tell us all about her recent career successes and the role that speaking things into existence has played in realizing these goals of hers.
Head to Careercompetitor.com to learn all about Performance Coaching and what it could do for your career!
A proven competitor within the health and fitness world, Amy has been working with great intention since her last appearance on the show 2 years ago (listen to that episode here) towards this dream job she has now attained.
Amy offers insight on
- The power of manifesting your dream job
- The importance of intentional acts driving your work ethic
- The role humility can play to ensure you are educated accordingly
- The need to invest in yourself in order to become more self aware
You can learn all about IDEA Health & Fitness by heading to www.ideafit.com where you will learn all about the IDEA World Convention happening July 20-24th in Las Vegas (more details here)
A former Career Competitor guest joins us today to dive into the topic of prioritizing the souls of coaches in relation to how they are supported and cared for. Emotional and Leadership Coach Lee Povey rejoins the show to talk to us about his new venture, Coaches Soul (Coachesoul.com) that he co-founded with Myriam Glez of Athletes Soul.
Take the time to reach out to Coach Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com to set up your free 30-minute consultation and discover how he can facilitate the pursuit of your optimal self!
Lee shares the idea behind the service and the impact it can have on those coaching within the sports world. Furthermore, Steve & Lee present their experiences and insight on the importance of supporting coaches and not leaving them to handle all pressures and expectation alone.
A lot of what is discussed in this episode can be applied to current and aspiring leaders everywhere in how you can learn to prioritize the vulnerable tendencies required to reach out to others and admit the need for support.
Leave a 5-star rating and review of what you thought of the episode and subscribe to the show!
We welcome Career Competitor Daniel Felt to the show who is the CEO of Kura Home (kurahome.com) and proven example of what it means to go beyond the role you have.
*Learn more about our Performance Coaching & Culture Consulting services at Careercompetitor.com***
Daniel came from a family of go-getters and witnessed examples growing up of how to consider being of greater use to another person or situation. Having learned the importance of finishing what you start through his life in sports, Daniel took the same mindset into the creation and growth of Kura Homes.
Within our discussion today, you can expect to receive guidance on
- How to work on and demand the best version of yourself
- Recognizing the impact of asking "what can I do?"
- Identifying opportunities where you can do 1 extra thing
Let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a review and be sure to email steve@careercompetitor.com with further thoughts and questions
On this episode we welcome a competitor of the sports and self-empowerment world in that of coach Eric Stefanski. Having built a career as a collegiate swim coach, Eric grew tired of applying a band aid to the same problems with his athletes and made a career shift to do something about it.
Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!
Eric shares his strategies to develop a self-sufficient individual, and despite spending most of his days around youth there are countless examples in this episode that apply to business professionals and adults alike.
Eric offers insight on
- Accessing our "creative imagination" to prompt a growth mindset
- Feeling empowered to pinpoint and work for what you truly want
- The importance of a high performance routine
- Knowing when and how to utilize a coach or mentor
You can learn more about Eric and the work he does at lifesparq.com and please be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to the show
A short episode uder 10 minutes where Steve shares a sentiment with listeners to create a competitive edge within their career. Be sure to take the time to reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com to share with him your thoughts on how you relate to this message.
On this unique episode of the show, Career Competitor meets The Media Mavens Podcast as Steve welcomes in CEO of Axis Entertainment and host of The Media Mavens Podcast, Sarah Miller.
Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!
As the CEO of Axis Entertainment, Sarah has built a an award-winning experiential agency that drives leadership, influence and authority through stepped up Public Relations & Events. Having been a prominent and successful leader over the past 2 decades, Sarah reveals within the discussion the endless layers that make up a great leader.
The podcast mash up approach in this episode allows for Steve to play the role of both host and guest (as does Sarah). This leads to a heightened discussion that delivers a greater level of insight that goes beyond leading people and becomes more about leading yourself.
You will gain insight on what it means to
- Deliver intentional actions to regular progress
- Consider what you must do to bring the best out of others
- Advance your own expectations in order to raise those of others
- Widen your perspective to consider how you are leading
Learn more about Sarah and the wonderful work she does at axis-entertainment.com/about and be sure to check out her podcast at mediamavenspodcast.com
A competitor who has not only forged an incredible career for herself but who has built a company that affects change in the career of so many more. Shannon Russo is the CEO and Founder of Kinetix and joins us to shed light on how a persons unique traits can advance their career.
Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!
In addition to the great insight Shannon provides to help make you more competitive within your career, we also learn about what makes a leader relevant in this modern era as Shannon offers many perspectives on her approach to leading successfully.
Some of the main themes out of this episode include
- Utilizing your background and culture fit when exploring new opportunities
- The need for us to get out of our own way
- The power of learning to affect personal change and growth
- Making connection an integral part of everything you do
To learn more about Kinetix please head to https://www.kinetixhr.com/about-us and of course don't forget to leave us a 5-star rating for the show if you enjoyed what you heard
A Career Competitor across multiple fields already before he has even reached his 30th birthday, Aaron Golub joins us to explain how he made adversity happen for him as an athlete, as a financial professional, and today as an entrepreneur and keynote speaker.
Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!
Considered legally blind, Aaron attended Tulane university and was the first legally blind man to compete in D1 NCAA Football. His humble mindset, honest perspective, and assertive approach is what allowed him to compete with other players on the team and across the NCAA.
He took such traits into his career after graduation and he offers insight on what he has had to apply in order to compete and standout within his respective fields
- The balance of knowing when to work hard and when to work smart
- Leading others through examples and by pushing them to get better
- Dedicating time privately to be open and vulnerable with yourself
You can learn more about Aaron's story and services at www.aarongolub.com and be sure to leave us a 5-star rating of this episode on Apple Podcasts.
Let's start the work week off right by getting competitively charged to lead people around towards their optimal self. As an aspiring leader, one of the greatest things you can do for both your career and the career of those around you is to facilitate optimal growth. As competitors we want to believe we are important enough to always be needed and available to make an impact, yet the greatest leaders provide skillset for others to thrive in their absence. This competitive call will provide you with the perspective of what it means to truly make an impact as a leader, and we look to the first tales of leadership ever told to do so.
It's a coaching episode today as I welcome fellow coach, Evan Burk to the show. A keynote speaker and leadership coach, Evan sheds light on the competitive qualities that, first, paved his career as a football coach, before then establishing his own business.
Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!
With his focus on uncovering the hidden traits required to drive elite performance for his clients, Evan's career journey is filled with examples of relying on competitive characteristics over talent. Within our discussion, Evan and Steve cover the topics of
- Signature strengths of his that allowed him to advance
- The misguided perception of talent over character
- How elite performers handle feedback and strive to improve
- Using reverse engineering to reveal intangibles you need to succeed
Be sure to head to https://www.coachevanburk.com to learn more about Evan's story and services, and don't forget to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts!
A competitive call today that should challenge you to becoming a more present competitor within your career by letting go of your past. In order to facilitate the greatest performances within all aspects of our lives, it is paramount to not allow preconceived notions, judgments, or past experiences to shift how we process what we are experiencing in the now.
Steve dives into this journey of thought having watched Will Smith assault Chris Rock at the recent Oscars and could not help but be drawn into examining why Will Smith went to such extreme measures to react to an inappropriate joke. We all have situations each day where we can choose to interpret what we see before reacting, or we might over react because of what our past has influenced us to.
How canyon deliver your optimal self daily? How can you make sure you are able to compete within the present in order to optimize your career? Let Steve know your thoughts at Steve@careercompetitor.com
Jack Karavich, Founder of Tigeraire joins the show to discuss his journey of having ideas, seeing many fail, but bringing a unique one to life. It only takes one, and this Career Competitor understands what it means to take a punch and get back up and keep fighting.
Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!
Within our discussion we get to the core of the entrepreneurial mind and how it is driven by grit, perseverance, and a down right refusal to quit. Furthermore, through his lessons from the world of Tech and Corporate America, and most recently in his growth with Tigeraire, Jack has been able to learn what it means to recognize the value of an idea, and the path of bringing it to life!
This is an awesome episode for entrepreneurs but there is plenty of content for any competitor out there looking to optimize what it is they do on a daily basis. Be sure to head to Tigeraire.com to learn more about Jack and his company.
Subscribe to Career Competitor on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Instagram @career_competitor
We welcome in a life long entrepreneur and the CEO of Adnet/Accountnet, Betsy Cerulo to the show to tell us about her work experiences of resolving issues and representing those without a voice within a workplace culture.
Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!
A recent author to the book, Shake it off Leadership; Achieving success through the eyes of our labels, Betsy has served minorities in the workplace for over 3 decades and is here to share with us the importance of taking action when we see things need to change
Steve and Betsy discuss a number of powerful topics including
- Fighting to be heard for long enough to get people to listen
- Ensuring the best people are hired no matter the demographic they represent or associate with
- Responding to adversity with a leadership approach
- Embodying empathy by striving to put yourself in the place of others
You can access her book by clicking on the title above and be sure to share this episode with anyone you feel could be impacted by its message.
On this episode Q Williams joins the show to offer insight on how we can best balance what we require from ourselves and what the team requires from us. Our career can pull us out of focusing on what is best for us as we become loyal to the cause and focus on expectations of others. Q is here to educate us on how we can serve our core identity and still be available as an optimal teammate!
Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!
We open our discussion on the work Q has been doing throughout his life pertaining to encouraging men to be their truest self and embracing the importance of discussing hardships. The conversation moves towards how we become guilty of suppressing our greatest wants in order to do what is expected of us, and the long-term issues that can arise from that. The act of surrendering to the difficult situations we are in is something Q dives into and it can remove us from a place of feeling stuck.
So much of what we talk about on this episode can be summarized by the importance of slowing down, allowing ourselves to recognize we are struggling and might be lost, but that we can resolve things through creating purpose in where we can be of most use to ourselves and those around us.
For more on Q and his work be sure to head to https://www.q-williams.com/ and if you liked the episode be sure to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts.
Steve Mellor introduces his COMPETITIVE CALL to challenge you to think about how the right act of intent can set you up to define the standard you go about your work day.
Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!
Steve recently took up the act of writing from 5:30 - 6:30am over the past 2+ weeks now and it has revolutionized the clarity and presence of mind he has within his day. Even after years of working out and coaching before sun rise, it is this hour long act that has shifted his perspective on what it means to wake up with intention to fuel the rest of the day.
What does intention look like within your day? How can you wake up to an act of intent that redefines how you go about your work.?
We welcome back to the show the recently crowned Olympian, Benjamin Alexander who, last we spoke, was gearing up for his final attempts at qualifying for the Water Olympics for his country of Jamaica.
Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!
It is fair to say that Benjamin is an incredible example of what it looks like to go all in on a goal in life, to do so with a massively supportive network, and to see the journey through to the very end.
Benjamin offers some inside information on the days up to his final attempts to qualify, presenting the concept of simply showing up some days in order to stay true to the mission at hand, and he offers his perspective on what he has in store now that the journey has come to an end.
You can find everything you need about Benjamin at Benji.ski on Instagram and be sure to give us a follow while you're there at career_competitor
We welcome in David McKnight, founder of McKnight Image Lab to discuss how those striving for success must consider some key principles in relation to their image. David is also the author to the book The Zen of Executive Presence; Build your business success through strategic image management and he offers some key takeaways from the book within the interview. Above all, this episode emphasizes how investing in your image can provide the competitive edge required to set yourself apart.
Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!
Within the episode David presents his story of how he discovered this niche passion of his to help clients optimize their image, he talks about the investments he made in himself through education and qualifications to justify the quality of his service, and Dave and Steve quickly discover their shared interest in "encouraging people to act on intention."
Key insight to listen out for include
- Consciousness towards your image awareness
- Respecting the power of perception
- Acknowledge and control the narrative
- Understanding what to invest towards your goals
Be sure to go learn more about David's services at mcknightimagelab.com and be sure to order yourself a copy of his book while you are there.
Competitiveness is within us all, but history shows that only a select few get to make a career of achieving the greatest goals of being a champion at what they do. Bennie Brazell has climbed the mountain of becoming a champion across numerous areas of his athletic career, both as an athlete and as a coach, and this competitor is highly driven to keep on doing this for a long time.
This episode is specifically about the traits and habits required, in Bennie's expert opinion, to deliver championship level results which can be intimidating to some of us. But the content provided will force anyone listening to ask themselves what are they willing to do, to sacrifice, and to embrace to reach their highest of goals.
Bennie Brazell is a Track & Field Assistant Coach at Louisiana State University. He joins the show to discuss his storied career of winning, firstly, as an athlete, and then, as a coach. As a student-athlete he was a 5-time NCAA Champion in Track and National Champion in football both at LSU in the early 2000's. He then returned to his Alma Mater in 2011 and has coached numerous individuals to NCAA Championships over the last decade and was a part of the staff that led the LSU Men's team to an NCAA outdoor championship in 2021.
Bennie provides insight into his upbringing and how it shaped his "don't back down" personality that embraced challenges thrown his way. In college, Bennie was a member of winning cultures created by Hall of Fame coaches in both Football and Track & Field and we get to learn all about his main takeaways from those. Finally, Bennie discusses his coaching approach that has provided consistently elite levels of performance.
Reach out to host, Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com with your thoughts on the episode, leave a 5-star rating if you are listening on iTunes or Spotify, and also reach out to Steve if you are interested in a free 30-minute consultation for performance coaching.
A competitive call to set you up to avoid wasting time, negative talk, and overwhelm!
When we can acknowledge a problem at hand and rectify it we are becoming a force of productivity that will undoubtedly steer us towards our optimal selves.
