Ever feel like you’re doing everything right…and STILL not getting the results you want?

I’m talkin’ late nights. Early mornings. Grinding harder. Stacking to-do lists like trophies. And yet…the outcomes? Crickets.

If you’re anything like me — or the elite athletes and executives I help — you’ve been trained to fix that by doing what you’ve always done: Push. Even. Harder. Why? Because that’s what we were taught as athletes…

Perform. Produce. PROVE your worth.

But what if I told you striving might be your default...but it’s TRUST that gives you your real performance upgrade?

The real truth: constantly grinding isn’t grit — it’s a coping mechanism.

And all that stress you’re pushing through? It’s hijacking your brain, killing your clarity, and quietly sabotaging your peak state. That’s why this week’s 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show is one you can’t afford to miss. 

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why working harder when you're already maxed out could be the very thing blocking your breakthrough
• The neuroscience behind how performance pressure hijacks your brain and kills clarity
• A biblical strategy to shift from striving to trusting — without sacrificing your drive
• How Ezekiel’s obedience in a valley of dry bones reveals the secret to supernatural momentum
• A 3-step Drill to reset when your grind isn’t producing results
• How grace-based effort becomes your competitive edge when rooted in trust, not hustle

Key Quotes

• “This Drill isn’t about doing nothing…it’s about doing the right thing — partnering with God’s power instead of forcing results in your own power.” - J.R.
• “Working even harder when you’re already busting your tail often has diminishing returns…it often leads to worse results — because the stress in your system is hijacking your brain.” - J.R.
• “God’s grace doesn’t eliminate your discipline. It energizes it with more of HIS power.” - J.R.
• “Stop carrying what only God was built to hold.” - J.R.

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You ever feel like your influence isn’t landing?

You’re showing up… saying all the right things… bringing the energy…

But somehow, it’s all falling flat. People aren’t fazed. Let’s call it what it is — you don’t need to be louder. You need to go deeper.

This is exactly why I brought back Retired Green Beret, Scott Mann, and Serial Entrepreneur & Business Coach, Chris White, to the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show. Scott spent decades building trust in combat zones — where influence was literally the difference between his life or death. Chris has coached hundreds of leaders in business — where deals are lost every single day over lack of connection.

Both Scott and Chris agree: You don’t own the room because of what you say. You own the room when you connect with the person across from you.

So, if you’re tired of being ignored…If you’re ready to start OWNING EVERY ROOM you walk into, then lock into this episode!

In this episode, you will hear:

• How elite leaders build instant trust by reconnecting with their own identity before trying to influence others
• Why mastering the human operating system is the missing key to showing up calm, clear, and confident in high-pressure situations
• The surprising neuroscience behind why most people fail to connect — and how to fix it with a few simple shifts
• What “storyselling” is, and how it creates more impact than traditional storytelling in leadership, sales, and parenting
• Scott’s three power questions to ask before any high-stakes conversation, pitch, or meeting
• Why slowing down, listening deeply, and asking better questions is your fastest path to influence in today’s distracted world

Key Quotes

• "We follow leaders who are relatable to our pain and relevant to our goals." - Scott Mann
• “Turn your phone off and ask better questions. Go deeper.” - Chris White

Connect with Scott

• Scott’s Linktree to all social profiles, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/rooftop_leadership

• Websites:

  • https://scottmann.com/
  • https://rooftopleadership.com/
  • http://theheroesjourney.org/ 
  • https://lastoutplay.com/ 
  • https://operationpineappleexpress.com/
  • https://operelief.org/

• TEDx Talks:

  • The Generosity of Scars: https://youtu.be/_szAosvdWdM
  • Rooftop Leadership: https://youtu.be/M78sDuehUnk
  • Surrounded on Purpose: https://youtu.be/61eEC1-L6RI

Connect with Chris

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-chris-white/
• Website: https://www.coachchris.io/

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You ever look back on a decision and think, “What the heck was I thinking?”

Truth is, you probably WEREN’T thinking — at least not clearly.

Because that’s what happens when fatigue takes over. When the pressure builds. When you’re worn out and running on fumes.

Late night Long day Back-to-back setbacks Isolation

That’s the perfect setup…

Not for growth. Not for breakthrough. But for TEMPTATION.

