Built Not Born

Bestselling author Jon Gordon returns to Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team" - a book that took him 16 days to type but 54 years to write 📚. From his days as a Cornell lacrosse player to becoming one of the world's top leadership experts, Jon reveals the framework that transforms ordinary teams into extraordinary ones.

In this powerful episode, Jon shares the profound moment when his dying coach said "Teammates are forever" and how that revelation became the foundation for understanding what truly makes teams great. Discover why commitments matter more than goals, how to build unbreakable team bonds, and the secret to staying energized instead of drained by your work 💪.

Key Topics Covered: 🎯

• 🏆 The 7 Commitments that separate great teams from good ones
• 💥 Why commitments crush goals every time
• ❤️ The power of "Teammates are forever"
• 🎯 How to align your team around vision and mission
• 🔥 Why love drives grit and commitment drives greatness
• 🥊 Life as a series of sprints combined with a boxing match
• ⚡ How to stay energized instead of drained by your work

Jon Gordon is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant 🏆. Author of 32+ books including "The Energy Bus," "The Power of Positive Leadership," and "The Hard Hat," Jon has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, school districts, and nonprofits around the world 🌍.

His practical frameworks for building positive, high-performing teams have transformed organizations from the NFL to Fortune 500 boardrooms ✨

Key Quotes 💬

"Teammates are forever, Tim. Teammates are forever." 💫 - Coach Richie (Jon's Cornell lacrosse coach)

"Goals are great, but your goals will not take you to where you want to go. It's your commitments that will take you to your goals." 🎯 - Jon Gordon

"We don't get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it." 🔥 - Jon Gordon

"Commitment is really love in action." ❤️ - Jon Gordon

"Life is a series of sprints and a marathon combined with a boxing match. You're not just running, but you are getting hit along the way." 🥊 - Jon Gordon

[00:00] 🎬 Introduction and Jon's incredible writing journey 

[03:30] 💫 The profound "Teammates are forever" moment with Coach Richie 

[08:15] 🏆 Cornell lacrosse national championship connections and cosmic timing 

[12:45] 🎯 Why commitments crush goals - the dirty myth about goal setting 

[18:20] 📝 The powerful exercise: writing goals then ripping them up 

[22:10] 🔧 Which of the 7 commitments to start with as a leader 

[25:40] 🎯 Vision and mission: knowing where you're going and why 

[28:35] 🤝 Commitment to each other - having each other's backs 

[32:15] ⚡ Why some work energizes you while the same work drains you 

[35:50] 🥊 Life as sprints + boxing match - how commitments carry you through 

[38:45] ❤️ How love drives grit and commitment drives greatness 

[42:20] 🌟 Jon's mission: developing positive leaders worldwide 

[45:10] 📚 What's next: "The Energy Bus Rides Again" sequel teaser

• 📖 Book: "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team" by Jon Gordon
• 📚 Classic: "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon
• 🏆 Book: "The Hard Hat" by Jon Gordon
• 📝 Tool: 7 Commitments Checklist (available on Jon's website)
• 🎓 Program: Certified Positive Leader certification
• 🏆 Story: Cornell lacrosse national championship (21 years after George Barardi)
• 📖 Upcoming: "The Energy Bus Rides Again" (sequel)
• 📖 Upcoming: "The Power of Positive Habits"

• 💻 Website: JonGordon.com
• 🎓 Certification: Become a Jon Gordon Certified Leader
• 📸 Instagram: @JonGordon11
• 🐦 Twitter/X: @JonGordon11

Built Not Born explores how high achievers in business, sports, military, and life overcome obstacles to reach peak performance 🚀.

Hosted by Joe Ciccarone, each episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories from leaders who've built something extraordinary ✨.

Subscribe to Built Not Born: 📱

• 🍎 Apple Podcasts
• 🎵 Spotify
• 📱 YouTube

#JonGordon #7Commitments #TeamBuilding #Leadership #EnergyBus #PositiveLeadership #Goals #Commitments #TeamWork #Cornell #Lacrosse #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #Podcast #Motivation #Inspiration #TeamCulture #Vision #Mission #Grit #Love #Success #Mindset #PersonalDevelopment

Jon Gordon, 7 commitments great team, team building, leadership development, Energy Bus, positive leadership, commitments vs goals, team culture, vision and mission, teammate relationships, Cornell lacrosse, Built Not Born podcast, Joe Ciccarone, motivation, inspiration, team performance, leadership consultant, bestselling author, personal development, team dynamics, organizational culture

© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard joins Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "Taking Midway" and how he makes history as exciting as a spy thriller 🕵️‍♂️. From co-authoring 12+ books in The Killing Series with Bill O'Reilly to his solo Taking Series, Martin reveals his creative process for bringing pivotal moments in history to life ✨.