That said, too many of us are guilty of losing sight of problems though negative talk and conversations that become less and less about the initial problem, to the point where the conversation itself is now the problem!
Steve is here to make you more conscious of this potential pitfall in your make up that, if worked on, will lead you to competitive levels fit for greater success!
Contact Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com
First interview of 2022 arrives with our guest, Lee Povey who provides insight into some of the key tools and perspectives in his coaching methods. This episode is about equipping you with the conscious tools required to bring your best self to your career daily and give yourself the opportunity to compete at the highest levels.
Heralding from the UK and a former coaching career as an international cycling performance coach, Lee has now spent most of the last 2 years establishing himself as a leadership & executive coach. He has established his own company - Maximize your Potential Coaching (Website) - and has invested a lot of time in establishing the philosophies he is impacting clients with today.
We start by discussing confidence and establishing buy in from those you oversee and how we can do this by both illustrating and explaining why our methods can have impact. From here, Lee goes into the notion of how we "show up" on a daily basis and how this dictates how we react to the stimulus around us.
Lee explains the impact of coming from a place of love in the way we go about our days and seek empathy in our behavioral tendencies. Furthermore, we leave ourselves open to opportunities for expansion in human connection and personal growth when we see the world from this perspective.
Finally, one of the lasting points of emphasis Lee offers is that of prioritizing and enjoying the process over the result, and see the success in being able to actually keep the process as the priority.
Lee references two books within the conversation as well that he acknowledges for having great impact on his coaching methods
- The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership (Buy here)
- Man's Search for Meaning (Buy Here)
Be sure to leave a rating or review for the episode (Here) and reach out to Steve directly regarding coming on the show at Steve@Careercompetitor.com
Welcome to a competitive call to start out 2022 as I present the notion of how we have been sold on being good enough throughout our lives.
Whether we are willing to accept it or not a great deal of our upbringing was based around satisfying standards and doing enough. This mindset got us through school and into our careers, but when I look back on my passions as a child and look at the passions I pursue today, they were born out of an exposure to an elite mindset and standard.
So what came first? The passion or the exposure to elite performance? Through this 10 minute episode I present the notion that I pursued sports growing up thanks to being educated and exposed to elite level sport.
So wherever you are in your journey, what role has being exposed to excellence played in establishing your passion in life?
Want to chat with Steve? Reach out via email at Steve@careercompetitor.com
It's the last episode of the year 2021 and we welcome in a man whose dreams will hopefully be realized at the very early part of 2022. Benjamin Alexander joins the show to provide insight into the reasons behind his pursuit of a dream that started at the incredible age of 32.
Having spent the majority of his adult life establishing himself as a world-renowned DJ, Benjamin experienced his first trip down the slopes at 32 and decided this was no ordinary experience, in fact it was so impactful it would change the course of the next 6 years.
Within the episode we gain insight into some of the traits and experiences that have made Ben not only the success that he has been up to this point, but what has driven him to seek such unique goals.
The willingness to embrace humility is at the heart of our discussion, while we also learn that the competitor within Benjamin is one few can imagine going up against. The second half of the discussion focuses on adaptability as Benjamin sheds light on how he has handled transitions and new adventures in life, a perspective we can all stand to learn from.
Whatever your competitive journey has been to this point I can guarantee this is a story and discussion you want to hear, and Benjamin's mindset is one that will challenge you to want to grow and improve upon.
Make sure to learn more and follow Benjamin's journey by going to his page Benji.ski and of course head to Careercompetitor.com to learn all about the show and our services
The founder of Chylinski Media and social media & marketing guru, Danielle Chylinski joins the show as she delivers incredible insight on authenticity, community, and accessibility.
Competitively driven to bring her truest self to her work, Danielle is an example of what we can achieve when we recognize our skillset and believe in the impact we can have.
In an industry where there are plenty of well-established methods to building business, Danielle has built a marketing business that ensures the client they'll receive what they came to her for - an online presence that conveys exactly who they are and what makes them great.
An entrepreneur heavy episode, the topic of Authenticity is at the heart of our discussion and something Danielle presents through her journey to realizing she had the ability to make an impact in what she does today. Furthermore, she prioritizes getting to know exactly who her clients are as people and businesses before presenting any information about costs and process. Lastly, Danielle has always leaned into opportunities that involve unknowns and areas she is not educated on, embracing so called weaknesses by acknowledging a need to learn, while emphasizing her ability to still contribute in other areas.
Find out everything you need to know about Danielle at https://chylinskimedia.com and be sure to leave us a rating for this episode on Apple Podcasts (5 stars please!)
We welcome in the Director of Corporate Relations with the American Cancer Society, Lena Spotleson who also makes time to be the Head JV Girls Basketball Coach for North High School in Arizona.
Lena brings to the show a competitive edge and level of fortitude that we are fortunate to be able to learn from, while also providing personal insight into how her life was changed forever 15 years ago.
A born and bred competitor who, through the game of basketball, learned how to handle setbacks and defeats in ways where she knew she had to simply keep on going, no matter what, and get the job done. Those lessons from basketball were crucial when life handed her the most difficult of challenges in the form of a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
Lena offers insight into the very mindset that supported her through times when others may have chosen to succumb to the moment. We also learn about striving for a proactive approach during adversity in how you choose to search for answers and refuse to be left in the dark. Finally, we learn how we can use our experiences to inspire and impact others by leaning on our hardships when coaching and mentoring others.
Be sure to head to www.cancer.org to learn more about the American Cancer Society and the work they do towards cancer research and supporting those impacted by cancer as well.
Competing with yourself is what this show has been built upon, and Larry Long Jr. has such high standards he lives by that the only competitor worthy of going toe-to-toe with him would be himself! Making a career out of leaning into greatness, Larry joins us to light the competitive fire within you to find intent in your work, to disrupt any comfort you are living life by, and seek that optimal version of yourself. Buckle in for the ball of energy that is Larry Long Jr.
An elite baseball player that sunk his competitive teeth into the world of sales post playing days, Larry established his own company, Larry Long Jr. Enterprises as recently as March of this year. In that short time he has established himself as the MC on the mic that all conferences and virtual events the world over want as their frontman, but his services very much only start there.
We quickly get into the foundations and values that Larry prioritizes in his work and life in order to be the example for others of what it means to establish excellence as your minimum standard. Furthermore, Larry emphasizes the power of "intent", how we must overcome our fears, and the responsibility we have to ourselves to "seize the day".
There is so much to unpack in this 30 minute conversation that I am sure you will want to learn more about the man himself, so be sure to go to larrylongjr.com to learn about his services and how to connect.
As always, subscribe to the show, leave us a review if you are on Apple Podcasts, and head to CareerCompetitor.com to learn more about the show and the services I, Steve Mellor have to offer.
On this episode we welcome in the incredible story and woman that is Ryan Rae Harbuck as she shares her journey of ownership, fortitude, and perspective.
This is no ordinary swim coach or human being for that matter as Ryan offers a level of vulnerability that offers an array of lessons we can apply to our careers and lives, especially within the role of a leader.
Within our discussion Ryan provides examples on; the impact vulnerability can have on both yourself and those around you; why remaining present to hone in on the smallest things is important; and why our perspective can totally alter how we handle what life throws at us.
If you don't know who Ryan Rae Harbuck is then you certainly will 40 minutes from now and I cannot encourage you enough to head to ryanraeharbuck.com to learn more about Ryan and get yourself a copy of her forthcoming book titled when i grow up i want TO BE A CHAIR.
Head to Careercompetitor.com to connect with Steve and book your 30-minute free consultation to learn how he can help you optimize your career and life.
We have the pleasure of welcoming in a woman who has lived and succeeded one entire career, only to decide that she has now found her truest calling in life! Former NCAA DI Women's Basketball Coach, Willette White joins us to tell us about her transition from a 36-year coaching career into starting her own company, Next Step with Passion & Purpose.
Transition is big theme within this episode as Willette shares with us what she first experienced as collegiate coach watching young adults go through their biggest transition in life. But more recently, Willette has gone through a huge transition of her own and did so with an approach that left her certain she was doing exactly what she was supposed to do.
Today she is coaching female high school athletes and their families on the details they need to know when it comes the transition from high school to college. Within the interview we learn about the company, why it is Willette is the perfect coach to offer such guidance to families, and the sense of responsibility she feels when it comes to passing along her knowledge.
You can learn more about the company and her services at https://www.nextsteptransitionalcoaching.com and by connecting with Willette at NextStepWW@gmail.com.
Leave a 5-star rating on Apple podcasts to show just how much you loved the episode and be sure to subscribe to the show while you are there!
We welcome Darrian Mikell, the CEO of Qualifi which is a company that is truly revolutionizing the hiring process by eliminating the bottleneck issue of candidates by enabling the fastest phone interviews in the world!
An entrepreneur and athlete at heart, Darrian has found a way to take lessons from his experiences with team sports (Basketball) and individual sports (Track) and evolve into a leading professional within his industry.
Darrian provides insight into the history of both his career and the growth of Qualifi as a company. He empowers you to appreciate the value in seeking collaboration, appreciating successes, acknowledging milestones hit, and to relish the opportunity to widen your impact both as a professional and person.
You can find out more about Qualifi at Qualifi.hr and connect with Darrian too through LinkedIn
Let me know what you thought of the episode by contacting me directly at Steve@Careercompetitor.com and be sure to check out more episodes and my coaching services at Careercompetitor.com
Today we welcome in Devoreaux Walton to the show and Devoreaux is here to tell us all about her role as the Diversity & Inclusion Learning Portfolio Manager for IBM.
A professional that is clearly passionate about the work she does and thrives upon the potential to impact as many as she can, Devoreaux offers education to 340,000 employees across the globe within IBM.
Furthermore, a more specific way to explain the work she does is through "behavioral change" as Devoreaux looks for collaborative ways to create an authentic and comfortable workplace for all IBM employees the world over.
I love when we get to bring in those that are so passionate about the opportunity they have to impact others in their workspace, and Devoreaux is a prime example of someone that truly relishes every moment available to her to build a more inclusive workplace.
A true Career Competitor, Devoreaux is aiming to impact even those outside of IBM by building educational content for others to learn from so be sure to connect with her through LinkedIn.
Be sure to contact Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com regarding the episode or if you want to connect to discuss becoming a guest or working together in the future.
We welcome to the show, Erin Mielzynski who has made a career and life for herself on the ski slopes having set out on her journey to an Olympic and World Cup Podium standard in the sport from a very young age.
Driven to make the most of the opportunities she has both been provided and found for herself, Erin is an example of someone that believes in establishing a world for herself where she can feel supported and make herself available to give back at any opportunity possible.
Having already been to Olympic Games and finished on the podium at the World Cup level, Erin has her sights set on great things at the forthcoming games in Tokyo for Canada. Furthermore, Erin has decided to build greater awareness for girls & young women that will be coming after her on what it means to be open, honest, and ask for help when times get tough through her own work and an upcoming podcast she will be hosting.
Give Erin a follow on Instagram @erinmielzynski and be sure to let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating or review. Reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com for any questions or insight you may have on the show or for any enquiries regarding his services.
In this unique 2-part episode of the show, Steve swaps his role as the interviewer for the show and becomes the interviewee as his buddy, Pat Fellows (Owner of Fresh Junkie & Host of Fresh Junkie Radio) sits down as the host and guides the conversation for this fun spin on the show.
Here in Part 2 we get to learn about the more recents successes and happenings in Steve's coaching career, starting with the work he did as the coach to first-time US Olympian and Gold medalist, Brooks Curry in his rise to stardom this past summer. Furthermore, Steve has made a big career decision recently to step away from swim coaching and pursue a career in coaching on a much wider scale.
In addition to discussing the value of goal-setting, a big part of the discussion in this episode is based around a concept Steve presents he calls "the minimum standard". Steve & Pat discuss the notion that through implementing a minimum standard we establish the expectations we must embrace of ourselves in order to pursue our potential, our goals, and our optimal self.
If you enjoyed some of the talking points from both parts of this 2-part installment of the show, be sure to reach out and connect with Steve Mellor at Careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com to find out more about the services he now provides in relation to a wide variety of coaching.
In this unique 2-part episode of the show, Steve swaps his role as the interviewer for the show and becomes the interviewee as his buddy, Pat Fellows (Owner of Fresh Junkie & Host of Fresh Junkie Radio) sits down as the host and guides the conversation for this fun spin on the show.
We get to learn about Steve's athletic journey in how he started out and eventually chose to pursue the sport of swimming he eventually took to international heights. Furthermore, Steve tells us how impactful the choice to move to the US was on him the competitor, before retiring from the sport as a performer which led to coaching finding him and how he quickly realized it was a world that he was supposed to be involved in.
As a coach, Steve shares some of the areas he values highly in order to guide people to reaching their goals. We learn how prioritizing relationships helped lead his athletes to being more motivated, what competitiveness meant to Steve as an athlete versus what it means today as a working professional, and finally Steve & Pat discuss the power of belief and the importance of trust within any mentoring relationship.
If you like what you are hearing on this episode from Steve then please reach out to him at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss how he can help you reach your optimal self.
Delighted to have 2x Paralympic Bronze medalist Samantha Bosco join us to share her life story of overcoming numerous obstacles in order to reach her dreams.
It is great to have professional athletes join the show so we can get more literal examples of the “athlete mindset”, but so much of Sam’s story sheds light on the trying times athletes deal with, which is just as valuable as hearing about the successes. I believe athletes are at their most relatable when they open up about their hardships as we all encounter similar scenarios within our non-athletic careers
Sam provides perspective on the need to make sure our dreams are able to evolve and adapt to the situations life hands us. Nothing about Sam’s story demonstrates a loss of ambition, in fact I’d argue her adversities have made her more ambitious, but it is healthy to allow your dreams to evolve with these ups and downs. In addition, we are educated on the impact a strong support system can have from those we need to rely upon when the going gets tough, and the importance to prioritize these peoples opinions most and ignore distractions from those that don’t know you as well.