Here’s what most guys don’t realize: Temptation doesn’t show up when you’re strong. It waits until you’re tired, distracted, and spiritually sloppy. So that’s why this week’s 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show is a must-listen. In this episode, I’m handing you a battle-tested strategy to…

In this episode, you will hear:

• How exhaustion, stress, and isolation make you a prime target for temptation
• The science behind why your brain and body become more vulnerable under fatigue and chronic stress
• A biblical case study of King David’s downfall — and how it mirrors the modern pro and executive athlete’s life
• A practical 3-step strategy to recognize your danger zones, build self-awareness, and stay spiritually guarded
• A powerful reminder that real strength is found in rest, community, and connection — not doing life alone

Key Quotes

• "The enemy doesn’t need you to be evil. He just needs you to be exhausted." - J.R.
• "Just because you’re surrounded by people doesn’t mean you can’t feel alone." - J.R.
• "You’re not weak for needing help—you’re wise for asking for it." - J.R.
• "Being surrounded isn’t the same as being supported." - J.R.

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Ever feel like you’re crushing it on paper…but deep down, you're just waiting for someone to call you out? Like no matter how many wins you stack, there’s still that whisper…

• “You’re not enough.”
• “You don’t deserve this.
• “Eventually, they’ll find out.”

Let’s call it what it is — Imposter Syndrome. And its favorite sidekick? Shame.

They’re silent saboteurs — and they don’t care how successful you are. They’ll sneak in, steal your peace, and stall your momentum.

That’s why I had to bring founder of Growing Champions, John Gallagher, on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show. John’s been in the trenches — with Fortune 500 execs, elite teams, and leaders who “have it all”… but are silently drowning.

This episode is raw. It’s real. And it’s NEEDED. …bad.

So if you’re tired of looking like a winner on the outside while fighting battles on the inside, and you’re ready to silence the imposter voice — don’t miss this episode.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The regret-filled leadership moment that became a turning point in John Gallagher’s life — and how it sparked his mission to develop Uncommon Leaders
• A powerful 3-step framework to help you overcome fear, take action, and lead with purpose
• How shame and Imposter Syndrome silently sabotage even the most successful leaders—and what to do when they show up in your life
• Why structure creates freedom—and how to build the disciplines that sustain success across your faith, family, fitness, and finances
• A bold call to forgiveness: not just of others, but of yourself—and how this act unlocks true leadership potential
• The simple practice of 47 distraction-free minutes a day that can multiply your clarity, focus, and results

Key Quotes

• "Excellence only happens on purpose... If we haven’t put the structure and process or disciplines in place, success will fall backward." - John Gallagher
• "Diluted focus will lead us to diluted results.” - John Gallagher (quoting Rory Vaden)

Resources from this Episode

• Website: https://coachjohngallagher.com/
• Podcast: https://coachjohngallagher.com/podcast/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohngallagher/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjohngallagher/

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Ever catch yourself thinking…

“Why does this keep happening to me?” “I’ve done everything right…so why do things keep going wrong?”

You’re not alone. But here’s the raw truth:

That’s not just your frustration talking… That’s not just a bad attitude… That’s the victim mentality — and it’s robbing you of your greatness.

We’ve ALL been there. But if you don’t recognize it fast, it’ll strip you of your momentum, your clarity, and your edge.

Playing the victim isn’t an attitude problem. It’s an IDENTITY problem. 

You’re not stuck. You’re just forgetting who you are…and what you’re truly capable of. That’s why this week’s 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show is a must-listen. I’m breaking down a battle-tested, Bible-backed, brain science-supported strategy to help you:

• Recognize when you’ve fallen pray to the victim mentality
• Reframe your adversity into positive action
• Reclaim your identity as the person who OWNS his adversity

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The real reason the victim mentality keeps showing up in high performers — and why it’s an identity issue, not just an attitude problem
• How a conversation with a struggling friend and a throwback to my D1 baseball days revealed the secret to rising above adversity
• What brain science and growth mindset research say about turning stress into fuel
• The biblical truth that reframes suffering as a catalyst for strength, character, and hope
• A breakdown of The Owner’s Lens™ — a 3-question strategy to flip adversity into opportunity
• Why taking ownership isn’t about denying pain — it’s about refusing to let the pain own you

Key Quotes

• “When you know you’re a warrior in training who is owning the adversity — that adversity becomes your fuel.” - J.R.
• “Pain is part of your process. It’s not punishment — it’s preparation.” - J.R.
• “It’s about refusing to let the hard things own you. It’s you owning them! That’s the shift.” - J.R.

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Think leadership is reserved for the guy with the title, the office, and the polished resume?

You’re not alone. For years, I believed the same thing. Until I realized…

Leadership isn’t a title — it’s a responsibility. And the truth is: you’re already a leader… whether you admit it or not.