In this episode, Martin shares the incredible story of the Battle of Midway - the most decisive naval engagement of WWII that shifted global power from the British Empire to the American Empire 🌍. Discover the intelligence breakthrough that changed everything, the courage of pilots who knew they wouldn't survive, and why this battle saved democracy itself 🦅.

Key Topics Covered: 🎯

• ⚔️ The Battle of Midway: Why it was the turning point of WWII
• 🔐 Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's code-breaking breakthrough
• 👥 Admiral Nimitz vs. Admiral Yamamoto: Contrasting leadership styles
• 🌍 The "Europe First" strategy and its impact on the Pacific War
• 🎉 How Churchill celebrated Pearl Harbor (and why)
• ✍️ The creative process behind The Killing Series
• 📚 Making history accessible to casual readers
• 🔍 Research techniques for bringing historical moments to life

Martin Dugard is a New York Times bestselling author 12-13 times over 🏆 and co-author of The Killing Series, which has sold over 19 million books worldwide 📈. His solo work includes the Taking Series: Taking Paris, Taking Berlin, Taking London, and Taking Midway 🇺🇸. Martin describes himself as "a gateway drug for history's casual readers" and has mastered the art of making historical events as thrilling as modern spy novels 🎬.

"I don't have a research assistant, but I've got a really curious mind and it's like I just don't let go of a fact." 🧠 - Martin Dugard

"If we had lost [at Midway] and the Japanese had taken Midway, they would've been in a perfect position to launch a completely destructive second raid on Pearl Harbor... We would've been completely out of the war in the Pacific." ⚡ - Martin Dugard

"Those sailors, when they came home from the war, if they had seen what we have going on in our country right now, I think they would've been very disoriented. It is just weird to see history repeat itself." 🔄 - Martin Dugard

[00:00] 🎬 Introduction and Martin's incredible publishing track record

[05:30] 💡 How Martin developed his "gateway drug to history" philosophy

[12:15] 🤝 The creative process behind The Killing Series collaboration with Bill O'Reilly

[18:45] 🎉 Why Churchill was excited about Pearl Harbor

[25:20] ⚔️ The Battle of Midway: Most decisive naval engagement of WWII

[32:10] 🔐 Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's code-breaking breakthrough

[38:45] 😄 The "You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps" sign

[42:30] 📰 Censorship, propaganda, and the "ghost" USS Yorktown

[48:15] 👥 Admiral Nimitz vs. Admiral Yamamoto: Leadership styles compared

[52:40] 🌍 How Midway marked the end of the British Empire, birth of American Empire

[58:25] 🤔 Why some battles capture popular imagination (Pearl Harbor vs. Wake Island)

[65:10] 📚 Lessons from Midway relevant to today

[70:45] 🦅 The courage of torpedo bomber and dive bomber pilots

[75:20] ✍️ Martin's writing routine and research process

[80:15] 📖 Favorite books and Bruce Springsteen influence

• 📖 Book: "Taking Midway" by Martin Dugard
• 📚 Series: The Taking Series (Taking Paris, Taking Berlin, Taking London)
• 🔥 Series: The Killing Series (co-authored with Bill O'Reilly)
• 🏃‍♂️ Upcoming Book: "The Long Run" (April 2025) - About the running boom of the 1970s
• 🎬 Movie Reference: Pulp Fiction and the Wake Island watch story
• 🏢 Historical Location: Pearl Harbor code-breaking basement ("the dungeon")
• 🎵 Music: Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" album

• 💻 Website: MartinDugard.com
• 📸 Instagram: @authorMartinDugard
• 🐦 Twitter/X: @MartinDugard

Built Not Born explores how high achievers in business, sports, and life overcome obstacles to reach peak performance 🚀.

Hosted by Joe Ciccarone, each episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories from leaders who've built something extraordinary ✨.

Subscribe to Built Not Born: 📱

• 🍎 Apple Podcasts
• 🎵 Spotify
• 📱 Google Podcasts
• 🎧 All major podcast platforms

#MartinDugard #TakingMidway #BattleOfMidway #WWII #WorldWarTwo #KillingSeries #BillOReilly #History #HistoryBooks #PacificWar #AdmiralNimitz #NavalHistory #Codebreakers #Intelligence #Leadership #Courage #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #Podcast #NewYorkTimesBestseller #HistoricalNonfiction #AmericanHistory #PearlHarbor #NavySeals #MilitaryHistory

Martin Dugard, Taking Midway, Battle of Midway, WWII history, Killing Series, Bill O'Reilly, Pacific War, Admiral Nimitz, code breakers, naval battles, World War 2, historical nonfiction, New York Times bestseller, Built Not Born podcast, Joe Ciccarone, history books, military history, Pearl Harbor, American empire, British empire, torpedo bombers, dive bombers, courage in battle, historical research, making history accessible

© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast

Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

POWER QUOTE:

Jamie Cochran, Chief Operating Officer of Echelon Front, shares her incredible journey from working in higher education to becoming a leadership expert alongside Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Jamie he breaks down the core principles of Extreme Ownership and reveals how these battle-tested leadership concepts apply to business, family, and personal growth.