You can follow Sam on instagram & Twitter @sammiecranks and as always be sure to connect with us through instagram @career_competitor
My guest today arrives with not 1, not 2, but 3 Olympic Gold Medals from the past 3 games as a member of Team USA's incredible women's waterpolo team. Maggie Steffens is the most prolific scorer in the history of the Olympic Games having set the record for most goals scored in Olympic history at this summer's Olympics in Tokyo.
An ever-present at the international for her country for most of the past decade, Maggie is able to share some of the meticulous details that she and her teammates implement in order to produce the best performances in the world on an annual basis. Furthermore, we learn about the family history of incredible pedigree in waterpolo that Maggie came from and how her DNA practically guaranteed she was destined for success in the sport.
We spend a great deal of time discussing what individuals need to prioritize in order to accommodate a team's success, the fundamentals of the overall factors influencing team success, and why being selfish is actually a selfless act in order for everyone to reach the common goal.
You can learn more about Maggie's story and services at www.maggiesteffens.com
We have the pleasure of hearing a truly remarkable story today filled with fortitude and fight courtesy of the impressive, Lina Taylor who has lived a life of creating opportunities that simply would otherwise have not been available to her. Furthermore, Lina allows us to get back to the true roots of what this show is all about and proves time and time over that she is a real life CAREER COMPETITOR!
Born and raised in communist Bulgaria, a young Lina set out on her dream of not only chasing her passion in the sport of volleyball to competitive heights, but also gaining a scholarship in the United States for college as well. As you will learn, none of this came easy and she developed an array of skills and characteristics over the years to take her to the heights of 2 Olympic Games, as well as paving out a highly impressive career for herself in leadership development and real estate.
I know you will be truly inspired by both Lina's story and also her insight on how to get the most out of your career, which means you should definitely head to linataylor.com to learn more about her services.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome back to the show the remarkable Kelly Cat-Wells who, since we last spoke has made the "Forbes 30 under 30", gotten engaged (and married - SURPRISE!), and continues to catapult the careers of so many disabled people across the entertainment and sports world.
Only the third time I have welcomed someone back to the show makes this episode that extra bit special but the content we cover is fantastic for anyone lost and drowning in their career to hear. Keely has found a way to enhance her magnificent career and companies, while making time to let love and companionship into her life to find success across all areas!
It is important to make time for these particular episodes from time-to-time to remind ourselves of the power a healthy and happy existence away from our career can have on the direction of our career. Keely had to learn the hard way that immersing herself in her career success at the expense of her happiness was a road to long term disappointment, so she made space for it and boy did it pay off!
If you didn't listen to the first episode with Keely I encourage you to do so here - https://careercompetitor.libsyn.com/actress-and-disability-activist-keely-cat-wells - so you can learn all about her career trajectory before hearing about her successes today!
We welcome Kelly Palace to the show to enlighten us on the extensive experience she has across so many industry's... all within which she has been successful in! Between being a championship swimmer, coach, pharmaceutical salesperson, real-estate specialist, and now life coach with an award winning podcast, Kelly has found a way to compete to the highest level and win!
So much of what Kelly has achieved she acknowledges comes back to her ability to see the big picture but approach achieving it by "putting a penny in the jar" daily. This tactical approach has allowed her to build success on her terms at her pace, something she learnt from her distance swimming career.
Kelly's new book Take your Mark, Lead! gives readers a map for how to identify the "persona's" they best relate to in order to lead in a way that is most familiar to them. Within the interview we discuss how these persona's can be best attributed based on the environment within which we are trying to lead within.
So much fantastic insight into the competitor Kelly is and I also encourage you to go listen to her podcast "Champions Mojo" where you hear all about her and her co-host, Maria Parker stories on what makes people champions at what they do.
Today we welcome a truly phenomenal young woman who has a story to tell that will simply leave you amazed as 19-year old, Ashley Jones joins us. No stranger to life's truest tests of character and adversities, Ashley presents insight and teachings way beyond her years and will leave you wanting to accomplish as much within your life that you are physically capable of doing.
Having lost one of the most important people in her life at a young age, Ashley also dealt with the trauma of a near-fatal accident that left her body changed forever. Throughout this process, there have been more emotional and physical obstacles to overcome, yet she has constantly strived to find meaning and purpose for each moment along the way, and today she is leading a life of optimism and ambition that is built upon so many of these challenging experiences.
You can follow Ashley through Instagram at Ashley_carolinej and I would also love to hear from you as to how you were impacted by this episode through our email at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
On this episode we welcome in a man who is no stranger to competing for the long haul as Tim O'Donnell joins us to discuss his illustrious Ironman career including his 2009 ITU World Championship and many more stories over his long career at the top of the sport.
What would seem like such an overwhelming task to just about any regular person on planet earth, Tim has managed to make a career out of performing for enormous periods of time thanks to his investment in optimal preparation, ability to trust himself during competition, and by allowing his process to evolve over time.
We cannot always control the outcome and sometimes the events leading up to times of performance, but Tim walks us through some personal accounts of how he has managed to optimize opportunities to compete through his ability to "prepare best you can with cards you're dealt"
You can check out Tim and his wife, Rinny youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-x04aB8xON4crkdN0-FMhw and as always let us know your thoughts on the episode at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
We welcome in the multi-talented Brandon Chubb to the show to hear all about his story of earning any and every opportunity he ever experienced in life up to this point, while gaining insight into the humility required to admit you need to better yourself in order to further enhance opportunities at your disposal.
Raised in a household where football reigned and seeing his journey going down a similar path, Brandon put himself out there for the college football world to see in order to get his Power-5 chance at Wake Forest. There he further developed the very skill set that would lead him to the NFL, while also preparing him for ventures he never realized would come so soon!
A few years on now from his pro-football career being cut short by injury, Brandon has established himself with a range of different organizations including the amazing work he is doing with Heartlent Group (heartlent.com) as their Head of Athlete Growth during this exciting new era with Name, Image & Likeness within NCAA Athletics.
Be sure to let us know what you thought of the episode by DM'ing us through Instagram at Career_Competitor and be sure to share this episode on your story while you're there!
With the Tokyo Games happening at the moment I thought it would be great to bring on someone who recently competed over there and what a great guy I was able to grab a hold of in Team USA open water specialist, Jordan Wilimovsky.
Within the conversation we discuss in detail the art of "enduring", not in the obvious sense of Jordan's incredible physical endurance, but more in the mental sense of what it takes to not become distracted from the goals at hand. Whether you are someone that is use to long days in the office, working on projects for weeks at time, or someone that just struggles with long-term commitments, Jordan sheds some great insight on how to approach a task and conquer it through an ability to endure.
For our 100th Episode we welcome in an incredible story in that of Sarah Thomas who back in 2019 swam the English 4-times in 1 continuous effort! Her 54 hour swim is the longest single swim ever recorded in English Channel swimming history and makes her effort one of the most superhuman attempts ever recorded.
Sarah is a recruiter in her day job but her ultimate passion in life in optimizing her hardworking approach to swimming by taking on ultra-distance open water swims. Her core belief system is based upon being the best version of herself each and every day, while finding other fantastic humans in the world and working to bring them together. The swimming world has allowed her to do that many times over, but the competitor within her is still not fully satisfied with her recording swimming attempts; she is still hungry for more!
Sarah presents some amazing perspective on what is sometimes required to see something through to the end, the need to make time for the things that make you happiest, and the reason we should all be grateful to simply have the opportunities to compete in life.
We welcome in Elizabeth Beisel to the show who is known globally as a true swimming legend having been there and done it across every level of the sport, many times over. But she is now well on her to paving a successful career for herself in sports media as she has climbed her way to now being a member of the NBC broadcasting crew for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Elizabeth is a woman packed full of energy, with an uncompromising will to optimize any and every opportunity in front of her through the use of her hardworking and relentless approach. She has gone through such a wide spectrum of highs and lows in her previous career as a world-class swimmer that she is now able to rely upon such teachings in her quest to become a household name in sports broadcasting too.
There is something in this episode for everyone and I encourage you all to take the time to go give Elizabeth a follow across all her social media @ebeisel34 and also go check out her Amazon best-selling book "Silver Linings" where you can read all about her journey. Shoot me an email at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with thoughts on the episode too.
Welcome in for a fun conversation with a guy that truly works in an area he was born to do so as I sit down with Denver Broncos nutritionist, Brett Eisen. Once he knew where his greatest passion for a career lay, Brett wasted no time establishing the path he would need to go down, not just to get into the world of nutrition, but to do so in his own unique way.
We get to learn all about Brett's ability to connect and inspire athletes to fuel their bodies the right way in order to reach those extra levels of performance in what they do out on the field. Furthermore, Brett has made a career of identifying gaps within his profession and taking initiative to improve either his own knowledge, or the experiences of those being effected by his work.
This episode is not only filled with the typical great teaching points that we are accustomed to providing here, but you will also pick up some terrific nutrition advice courtesy of a guy that knows a thing or two about getting the best out of the human body. Let us know your thoughts on the episode at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
On this episode we welcome in a true competitor of the media world in radio personality, Zach Bye as he shares his story of grinding his way to his dream role of hosting an afternoon sports radio show in the large market of Denver, Colorado.
Along with former NFL & Denver Bronco star, Brendon Stokley, Zach is the host of Denver's biggest sports radio show "Stokley & Zach" and has built a career on the ideals of hard work, initiative, and resilience, with many other key attributes sprinkled in along the way.
Zach delivers some concepts that will force you the listener to ask yourself just how hard - and how long - you are willing to work for the dream role you claim to be so desperate to hold. After all, it was only right at the tail end of a 10-year plan when Zach got the break he worked so tirelessly for.
The conversation includes; appreciating the impact that initiative can have on gaining opportunities; the power of patience when staying true to your long term career plans; and embracing an honest perspective when it comes to your long term career chances
I encourage you to go to denverfan.com to listen in to an edition of Zach's radio show to learn firsthand why it is this guy has gotten to where he is today. Also be sure to reach out to me at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with thoughts you have on the episode
Amanda Beard, one of the greatest American women to have ever graced a swimming pool joins the show to discuss her career including a meteoric rise to stardom as a 14 year old Olympic medalist back in 1996, to how she handled the highs of further Olympic journeys as well as the ensuing lows that followed once journeys came to an end.
We hear about the role Amanda is now playing as the owner of a Swim School (Beardswimco.com) and the mother of 2 budding athletes on somewhat similar paths to the one she was on 25 years ago.
A significant topic that came from the discussion includes that of balancing passions in life to where we can have more facets to our identity so we are not guilty of putting all our focus on one thing that consumes our entire being. Amanda is a huge advocate for, firstly, prioritizing a balance of priorities in life, while also making sure we find ways to switch off from commitments we may have that consume a lot of our energy already.
You can learn everything you need to about Amanda's story at amandabeardofficial.com and be sure to check out some more details regarding the episode on instagram at career_competitor.
Contact Steve Mellor regarding thoughts on the episode at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
A delicious dose of insightful conversation being served in this episode as we welcome successful health & fitness professional, Ashley Drummonds who a few years ago founded ABS Protein Pancakes that has since launched her to great success and new career highs.
With these amazing milestones she has accomplished in recent times she has also encountered frequent episodes of uncharted territory that has forced her to be vulnerable towards her weakest areas as a professional. These trials are areas that all competitors encounter within their careers that don't get discussed enough, but Ashley is kind enough to really open our eyes to the ways we must be both aware and willing to encounter such adversities.
We hear all about Ashley's career journey, the ways in which she has been willing to search for guidance and help, her perspective on how best to handle our fears, and the ways in which she competes and defines success within her day.
Be sure to head to https://abspancakes.com to learn more about Ashley's products and story, and feel free to reach out to me at Careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with any thoughts regarding the episode.
We have the honor of hearing from Paralympic medallist & World Champion Long Jumper, Lex Gillette on this episode as he inspires us to implement the very approaches that have led him to where he is today.
Overcoming a truly life-altering time in his life as a child, Lex is a product of investing time and energy into the growth & development of himself the person, before then applying his efforts towards a competitive career as he has been able to successfully do.
We learn about the power of a vision, one you believe in so much that the intentions to act happen without resistance. Furthermore, we hear the power that accepting failure can have on you as a competitor and the importance of not allowing adverse an unplanned moments to deter you from reaching your destination.
Head to lexgillette.com to learn more about Lex's story and of course feel free to leave us a rating and contact me directly at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with any thoughts you have on the episode
Delighted to welcome in a true legend of NFL Football in that of Steve Atwater, who as a member of the Denver Broncos in the 90's won 2 Super Bowl titles, was named to the 1990's All-Decade team, and most recently was named to the 2020 Hall of Fame Class.
Steve provides some incredible insight into the level or camaraderie he and his Broncos teammates shared during their successful seasons together, including stories of how bonds were made off the field in order to enhance them on the field.
Despite his recounts of only his time as a football player, what is so impactful in our discussion is how applicable the traits Steve relied on to be successful are to just about anyone in any walk of life. The emphasis Steve put on things such as authenticity and leadership throughout his playing years is certainly something we can all aspire to involve in our work too.
Let me know your thoughts on this episode by contacting me at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
On this episode we welcome in Ciera Burdick who has made a career as a professional basketball player for the past 6 years since she was drafted into the WNBA back in 2015. As a competitor she is relishing the daily opportunity to learn and better herself as she takes on the best competition across Europe and within the Women's game stateside as well.