Every decision you make… Every conversation you have… Every time your kids, spouse, team, or community looks to you…

You’re leading. The question is — how well?

That’s why I brought Baker Donelson CEO and Everybody Leads author, Tim Lupinacci, on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show this week. Sure, he’s the CEO of a Top 100 US law firm, but he didn’t wait for that role to start leading — he started with something as small as a podcast, a car ride, and a commitment to show up better every day. Now he’s leading 1,300+ people AND pouring into underserved communities with his nonprofit.

If you want to get better as a leader, or you’ve been doubting your influence or waiting for “the right time” to lead — don’t miss this episode.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why leadership isn’t about a title — and how to step into your influence right where you are
• The one mindset shift that helped Tim turn a $500M organization around and write his first book
• Why work-life balance is a myth — and what harmony actually looks like for high performers
• A behind-the-scenes look at Tim’s disciplined routine
• How to overcome people-pleasing and lead from your values with confidence and clarity
• What courageous leadership really requires — and a 7-letter acronym to help you live it daily

Key Quotes

• "Everybody's a leader.” - Tim Lupinacci
• “Waters never part until your feet get wet… You have to take that step and believe in yourself.” - Tim Lupinacci
• “Work-life integration isn’t about balance. It’s about harmony.” - Tim Lupinacci
• “Courageous leadership is being confident, out front, unshakable, resilient, adaptable, having a growth mindset, and encouraging others.” - Tim Lupinacci

Resources from this Episode

• Book: Everybody Leads (USE code TIMLEADS for a discount)
• Website (Baker Donelson): https://bakerdonelson.com
• Website (non-profit): https://everybodyleads.org
• LinkedIn: in/Tim-Lupinacci
• IG/FB: @timlupinacci

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You ever feel like you’ve done everything right...

You prepped. You trained. You put in the time.

...but you’re still second-guessing yourself?

That nagging voice creeps in…

“You’re not built for this” “You don’t have what it takes” “You can’t come through”

Let me hit you with this…

When you doubt yourself, you’re not just doubting your abilities — you’re doubting the God who gave them to you.

That’s not a humility problem. It’s a faith problem.

And that’s exactly what I’m going after in this week’s 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show.

I’m breaking down the root of self-doubt — and it’s not what you think. Because your doubt? It’s not about lack of skill. It’s about your illusion of control. So, in this episode, I walk you through:

• Why your obsession with outcomes is feeding your fear
• The real reason your confidence crumbles under pressure

Then, I give you a 3-step strategy to stop doubting and start leading with unshakable conviction and confidence.

So, if you’re tired of playing small…

If you’re sick of shouldering pressure like it’s your job…

Then lock in to this episode! Let's get it!

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why self-doubt isn’t just a mindset issue — it’s a faith issue.
• The game-changing truth I shared with a pro athlete that helped flip his entire season.
• How Gideon’s story proves that God doesn’t call the confident — He confirms the called.
• A 3-step strategy to stop self-doubt in its tracks and move forward with conviction.
• The key difference between control and management — and how that shift unlocks freedom.
• Why verbal declarations grounded in truth are both spiritually sound and scientifically smart.

Key Quotes

• “When you doubt your abilities…you’re actually doubting the ONE who gave you those abilities.” - J.R.
• “If you’re putting in the work…If you’re stewarding the gifts and talents and abilities God gave you…Then doubting yourself isn’t a humility issue — it’s a faith issue.” - J.R.
• “Control is about ownership. Management is about stewardship. And last I checked, we’re called to be stewards, not saviors.” - J.R.

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

“I hope this works out…”

You ever caught yourself saying that?

Let’s be real — most high-achievers work hard and prepare well. But deep down, they’re still carrying doubt. And doubt under pressure? It’ll bury you.

That’s why I had to get MLB All-Star, Shane Greene, on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show. This dude didn’t just pitch in the Big Leagues — he closed games on the biggest stages, for the game’s most storied franchises. And he lived the mental fight: from underdog to All-Star from overthinking to locked in. From hoping to BELIEVING.