✅ How Jamie went from part-time admin to COO in 9 years using an "experiment mindset"

✅ The four core beliefs of leadership that transform organizations

✅ Why "Cover and Move" is really about building relationships and teamwork

✅ The power of the "Read Back" technique for clear communication

✅ How to master "Prioritize and Execute" when overwhelmed with multiple priorities

✅ Why Decentralized Command creates stronger leaders at every level

✅ The barriers to Extreme Ownership and how to overcome them

[00:01:45] 🎯 Jamie's journey from SDSU to Echelon Front COO

[00:06:30] 🧪 The "experiment mindset" - giving yourself one year to assess

[00:11:15] 👥 Leadership definition: "Any human being who interacts with other human beings"

[00:14:20] 🤝 Cover and Move - Building relationships through reciprocal trust

[00:19:45] 📝 Simple - The Read Back technique for clear communication

[00:24:10] 🎯 Prioritize and Execute - Detaching from emotions to see clearly

[00:29:35] 🚶 "Relax, Look Around, Make a Call" - The power of stepping back

[00:34:50] 👑 Decentralized Command - Empowering everyone to lead

[00:41:20] 💪 Extreme Ownership - The barriers and how to overcome them

[00:47:15] 👩‍💼 Women in leadership - Natural advantages and self-imposed barriers

[00:52:30] 🏔️ Hiking for mental clarity and detachment

[00:55:45] 🥋 Jamie's Jiu-Jitsu journey and earning her blue belt

[01:01:10] 💡 Final advice: "Stop making excuses and start taking ownership"

💬 On Leadership:

"Leadership is truly how we solve every single problem or challenge we face in our life, business, or in our personal lives. Leadership can guide us to solving those problems and challenges."

💬 On Taking Ownership:

"The reality is that fear is completely unfounded. If I give you two options of people to work with - one who casts blame and makes excuses, or someone who steps up and says 'This is my fault, here's how I'm gonna solve it' - anyone would rather work with the person taking ownership."

💬 On Communication:

"I wanna get a read back so that I can make sure I communicated effectively and I didn't miss anything important. When I put that on me and show them this is a test for me, if they can give me a read back and we are aligned, I can say go execute."

💬 On Detachment:

"Look for every opportunity in your day to detach. The better we get at detaching in the small, insignificant ways, the more equipped we're going to be to detach when the time comes where we have big problems we need to solve."

💬 On Creating Leaders:

"You are doing your team a disservice if you are not putting them in a position to lead. If you are not giving them those opportunities to solve problems, to come up with solutions, you are not creating a team that can function without you."

Jamie Cochran is the Chief Operating Officer at Echelon Front, where she has worked for 9+ years building the company alongside Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. She started in higher education at San Diego State University before joining Echelon Front in a part-time administrative role and working her way up to COO. Jamie specializes in teaching leadership principles to organizations worldwide and leads the Women's Leadership Assembly at Echelon Front.

#Leadership #ExtremeOwnership #EchelonFront #JockoWillink #LeifBabin #NavySEALs #WomenInLeadership #TeamWork #Communication #CoverAndMove #PrioritizeAndExecute #DecentralizedCommand #JiuJitsu #BJJ #MilitaryLeadership #BusinessStrategy #PersonalDevelopment #Ownership #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast

• Company: Echelon Front
• Book: "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• Book: "The Dichotomy of Leadership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• Training: Extreme Ownership Academy (free courses available)

👍 Like this video if you found value in Jamie's leadership insights!

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes with top performers and thought leaders

💬 Comment below with your biggest takeaway from this conversation

Connect with Jamie Cochran & Echelon Front:

• Website: EchelonFront.com
• On Line Academy: Extreme Ownership
• Book: "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• LinkedIn: Jamie Cochran (COO of Echelon Front)

Connect with Joe Ciccarone & Built Not Born Podcast:

• Website: www.BuiltNotBornPodcast.com
• Instagram: @JCiccarone
• LinkedIn: Joe Ciccarone

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu Connection

Jamie trains at Gustavo Machado's academy in Virginia Beach (Jocko's former instructor) and recently earned her blue belt. She discusses how Jiu-Jitsu reinforces leadership principles through humility, ego-checking, and present-moment focus.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Built Not Born Podcast.