The discussion includes the ways Cierra prioritizes giving back to others through her work and platform, the ways she integrates humility in her daily growth as an athlete and human being, and her desire to seize the opportunity she has to perform and excel for many years to come.
This is an episode that can benefit so many in relation to appreciating what it means to be true to who you are and let that version of yourself guide you through your competitive journey. Follow Cierra on instagram at c_burdick11 and as always be sure to reach out to us at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
On this show we welcome in highly established health & fitness professional, Katie Chung Hua to the show who today is helping people across the US build a greater version of themselves through exercise & nutrition insight.
A former Ice Hockey player, Katie is a competitor in the purest sense as she relishes the chance to prove her value to clients the same way she would be enticed to compete with women on the hockey rink!
Furthermore, building a career within an industry filled with less than trustworthy professionals leaves her authenticity under great scrutiny, but fortunately she more than establishes this through her humble nature and honest feedback social circle she has established for herself.
We gain insight from Katie on areas such as the importance of leaving yourself open to criticism from those you trust most, allowing yourself to be humbled by those more established at what you do, the art of composing yourself in the face of scrutiny by relying upon your trusted process, and how your competitive nature can be best used within given moments each day.
Be sure to give Katie a follow on Instagram @katiechunghua and of course let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating or contacting us at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to the 3rd and final part of my series on a "checklist" approach to competing at your optimal level. This last chapter in this short series is all about setting yourself apart with an ever-evolving checklist that allows you to constantly build off the moments when you satisfy an objective or complete a part within your process.
There is no denying that this episode covers an idea that is easy to say, yet difficult to do, but I truly believe we can all get closer to implementing this, so long as we work with a conscious mindset that values the importance of self-assessment within your daily pursuit of success!
Let me know what you think of this series and concept by contacting me at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
We welcome a first to the show today in that of Olympic and World Championship medalist Wrestler, James Green who joins us to tell us all about his preparations for the Olympic Trials that commence today.
Our discussion is filled with great content on the power of remaining present in performance, how our hardworking approach behind the scenes can allow us to perform within the present, and also the importance of knowing who you are as person first behind you the competitor.
Follow James' Olympic journey at whoisjamesg.com where you will find his social media handles and some fantastic insight into the man behind the wrestler. Also, be sure to be rating the show and checking out our website at careercompetitor.com
In the 2nd part of this series on "checklists" we establish the need to know exactly who we are establishing this minimum standard for.
When we are trying to satisfy the expectations we put on ourselves it is easier to establish a personality of that of a "doer"; we allow our actions to be based upon our process no matter how small or significant a task may be.
Part 2 is all about creating a proactive version of ourselves that is not going to be influenced by the minimum standards of our environment, and once we are able to implement this we can start to work towards standing out above the rest of the pack
We welcome to the show an incredible story in that of Johnny Quinn who despite reaching his ultimate goal in life of competing in the NFL saw that dream taken from him due to injury, and in a moment of potential collapse, he was available for the greatest "unexpected opportunity" he didn't even know would be perfect for him!
Today, this now US Winter Olympic Team Member tells his story of how he found the sport of bobsledding in the most unusual of circumstances and allowed the very transition of going from football to bobsledding to redefine his outlook on life. Johnny share with us an encyclopedia of insight on what it means to overcome adversity, to be available for opportunity, and to have a readiness in your arsenal that keeps you hungry for more.
We cover great content on the power of both short and long term goals, the impact reading can have on a person in their pursuit to obtain information, how we can be victims to analysis to the point of paralysis, and so much more!
If you want to learn more about Johnny Quinn's story and the services he has to offer, head to johnnyquinnusa.com where you can learn even more about this incredible story and the depths of the services he has available to you.
Let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating or contacting us directly at careercompetitor.com
Starting the week off right with a COMPETITIVE CALL to challenge you on a level of honesty you might not be ready for!!!
Are you some one who checks the boxes of standards expected of you each day and that's it? Do you simply show up on time, complete assignments, and do enough to avoid punishment?
I believe we can all be guilty of this and I want to get you thinking with this first in a 3-part series on what is can mean to just follow and complete the daily check list presented to you
Let me know what you think!!! careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com
We welcome in a historic figure in Indian sports history to the show today as Shikha Tandon - the first Indian person to represent her country swimming multiple events at an Olympic Games - joins us to share her story and provide fascinating perspective on some of her competitive qualities.
Working in her role today with Silicon Valley Exercise Analytics, Shikha has become accustomed to providing data to athletes of all levels on how they can learn from performance in order to optimize it in the future. Interestingly, Shikha had a similar approach to her competitive swimming career as she had to rely fully on lessons from her own journey with not having any blueprint provided to excel at what she was aiming to do.
We cover Shikha's story growing up in India, how she found the sport of swimming, and how quickly she established success. Later we discuss the fascinating company she is working for today at SVEXA.com and hear about the "feedback loop" we can all strive to implement it within our day-to-day. Finally, Shikha brings things full circle and highlights how she is able to use her mindset from her swimming days in assisting athletes she and SVEXA assist today.
So many concepts are presented within this discussion regarding the make up of a competitive and successful person, and you can learn more about the episode and show at careercompetitor.com
On this episode we welcome in an absolute legend of the Bike world as 4x Mountain Bike World Champion, Brian Lopes joins Steve to discuss the highly competitive level of performance he has maintained for over 3 decades. A born competitor, Brian emphasizes often within the interview how he invests himself fully into everything he is a part of and how he is striving to be at his best and succeed at every opportunity possible. In addition to the competitive world of biking, Brian is making efforts to grow the sport within schools as a part of “All Kids Bike”, an organization striving to get every child in America on a bike within their PE classes.
Within the discussion Brian starts by telling us why he is still so passionate to compete at the age of 49 and how he still takes part in races only with the intention to perform at an optimal level and compete with the younger and latest generation of competitors. Furthermore, we hear how Brian has been aware of never letting things become stale as he finds slightly different ways to challenge himself as a competitor within the world of biking, but using this same approach in experiences he takes on away from the race tracks as well.
You can learn more firstly, about Brian at Brianlopes.com and by following him on Instagram @brianlopes and you can also learn all about All Kids Bike at their website allkidsbike.org. Be sure to follow the show on Instagram too @career_competitor and check out our website at careercompetitor.com
New week and here we go with a new take on how to best approach the competitive journey's you are setting out on. I define toughness as one's ability to see things through to the end and I know we all have the ability to demonstrate such toughness, we just have to be disciplined enough to not over-commit to things we maybe are not ready or willing to see through to the end.
Today I have the pleasure of speaking with one of Rio 2016 greatest Paralympic stories in McKenzie Coan as we learn all about the competitor behind the 3-time Olympic champion from 4 summers ago. Occasionally this show presents someone who demonstrates a holistic lifestyle approach to competitiveness and McKenzie certainly applies 100% of herself to every component of her day, looking for ways to win every step of the way.
We learn from her how she prides herself on always giving a 100% effort towards her training as a Paralympic swimmer so that she take the confidence gained through her preparation into her races. Furthermore, McKenzie welcomes the adversities that life throws at her ranging from day-to-day challenges such as her disability, to more unpredictable things such as the pandemic she has dealt with the past 12 months. With an outlook built around learning about herself when she encounters tough moments, McKenzie shares with us some powerful thoughts on how best to come through the other side of setbacks.
Be sure to go to mckenziecoan.com to learn about her, while making sure you follow her on all social media @Mckenzie_coan as well. Let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating on iTunes or by contacting me through career competitor.com or through instagram @career_competitor
Some thoughts I wanted to share on the power of "acceptance" and how it can be the determining factor in your ability to perform at optimal levels when in a competitive arena.
Whether it be a race, competition, presentation, test, or maybe a job interview, there is a strength that comes from accepting you have done enough, which results in surrendering yourself to the present moment so that you are immersed in the competitive situation.
When we are unable to accept and find ourselves wasting energy on things in the past that are no longer in our control, we can assume doubt has crept in on some level, and doubt leads us to inevitably performing below our optimal level.
On this episode we welcome a true global Track & Field star in Tianna Bartoletta who has earned 3 Olympic Gold's across 2 Games (4x100 Relay in London 2012, Long Jump & 4x100 in Rio 2016) and is currently in preparations for her 3rd trip to the Olympics in Tokyo later this summer. A competitive career that has spanned over a decade at a world class level, Tianna has gradually established a version of herself that can consistently awake at 4:30am daily to focus solely on the day at hand so as to optimize her output and value to herself.
We gain some valuable insight into what it means to invest in the being you are each and every day, from the way you think to the way you act and the many things we have control over in between. When you are juggling a world class athletics career, a spiritually driven exercise service, and managing the requests of sponsors like Tianna is, it would be easy to become overwhelmed, maybe lose sight of your direction. Tianna is here to explain how she best handles her daily expectations, offering an extremely relatable and transferable outlook in how to ensure "the day is the goal".
If you would like to learn more about Tianna's story, the services she provides, and to sign up for updates on her book coming out in June of this year, go to tiannabee.com. Also be sure to let me know your thoughts on this episode through our website at Careercompetitor.com
Here with a new Competitive Call early in the week to present a concept called "competitive rejuvenation" that proposes the need to take time on building a better version of ourselves in order to deliver DAILY rejuvenation to our careers. Imagine if you could deliver a rejuvenated competitive approach every single day?!?!? Well I am here to challenge you that it is possible, as long as the system the energy is coming from receives the attention it deserves!
Follow Career Competitor on Instagram @career_competitor and rate the show on Apple Podcasts as well!
This week on the show I welcome in a veteran of the game of Soccer here in the United States, Jonny Bornstein who was a member of the generational US National Team that attended the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Over his 15 year professional career, Jonny has represented his country 37 times, played in both in Major League Soccer and the Mexican Primera League throughout his career, and is currently a member of the Chicago Fire for this upcoming MLS Season.
Some of the major talking points of the episode include how Jonny remained patient throughout his career, waiting for opportunities but taking full advantage of them when they came. In addition, he provides a fantastic perspective on the power of taking care of the person you are in order to optimize the competitor and career person you are.
Our show is all about optimizing the competitor within you, but the clarity Jonny provides through his candid and vulnerable insight allow us to clearly appreciate that there is an almost therapeutic process to building the person required to take on a career to the highest of levels! You can follow Jonny on Instagram @jonnybobos8 and of course give us a follow too @career_competitor
Welcome into a brand new work week with a Competitive Call that should help establish greater expectations for yourself when it comes to performing during times when you don't quite feel it is possible.
As a coach I frequently have athletes tell me "I feel like shit" which in my professional opinion is rarely a reason or excuse to not perform, usually it means they are simply in need of being reminded about their goals and require inspiration to work hard despite feeling a little fatigued.
I believe we all can be guilty of these moments where we allow ourselves to believe we have a reason not to perform at our best, when we just need to call upon the "superhero" within us to save the day.
The more we are able to practice these traits during these emotionally charged moments, the more we will be equipped to handle the moments when shit truly hits the fan!!!
We welcome to the show a true competitor within the photography industry, Alex Palombo who over the past 17 years has established himself amongst the best out there and delivers a unique perspective on what it means to establish success within the most intense of careers. In addition to covering his career to this point we discuss his most recent project "The 20 2020 Project; the Pursuit of a Dream" which is a book showcasing the journey of 20 Olympic hopefuls for the forthcoming games this summer.
A storyteller at heart, as photographer Alex's natural scrutiny of his own work is what puts him at ease as he and only he will be the one that assesses his work to the highest of standards in a career where people are all to willing to pass judgement.
Within the interview we cover the highly volatile environment that is professional photography as there is nothing after first place; you either get the job or you don't! Furthermore, Alex emphasizes the need to have "cheerleaders" within your camp that are willing to support you and also hold you accountable to go and reach your dreams! Much like in sports, everything within this career is "earned" and all the so called "overnight successes" out there happen because of the willingness to put in the years of work up until that moment.
For those of you looking to learn more about Alex, his work on the 20 2020 Project, and to also pre-order his book please head to Palombophotography.com
Take the time to let me know your thoughts on this episode through our instagram @career_competitor
We welcome Olympic Champion and Long-time friend of mine, Cullen Jones to the show to discuss the incredible work he is doing today in regards to diversifying the sport of swimming, along with his Make-A-Splash foundation that empowers black children across the United States to learn to swim.
In addition to the many things he has going on today, Cullen take us back to where the competitor in him was born within his swimming career, how he handled the pressure of assisting Michael Phelps to his 8-Gold Medal haul in Beijing, and why he has his "scrappy" nature to thank for all of his successes.
Through the course of the interview Cullen provides some great insight into the ways his passion projects turned into what today is his career (7:30); the ways in which the additional work he took on during his swimming career acted as fuel and how his role today as a father does the same thing for him in relation to his career (11:00); we also get into the topic of racial injustice and how Cullen's experiences have led him to leading the charge within USA Swimming today to be an activist for change (25:00)
Feel free to follow us at career_Competitor on instagram to ge3t behind the scenes footage of the interview with Cullen.
Starting the week off with a thought on a term I heard recently when a former teammate of Tom Brady referred to him as having "incredible competitive stamina". When you look at the great athletes of all time they have this innate ability to SUSTAIN their competitive spirit in pursuit of further glory.
So many of us had our competitive stamina tested to its absolute lengths this past year when COVID derailed so many in the pursuit of lifetime goals such as those pursuing Olympic bids.
This is a concept that forced me to seek further understanding in what it can truly mean, and in turn it showed to have the potential to be something we can all potentially implement and certainly benefit from being more in tune with.