This episode is for every leader, athlete, and executive who's tired of playing scared and is ready to show up ready for every fight they face. If that’s you, lock into this episode.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why hope is NOT a strategy (and what to do instead)
• How to grade yourself under pressure — and stay confident no matter the outcome
• The secret to turning your greatest weakness into your edge
• The power of your words — and how they literally shape your brain and environment

Key Quotes

• “Hope is not a strategy. If I’m on the roof and you ask if I’ll catch you, and I say, ‘hopefully’ — are you going to jump?”
• “If you believe, then there’s no doubt. But if you’re hoping, then you’re doubting.” - Shane Greene
• “Baseball is probably the only sport in the world where you can do everything right and still lose.” - Shane Greene
• “Did I come to compete today? That’s the most important thing.” - Shane Greene
• “Your words are changing your water — and you can also change the water around you with the words that you're speaking.” - Shane Greene

Resources from this Episode

• All Social Media: @Sagreeney
• Shane’s Book Recommendation: Hidden Messages of Water, by Masaru Emoto

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

You ever catch yourself saying things like…

“You suck.” “You’re never gonna get this right.” “Why even try?”

Now let me ask you this…

• Would you ever say that to your wife?
• To your kids?
• To someone you lead?

No shot. So why are you saying it to yourself?

Let’s call it what it is…

That voice in your head? It’s not keeping it real. It’s you being hostile with yourself. And it’s killing your momentum.

The worst part?

You’ve gotten so used to that self-sabotage, that you don’t even recognize it anymore. But your confidence does. Your clarity does. Your consistency definitely does.

Science confirms it. Scripture backs it. And your results? They’re revealing it.

That’s why this week’s 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show is one you can’t afford to miss. I share a quick-hitting, yet simple strategy that will help you…

• Spot the language that’s killing your momentum
• Replace it with truth rooted in Scripture
• Build a habit that rewires your mind and reclaims your edge

So, if you’re done being your own worst enemy, and you’re ready to speak to yourself like the man God designed you to be — then lock into this episode.

Let’s get it!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why your internal dialogue may be the #1 reason you're stuck, scattered, or self-sabotaging.
• The story of a Major League Baseball player’s self-talk meltdown — and the lesson I taught my sons on the spot.
• What science says about the damaging effects of negative self-talk on your brain, focus, and performance.
• How Proverbs 11:9 and the story of Gideon reveal the spiritual and practical power of your words.
• The biggest myths high-performers believe about “being hard on themselves” — and the trap it creates.
• A 4-step strategy to replace self-destructive language with truth that builds daily momentum.

Key Quotes

• “Whether you realize it or not, your words are either driving your momentum or destroying it.” - J.R.
• “Your negative self-talk doesn’t just sting you. It kills your clarity. It kills your focus. It kills your flow.” - J.R.
• “Don’t confuse beating yourself down with keeping it real.” - J.R.
• “Your words matter. Not just the ones you speak out loud — But the ones on loop in your mind.” - J.R.
• “Momentum is connected to your mouth. So speak life. Speak truth. And let that shift fuel your next win.” - J.R.

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

What’s your mindset when the battle chooses YOU?

Do you shrink back and start counting your losses? Or do you stand up, lock in, and fight like hell to WIN — no matter how unfair it feels?

Let’s be real…

Most guys crumble when in battles they didn’t sign up for — cancer, career setbacks, family struggles, you name it. They start seeing defeat as inevitable instead of optional.

That’s why I had to get retired Marine Corps Officer, C-Suite Executive, and battle-tested cancer warrior, Mike Ettore, on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show. Hands down, Mike’s story is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and leading a life with legacy in mind.

Mike’s faced real enemies on the battlefield…and now he’s facing one in his own body. But the way he’s handling it is beyond inspiring.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How to adopt a "World’s Greatest" mindset when facing battles you didn’t choose — and why it could save your life (and leadership).
• Mike’s powerful strategy for mastering internal vs. external friction — and how it can immediately boost your resilience and focus.
• A practical reframe to help you stop shrinking in adversity and start leading yourself and others with unshakable confidence.
• Why building a lasting legacy requires daily, intentional action — and how Mike writes and leads with his "grandchildren’s grandchildren" in mind.
• The secret to balancing leadership and management without losing clarity, impact, or mission focus.
• A life-tested reason why “as goes the leader, so goes the team” — and how your daily example multiplies across generations.

Key Quotes

• “Any single thing that you can do to stack the odds in your favor – even a slight odd increase – do it." - Mike Ettore
• "This cancer may in fact kill me, but I'll never die from it." - Mike Ettore
• "As a leader, you’re either getting better or you're stagnating." - Mike Ettore
• "As goes the leader, so goes the team — always." - Mike Ettore

Connect with Mike

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeettore/ 
• Website: https://www.fidelisleadership.com/
• Podcast: https://www.fidelisleadership.com/podcast
• Books: https://www.fidelisleadership.com/books

Connect with J.R. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.