Copyright © 2025 Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved.

💔 A Special Memorial Episode - Host Joe Ciccarone honors his father Francis, who passed away July 3rd, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. This deeply personal episode shares the life lessons, wisdom, and legacy of a Department of Defense Hall of Fame engineer who was the family's trusted advisor for 82 years.

• [0:00-2:30] 🕊️ Opening tribute and episode purpose
• [2:30-5:00] 👨‍💼 Francis's career: DOD Hall of Fame, Navy Yard, Pentagon meetings
• [5:00-8:00] 📝 Joe's Facebook tribute post (full reading)
• [8:00-12:00] 🤝 "The Consigliere" - Francis as family advisor and counselor
• [12:00-15:00] 🎤 The eulogy master - 25+ eulogies over 30 years
• [15:00-18:00] 📸 Magical moment: sharing 20 photos together
• [18:00-20:00] 🌺 The Hawaiian shirt story and promise
• [20:00-23:00] 🎓 POWERFUL: Career advice to grandson Luca
• [23:00-25:00] 🙏 Final reflections and gratitude

1. 🎤 Be a Good Public Speaker - Stand up, motivate people, be better than average
2. ✍️ Be a Good Writer - Craft emails, memos, connect on the page
3. 🤝 Be a Good Teammate - Share credit, show up when inconvenient
4. ⭐ Keep Your Nose Clean - High character attracts good people

• 💪 "Dad, thank you for leading the way"
• 🎯 "He didn't tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you had to hear"
• ✨ "There's moments of magic hidden in the hours of misery"
• 🏆 "Good people attract other good people"
• 🔥 "Life is built, not born"

• Legacy Building - How one person's wisdom impacts generations
• Grief & Growth - Finding meaning in loss and celebrating life
• Family Values - The importance of being present and honest
• Career Excellence - Timeless advice for professional success
• Character Matters - Why integrity defines your reputation
• Community Support - How people show up during difficult times

grief, loss of parent, father tribute, life lessons, career advice, family legacy, memorial podcast, Department of Defense, character building, public speaking, teamwork, writing skills, end of life, cancer journey, eulogy, family values

🎧 This episode will resonate with anyone who has lost a parent, seeks career guidance, or wants to understand what it means to live with character and purpose.

🕊️Francis Silvio Ciccarone - March 26, 1943 to July 3, 2025 🕊️

The ultimate NFL & College Football insider joins Built Not Born for an incredible conversation.

Michael Lombardi, 3x Super Bowl winning GM who now serves as General Manager at the University of North Carolina working alongside the legendary Coach Bill Belichick.

Originally aired in September 2022 - a classic episode worth revisiting as Lombardi's insights remain as relevant as ever.

In this episode, GM Michael Lombardi takes us behind the scenes of his legendary NFL career, sharing untold stories from his time with coaching legends Bill Walsh, Al Davis, and Bill Belichick. From discovering Hall of Fame talent like Charles Haley to building Super Bowl dynasties, this is the football masterclass you've been waiting for.

🔥 What You'll Discover:

• How a kid from Ocean City, NJ became one of the NFL's most respected executives
• The real story behind the West Coast Offense creation (hint: it wasn't in San Francisco!)
• Inside stories of Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and NFL legends
• Why leadership beats organization every time
• The genius scouting methods that found hidden gems
• How Stoic philosophy conquered the NFL (Big thanks to Lombardi!)
• What's wrong with modern NFL coaching and player evaluation

[0:00-5:00] From Jersey Shore to NFL Dreams

• Growing up in Ocean City, New Jersey
• Valley Forge Military Academy transformation
• Following Bruce Springsteen's advice to "chase your dreams"

[5:00-15:00] The Bill Walsh Era - 49ers Dynasty Begins

• Becoming Walsh's right-hand man in 1984
• Driving the legendary coach around San Francisco
• Behind-the-scenes of the West Coast Offense creation
• EXCLUSIVE: How the offense was actually developed in Cincinnati, not San Francisco

[15:00-25:00] Scouting Genius - Finding Charles Haley

• The epic story of discovering the future Hall of Famer
• Why one play on film convinced Bill Walsh immediately
• The art of NFL scouting in the 1980s

[25:00-35:00] The John Taylor "Phantom Injury" Story

• How Lombardi saved a career with creative roster management
• Taylor's journey from practice squad to 3x Super Bowl champion
• Why patience and development matter in team building

[35:00-50:00] Al Davis and the Raiders Culture

• Learning from "The Last Maverick" of football
• Davis's legendary work ethic and attention to detail
• Why Davis would hang up with his famous "Oh, f*ck!" when disagreeing