We welcome on World Track & Field Sprint star, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake to the show to talk about the finite details that allow him to compete with the worlds best. He has established a professional career for himself through his purpose-driven lifestyle where today, he finds himself training alongside some of the worlds best in order to keep his competitive nature at an optimal level.
Like all Olympic athletes, Nethaneel's 2020 was derailed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and despite contracting the virus himself he was able to still remain committed to his craft throughout last year and is now heading into the 2021 Olympics with a complete assurance in his preparations and opportunities to make it as successful as can be.
Some of the main talking points within the interview include; having appreciation for the opportunities put in front of us; the willingness to make sacrifices in life when rare opportunities come your way; the humbling need to slow down and almost stop when you find yourself stepping up a level within the work you do; and how we can all benefit from remaining purposeful in our every day approach to life.
Happy Monday to you all and here is a slice of what I hope to be accountability for you to start the week as I empower you all to analyze closely the community within which you compete daily. To those of you that are well-established success stories, now is not the time to rest on your laurels, now is the time to actually analyze new ways to compete by figuring out what sort of things you no longer need within your community. Let's not wait for things to go wrong, lets proactively compete even harder
Be sure to have a listen to my take on the need to be aware of your "Competitive Community" and let me know what you think of the episode on instagram at career_competitor or find me on LinkedIn.
On this episode we welcome in the founders of TAGALONG, Nick Karwoski and Scott Del Vecchio who herald from careers in pro triathlon and rowing, respectively. They have spent most of the past couple years creating an exciting platform to aid those pursuing sports like running, cycling, and swimming to connect with pro’s that can coach them up to reach new highs. These guys understand competing on levels within their sports and now in the world of tech and startups that makes them ideal guests for the show and they bring and energy and perspective to challenge all competitors.
The first topic we discuss is the ways in which athletes from sport-to-sport can compare competitive levels sometimes in relation to who is the best, while at other times it is more applicable to be among the best (6:30). Next, we tackle the topic of “knowing your ceiling” in relation to what you have achieved versus what you deem your potential to be and how our awareness and acceptance of this plays a massive role on how competitive you feel (15:20). We hear all about Nick & Scott’s company, TAGALONG and how it provides users the opportunity to become more competitive within the sports they are most passionate about, as well as the multi-faceted benefits to the service that go way beyond the surface level of what’s being offered (24:00).
For anyone looking to learn more about the company and these awesome guys be sure to head to tagalongwithapro.com where you can find out everything you need to know. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and follow us on Instagram at Career_Competitor
Here we go with a Competitive Call that will force you into analyzing how committed you truly are when it comes to your New Years Resolution.
Stop with this soft approach of acting like you are ready to make some massive commitment, it is time to face the music and highlight the problems you have and the habits you are willing to implement in order to eradicate them.
This ought to get you fired up about facing the new year with a clear perspective on what will be required to make it your most successful one yet!
On this episode we are joined by former Baseball player, turned entrepreneur and owner of an extremely unique franchise – the Savannah Banana’s Baseball Team – Jesse Cole who delivers a blast of energy that just about any of us can benefit from. With his own brand of customer service, bullet proof approach to handling adversity, and immense ability to get people working together, Jesse is a competitor in every sense of the word as he challenges himself and everyone around him daily to bring their “A-Game” to the table.
Following a year that has hit people the world over in ways we could have never imagined, Jesse is a tonic we can all stand to take a dose of as he is living proof that we can in fact handle life’s greatest challenges. Despite seeming as though he had a long and successful career in baseball as a pitcher ahead of him, Jesse had this taken from him and was thrown into the real world and immediately challenged with what to do next. Years later, he and his wife have now steadied the ship of their once hectic life to now having a highly profitable, widely known, and one-of-a-kind business that is set up for a long run of success like few would have ever thought were possible.
Jesse introduces the work he is doing today running the Savannah Banana’s baseball franchise (5:10) and the story of how his journey within the sport of baseball began (6:25). We then hear about the way Jesse realized what direction his career was destined to go (8:20) and what his philosophy is towards his work and the business he runs (10:55). The conversation then sheds light on the way in which Jesse’s personality has evolved through his years in baseball (14:30) and how he prioritizes, and is such an advocate for being yourself within the work you do (16:45). We move on to the topic of competitiveness (21:30) and how Jesse has measured his successes through the company’s existence to date, and how it isn’t always the “data” they rely but more so the “evidence” of what they see within the experience. The COVID pandemic was a true test of the culture of the Savannah Bananas and Jesse steered the ship during this time (26:40) with an ambitious vision and a willingness to experiment and compete with limitations (29:00). In closing, Jesse gives us some insight on the entrepreneur approach that has gotten him to where he is today (31:20) and how he plans to take his service and vision to even higher levels over the next 5 years (33:00).
We welcome to the show former NFL kicker turned Commercial Real Estate professional, David Treadwell who talks us through his career story while connecting his former athletic competitive nature to the career he is in today. An advocate for highlighting the ways athletes can transfer their traits and skillset to a career beyond sports, David provides some impactful perspectives that can help revitalize anyone’s career story to this point.
With an underdog story his entire football life, David learned what it meant to earn opportunities for yourself and to make sure you did not waste them once you were there. Furthermore, while pursuing his ultimate football goals he never once lost sight of the importance of getting education and experiences elsewhere so he could be best equipped to make the jump from football when the time came. This episode is going to calm anyone who is maybe a little deterred or frustrated by opportunities they want not being there, as well as provide a perspective on the benefits of having purpose in your everyday life and why it can be healthy to have a lot on your plate.
David explains to us where he is with his career in commercial real estate and how it brings him close to a competitive arena similar to sports (4:45). He then tells us his story starting with how he opted to attend Clemson University for educational purposes initially (6:05) and how playing for the football team became an opportunity through a Walk On opportunity. In addition, he explains how he established himself as a kicker on the football team and then how he landed in Denver with the Broncos in the NFL (10:00). David sheds light on the importance of not becoming disconnected from the “work world” despite chasing a footballing career, and remained proactive with his time outside of football (13:50). Other topics covered include; the
importance of pursuing your passion while being extremely aware of how you treat and interact with others (18:10); remaining open-minded regarding taking opportunities so you can just open doors to then find out more over time as to whether the opportunity is right for you (22:05); the adverse situation for a professional athlete ending their career and having to find a new career that others had the opportunity to establish themselves within long before a former pro athlete (23:20). Finally, we learn about the competitor David is and how he found the ability to be competitive beyond his football career (26:55), and how he values having a purpose in life (31:05) and how we must embrace how that can influence having the busiest of days.
We welcome in one of the top 10 surfers of the 20th century, successful businessman, and professional speaker, Shaun Tomson to the show who today is inspiring people the world over the establish purpose within their life using “the code”. This episode provides insight for just about everyone from current athletes trying to handle competition better, to established career men & women that need that added direction within their lives.
The person that Shaun is today was built within the sport of surfing and it taught him to appreciate living life by a certain “code”. Following an incredibly traumatic experience a few years ago, Shaun decided it was time to find a new outlet for his career and his “surfers code” became the focal point of his message to those he spoke to. Years later he is now extremely well-established as a motivational speaker in how he provides people with the opportunity to press reset on how their life is going and move forwards with a new-found purpose.
We are introduced to Shaun’s history within the sport of surfing (4:15) and how he was a part of the process of implementing the sport on a competitive and global stage, before starting his first enterprise with his first surfing brand (Instinct) and the many more steps in his story after that. We also get a first glimpse of the mind behind the man in his approach to pursuing a passion and turning it into a success (5:45), and how a tragedy in his life became the start of his most recent chapter as an author and speaker. The topic of purpose (7:50) is brought up for the first time and how it can provide an individual direction and actually bring people together in their similar visions for what they want in life. We then learn how surfers are who and what they are at all times in the sense that sport very much embodies their personality and behaviors where the two go hand in hand (10:50). He builds upon this concept by proposing that surfers are obsessed with the lifestyle (13:00) to the point where their entire day and life is dictated by the need to surf. We gain a perspective on competitiveness from Shaun (16:45) that is incredibly unique and yet very understandable in terms of the environment he was able to excel within as a surfer. He expands upon this by relating it to a more commonly known term today – “the state of flow” (19:40) – and how he was one of the first to embody this state that allowed him to achieve feats that had never before been seen. Shaun’s contrasting philosophy comes to the forefront (28:50) in relation to the winning culture and mindset of others that have achieved greatness, Shaun is all about the ability to “give it your all” and accept the results. We learn about “The river of life called purpose” (32:50) on how we will be better and how we will help others be better, as well as hearing the way Shaun embodies Empathy & Respect (37:00) as core values instilled in him from his parents and how that has led him to try and treat people the same way and, more specifically, be a consistent inspiration as an athlete. Other topics include; The S.A.D mindset (41:00) and how people reveal this within his presentations; The role decisions have on the way the world works and how our lives are impacted by each and every one of us (44:00); and Shaun’s final thoughts (48:30) on the value of writing your code in order to establish power within your life.
So happy to be bringing on a friend and former teammate of mine to the show today, Kal Jhugroo who over the past decade has built himself an ever-growing and already very successful record label and agency in Underground Artists. This episode will certainly make you more enthusiastic to go and work for a career or opportunity that you may have always wanted to pursue but not found the necessary courage to take the initial step.
Underground Artists (underground-artists.com) has evolved from a music blog into one of the UK’s most sought after artist management outfits. Since Kal established Underground Artists, he has built a superlative roster of contemporary artists, all of whom have their own unique niche and represent the very best in modern-day house music. Kal’s competitive edge comes through throughout our discussion and it is apparent that so much of his success has come from his unwillingness to accept anything less than his best. Furthermore, we learn firsthand the power that a full slate of activities and responsibilities can have a person’s performance and passion on a daily basis as Kal presents the argument that if something means enough to a person, there will always be time in the day to include it. We learn about how far Kal took his swimming career as he was very much a part of the first crop of competitive open water swimmers within the United Kingdom that started racing against the best in the world (6:00). Kal discusses how his endurance mindset has influenced his mindset in the past 10 years as an entrepreneur and the fact he is who he is today because of the athlete he was and the contact strive to grow burns within him (10:30). We hear Kal’s story in relation to when he tried to move into a regular career and no matter how much he tried to commit to a career, it never quite felt like a good fit and he had a yearning for something else and bigger (14:10). Other topics discussed include; What the future looks like for the company and Kal’s ultimate goals with what he wants to accomplish (21:10); The artists Kal is representing today and how he believes each of his artists reflect his mindset when it comes to work ethic and ambition (23:45); and why the former swimming champion has opted to return to the pool on a very consistent and competitive basis and what that has done for his life and routine as a whole (26:25). We then hear how his new-found commitment to training and being an athlete again has impacted his work life in a positive way by creating a true routine and offering an enormous amount of purpose (30:00). Finally, Steve & Kal discuss how they believe that if goals and intentions mean enough to a person they will find a way to make time to work on whatever it is they want to be successful at, specifically in relation to a person’s wellbeing (32:10).
On this episode we welcome in Mike Brcic, Founder of the company Way-finders and former owner and founder of the company Sacred Rides. An entrepreneur with 2.5 decades of success to show for it, Mike is an example of what it means to put value on a customer’s experience above everything else thanks to his commitment to human connection.
This interview opens our eyes to the pursuit of peak human connection and the ways Mike has been able to be the catalyst for this by providing services that promote interaction, incredible experiences, and room for self-growth. We also learn about how a small passion project can grow into a massive venture by consistently prioritizing such ideals, and how someone can be competitive in nature by their desire to advance human experience.
Out conversation opens up with Mike telling us about the work he is doing today with Wayfinders (4:40), along with his sport background and how he found the sport of mountain biking that would play a huge role in his future (6:30). Mike then tells the history of the company that got Mike’s career as an entrepreneur off and running and established him success around the world (9:10). The conversation then focuses more on Mike as an individual as we learn why he so enthusiastic about the opportunity to act as a catalyst for human connection within his work (13:15), while also hearing about the role sport and exercise had on him as an individual and the potential it can have on a team level as well (17:45). Mike then introduces the term “psychological safety” (23:30) in the role it has on the performance of a team and how it applies to such a wide a variety of outcomes. In relation to career development, Mike shares his opinion on how we can better analyze and then recognize when it is time to move on from a role or company, and how much of that comes back to knowing yourself (27:00). Finally, we hear how he measures himself as a competitor in his newest role as the founder of Way-finders (32:00) and the importance he believes in balancing his purpose within the company and across his life as a whole. Be sure to listen in to Steves “Keys to Success” in closing as well (36:00).
This episode is a special extended edition that not only brings to light some lessons courtesy of the Founder of Black Girls Surf, Rhonda Harper, but also provides an opportunity to educate you on some important black history. There has understandably been an enormous representation of support for change throughout our communities in the wake of the death of George Floyd earlier in 2020, and we are using this episode as an opportunity to keep the focus on the need for change. Rhonda’s story is one that ties in perfectly to the traditional focus of this show as she provides numerous examples of competing at the highest levels within her career. There are also numerous examples of attributes Rhonda has used to establish her success, but almost every example and experience she says stems from a place of prompting change for black people the world over.
This is a much longer episode than normal as we are providing Rhonda a platform to educate us on the history of black suppression within the sport of surfing up until recent years. She also provides personal accounts of her exposure to such resistance within her life, while telling us about the work she is doing, despite such injustices, to prompt change for black children the world over, thanks to her willingness to work from a place of love.
Rhonda starts off by letting us know why it is she is currently based out in Senegal (6:00), shares some stories on how she was first exposed to the truths that access is not for everyone (12:20), and how she gained clarity that black surfers did not exist (17:50). Rhonda then provides some incredible insight for any career driven individual in relation to creating your own opportunities (18:40), making sure people wanting to learn have a leader or role model (21:00) and the power that “working from love” can have on your work (21:30). The second half of our discussion is more geared towards career advancement as Rhonda sheds light on the ways she has stayed ahead of “trends” within her career (42:00) and also how African Surf International is empowering the inclusion of African surfers (46:00). Furthermore, Rhonda gives examples of how she is leading others by example while educating the next generation to be able to be as influential as she is (51:30). Finally, we learn about Rhonda the competitor and what she feels the future has in store for both her and her movements (53:00 – 58:00), before Steve summarizes the entire conversation with three very useful “keys to success” (64:00).
We welcome on Hannah Heusman to the show who has a fascinating career as a Mental Skills and Performance coach, and today is working with the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball. Hannah grew up on the sports of Basketball and Softball before her education took over in her senior year of college and she discovered the world of mental performance in relation to sports. This episode provides some incredible messages from a very specific field that are extremely applicable to all walks of life. As a competitor, Hannah is driven by the opportunity to help give athletes that extra level of mental strength where they feel they can achieve their best.
A large part of Hannah’s role is ensuring she is providing specific advice to a very specific area for athletes and people as a whole, despite the fact a lot of professionals within her field find themselves performing more roles than they are maybe qualified to be doing. This allows Hannah to excel in her role and not potentially feel distracted by having to also counsel clients or work with them on their mental “health”. In the world of Baseball, specifically, Hannah is trying to encourage a proactive nature towards their mental skills and performance so that they can remain ahead of any possible setbacks. Furthermore, this strength can be the difference in a minor league player getting a chance within the majors or not; Hannah’s role is undoubtedly a powerful one to say the least.
We hear from Hannah regarding her role as a mental performance coach with the Philadelphia Phillies and the differences between mental health and mental performance (4:45), before then highlighting how she pursued both the sports of Basketball and Softball to a collegiate level in a rather unique way (7:47). The role of mental health in Hannah’s sports performance was something you she did not gain appreciation for until her final year of college, but it had an immediate impact on her as an athlete and immediately affected her educational and career journey (10:34). Despite the clarity Hannah gained from her new found love for her education and what she wanted in her career, she certainly did not know the direction she would be able to go with it (14:15), while introducing an issue within her field of professionals having to balance multiple roles that really require more than one individual for them (15:30), and how her role in baseball allows her to simply be available and not rely on clients (17:10). The conversation then moves towards the specifics of helping baseball players gain that extra advantage in the mental side of their game seeing as so much of their work is physical (22:05) and also the importance of seeing someone in Hannah’s role at all times as opposed to only when you are encountering adversity (23:30). Hannah is generous enough to provide a couple of her consistent pieces of advice and areas of focus with her clients across all fields that are extremely applicable to anyone listening (28:15), and Steve then provides his Keys to Success (35:40).
The Associate Commissioner at Conference USA, Tre Stallings join us for this episode as we hear from this former Offensive Lineman at Ole Miss in College who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, before heading into a career in sports administration. A man whose entire career was built upon taking pride in work ethic and details, Tre offers insight into the power of relationships, the need for us to listen better, and to find opportunities to “get our reps in” when it comes to building experience.
Tre provided an extremely honest account of his difficult process of establishing his identity and career after football and the episode allows us to learn more about how to navigate this difficult period of a person’s life. Throughout the conversation, it is clear that Tre has created an identity he feels he can be consistent with, and even though it took time to build this version of himself, it is this consistency that has provided him with the opportunities to get to where he is today.
Show Notes
Tre introduces himself to us and we hear all about his background within the sport of football (5:35) back to how he got into the sport, what separated him from so many other young kids around him, but also sheds light on the knowledge and experiences his father was able to provide from his own professional football experiences. We also hear early on the types of traits Tre relied upon in order to advance his football career (8:30) that acted as the foundations for his career. We also hear about his NFL years at Kansas City (10:50), the way more senior players mentored him, but also how he felt his professional career in the game was not everything it maybe could have been. Tre then explains some of the communication tendencies that transfer from the game of football to the board room and within any organization (12:23) and also introduces for the first time in the interview his passion for building relationships (13:30). The discussion then moves towards how both Tre and Steve view “preparing to perform” and how you can pull from experiences in sport in order to perform in the board room (15:32), specifically trying to find ways to get “reps” in order to be prepared for when the stakes are at their highest (18:00). Tre shares what he considers to be the most consistent trait that he finds in great leaders (20:35) and offers examples as to why this skill is paramount when leading by example. The conversation then becomes extremely honest as Tre explains the transition he went through from playing football to no longer being an athlete and starting over (24:30), but his insight offers great hope for anyone who truly struggles with this transition themselves (26:00) and reemphasizes the power great relationships can have through such a difficult time. Finally, we hear how Tre has moved through his career thanks to his faith, ability to remain present by focusing on performing, and of course how his strong relationships have allowed him opportunities he didn’t even plan for (29:25). Steve wraps things up with his Career Competitor “Keys to Success” at the conclusion of the interview.
We welcome the Manager for Player Engagement and player programs with the NFL, Darrel Young to the show today who has a story of inspiration to share with us. A competitor that has experienced the best and most difficult parts of the professional game, Darrel was a football player within the NFL for many years before heading to the league office to a pursue a career he has been preparing for his entire life
Darrel is a natural leader who is incredibly comfortable in his vision for the role he can have on this generation’s players within the NFL when it comes to preparing them for life after the game. His desire to form connections and be of service to each and every player makes him a unique and special commodity for the players to rely on, and we learn so much about his journey and skills within our discussion.
We open up our discussion by learning all about Darrel’s current role with the NFL (5:15) as he explains his relationship to the organization, along with the players within it. Darrel then tells us all about his background in the sport of football (7:00), the highs and lows of his professional career, and his willingness to do what the team needed him to. Once we get into the deeper parts of the discussion we learn when Darrel first realized he had these transferable skills from football that could be used away from the game (11:35) and when he knew it was time to move on and establish the career he wanted. Furthermore, we hear about the value Darrel places on making himself available to the players within the NFL (17:10) so that they have the access to him in order to be able to plan for the future. Finally, we discuss some of the ways Darrel is both earning and proving his worth within his role based on his achievements and the qualifications he is currently pursuing (21:00), as well as how he approaches communicating with this generation of NFL players today (25:00). Steve wraps up the interview with his Career Competitor “Keys to Success” (32:20)
On this episode I sit down with Minor League Baseball Player, Jeremy Randolph who joins us for a slightly different spin on the show. As a current professional athlete in a very difficult current climate, he finds himself at a crossroads within his life, trying to decide between remaining with baseball or starting life after the game.
This episode provides a great opportunity to get to know the competitor Jeremy is, analyze the work he is doing in order to prepare for a successful career no matter the path he opts to go down, and just offer support to someone who is definitely making a lot of sacrifices in life currently.
We are approaching a new area within the show today as we are highlighting an individual who is likely reminiscent of some of our listeners, who too might be going through some difficult life and career transitions. This is an exercise that we will certainly be revisiting as we try to continue expanding upon what this show can do to further enhance you the competitor within your career field of choice.
We learn about Jeremy’s background in the sport of Baseball and his journey through college undergrad along with his Masters degree, and hear about his opportunity now within Professional baseball having been drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals (5:00). Jeremy then sheds light on his experiences throughout 2020 with him dealing with the loss of opportunities at the lower levels of baseball and his battle with finding a paycheck (8:35), while leaning on his greatest asset and support through this trying time in his wife, who also happens to be pursuing her life’s passion (12:40). Jeremy gets into the support and advice he has received at this juncture within his life (16:17), the role Major League Baseball has played for individuals such as Jeremy recently (20:34), and how he feels about the chances he and other minor league players have been given (22:00). In the final parts of the discussion we hear how Baseball can sometimes create an environment that isn’t fun to be a part of (24:25), but the fact Jeremy is always able to find the fun for what he does when he is simply out there competing.
Keely Cat-Wells joins us on the show today to discuss her work as a disability activist in relation to her career role as the Founder & CEO of C-Talent, Zetta Studios and Zetta Finance. Keely got her start in the competitive world of the arts as both a dancer and actress in England and was on a path to great success until an illness derailed her progress and she found herself suffering with a now life-long disability.
Her story is one of incredible spirit and real life examples of overcoming true hardships, while managing to always learn from her adversities to then be able to grow as an individual from them. A true competitor in every sense of the word, Keely has now found a career for herself where she is able to remain involved with the world she fell in love with as an actress, but she is able to do so while remaining true to her passion of advancing the awareness for opportunities for the disabled within the industry.
We hear about Keely’s childhood and her eventual commitment to the arts as an actress and dancer, and how she found incredible success early in her career (5:30). We also learn about her mindset towards how she established her attitude toward herself as an actress and the importance of avoiding trying to become a perfect version of yourself by analyzing achievements made along the way (13:00). Keely provides some difficult truths about the development of her disability (15:30), as well as what the transition was like in going from an able-bodied person to disabled (19:10). Finally, we learn about what Keely has done with her companies today and the amazing ways in which she uses her experiences to coach her clients through hardships on their way to success (24:00).
Rue Mapp, the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro joins the show today to discuss her career and the rise of her incredible organization from beginning as a passion project to becoming a national movement with 40,000+ members. As a competitor, Outdoor Afro has become the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature and Rue opens up on the origin and evolution of the company.
Following a career in corporate America, Rue opted to place herself into a field that she loved in the outdoors and built her passion project on the side while also gaining a competitive insight into the world that is outdoor recreation. Without ever losing sight of her desire to reach black men and women everywhere using her most authentic self, Outdoor Afro grew into an extension of Rue and allowed for total clarity in her mission to anyone and everyone that became affiliated with it.
We explore some incredible concepts within this discussion including; the therapeutic ways in which nature can help us all (5:15); how Outdoor Afro has not had to deter from its mission or identity during the difficult times in 2020 (8:55); the ways in which nature is able to act as an equalizer to all walks of life and backgrounds (10:55) and how “healing hikes” were born from this ideology (13:20). While learning about the history of Outdoor Afro and how it went from a passion project into a business (17:50), Rue also explains the ways in which she sees herself as a competitor (23:30) and how that has driven both her career and the company to historic heights. Rue sheds light on what she believes the future of Outdoor Afro looks like (30:50) and her big “Glamp In” Gala that will raise funds for the company happening online Saturday, September 12th(33:30).
On this very special bonus episode of Career Competitor we welcome back to the show highly acclaimed author and champion of women the world over, Samantha Ettus. Having closed our 10-part series on Women changing the World, Sam joins us to add her perspective to some of the key talking points from the series through expert explanations and some additional food for thought as well.
A former collegiate tennis player at Harvard, Sam graduated both undergraduate and business school from there before entering the business world where she has established her self as an author, media expert, and is flourishing today in her role as founder and CEO of Park Place Payments. Sam has been consistently associated with the advancement and celebration of women everywhere while doing all of her work in a relatable manner as she brings so many of her teachings back to her role as a wife and mother.
Within the episode, we firstly catch up with Samantha on how she has been doing through the pandemic within her role as CEO at Park Place (3:50) and some of the interesting experiences she is dealing with at home as a mom to three children (5:15). We then get into some dialogue specific to the past series on “women changing the world” and Sam provides insight on a number of topics including; what examples she had in her life of men being supportive to opportunities for her (6:57); how her “self-starter” mindset began during her time as an athlete and how it has stayed with her over the course of her career (9:28); traits amongst women that have motivated her to want to support them, resulting in the topics she focuses on within her books (13:01). We close out our discussion by learning more about the work Sam has going on now with Park Place Payments (16:58), as well as hearing some final thoughts on how women are doing in their roles as supporters for one another (20:22).
For the final episode of this series on Women changing the World, I welcome on Veronica Alvarez, the Head Coach for the women’s US National Baseball Team, a coach with the Oakland A’s, and also a Firefighter/Paramedic. Following a collegiate softball career, Veronica rediscovered the opportunity to play baseball and since then has been able to pursue the sport to a coaching level too. Her passion for the sport came from being born into it through her Cuban parents and upbringing within the city of Miami, FL. Veronica is clearly a woman changing the world considering how few women are represented as coaches within US men’s major sports; you realize quickly that this is someone who has had to work hard to get to where she is today, but her passion for what she does is the driving force behind her success.
We open up the interview gaining details on Veronica’s roles with both USA Women’s Baseball and the Oakland A’s (4:15), before then hearing about how she was born and raised into the sport down in Miami, Florida (5:43) by parents willing to let her pursue her passions. Veronica shares with us her experiences in and thoughts toward the sport of softball (7:10) and how she was able to rediscover the sport of baseball as an adult (10:00). Some of the great topics we discuss include; the women that were the trailblazers for the much greater group of women today that play baseball (14:00); how realistic a thought it was for a woman to one day coach in the MLB (17:00); the finite difference between coaching women and coaching men within the sport of baseball (21:47) and the pressure on women to take full advantage of the few opportunities they get in the sport (24:15); and what Veronica believes to be the potential for women everywhere today to make an impact and chase their true passions in life (34:32). Be sure to stick around the Career Competitor“Keys to Success” that summarize 3 great takeaways from the discussion (37:30)
I am joined by Associate Athletic Director at Tulane University, Monica Lebron who serves in a Chief Operating Officer role within the department, overseeing football and women’s basketball. A former collegiate softball player, Monica has moved through the ranks at various athletic departments to get to where she is today as she hones in on the ultimate role of athletic director one day. The great thing about her story is how she has always had the willingness to do the work as she views it as the enjoyable part of the process and is in no way a sacrifice. I see Monica as a woman changing the world thanks to her ability to always be influencing those she works with towards a team environment, and because of her efforts to advise those she oversees that still have their careers ahead of them. There will many, many people in the years to come that have Monica to thank for key insight they gained when first starting their journey.