[50:00-70:00] Bill Belichick - The Early Years

• First meeting with Belichick in Cleveland (1991)
• The mysterious "mission statement" paper Lombardi will donate to the Hall of Fame
• How Belichick developed "confidence without evidence"
• The Eric Metcalf punt return mastery story

[70:00-80:00] Bringing Stoicism to the NFL

• How Lombardi introduced "The Obstacle Is The Way" to the league
• Why Marcus Aurelius = Bill Belichick
• The book that changed NFL culture forever

[80:00-95:00] Modern NFL Analysis

• Why the fullback disappeared (and won't return)
• The evolution of the safety position
• Why computers will never replace play-calling intuition
• The "Middle Eight" - how games are won in crucial moments

[95:00-105:00] Personal Philosophy & The Daily Coach

• Partnership with George Raveling
• Daily writing routine and journaling practice
• Values passed to children and grandchildren
• Bruce Springsteen inspiration

Michael Lombardi is one of the most accomplished executives in NFL history:

• 3x Super Bowl Champion (1984, 1988, 1989 with 49ers; 2001, 2003, 2004 with Patriots)
• Current GM at University of North Carolina Football (working with Bill Belichick)
• Former NFL Executive: 49ers, Raiders, Browns, Eagles, Patriots
• Bestselling Author: "Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL"
• Co-Founder: The Daily Coach (with George Raveling)
• Media: VS Network host and columnist

• "Gridiron Genius" by Michael Lombardi - Available everywhere books are sold
• Football Done Right: by Michael Lombardi  - Lombardi's latest work on coaching trees and top 100 NFL players
• The Daily Coach - Daily leadership and wisdom content (thedailycoach.com)

This isn't just another football interview - it's a masterclass in excellence from someone who helped build multiple dynasties. Whether you're interested in:

• NFL Strategy & Analytics
• Leadership Development
• Team Building
• Sports History
• Championship Mindset

Lombardi delivers insights you literally cannot get anywhere else.

• NFL fans and fantasy football players
• Business leaders and entrepreneurs
• Coaches at any level
• Sports history enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in championship culture and winning mindset

Michael Lombardi:

• The Daily Coach: [thedailycoach.com]
• Twitter / X : @MLombardiUNCGM

Michael Lombardi, Bill Belichick, UNC Football, NFL GM, Super Bowl, 49ers, Patriots, Bill Walsh, Al Davis, West Coast Offense, NFL Draft, Football Strategy, Gridiron Genius, The Daily Coach, Leadership, Championship Culture, NFL History, Tom Brady, Joe Montana

#MichaelLombardi #BillBelichick #UNC #NFL #SuperBowl #Football #Leadership #GridironGenius #49ers #Patriots #BillWalsh #AlDavis #NFLDraft #TheDailyCoach #ChampionshipMindset #NFLHistory #FootballStrategy

"We reward people for how busy they are... 'I was triple booked, I had 13 meetings today.' I don't care. What I care about is: can you draw a straight line from any of those activities to the outcome you're actually responsible for?" - Kyle McDowell

After 30 years climbing the corporate ladder to manage 15,000+ employees and billions in P&L, Kyle McDowell discovered something that changed everything: the most toxic workplaces weren't broken by accident—they were built that way.

Best selling author Kyle McDowell reveals the 10 principles that transformed a failing 7-billion-dollar government program into a powerhouse of excellence and how these strategies became the foundation for his USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling book "Begin with We."

[00:00] 🎸 Pearl Jam bonding & Philly sports culture

[04:30] 📈 Kyle's 30-year corporate journey from cubicle to C-suite

[08:15] 💔 The toxicity breaking point that changed everything

[12:45] 🎯 Defining "Culture of Excellence" (Personal + Professional + Corporate goals)

[18:20] 🔬 The MIT study: Why 30 million people really quit their jobs

[22:30] 🌟 THE 10 PRINCIPLES DEEP DIVE BEGINS

[23:00] ✅ Principle #1: We do the right thing, always

[26:15] 👑 Principle #2: We lead by example

[29:30] 🤝 Principle #3: We say it, then do it

[32:45] ⚡ Principle #4: Taking action > being idle

[36:00] 🎯 Principle #5: We own our mistakes

[39:15] 🤜🤛 Principle #6: We pick each other up

[43:30] 📊 Principle #7: Outcomes > activity (the meeting trap!)

[48:45] 💬 Principle #8: We challenge each other diplomatically

[53:00] 🚀 Principle #9: We embrace challenge

[56:30] 📚 Book recommendations that changed Kyle's life

[59:45] 🏃‍♂️ The daily sweat rule & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu philosophy

[62:15] 🎯 Lightning round: Ray Dalio, radical transparency & tattoo philosophy

If your team is running in different directions, you're not leading—you're managing chaos.