Time
We first hear from Monica when she introduces herself and her role today there at Tulane in detail including some recent responsibilities she has inherited (4:43). She then tells us about the sport that she played, along with how her work experience in college highlighted to her what she would want to do for a career (7:41). Some of the professional approaches Monica believes in include making yourself available to provide advice on school, careers, and life to those you are responsible for (12:17), while recognizing those individuals might not that have the confidence to initiate communication; the role teams can play in the success of an institution in how you can feel supported during difficult times and have people championing your success (22:00); the importance of having role models and how they can sometimes come from close to home (30:15). Monica leaves us with her final thoughts on the keys to being successful (34:32) while Steve does the same following her in relation to his takeaways from the interview (36:00).
Today I welcome Alison Hadden to the show and she is a Marketing Executive with 20 years of highly competitive and successful experience across 3 different companies, where she has taken her athlete mindset and instilled it into her work and her teams in order to bring about the greatest results. Alison has also battled cancer over the last 2 years of her life and it is the work she is doing today with her “No time to Waste” project that is bringing to light the importance of living life to the fullest. Because of her competitive approach to life and her willingness to empower others, Alison is a woman changing the world 24 hours at a time and she delivers some truly impactful thoughts and lessons that we can all stand to do a better job of incorporating into our lives.
We open up the discussion by learning more about her Career and evolution from sales up to establishing herself as a marketing executive (6:45), while emphasizing the ways in which she has remained true to an athlete mindset. We then discuss how prioritizing the company or team over the role itself when it comes to your career can be the better choice, and the importance of the culture you are working within (13:00). Alison then shares her personal story regarding the last 2 years of her life and her battle with cancer (18:25), but also the ways in which her mindset towards life has allowed her to attack the adversities within it (22:25). Learning about how Alison implements the mindset of controlling what is within her control and remaining in the present (24:30) is just part of the message that she is sharing on her public platform to highlight the need to live life like there is no time to waste (28:45). Be sure to listen into the conclusion of the episode to learn more about Alison’s “No time to Waste” project (36:00) and Steve’s “Key’s to Success” (38:30)
On this episode I welcome Shikha Uberoi Bajpai, a former professional tennis player who has worked her way to the position of President at Indi after more than a decade in the media and entertainment industry. Her mission throughout her life has been to change the world she both comes from and is a part of, and because she realizes the incredible opportunities that have been provided to her, she has already compiled quite a resume to prove as such. Shikha is a woman changing the world thanks to her desire to deliver new perspectives and technologies across a variety of platforms.
Hear about the role Shikha is in today (5:40) and her career as a highly world ranked tennis player (7:24). We then discuss the conflicting world she was once living in as she balanced life as a teenager, tennis star, student, and career driven individual (10:02). In addition, we cover topics such as; what it was like to be a college Sophomore at 27 years old and starting her education and career much later in life (13:20); her first major opportunities in media and entertainment (17:20); some of the flagship work she was responsible for (22:30); and the way playing tennis to such high levels taught her how to handle rejection and defeat in a way that it did not deter her from her mission (26:00). Finally, we hear about the transition from media professional to her role with Indi today (27:53), along with the exciting things happening with Indi in the immediate future and the ways she is allowing her personality and traits to impact their mission (31:30). Finishing out the episode you will also hear Steve’s Keys to success (37:00).
On this episode I have the honor of speaking with the first woman to coach within the NFL, Dr. Jen Welter, who within her book – “Play Big; Lessons in being Limitless from the first woman to coach in the NFL” – covers the many truths behind her experiences within historically male sports. Jen has used her challenging and inspiring experience on route to becoming the first woman to achieve such stature to empower her and the actions of so many she has come across. Whether it be in her playing career, her coaching career, her work as a motivational speaker, or most recently as the author of children’s books, Dr. Welter is a Woman changing the World through her willingness to go and achieve things that no women have done before.
Dr. Jen Welter provides an in-depth account of her upbringing in relation to her family life as her greatest mentor – her father – shaped her entire mentality as an athlete and today as a working professional. She also discusses her football career and the constant feeling of not being appreciated within the women’s game, but never allowing that to extinguish her passion for the sport she loved (5:38 – 12:24). Jen discusses how her opportunity came about to coach within the men’s game, as well as the level of appreciation she has for the men that treated her as an equal and provided her with the opportunities to play and coach within the men’s game (14:30 – 21:00). Finally, we go into some great dialogue on the power that emotion can have within a leadership role and the importance that interpersonal communication plays in building rapport with those you are responsible for (22:20 – 29:50).
I am joined by Meredith Huck who is the Director of Channel Partnerships with The Mom Project and heralds from my Alma Mater of NC State University where she played the sport of Soccer. Meredith’s story highlights the power of knowing your value and the impact you can then have on the areas you work in. This also happens to be a big part of the mission at the Mom Project as well as they encourage and empower people everywhere to go and pursue opportunities that maybe they themselves never thought they were worthy of competing for. Meredith (along with so many others at the Mom Project) is yet another woman changing the world as she supports and facilitates so many Mom’s, women, and people everywhere to pursuing their passions and finding opportunities that best fit their lives.
Meredith introduces herself to the show through her role today (5:27) and how the sport of soccer brought out her greatest characteristics growing up (6:53). We cover a variety of topics within the interview including how long it took for her to realize how soccer traits could be used in her career (9:13); the true struggle that comes with trying to “let go” of your former sport identity and the way she established her identity after soccer (13:47); the mission and history of “The Mom Project” (17:46); the endless ways in which the company is representing people that come to the company both as an employee and as a client (24:07); how Moms have the ability to be their optimal self within both their personal life and career thanks to the Mom Project (27:47); Meredith’s personal ethos when it comes to making the most of opportunities when they come your way (31:16); and our Career Competitor “Keys to Success” (33:42).
On this episode I had the fortune of speaking with the commissioner of the West Coast Conference, Gloria Navarez who is the first Latin American Woman to achieve the title of commissioner within a Division 1 NCAA conference. It is evident throughout Gloria’s journey that she has paved her way to such historical highs thanks to her work ethic and her willingness to seize upon opportunities no matter how daunting a task it may have seemed to those around her. This is a Woman changing the World because she has proven time and time again that there is a place for women within every level of collegiate athletics, but more specifically, a place for diversity!
We open up the discussion with Gloria telling us about her role today (4:40) as well as her sport of choice growing up and through college (5:45). Gloria opens up about her philosophies on what playing sport growing up does for women in their careers (7:10) as well as when she realized how playing sport made an impact on her career (8:15). Other topics discussed include knowing your role and doing it to the best of your ability (9:15); the evolution of how careers for women have changed within college sports over her time within the profession (12:23); the ways in which she is doing for others now what leaders did for her coming up through her career (18:30); why diversity within the workplace should be paramount when it comes to having as many perspectives represented (21:05); how she and her conference are tackling some of the culturally relevant happenings going on within the country today (22:45); and the career competitor “keys to success” that Steve took from the interview (26:13).
I sit down with Vice President & General Manager at IDEA Fitness, Amy Thompson on this episode to learn about how her backgrounds within the sports of basketball and volleyball – along with a unique upbringing – shaped her into the ultimate career competitor. Amy has had a self-starter attitude from the outset of her 25-year career within the health and fitness industry and she is now fueled to impact as many professionals as possible thanks to her desire to provide purpose to others. A woman who refused to accept the obvious or easy job throughout her career, Amy is a woman changing the world thanks to the enormous network of health and fitness professionals around the globe she is able to influence today.
We learn all about Amy’s role today (5:04) and how she fell into the world of competitive sport (6:02) that led her to the career she has today. We learn firsthand about how her upbringing shaped the competitor she became and still is today (10:13); what the first opportunities looked like for a woman 25 years ago getting started in the health and fitness industry (14:10); how she was always willing to make opportunities happen for herself as a self-starter (17:04); the story of her career rise to the impactful role she holds today (20:22); the history of her leadership philosophy and how she conducts her many responsibilities as a leader today (23:50); how she recommends any person listening to approach a career that seems to not provide the opportunities you seek (30:45); the philosophy of IDEA Fitness that is incorporated around the world (34:19); and the career competitor keys to success (35:17).
Today I speak with Brianna Salvatore-Dueck who is a consultant for sports & entertainment at Nielsen, a Sports for Development Ambassador and a former professional basketball player. This episode brings to light the power Brianna has had on sports development on a global capacity as she has worked with organizations such as UNESCO on bringing the world closer together through the power of sport; when it comes to a “woman changing the world”, Brianna is working diligently towards doing that very thing!
We welcome Brianna to the show and immediately discuss her background within the sport of basketball (5:12) and what the process looked like for her when it came to pursuing the sport professionally (8:27). Some of the major talking points within the episode include how she dealt with figuring out when and the best ways to pursue her passions outside of basketball (11:00); the way the leaders she has had within basketball and her career have shown the power of transferable skills (13:55); the sinking feeling a former athlete can have sometimes of being behind in their career development due to the sacrifices made toward their sport (16:52); what Brianna is doing within her work within sports development (23:57) on a global scale, her keys to success for all women heading into a career (33:10) and of course the career competitor keys to success (35:15)
We open this series with the Senior Coordinator for Baseball Development, Player Programs, & Diversity at Major League Baseball, Liz Benn. When you talk about working within your passion, look no further than Liz as she fell in love with the sport of baseball at a young age and worked her way to where she is today by following her passion in life! Liz is a woman that is changing the world because she has established what the “glass ceiling” is for women everywhere within baseball, and continually smashes through it with every milestone she achieves within her career today.
Within this episode we welcome Liz (4:47) by learning all about what it is she is doing within her role today (5:32) and also learn all about her background as a baseball player (6:52) growing up in Canada. Some of the key talking points within the episode include when Liz first realized that as a woman she could have a future in this historically male-only sport (11:23); when she started to feel like women were getting more opportunities within MLB (13:50); the way she feels she was able to establish respect for herself within the game (19:22); the benefits she believes Major League Baseball get from having women involved within front offices; the responsibility within her job that she is most passionate about (26:47); and the Career Competitor “keys to success” that we took from the interview.
On the season finale we welcome on lifetime athlete, Jake Maulin who is the owner of Cycle Bar, Naples.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Jake and his team have not only strengthened their cycling community, they have grown it far beyond the geographic reach of the studio they are based at.
Jake has been an entrepreneur for over a decade and in that time he has educated himself on the multi-faceted world that is the Health & Fitness industry. He has done this through remaining honest with who he is and what he wants from this career at all times, while embracing the fact that at any time failure may come his way.
Jake opted to not let the limitations put onto his business due to CVOVID-19 be a reason to stop, he actually saw these parameters as something that he could not control and simply focused on accomplishing things he could control.
This episode provides some incredible content on the power of remaining true to your passions in life, allowing yourself to be vulnerable to failures, and making sure that you are always prioritizing the mission of your work to empower and strengthen the community that it exists within.
On this episode we welcome licensed family therapist and former collegiate Softball player, Sammy Jo Diffendaffer to discuss her journey from Walk On at Oklahoma State University to starting player at a College World Series.
As a mental health professional, Sammy is one of the many in her field that are currently having to work online to support so many people through the COVID-19 pandemic as we adapt to daily changes within our lives.
Specific to the episode, Sammy presents some excellent motivation into why we should always fight for ourselves and never back down to a challenge, no matter how bleak things may seem. She also offers a unique perspective for athletes on what they might need to do when transitioning into a field away from their sport.
Show Notes from this episode include; Sammy's experience with the competitive sport of Softball (6:47); the ability to not worry about what is fair and focus on what must be done (11:57); how we must not fear opportunities to assert ourselves (15:50); how we might need to "unlearn" a few things when we transition away from the life of an athlete (21:15); the process Sammy went through to establish her practice (23:33); finding the connections between Sammy the Softball player and Sammy the Therapist (26:10); the status of Mental Health within society today (29:13); and Steve's 3 "Key's to Success" that he took from Sammy's interview (33:16)
Former Football Player turned HR Professional, Butch Reiser joins us this week during these difficult times with so much uncertainty with employment. Butch is giving back 25 Years of hiring expertise with his company ALL PRO INTERVIEWS which he does in addition to his full time role as an HR Partner of Little Caesars.
Right now we are in a crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic and some of us are in situations where we are without work and in need of finding employment elsewhere. Within this interview we discuss how we need to believe in giving in order to receive and the importance of building enough respect through your actions before expecting your voice to be heard
WE WANT THIS EPISODE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO FIGHT FOR NEW CAREERS OR THE ONES THEY ARE IN AND TO HELP COACH THOSE GRADUATING SOON WITH PLANS FOR NEW CAREERS
This episode allows us all to gain fantastic insight from an expert in hiring and organizational structure on some key tips for succeeding within an interview and making a long term impact within your company!
We cover topics that include; learning how Football can in fact be a great sport for helping develop some of the key attributes for an HR Professional (5:52); dealing with the "hiring & firing"role that comes with working in HR (9:15); how Butch's daily purpose comes from wanting to "give back" to those he works with (12:24); tips on how to succeed within a job interview using the "5-Fingers" approach (13:26); big questions to prepare for when you enter an interview (16:32); Butch's experience working with athletes (18:50); how we can rely on one another during these uncertain times (21:30); how we can all benefit from recognizing the little victories each day (25:11); and my Career Competitor "Keys to Success" (27:28).