Stop rewarding activity over outcomes. Being "triple-booked" isn't impressive—it's inefficient. Ask yourself: can you draw a straight line from this meeting to an actual outcome you're responsible for?

Toxic leaders create toxic leaders. When someone sees their boss taking credit and focusing only on personal advancement, they replicate that behavior. One authentic leader can break this cycle and create momentum in the opposite direction.

Challenges must be grounded in data OR experience—not just opinions. Create an environment where challenges flow omnidirectionally: peer-to-peer, team-to-boss, boss-to-team.

Stop asking people to be someone different at work. When you filter out authenticity, you lose diverse perspectives and end up with vanilla environments where the best ideas don't win.

• 🔢 30 million profiles analyzed in MIT study on why people quit
• 💰 7 billion dollar government program Kyle transformed
• 👥 15,000 employees under Kyle's leadership at peak
• 🎸 105 Pearl Jam shows attended (because priorities!)
• 📚 2 bestseller lists hit by "Begin with We" right out of the gate

Kyle's 30-year Pearl Jam journey mirrors his leadership evolution—from solo focus to community building. There's something profound about a guy who's been to 105 shows understanding the power of "we."

If you're tired of toxic workplace culture, endless meetings that accomplish nothing, or teams where politics trump performance, this episode is your roadmap out. Kyle proves that authentic leadership isn't just feel-good fluff—it's a competitive advantage that drives real results.

🌐 Website: kylemcdowellinc.com

📱 Social Media: @KyleMcDowellInc (All platforms)

📖 Book: "Begin with We" (Amazon)

💼 LinkedIn: Kyle McDowell Inc

Kyle personally responds to every message from listeners—hit him up with your leadership challenges!

leadership development, workplace culture, toxic workplace, corporate culture, team building, authentic leadership, employee engagement, management principles, organizational excellence, business leadership, culture transformation, workplace toxicity, leadership principles, team performance, corporate transformation

Featuring real conversations with successful entrepreneurs and leaders who share the unfiltered truth about building something meaningful. No corporate speak, no fluff—just practical wisdom you can use. "Every Day People, Remarkable Lives."

Subscribe and never miss an episode! 🔔

© 2025 Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This episode content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Built Not Born Podcast or its host.

In Built Not Born Episode 166 - We DIVE deep with Steve Hordinski, a 4th-degree black belt under Master Carlos "Caique" Elias and owner of the Katharo Training Center in Colorado.

Steve is a veteran US Navy diver and shares wisdom about BJJ principles, grip fighting his teaching methodology and hard lessons learned from training with the legendary founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu - Helio Gracie.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to BJJ, Steve's insights on longevity, mental toughness, and the evolution of BJJ will transform your approach to the art.

• 🥋 [00:00] Introduction to Steve Hordinski, 4th-degree black belt under Master Kaiki
• 🌊 [03:12] Steve's Navy diving career - underwater leverage & challenges
• 🧨 [08:45] The World War II bomber recovery mission in Palau
• 💪 [12:20] Life lessons from Navy diving: "Discipline takes you far, mental toughness takes you further"
• 👨‍🏫 [15:40] Training with Helson and transitioning to Master Kaiki
• 🇧🇷 [19:25] Experience training with Helio Gracie in Brazil
• 🔄 [23:50] The old school BJJ survival approach vs. modern leg lock game
• 📊 [26:15] The four major principles Steve lives by in his BJJ
• 🤝 [29:30] The grip fighting game: "Everything bad happens when you don't control hands"
• 🧠 [31:45] Steve's three concepts of grip fighting that changed his game
• 🧘‍♂️ [36:10] Training strategies for longevity and injury prevention
• 👥 [39:45] Choosing the right training partners as you age
• 🏆 [41:20] The one lesson Steve wants everyone to take away: "Develop toughness"
• 🔍 [43:30] Closing thoughts: "Control and efficiency - that's Jiu-Jitsu"

1. Navy Diving Philosophy: Steve's experience as a Navy diver taught him that mental toughness exceeds discipline in importance for long-term success.
2. The Four BJJ Principles: Steve governs his jiu-jitsu by four key principles:

• Leverage over strength (but use strength at the end of the lever)
• Timing over speed
• Natural body movements/flexibility
• Street effectiveness (blocking punches also blocks grips)

1. Grip Fighting System: Steve breaks down his revolutionary approach to grip fighting into three concepts:
2. Training for Longevity: Incorporate Buddha Con movements (jiu-jitsu + yoga), meditation, hot yoga, and targeted strength conditioning to stay on the mats longer.
3. Mental Toughness: The key to longevity in BJJ isn't talent or physical attributes, but developing mental grit and perseverance.

• Instagram: @SteveHordinski
• Kotharo Training Center (Littleton, Colorado)

#BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #GripFighting #NavyDiver #HelioGracie #Kaiki #JiuJitsuWisdom #MentalToughness #GroundControl #BuiltNotBorn #CombatSports #GrapplingTips #BJJLifestyle #JiuJitsuJourney #BJJLongevity #GripGame #BJJWisdom #JiuJitsuPrinciples #JoeCiccarone #Philly #BJJ #SteveHordinski

Kathryn Gordon is the co-author of the bestselling book "Relationship GRIT" and wife of best selling author Jon Gordon.

Kathryn discusses her candid journey of nearly 30 years of marriage.

Using remarkable vulnerability, Kathryn reveals the framework that helped her and Jon overcome significant challenges and build a thriving relationship that's stood the test of time.

[EMBED PLAYER HERE]

• [00:03:15] 👋 Kathryn introduces herself and her journey from behind-the-scenes supporter to author and entrepreneur
• [00:06:40] 💘 The unexpected and persistent way she and John met (and almost didn't meet!)
• [00:11:20] 💔 Early marriage challenges and how they navigated having children while building businesses
• [00:15:30] 🧠 Introduction to the G.R.I.T. framework: God, Resolve, Invest, Together
• [00:18:45] 💯 Why perfect-looking couples often end up divorced
• [00:21:10] ⚖️ Why you shouldn't keep score in your relationship
• [00:24:30] 👏 The transformative power of complimenting your partner
• [00:28:15] 💪 Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses
• [00:32:40] 🗣️ Why "where there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it"
• [00:35:50] 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of regular family team meetings
• [00:39:20] 🚶‍♀️ Why walking together transforms difficult conversations
• [00:43:15] 🎢 Kathryn's one lesson for listeners: "Relationships are like riding a rollercoaster"

• G - God: Putting faith at the center of your relationship
• R - Resolve: Commitment to work through challenges instead of walking away
• I - Invest: Continuously investing time and energy in your relationship
• T - Together: Making decisions and facing obstacles as a united team

• Don't keep score - relationships have seasons where give and take naturally fluctuate
• Compliment each other regularly - even (especially) when you don't feel like it
• Focus on strengths, not weaknesses - appreciate what your partner excels at
• Communicate expectations clearly - don't expect mind-reading
• Have regular family/couple team meetings
• Walk and talk - side-by-side communication reduces confrontation

"Relationship GRIT: A True Story with Lessons to Stay Together, Grow Together, and Thrive Together" tells Kathryn and Jon Gordon's journey through struggles with money, parenting disagreements, and communication breakdowns to a thriving 28-year marriage. The book provides practical tools for couples to strengthen their relationship.

• Instagram: @KathrynGordon
• Website: KathrynForReal.com
• Podcast: Kathryn For Real
• Publishing: GordonPublishing.com

• Built Not Born Podcast (128) - Jon Gordon - The Power of Positivity
• Jon Gordon - Catherine's husband and 17-time bestselling author
• "Relationship GRIT" - Katherine and John's co-authored book
• Gordon Publishing - Kathryn Publishing Company

#RelationshipAdvice #MarriageTips #RelationshipGRIT #KathrynGordon #JonGordon #CommunicationSkills #HealthyRelationships #MarriageGoals #CoupleGoals #RelationshipPodcast #RelationshipHelp #BuildNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #Podcast #Relationships #marriage #EnergyBus #Communication

Copyright © 2025 Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved.

In this week's conversation, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Stephen Marche, acclaimed Canadian writer and cultural commentator whose work appears in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times.

Stephen shares insights from his book "On Writing and Failure," discussing the inevitable struggles of the creative process, the realities of rejection, and why perseverance might be the only thing that truly matters.

02:15 - Introduction to Stephen Marche and his diverse writing career 🖋️

04:30 - The power of short-form books and the Voltaire quote about pocket pamphlets 📖

07:10 - "The first job of a writer is to write. The second is to persevere." 💪

09:45 - Herman Melville's tragic story: how Moby Dick sold fewer than 400 copies 📚

12:30 - James Joyce couldn't even get hired to teach English as a second language 😮

15:20 - "Trying to find fulfillment in writing is like trying to learn how to fly by jumping off a cliff" 🧠

17:40 - Anne Frank's diary was rejected 15 times by publishers 📝

19:25 - The gap between intention, action, and consequence in creative work ⏳

22:10 - Why success is temporary and often disconnected from quality of work 🏆

24:30 - Margaret Atwood's story about still feeling insecure despite enormous success 🌟

26:15 - Depression as an occupational hazard in writing careers 😔

28:45 - "The quality of your writing has very little effect on the success of your career, but it's the only thing that matters" 💯

31:20 - Stephen's experience writing for Esquire and the intensive editorial process 🔍