On this episode we welcome our latest Olympian in that of 3-time Olympic rower for Ireland, Gearoid Towey who today resides in Sydney, Australia as the founder of Crossing the Line and The Athletes Advantage, two companies that exist to service the personal development of current and former athletes.
Following a world-class rowing career that spanned 12 years at the highest level, Gearoid brings a perspective of someone that has dealt with the highs of achieving life-long goals while also having to embrace the greatest adversities that come with the expectation of being an ever-present at the highest level.
Furthermore, Gearoid walks us through the evolution of how his organizations came into existence because the very services he now provides were things he felt he needed upon retirement from sport that simply were not available. This episode highlights how he was very much a trailblazer in the support systems we now take for granted that are available to current and retired athletes, and it has so much to do with his initial vision 10 years ago.
We get tremendous insight into what it means to work within cycles and how to deal with the peaks and troughs that come along with that (7:12); what it looks like when we hit a mental wall so big that we require a complete change of environment to overcome it (10:32); how we can all gain clearer perspective on working efficiently towards goals by managing the intensity we work with (13:32); the ways in which the negative stigma that has been forever associated with admitting mental weakness is starting to lessen (24:32); and Steve’s 3 main lessons he took from the interview in the Career Competitor “Keys to Success” at the end of the show (28:30).
The work that Gearoid and his organizations are doing can be accessed through crossingtheline.com and theathleteadvantage.com and we encourage you to take the time and look into some of the great services they offer and the many ways you can in fact get involved.
We welcome former NBA player and 15 year pro of the sport of Basketball, Bracey Wright to the show. Having recently retired from the game in the past 12-months, he brings a unique perspective of dealing with his new career after a lifetime in his sport.
Trying to move on from sport is hard enough, but when you have spent every day of your life for 25 years (ages 10-35) chasing performance at the highest level, one can only imagine how difficult that moment must be when it is all gone.
For Bracey, he is an example of what can be achieved when you are willing to invest time in exploring yourself and working on establishing your purpose and identity away from the sport.
This has allowed him to move into a career now as a Personal Mastery Coach where he can help people establish the truest and most effective form of themselves using the very methods that have allowed him to get to where he is today.
You can also gain amazing insight into the way Bracey works through his website armanbraceycoaching.com and also on his podcast "House of Insight".
Some key topics within the episode include; where Bracey is with his career today (4:30); his Basketball journey (5:42); how he is remaining a competitive athlete even after retirement (10:05); how his most difficult transition was actually while still playing the game (12:12); how his greatest adversity allowed him to establish his "why" (16:12); how he realized it was time to retire once asking himself "what am I still chasing?" (19:42); defining basketball as his "creative expression" as opposed to identity (23:43); how he is using his approach and traits from basketball in his work now (26:37); my career competitor Keys to Success (30:05)
I welcome Air Force Reserve Officer and the current COO of Icon Source, Pace Stead to the show to have a discussion unlike any we have had before on Career Competitor.
The military is an area that I have always seen great parallels with in relation to the dedication and sacrifice that comes with sport, but obviously the military exemplifies this on all levels!
Pace's story offers such a unique insight into the power of leading by caring for others and why this allows for operations to run efficiently and effectively in the most intense environments.
We also learn all about Icon Source which is a platform that offers athletes the optimal levels for building their brand awareness, and brings multiple parties together so that everyone can benefit.
Within the interview we learn about what Pace is doing on behalf of the Air Force in the present day (3:26); his story of how he became involved with the Air Force and his career within it (4:55); how Operational Research is used in his work (9:30); the way leadership starts by taking an interest in every member of a team (12:12); the power of goal setting day-to-day as opposed to long-term (16:14); his belief in 2 people meeting half way to achieve the best result (18:57); what Icon Source is and the history of how he became involved (20:14); an amazing gesture he played a major part in for the Air Force graduating class (26:47); and my Career Competitor "Keys to Success"
You can learn more about Icon Source at Iconsource.com and reach out to Pace through LinkedIn by searching for "Pace Stead"
The show that seeks to light the competitive fire within you is only a download away. Be sure to subscribe so you can gain incredible insight into how best to optimize your competitive spirit within your career today
On this episode we speak with former Division 1 collegiate swimmer & swim coach, Christen Shefchunas about how she became "Coach Christen", The Confidence Coach after 2 decades as a swim coach.
Finding her true calling in this more mentoring role where she could reach more women has allowed her to work on helping women perform better under high-pressure situations, within the sports world and corporate America.
Within the episode we discuss the ways in which we are forced to juggle the role we play within a position as our career progresses (8:00); the importance of realizing your passion (16:50); how we must recognize the way "Fears" must be dealt with before we build confidence (20:25); the power of telling someone "I see you" when you realize they are struggling (22:15); the way pressure is also a factor to coach within the business room (23:50); a "confidence nugget" to help you approach a typical day (25:42); and my Career Competitor "Keys to Success" (30:15)
On this episode we sit down with our Entrepreneur expert, Raymond De Padua as he returns to the show to offer insight into the current career climate we find ourselves in due to the Corona Virus pandemic.
This former swimmer is accustomed to working within an environment where it feels like the finish cannot be seen and the future is unknown as he has been a part of a number of successful ventures that started from the ground up
Ray sheds light on some great mental approaches we can all have during this difficult time which include; the art of "pivoting" when others may have the desire to give up; leaning on teammates to help promote energy and purpose within you; and having a willingness to help others at all costs as we can all benefit in the future from the smallest gestures in the present.
This episode we welcome current NFL Wide Receiver and winner of Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, Bennie Fowler to the show. Bennie is also an in demand national speaker for kids & corporate America, while being a Best-Selling author of the book “Silver Spoon; The Imperfect Guide to Success”.
This unique episode gives us the opportunity to learn first hand how you can actively prepare for life after a sport while still a part of it. Bennie is all about getting people to understand that habits and attitudes are just as important traits for any person to have than the skills and drills they work on towards their profession.
Within our conversation we cover a number of topics including what Bennie believes the most valuable Principles of Leadership involve, how authenticity can be your greatest career asset, and why an “Earning” mindset can get you anywhere in life.
On this episode we welcome on 3-time Olympic Medalist & 9-time World Champion Swimmer, Katie Hoff to the show as we discuss her life after world class sport and the lessons both swimming and the time since then have taught her
With so much adversity in the world at the moment with people everywhere having to adapt to the restrictions put on their lifestyle from the COVID-19 Pandemic, Katie offers an insight into how she has embraced the most difficult times in her life by embracing the process because her goals meant enough to her.
Furthermore, we go into how it is important to never assume someone is not in need of your support when going through major transitions in life such as being forced to retire from their sport due to injury, or maybe having to start a new career due to unforeseen circumstances.
But no matter how difficult things can become, it is vital that we see these changes as new opportunities that must be seized upon, and Katie's story will show listeners that we must remain resolute during adversity when we are working towards the things that matter most.
We welcome Samantha Ettus to the show today to discuss how the former Tennis player and Harvard Business School Graduate is now implementing her "infectious" mindset and approach to her work across a variety of areas.
Most recently she has become the founder and CEO of Park Place Payments and is working towards providing opportunities to competitive people such as former athletes and parents who have spend time out of the workforce.
We discuss a wide variety of topics but key talking points include; finding fulfillment over happiness each day; embracing the need for daily structure; saying yes before saying no; and having the right people on your team.
We welcome Abdul Alzindani to the show who is a Former Long-Distance Runner who graduated from NC State University and has established himself as a Managing Partner at PTN Partners.
The relentless approach required for success in distance running is something Abdul highlights for his career progression and he sheds light on transitioning skills required when leaving your athlete life behind
We cover a range of topics including the importance of never fearing the road ahead, how Humility can be a Leader’s greatest tool, and why it is okay to accept that the athlete you once were still lives inside of you.
We welcome 2-time Olympian Myriam Glez to the show who is now the Founder & CEO of Athletes Soul. Having reached the highest levels in the sport of Synchronized Swimming, Myriam is now investing her time into a program that aids former athletes with the transition into the working world (Sound familiar?!)
We discuss how the transitions we face may challenge you, but how they also shape you in the process for future moments. We also establish what the power of respecting preparation can have on your career, while highlighting how a coach is not just required in your sport but that you can certainly utilize one in life as well.
On this episode we welcome Former Basketball player, Kody burke who was drafted to the WNBA out of college from NC State University and is now a Financial Analyst with Cisco
We discuss the benefits of remaining true to your authentic self and how that can present opportunities for you, while also putting your trust in others so as to succeed as a team
Kody also provides numerous examples of how you can reach the highest of levels in sport and your career by simply focusing on performing within the present and not allowing yourself to become anxious by what lies ahead.
We speak with former Skeleton Canadian National Team member, Cassie Hawrysh, now a Media and Communication Consultant about her rise to a world level in her sport of Skeleton and how she balanced it with her pursuit of building her career outside of sport.
As we further explore the popular topic of "branding" ourselves within our fields, this episode sheds light onto the power of persistence when chasing our dreams and how the support of those around you can facilitate your success.
Cassie provides some very honest insight into perspectives that can only be explained by those that have competed in sport to the level she has and the "authentic" nature of her story is something that should be appreciated and learned from.
On this episode I speak with Dr. Thomas Karam, a Senior Instructor within the Business School at Louisiana State University who specializes in Marketing and entrepreneurship at both the Undergraduate and MBA Level.
Tommy has experience teaching students the importance of likability and how we must all analyze how we are perceived, aka. our "Default Look". We also learn about the work Dr. Karam has done with athletes in coaching them up to better understand their brand so they can best represent themselves at the professional level.
This is a must listen for anyone looking to make some inroads within a career or for those feeling stuck in their development and want insight into jumpstarting their progress!
On this episode we speak with Sports Performance Consultant, Kathy Feinstein about her experience with both counseling children and their parents through sports performance anxiety, while also diving into how adults deal with transition and adversity in their lives.
Kathy leans on 2 decades of experience within the mental health field to provide a deeper understanding on the power of building relationships, the importance of embracing change, and how we can all focus on becoming the best version of ourselves through therapy.
This episode highlights many components of mental health and self care, and I encourage anyone listening who is struggling to listen to the messages here and either reach out to myself or a working professional like Kathy!
On this episode we speak with Natalie Saimeri who is an Identity Coach seeking to help people realize their truest forms and embrace the beauty in being themselves.
A Former collegiate gymnast, Natalie achieved All-American status and won National Team titles throughout college, but we learn about how dark and difficult life after elite sport can truly become, while discovering the value in the rise back up from the bottom
We cover how many of us are living life with a “mask” on and struggling to be our truest self due to influences like social media, but learn that there are steps to learning to love who we truly are!
On this episode we speak with Olympic Champion, Kaitlin Sandino on her incredible swimming career, the work she has done for the Jessie Rees Foundation using her platform as a role model for children, and also we learn about her new book, Golden Glow which is OUT NOW!
We get some unique takes from Kaitlin in regards to the way in which she pursued the ultimate goal of becoming an Olympic Champion, the way she has prioritized balance within her life since day 1, and her wonderful outlook on how we should all aspire to treat one another.
Be sure to go and learn more about Kaitlins' story by purchasing and reading her book, Golden Glow, which is available now from all major suppliers!
On this first episode of Season 3 I sit down with an old friend, Charlie Turner who, along with long time friend, Lee Forster have built Neat Nutrition - www.neat-nutrition.co over the past 4 years out of London, England.
Neat Nutrition has grown in an international company now as it has strong growth in Europe and has been steadily doing the same in the US for the past 6 months. The company represents a mission of living the best life you can and the role that nutrition can play in allowing you to be as active as possible.
Charlie & Lee are former British National Team Swimmers and their story is one that offers incredible insight into the troubles that come with starting any career after a life as an athlete, the identity struggles that one must deal with, and the need to find purpose in your life again.
Charlie and I cover some fantastic content regarding the rise of Neat Nutrition, the role that his elite level swimming has played in the companies success, and the many ways taking on a company has forced him to grow as a professional.
On the final episode of this series I speak with Colby Schinto who is a certified NBPA Agent at the young age of 26, making her the youngest ever woman to hold such a certification!
We discuss her story of the past 4 years where she left college and took advantage of the opportunities life presented her, experimented with a "safer" career choice, and then found clarity in her career when she realized what she truly wanted to do
This is a very relatable and insightful discussion for anyone either just leaving college and wondering what the next 4 years will look like, or for anyone who feels they may be in need of a career change.
On this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with 23 year old, Justin Volman who has built a global baseball scouting analytics company in just 3 years.
Once a standout Lacrosse player who saw his career cut short due to injury, Justins' story is one of a hardworking and motivated individual who was simply willing to do whatever it took to make his company a success.
One of the major talking points we cover is the value Justin puts on developing connections with people within your field, but also individuals that are simply a success story themselves that might be able to teach you a thing or two.
It is clear Justin will throw himself into any situation if it has the ability to either help his development or the future of Evolution Metrix!
On this episode I speak with Eric Smith, the Financial Literacy Coach who specializes in presenting to large groups the fundamentals to Financial Success for those who about to start earning on a larger scale.
A unique and selfless teacher, Eric provides a service to many soon-to-be-graduating student-athletes & professional athletes just earning money for the first time... and asks for nothing except their undivided attention in return!
We learn the value of establishing your "why" to help solidify what your passion in life is, how this can help you chase significance in what you do, and the importance of staying focused on your situation in life so as to best optimize your finances!