35:10 - Why there's no such thing as required reading 📚

37:40 - Cormac McCarthy didn't sell more than 5,000 copies until he was 60 📖

41:35 - Stephen's writing routine: sleep as a creative superpower 💤

46:20 - The myth of alcohol fueling creativity 🍺

48:50 - Stephen's one lesson for aspiring writers 🎯

50:15 - Current projects and spending a day with Shakespeare 🎭

Stephen Marche is a Canadian writer, cultural commentator, and novelist. His work regularly appears in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. With a PhD in Shakespeare studies, Marche brings both scholarly depth and journalistic clarity to his writing. His book "On Writing and Failure" offers a realistic look at the creative process, highlighting the struggles of famous writers throughout history while providing insight on perseverance in the face of rejection.

• Success and quality are often disconnected in the writing world - Moby Dick, now considered a masterpiece, sold fewer than 400 copies in Melville's lifetime
• Depression should be treated as an occupational hazard for writers
• The struggle doesn't end with success - even legendary writers like Margaret Atwood still experience insecurity
• Sleep and proper self-care are crucial for creative productivity
• The myth of alcohol fueling creativity is contradicted by the actual work of famous "drunk" writers
• Understanding that struggle is the permanent condition of writing, not a phase that precedes success
• The only thing that is permanent is change.

• Twitter: @StephenMarche
• Website: StephenMarche.com

• "On Writing and Failure: Notes to Writers" by Stephen Marche
• "Reality Hunger: A Manifesto" by David Shields
• "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy

#OnWritingAndFailure #CreativeProcess #WritingLife #StephenMarche #AuthorInterview

#WritingTips #LiterarySuccess #CreativePersistence #WriterStruggle #CreativeResilience

#PublishingReality #WritersJourney #CreativeCareer #AuthorAdvice #WritingCommunity

#JoeCiccarone #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #Philly #Toronto #MargaretAtwood #Failure

In this entertaining and inspiring episode, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Tim Conniff, who transitioned from being a healthcare sales director to a full-time stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. Tim shares his remarkable journey from bombing a college speech to becoming a successful comedian, proving it's never too late to try something new.

01:45 - Introduction to Tim Conniff and his multiple roles in life 🙋‍♂️

03:20 - Tim's first experience with public speaking in college and how badly it went 😅

05:10 - The 30-year gap between Tim's first comedy experience and his return to the stage 📅

08:15 - How Tim's son quitting basketball opened up time for him to pursue comedy 🏀

10:30 - The moment Tim had his "I can do that" realization at a local comedy club 💡

12:45 - Tim's rapid rise in comedy: from open mic to hosting shows in just six months 🚀

15:20 - The challenge and rewards of being a "clean" comedian in today's landscape 🧼

18:40 - Tim's creative process for writing and refining jokes 📝

21:15 - The structure of jokes and how comedians work to get laughs every 6-15 seconds ⏱️

23:30 - How Tim balances his corporate career with his comedy pursuits 💼

25:45 - Tim's keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" and its message 🎤

27:10 - The powerful question: "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" 🤔

29:45 - Tim's experience performing for patients with traumatic brain injuries 💪

32:20 - Simple ways to get out of your comfort zone that anyone can try 🌱

35:10 - Tim's personal practices for clearing his mind (running and hot yoga) 🧘‍♂️

38:40 - The ONE lesson Tim hopes listeners take away 🔑

40:15 - Fun closing questions: dream day with Zig Ziglar or Jim Rohn 🌟

Tim Conniff is a former sales director for a large healthcare company who now focuses full-time on his work as a stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. After rediscovering his passion for comedy in 2022, Tim quickly rose from open mic performer to hosting shows and delivering paid gigs across the Philadelphia area. His keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" combines clean comedy with inspirational messages about challenging yourself and trying new things.

• It's never too late to try something new - Tim started his comedy career in earnest at middle age
• Having an "I can do that" moment instead of saying "I could never do that" can change your life
• The iterative process is crucial - in comedy, sports, or any skill, you improve through consistent practice
• Clean comedy creates more opportunities and challenges you to be a better writer
• Getting out of your comfort zone leads to growth, new opportunities, and a more fulfilling life
• When you help enough people get what they want, you'll get what you want (Zig Ziglar)

• Website: TimConniff.com
• Instagram: @TimConniff
• LinkedIn: Tim Conniff

#StandUpComedy #ComfortZone #PersonalGrowth #SalesLeadership #PublicSpeaking#CleanComedy #KeynoteSpeaker #GrowthMindset #ToastMasters #CorporateHumor #TryNewThings #LifeLessons #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMatters #JoeCiccarone #BuiltNotBorn #Comedy #StandUpComedy